Lukas SIEPER

Policy topics Lukas SIEPER is active on

What Lukas SIEPER has said (80)

• 2026-07-15 “(11:33:45 - 11:34:26): Thank you. I won't say as much this time as I did the last time, but I think that this is a logical consequence of union citizenship. Really EU citizens should be entitled to establish companies in this way. I'd like to say to the patriots, if I correctly understood what you were saying, you were suggesting that this sort of report might be in contravention of the right of freedom of establishment. So could you perhaps explain to me in what way you would see this to be the case? Thank”
  EU political integration
• 2026-07-09 “(11:43:23 - 11:43:51): Thank you, colleague, for accepting my blue card. You rightfully said that we have a lot of potential. I'm, sure you're also aware of the exceptions to the, basic freedoms of the internal market that national member states can impose. Do you think that as long as these exceptions still exist, stuff like EU, Inc. Can really work or should we not think even further to, dig out our potential? Thank you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• 2026-07-06 “Thank you for accepting the blue card, president. Well, mister Junblut, I was rather surprised that you mentioned a an article from the treaties. I just looked at it now. So I'd like to ask you where you feel this these activities don't fall within the framework of that article. What, part of that article? And then secondly, climate protection and bioeconomy or ecology, why should that be excluded? Every farmer would say that it's all very close, closely linked because if the land dies, then the union dies.”
  Agriculture (green)
• 2026-07-06 “Thank you. Well, I see that, well, you spoke for renewables, but, you said 3 0 9 point c, which talks about common issues of common interest for several member states, etcetera, and that they can't be fully funded by member states could be funded elsewhere. So that's my follow-up question. When we want to strengthen our market position, then we need to invest outside the EU because we live in what we call a globalized economy.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• 2026-06-17 “(15:42:40 – 15:43:18): Thank you, dear colleague. I think we're all agree that in the current geopolitical situation, we would be better off if we didn't get out of nuclear energy at the time when we did it. At the same time, nuclear energy as well as fossil energy just pushes the problem to the future. So should we repeat the same mistake by relying now on energy where the problem is pushed for the future instead of renewables, which is not only solar or wind, but also water, for example, which flows all day, all night in all of Europe. So should we not repeat the mistakes from the past? Thank you. Prego.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2026-06-17 “Thank you, Mr. President. Maybe before you go, you can give me your attention for one final moment. I think what happened here today is more a matter of article 10.3. But I just want to tell you something before you leave. Now, after you leave, this chamber will be empty again, just as it was this morning, just as it was yesterday. Just as it will be tomorrow, because this chamber is empty. And when we are full, when this chamber is full and we have a topic that moves us, then this chamber acts like a circus. Then we have colleagues who chant at each other, who scream at each other instead of having a debate. And I think this is a disgrace. And I think the European Parliament is better than that.”
  EP seat in Strasbourg
• 2026-06-16 “(11:14:21 – 11:16:12): Thank you very much. Dear colleague, I think you missed 1st of all, I'm definitely not in favor of Israeli committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, against the Palestinian people. And just for your information, I just met with young Palestinian and Israeli activists before this debate to discuss exactly that a peaceful solution, a peaceful future for both people, both states. I just want to make this very clear. Also, I would be in favor of sanctioning Israel. So I'm not saying that sanctions are not a good idea or are not appropriate in this situation. I'm just saying, you you said we would need to sanctions, Israel and this is our solution. I don't think that is the solution. In the same way as it is not the solution for Russia. If we would have only sanctioned Russia, the war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine would be over in Russia's favor already. I think we need to think about more than that. I think we need to think about things like reforming, for example, the UN Security Council as the UN, as my colleague appears, it stopped serving everyone equally. So I'm sorry that you felt attacked by my statement and my question. I was more asked Now the time any better idea than sanctions to stop what you”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2026-06-16 “(15:28:49 – 15:29:30): Thank you, commissioner, for your explanation. Maybe I I put myself, not clear enough. I'm not questioning that there is support within the business community for this change in policy. My question is how to address the sunken cost of SMEs that established systems to comply with the former regulatory approach because big companies can just switch back like this. SMEs cannot. So how to address the sunken cost problems for SMEs that cannot afford just to switch back now?”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• 2026-06-16 “(11:12:50 – 11:13:15): Thank you, dear colleague, for accepting my blue card. I was wondering, do you really think that sanctions would stop Israel? Would it really stop Israel from producing weapons? Would it really stop Israel from waging war? And is this a promise that we should give to our citizens that we can stop a state that is perpetrating the violations of international law with sanctions?”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2026-06-16 “(11:37:27 – 11:37:54): So you, you said, we need to protect the people. We need to, make a humanistic decision. I'm quite surprised because for me that means if war continues, the only humanistic consequence that we could put into motion would be to take in these refugees and give them shelter. So would you agree with me then if there is no peace in The Middle East, if people still die, if civilians are still threatened, that we in Europe need to give them shelter?”
