Speach
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.
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.
In the Committee on Foreign Affairs with representatives of the Iranian opposition to discuss the situation in Iran and made clear: negotiations must put the people of Iran at the center.
While the world watches rockets and memes, the Iranian regime is killing its citizens in the shadow of war. It is our responsibility to make this visible.
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.
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.
Violence is escalating once again in northeastern Syria. In the European Parliament, we call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire and guarantee minority rights. Syria is not safe for returns.
Together with six other colleagues from Greens/EFA I visited East Jerusalem and the West Bank - on a mission to see the situation on the ground, listen to people directly affected, and assess developments that are often discussed in Europe without enough attention to daily reality.
At the party conference, the Greens adopted a foreign policy motion that places two central conflicts at the forefront: Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The EU has sent a clear message to Tehran: the systematic persecution of minorities, especially the Bahá’Ã, must end immediately. As the initiator for the Greens in the European Parliament, I stand firmly with those affected and demand concrete consequences.
The EU has adopted its first-ever defence industry programme. It strengthens Europe’s industrial backbone, boosts joint procurement, supports Ukraine — and takes an important step towards strategic autonomy.