Peace and security
As a peace and conflict researcher, I have experienced first-hand how quickly hatred and spiteful agitation can turn into violence and destruction. And how difficult it is for people and societies to return to a good coexistence afterwards.
Europe is proof that it is possible nevertheless – and is thus seen as a positive example, a reason for hope by many. As a Union, we therefore have a special responsibility: not to contribute with our policies to turning conflicts into wars elsewhere. We must put forward the strength of the law as an alternative to the law of the jungle. That is why I am fighting for strict arms export controls at EU level, so that lethal weapons do not end up in the hands of dictators and warmongers. I call for sanctions against those who flout international law. And I advocate that we strengthen civil crisis prevention, mediation and humanitarian aid.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine has demonstrated that – despite all our efforts for peace – we must also defend ourselves militarily. That is why we must work more closely together when it comes to defending the security of the people in Europe. We finally need to leave behind nationalistic narrow-mindedness in defence policy. Only together do we have a chance of measuring up to the great challenges we are facing. That is why I advocate a genuine European defence policy – from the supply of critical raw materials to joint procurement and coherent export decisions, always in connection with transparent structures and parliamentary control.
While the world debates Iran’s nuclear programme, missiles, and the Strait of Hormuz, millions of people in Iran are facing repression, executions, and isolation. We have to put the people of Iran back at the centre of Europe’s Iran policy.
Donald Trump shows once again the risks of Europe’s dependence on the United States for its security. More than ever, Europe now needs closer cooperation and a genuine European Defence Union.
Europe is investing billions in defence, but far too often, we invest separately instead of together. That makes us slower, drives up costs, and ultimately leaves us less secure. That is why, I am calling on member states to finally take decisive steps toward a European Defence Union together with colleagues from across party lines in the European Parliament.
How do the Gulf states view the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States? What impact does the escalation have on security, the global economy, and international shipping routes? As part of an ad hoc mission of the European Parliament, I travelled to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to express solidarity and discuss closer cooperation between the EU and the Gulf states.
During plenary this week, I addressed Europe’s approach to the Iranian regime. We cannot allow Iran to blackmail us via the Strait of Hormuz. Human rights must be central to any negotiations.
Ich habe letzte Woche die Ausstellung über das syrische Gefängnis Sednaya in Berlin besucht. Diese Dokumentation ist zentral für Aufarbeitung, Wahrheitsfindung und zukünftige Gerechtigkeit in Syrien.
More and more authoritarian regimes are targeting their critics across borders to silence them – also in Europe. Yet, we are still lacking effective political counterstrategieswhich we want to change in the European Parliament.
Russlands hybride Angriffe im Ostseeraum zeigen, wie wichtig der Schutz unserer maritimen Infrastruktur ist. Am Freitag war ich mit Ole Krüger beim Ocean Technology Campus in Rostock, um mich über aktuelle Ideen und Lösungsansätze zu informieren.
For years, we as Greens have been putting forward proposals at the European level on how Europe can become more united and independent in its defence. The new report on flagship projects designed to close our biggest capability gaps is another step in that direction. Now it is up to the member states to act.
People in Iran hope for the end of the regime—while at the same time fearing even greater repression as a result of the war. As the US, Israel, and Iran continue to escalate militarily, Europe must take a clear stand for de-escalation, international law, and support for Iranian civil society.
My assessment of the latest developments involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The regime in Iran systematically and brutally suppresses any form of dissent. In the European Parliament, we once again debated the situation in Iran during plenary and adopted a resolution. We must decisively increase pressure on the regime and provide meaningful support to the people of Iran.