  Asylum & border control
• 2026-06-16 “25:33 – 15:26:45): Mister commissioner, I think if bureaucracy and paperwork serves really no purpose, then we should cut it. At the same time, many, many, many SMEs in the European Union now spent years and years to prepare for this reporting obligations. They invested in software and staff. They established audit systems. And now, of course, the commission says we encourage them to keep those systems. We encourage them to keep what was built up. But I think 1 of the main reasons why we deregulate here now, why we simplify is because many of the SMEs cannot keep up with it. So all of this investment then turns into sunken cost. And this sunken cost only exists because in the opposition to how we would act in a business where you have long term planning, there was no long term planning in our political development in the European Union. Last mandate, we wanted to do this. Now we want to do this. So how, does the commission want to address this sunken cost for SMEs and take this burden off them? Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• 2026-06-16 “(11:44:52 – 11:46:05): Thank you very much, madam president. Thank you for dealing with my unconventional request for the fall. People of Europe, mister Kelly was right who said we must look at the facts. The facts tell us that there's no peace yet. That's just a memorandum of understanding, which leaves out fundamental points like the peace in Lebanon or the Iranian nuclear program, it's a huge question mark whether that means there there will be an agreement or just a further round of the war. If that shows us something is that that those who are right, who are exploiting or complaining about the weak role of Europe in the EU, we must make sure that the system of international law international security must be reformed, and the UN Security Council should be either completely, reject or, abolished completely.”
  EU competences on foreign affairs
• 2026-06-16 “(11:13:58 – 11:14:21): Actually, miss president, as as mister Bottenga attributed a certain opinion to me in his reply, I would do a personal statement instead of a reply on the blue card, which fortunately within the rules of procedure allows me to elaborate a little bit more than just with the 30 seconds.”
  EU political integration
• 2026-06-15 “(18:04:38 – 18:05:11): Thank you to your colleague for accepting the blue card. I sincerely hope you changed since yesterday. And, let me just say that Germany wants 7 1. I have to I'm just kidding, of course. I was wondering as you talked about the algorithm, which, as you say, influence everyday people's life more and more. In what capacity do you think the, corporations should be obliged to, lay open the algorithms to the state or to the European Union on that matter? Thank you.”
  Recommender systems
• 2026-03-12 “– Mr President, dear people of Europe, I supported this resolution because a rules‑based multilateral trading system is essential for global economic stability and prosperity. The WTO remains a key framework that provides predictability and legal certainty for international trade. However, global trade is under increasing pressure from protectionism and outdated rules. That is why the WTO must be modernised to address new realities such as digital trade, sustainability and fair competition. For me and for the Party of Progress, international cooperation – based on clear rules, transparency and fairness – is essential. Trade should create opportunities while supporting sustainable and fair development. My vote therefore supports strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring that global trade remains open, fair and predictable. I wish everyone in this room a very nice weekend.”
• 2026-03-12 “– Mr President, dear people of Europe, I supported the report on package travel and linked travel arrangements, because travellers in Europe deserve clear and reliable protection when booking package holidays. The experience during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that parts of the current Directive were unclear, especially regarding cancellation, refunds and travellers' rights. This report improves consumer protection and simplifies the rules for travellers, to get them clear and safe information about their rights, and better protection in case of problems or insolvency. For me, and for the Party of Progress, strong consumer rights and transparent markets are key priorities. My vote therefore supports clearer rules, stronger protection for travellers and a fair framework for the European travel market.”
• 2026-03-12 “– Herr Präsident, liebe Menschen Europas! Schweren Herzens habe ich gegen diesen Bericht gestimmt. Nicht, weil ich die Tätigkeit der Europäischen Bürgerbeauftragten nicht wertschätze. Ich glaube, dass die Europäische Bürgerbeauftragte das wichtigste Instrument ist, damit wir uns als Institution, als Politikerinnen und Politiker gegenüber der Bevölkerung verantwortlich zeigen können. Ich habe gegen diesen Bericht gestimmt, weil er anstelle einer objektiven Darstellung und einem klaren Bekenntnis zu den in den Verträgen der Europäischen Union festgelegten Werten ideologisch gekapert wurde, und zwar gerade von jenen, die immer wieder behaupten, sich gegen Ideologie stellen zu wollen. Gerade diese Leute haben diesen Bericht übernommen und haben ihn in einer Art und Weise verwandelt, wo er eigentlich nichts anderes ist als eine Erklärung, dass die Kommission doch von dem Kurs der Unterstützung der Werte und der Fortentwicklung der Europäischen Union abrücken sollte. Ich hoffe sehr, dass wir über diesen Bericht noch einmal in einer besseren Form abstimmen können, und dann wird er auch meine Zustimmung finden.”
• 2025-12-18 “– Herr Präsident! Liebe Menschen Europas, lassen Sie uns offen und ohne Umschweife sprechen. Heute wird durch Belarus ein von Russland geplanter hybrider Krieg gegen Europa geführt. Litauen hat den Ausnahmezustand auf staatlicher Ebene ausgerufen. Von Belarus gestartete Heißluftballons verletzen den litauischen Luftraum, stören den Betrieb der Flughäfen und gefährden Menschenleben. Dies sind koordinierte, hybride Angriffe. Gleichzeitig hält das belarussische Regime Transportfahrzeuge von EU-Spediteuren als Geiseln. Es wird wirtschaftlicher Druck ausgeübt, und Lukaschenko spielt sein regelmäßiges doppeltes Spiel. Er spricht von Dialog, handelt aber nach den Anweisungen des Kremls. Das ist bewusste, hybride Eskalation. Russland testet die Einheit der Europäischen Union und die Stärke unserer Reaktion. Unsere Antwort muss entschlossen und geschlossen sein. Ein Angriff auf Litauen ist ein Angriff auf die Europäische Union, auf jedes einzelne Mitgliedsland. In Übereinstimmung mit Friedrich Merz, und das passiert nicht oft, sage ich klar: Der Schutz Vilnius ist nicht nur der Schutz Berlins. Der Schutz Litauens ist der Schutz Europas. Ladies and gentlemen, I would also take this opportunity, as the last MEP present in this year, to thank the Bureau, because I think no one did this – and I can imagine that sometimes it's hard to keep this very colourful group of people here under control. So please extend my deepest thanks to the whole Bureau and to the President. I wish all of you in this room, and everywhere in Europe, a Merry Christmas!”
• 2025-12-18 “– Chers citoyens européens, le régime de conditionnalité lié à l’état de droit n’est pas un simple détail technique. C’est une ceinture de sécurité, et on n’attache pas sa ceinture après le crash. Ce rapport montre que le régime fonctionne. Quand il est appliqué, la corruption est évitée et les cours de justice sont protégées. Quand on hésite, l’argent circule librement et l’état de droit en subit les conséquences. L’Europe est une communauté de droit. En n’attachant pas sa ceinture, on prend le risque de l’accident.”
• 2025-11-13 “– Madam President, dear people of Europe, our corporate tax system has long been like a puzzle where every Member State kept its own set of pieces. The picture on the box says 'single market', but when you try to assemble it, you discover 27 different shapes that don't quite fit. In the gaps between those pieces, profits quietly slip through. BEFIT doesn't solve the puzzle, but it finally gives us one set of pieces that belong to the same picture. It helps ensure that economic activity and taxation match, instead of letting profits wander to places that had little to do with creating them. And it brings a bit more coherence to a system that has asked companies and citizens alike to trust rules that never fully aligned. For me, this is about making Europe understandable again. A Union cannot function with a patchwork that rewards complexity and punishes clarity. That is why I voted in favour.”
• 2025-11-13 “– Madam President, I would like to ask the audiovisual service to move the speech that I hold in the wrong topic to the topic where it belongs in the live stream recording. Honourable Members, dear people of Europe, climate protection is not ideology. It is infrastructure; it is energy; it is every euro that we invest today in clean technology as a euro we do not need to pay tomorrow for floods, fires and bad harvests. Every day, Europe records unusually high temperatures. Every week, scientists identify ecosystemic imbalances. Every month, we see a natural disaster happening. We have been warned for over 50 years. Now is the time for responsive science-based legislation. That is why, today, I supported the setting of the new target, even though, in my personal opinion, it is a little bit behind what we actually need.”
• 2025-09-11 “– Mr President, dear people of Europe, this directive is a real gain for consumers. It ensures that their rights are safeguarded, especially in situations where trust is essential. At the same time, small businesses are not disproportionately burdened – because fair competition requires fair conditions, also for the smaller ones. For consumers, this means less bureaucracy. The complaint mechanism is clear, simple and accessible. This matters, in particular, when it comes to vacation planning, and I think we all know that. Vacation planning should bring joy and not additional stress. And let us not forget the Thomas Cook case, which showed us how vulnerable travellers can be in a case of bankruptcy, stranded at the other end of the world. This directive directly addresses that gap. We are creating security where it has been missing.”
• 2025-09-11 “– Mr President, dear people of Europe, today we face a decisive challenge. Europe must become stronger, simpler and more competitive if we want to safeguard our freedom, prosperity and way of life. The single market is our greatest asset. Yet, red tape and fragmentation hold us back. The reports by Draghi, Letta and Niinistö make one thing clear: we must cut bureaucracy, harmonise rules and ensure enforcement across all Member States. Above all, we must empower our SMEs, start-ups and big industry – the backbone of our economy – by giving them digital tools, access to capital and a level playing field. In a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, only a united and resilient Europe, driven by innovation and progress, can secure democracy, social justice and progress.”
• 2025-09-11 “– Mr President, dear people of Europe, the European University alliances represent one of the most hopeful projects for our future. They show what it means to build a continent not just through trade or treaties, but through shared knowledge, cooperation and opportunity. By connecting universities across borders these alliances help students and researchers to learn from one another, work together on major challenges, and develop common degrees that reflect a truly European education. They make it easier to move, to study, to collaborate regardless of where someone comes from. What matters most is that these alliances include voices from all regions, from big cities and from rural areas alike, and that students themselves are part of shaping them. That is what makes this initiative so powerful. It is inclusive, democratic and forward looking. But ambition alone is not enough. If these alliances are to succeed they need strong public support, clear legal frameworks and stable long-term funding. They must be given the tools to connect education with research, innovation and the needs of society. Most of all, they must remain grounded in the values Europe stands for: openness, fairness, academic freedom and cooperation. These alliances are not just building stronger universities, they are about building a stronger Europe.”
• 2025-05-08 “– Señora presidenta, queridos pueblos de Europa, el invierno en Europa puede ser duro: las familias necesitan calor, las empresas necesitan energía segura. Necesitamos reglas claras sobre el gas almacenado porque la energía es parte de la seguridad social y económica. Sí, el futuro es energía limpia y renovable, pero hoy necesitamos soluciones prácticas para proteger a las personas cuando hace frío y para evitar crisis. Más reglas no es más burocracia, es más seguridad para todos. Mientras cambiamos el sistema energético, necesitamos estabilidad.”
• 2025-05-08 “– Madam President, dear people of Europe, cohesion is not charity. It is a political promise that no region, no person is left behind. This report reminds us that the gaps between European regions are still real in innovation, in jobs, in future prospects, and that's not acceptable. We need a cohesion policy that matches the challenges of our time, green transition, digital transition and demographic change. That means simpler access to EU funds, stronger roles for local and regional actors, and long-term thinking, not just emergency response. Because when we invest in cohesion, we don't just invest in roads or statistics. We invest in dignity, in democracy and in equal chances all across Europe.”
• 2025-05-08 “– Signora Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, cari popoli d'Europa, il mercato unico è una delle cose migliori dell'Unione europea, ma il mercato deve essere giusto per tutti. Oggi ci sono nuove sfide: le piattaforme digitali, le pratiche sleali, le regole poco chiare. Questa risoluzione è importante. Serve per aiutare le piccole imprese, per proteggere i consumatori e per avere un mercato ben funzionante. Un mercato moderno deve essere anche trasparente e aperto a tutti, non solo ai grandi.”
• 2024-11-14 “– Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for this opportunity to speak on the UN climate conference. We had a vote regarding this topic today, and we see ourselves challenged with the fact that one of our most important partners, not only in climate protection but also in the energy transition, is a country that stands particularly against those changes and wants to keep a fossil-based industry, wants to make money on a fossil-based industry. Of course, this could now lead us to boycott this country, to boycott this climate conference. And as I have spoken out at least a little bit for the first option, I would strongly disregard the second option. We have to face the situation that when we want to save the climate, when we want to save our planet, we need to work together with people who might not earn our trust. So I hope that the next climate conference in Baku, or any climate conference, is visited by way more of the world leaders.”
• 2024-11-14 “– Madam President, dear people of Europe, I have voted today with the reality in mind that despite our best efforts, EU sanctions on Russia have been not as effective as they should be, as we would have wished for. One weapon in the arsenal that Russia is using as a tool of hybrid warfare are those shadow fleets as an attempt to circumvent EU sanctions. We cannot let this happen. I stand along with the rest of Europe. My party, the Party of Progress, stands along with the rest of Europe in supporting Ukraine. But of course, Russia is not only waging a war against Ukraine, Russia is waging a war against every free person in Europe. This is why we do not only defend Ukraine with imposing sanctions like this and strengthening our laws, we are also defending ourselves. Therefore, I call on all my colleagues to also vote for this in the future.”
• “Payable energy is not just a matter of economy, it's the political frontline of our time. Because energy doesn't mean that we can fulfill the basic human needs like warmth in the winter, but also that we can do work. We are mainly getting our energy from autocrats and we need to change that. We need European energy. We need a massive solar program so that we have solar panels on all public buildings by 2027. We need to extend our network, particularly the charging network. We need better and quicker authorization for wind energy. We need to have more wind energy. Payable energy is not a luxury. It is a basis for social peace and geopolitical independence. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Thank you, Mr. Vice President. To maybe post the additional question quite simply and not naive, because I'm really trying to be constructive here in this House. Sometimes it is hard. Um, who is the aggressor? Who is the one who pursues war? The one who stays at home and maybe disagrees on a political, geopolitical, strategic level, or the one that sends his tanks, his missiles, his soldiers into the territory of a sovereign nation. Are you aware of the concept of war, of aggression? Thank you.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “Well, dear colleagues, the European industry, which are energy intensive cement, steel, they're the very backbone of our industry. They are the engine of our sovereignty. And Mr. Jaiswal of BSP, who feels that this is a dream. I say, yes, we can change these industries unbureaucratic we can keep them sustainable and European. We need to unlink the electricity price from gas price, and we need to get a transformation price for non-electrified sectors and a European investment sector, which calls for European champions. So hidden champions and and those champions in the city. We need to create products which are that are climate neutral as well. We have the strongest single market in the world. We can and we must try and achieve both of these aims together. Thank you.”
  EU industrial strategy: activist sectoral targets vs horizontal-only approach
• “But it's not a point of order. It's not a point of order. It's a reaction. So thank you, dear colleague. Um, I can just tell you two things when you talk about the fact that the only corrective that is needed is the reader. I advise you to research a little bit about the effect that the state controlled media of the communist German Democratic Republic had, or, on the other hand, the state controlled media of the Nazi regime in Germany. So I can tell you from my national experience, the idea that the only corrective is the reader is very, very naive. And you should think about this again.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• “As always. My pleasure. Mr. Vice president, Dear people of Europe. Last week in Spain and Portugal, there was a major blackout. A lot of people didn't have light. Trains weren't running. There was no internet. It probably wasn't an attack or a storm. There was a problem in the electricity network. We are transitioning to green energy but not putting the connections in place well. What we need now is better storage, better batteries and support between European countries. This is a clear signal Europe needs. Secure clean energy. We need to act now. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Thank you, madam. Thank you. I would like to put a question to you, sir. Colleague, thank you for accepting this blue card. You spoke about regulation of short term rentals. We're talking here about Airbnb and other platforms. And I do understand that this is important, but I know from my own experience and because of my friends and my circle of friends, people who want to travel through Europe, well, actually short term rentals are the only way for them to actually get to other countries in Europe. So how can we regulate this without preventing young people who want to travel through Europe to find cheap accommodation? Thank you.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Dear people of Europe, I would like to congratulate the two rapporteurs for their work on this file. And this is more or less everything that I have to say. I would like to take the opportunity to shed light on a fundamental problem with our budgetary procedure. Not so long ago, I visited a partner country of the European Union. It's a state that is an important energy supplier for us, important trading partner, and has a questionable history of human rights and imprisoning critics, opposition and journalists. And we had people from our embassy watching the court proceedings of those people who fought for democracy, of those people imprisoned. And now, unfortunately, because we have in the near vicinity of that country, another country that slides down into this direction, also a partner of us, also the suppression of human rights, the imprisoned of journalists, etc., etc., who where they are also court proceedings have to be watched. We needed to shift our personnel from one embassy to the other, because we didn't have the budget and we couldn't change the budget. In this time of political turmoil, we need to be able to change the budget within the year, not just decided once and then let it go. Thank you very much.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I would also be possible to react to the reply of my colleague. Dear colleague, thank you for accepting the blue card. First, I would like to answer your question. Who will turn off the light for the European industry? It will be the Russian army when they bomb us. Once we lifted the sanctions and allow them to push through Ukrainian lines. But my question is different. So you talked about Volkswagen and the car industry. So I was wondering, don't you think that the European car industry, Volkswagen, would be in a better situation if we would not have fought in this Parliament or some of us, against future technologies like electric cars. Thank you.”
  Powertrain choice: EV-only pathway vs. equal support for hybrids, e-fuels, H2
• “The people of Europe. The 2030 consumer agenda speaks not to theory but to daily life. We must remember that behind this document there is a family struggling with rising prices, a young person misled online or small business losing out to unfair competition. Our goal is to address people's real needs, to build a market that protects, empowers and informs both digitally and sustainably. Sustainably. Let us ban manipulative algorithms. Let us ensure fair access to sustainable products. Let us make it easier for people to repair, reuse and reclaim value. Every product should be safe. Every online transaction fair, every consumer respected. This is not bureaucracy. This is trust. And trust is the currency of a resilient, people centred Europe. Let us make consumer protection not just a policy, but a promise. Dear colleagues, this speech was written for me by my intern Evgeny, and I would like to take this opportunity before Christmas to remind all of you to be thankful and that without our team, we are nothing. Thank you very much.”
  EU consumer protection rules: stricter requirements and tougher enforcement vs business flexibility and reduced burden
• “Thank you very much, Lucas. The. People of Europe, when we listen to people like Mr. Youngblood, we get the impression that Europe's biggest problem is the European Commission respecting its competence. But the real problem is a different one. We should be. We'd have more time to spend on competitiveness and economic growth if we weren't constantly having to fight against populists and extremists, people who reject the. The values of Europe and democratic values of people. Now, any form of cooperation in Europe is rejected or dismissed as overstepping its remit. Then that weakens Europe. It weakens Europe's economic might as well. Coordination in Europe is not a brake on wealth and prosperity. It's a driver for prosperity, and we must stand up to populists and extremists and all those who oppose it elsewhere. Thank you.”
  EU political integration
• “Dear people of Europe, even the European Parliament has seen this issue and a bit late as always. But we're reacting now and I wanted to take this opportunity to really turn to my brothers and sisters. You know, we need to address the whole question of nitrous oxide canisters. It's completely insane. I mean, it might sound a little bit more fun than other things you might do in your life, but quite honestly, it also represses your oxygen consumption. And it's not, you know, it's not fun at all. It's not worth it. It's simply not worth it as, as a party game. And that's why the European Union should ban the marketing and the sale of nitrous oxide. You have my full support for that.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.) · Recreational nitrous oxide / novel psychoactive substances (NPS) regulation
• “Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Dear people of Europe, I would like to touch on two things. One colleague said he likes the smell of petrol like a normal man. To this, I would just advise to not spend too much time next to the exhaustion of a car. Another colleague said that he wants to regulate public transport there where it happens. Therefore, I think that means not on the EU level. I would advise this colleague to think how he travels from his home country to Strasbourg, or from his home country to Brussels. We use trains and also even a plane can be public transport at some point. I think there is a huge interest in cross-border transport in the European Union. So when some someone asks where does public transport happen? It happens Europe wide. Thank you very much. Mr. Vice President, I would also like to use this opportunity to apologise because in the last plenary I had a misunderstanding within the rules of procedure. Thank you.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “Thank you, Mr. Vice-President. In accordance with rule 178, number ten, the last sentence of the Rules of Procedure. I would also ask for your permission to react to the answer that I will get from my colleague. Thank you, colleague, for accepting the blue card. You talked a lot about the dangers of one unified administrative administrative body that regulates the media and the press. My question would be, do you think that media and press should be fully free without any oversight? Being able to spread also lies and disinformation. And if no, what body can control this? Where can we put a safeguard in place?”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• “Thank you. Colleagues. Thank you. Speaker I'd like to start by expressing my deep respect for the work, uh, that I've seen in, uh, collaboration in Eurolat. Um, precisely because of that respect, I need to say that I can't support an accelerated procedure. I understand the desire, the desire to get this finished after so many years. But just due to this long history. We need a serious and legitimate process and not one done under pressure. And we cannot ignore the political reality in many regions of Europe. The agricultural sector is already showing an increase of openness towards populist and extremist verses. If this Parliament accelerates an agreement that's so sensitive without a full debate, we would, uh, would not reduce this risk, but we would increase it. So, uh, our position is clear for progressives, uh, we are not willing to sacrifice, uh, democratic legitimacy for the sake of speed. Thank you very much.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “I would like to congratulate Google because if you Google this, fine. The Google Knowledge panel says that Google in fact broke the law while the legal team still debates that. I would also like to congratulate my colleagues here today who spoke up against Google, because this will not be good for your Google algorithm in any way. I want to congratulate some of our colleagues for their mental creativity, because they stand here in the European Parliament publicly claiming that some opinions are forbidden, while expressing those same opinions in the plenary of the European Parliament. And finally, I would like to congratulate the Commission for having at least some guts. But let's be honest, finding Google €3 billion is like finding our colleague, Mr. Brown, one daily allowance for his anti-Semitism. He will just dry his tears with his Euro bills, and so Google will just dry their tears with their trillions of dollars. So dear Mr. Commissioner, nice try. Next time please. We need even more of you. Thank you very much.”
  Search engines (liability)
• “Thank you that you have accepted my blue card. I was wondering if you are aware of two things. First, are you aware that if a snail started where the Russian army started at the Ukrainian border three years ago, that the snail would now have reached Czechia while the Russian army is still bogged down in the Donbas? This is this is not a picture that I'm painting. That's an actual fact. You can calculate this and send us a check. Do you really think that it is good if Russian tanks roll through your country? I think you know better. Thank you.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “Thank you very much, chair. I also want to express my thanks to the invitation that was given to the Members of Parliament. And I found this point particularly interesting because now I have did my fair share of delegation trips, and I know that it's always great fun for us MEPs. Um, maybe sometimes too much fun. I know that one of our honored colleague from the S and D teams, the goal to visit every country of the world through a delegation. So what I want to say is I think we should work when we are there and not only enjoy the good weather, all the trips. So in your opinion, uh, because it sounded a little bit like this was the first invitation of this kind. If I'm wrong, I'm sorry for that. But what do you need from us, the MEP is the most. When we really take up this invitation, how can we be of use in these talks? Thank you very much.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you very much. I simply wanted to remind Madame Borsdorf that according to article ten four of the rules, hate speech is something which is unacceptable. And that was what was expressed in her words about trans individuals. Thank you.”
  LGBTIQ+
• “Thank you, Mr. Chair. I remember the meeting that we had around about one year about this topic, because it was one of the first meetings that I ever had in my life as a member of a committee of a parliament. And I remember that I asked the commission some questions that were also in the direction of a possibility of a plan B, and I didn't get an answer. So I asked the same question again, and I didn't get an answer. And then I'm not sure if I asked a third time, Mr. Chair. Maybe you know that, but I'm pretty sure I didn't get an answer. And I thought to myself, okay, maybe I'm just too inexperienced. Maybe I got an answer, but I don't understand it. And then I went to you, Mr. Chair, and I asked you if I got an answer, and I will not share your reply. Now, I think that's that's something you should do. But I think what is clear here, regardless of the political implications, because in opposition to what my colleague here said, it is of course, also a technical debate, not only a political debate that we are having here tonight is that I urge the Commission to try to understand that you are, while being on paper, civil servants Serving solely, you are de facto the government of the European Union.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Maybe the button was hindered by the energy grid. Dear people of Europe, I listened with interest to my colleague Mr. Tonkin, in praising the Finnish electricity grid, and rightly so. Finland should be proud of it, but turn national excellence into an argument for national solutions is deeply short sighted. First, we have a single economic area. We share markets, supply chains and prices. We have Schengen, where borders no longer define economic realities. Second, energy grids are critical infrastructure in all of Europe. Russian attacks physical, cyber and hybrid have shown us one thing very clearly critical infrastructure is European in its vulnerability. Thirdly, Europe's weakness globally has never come from cooperation. It has come from national solo efforts, an attack on one grid, a problem in one grid. A solution in one grid will not bring Europe forward. European energy sovereignty will not be built by 27 separate solutions. It will be built by one interconnected, resilient European grid. Finland grid is strong, but European grid will only be strong if we act together. Thank you very much.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Mr.. Chauvin. There's a blue card. Mr.. Zipper. I'm going to give you the floor, but you can't use a blue card all the time. Thank you. Thank you, madam. Well, you can strike me off the catch the eye list in that case. But I do have a question. Mr.. Mr.. You said some really great things. Basically, as far as the problems, you're absolutely right. But somehow you need to talk about rent. Those who rent and companies, construction companies that speculate are people who leave their homes empty to make even more money. Okay. Fair enough. But if you know that 64% is of rentals are in the hands of private owners, of small owners. So do you believe that rentals are bad in that case too?”
  EU housing policy
• “I'm done that I want to use. I just want to tell you guys that every time I'm astonished how people who are part of a discriminated group themselves, who are queer or who are in a relationship with migrant people, actually can say discriminatory remarks against queer people, against migrants. It doesn't go to my head. And I think many in this House should really think about that. Thank you very much.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “Um. Dear people of Europe, I would like to thank the commissioners working closely in my field, especially Commissioner Sefcovic, Commissioner and Commissioner Lahbib for their constructive and professional cooperation. Von der Leyen for now Commission president, one year ago I had the pleasure of speaking to you for the first time, and I said that. I didn't think that you'd been democratically elected, but I hope you could show that that was not a problem. You've now pretty much convinced me. I've voted in favor of pretty much all of the commission's legislative proposals. But now I would encourage you to work better on your, uh, PR explain more strike deals that don't weaken Europe. Uh, call out human rights violations wherever they happen.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Thank you, Mr. Rapporteur, for this important work. And thank you to all the shadows. I will continue in German Europe. Dear people of Europe, a few years ago in my hometown of Bergisch Gladbach, there was a serious case of child abuse. The offender had distributed terabytes of pornographic material and his own daughter was the main victim. Unfortunately, German federalism and the fragmentation of responsibility among member states in the digital space was an obstacle to justice. What is important is for lives to be protected. The offenders should not be able to slip through the federal net. Child protection should not stop at national borders. If an offender is acting Europe wide, we must act Europe wide too.”
  Privacy & detection of online child abuse
• “Thank you, dear colleague, for accepting the blue card. I was quite happy to hear that you are in favour of all the goals that the Commission also pursues with this initiative, with this file still in the very beginning, you said that we shall not limit the digital freedom of our citizens. So how exactly then can we regulate without limiting freedom? Is not every regulation, every law a limitation to a certain freedom of our citizens? Is this not necessary, and a sign of the rule of law and of balanced out society? Thank you.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• “Thank you. Chair. Thank you for the question. You know, at my age, in the EPP. Uh, we are amazed at what we hear. You know that. We didn't know that we didn't have a trade agreement with India. So it's great that we do now. Very important. And the figures are what they are. So well done to the Commission. Thank you for getting the result. You did. Question on public procurement India to date. They've always preferred national companies to public procurement. So to what extent will this agreement allow European companies to go for tenders in energy construction. And what conditions will that be that be under. Thank you.”
  EU-India relations
• “Thank you for accepting the blue card. You said that they need cheap European fertilizers. Not necessarily green fertilizers. Would you agree with me that in the best case scenario, they would get cheap European green fertilizers? And if so, should we not do everything in our power to make this possible?”
  Use of fertilisers
• “(19:30:42 – 19:31:12): That's a pity. But. Okay. I have to phrase differently. So I get you right that, the main problem is, lonely young people are left. But like it. Not accompanied. Unaccompanied, young people. So, would you then agree with me that maybe 1 solution is to allow for them to be together with their family so they have their parents to watch, them so they don't commit crimes here in Europe?”
  Asylum & border control
• “Dear people of Europe, the thing that amuses me most here is the mental flexibility. Many of our colleagues show that. And you've got people. And they say that we should be open to Putin again, that those sanctions against Russia should be dropped. And then they want us just to have a hard line against Trump. Those are the same people who stand up there and who say that they defend the little man and get worked up about the petrol prices. Now, they want us to drop this agreement so that we can have more price rises. Is it a good deal? No. Is it a deal we want? No. Can we in any way depend on Trump? No. Is he crazy? Yes. I think that the best thing that we could do is to sign the deal and to then implement it in a way that's good for us, because anything else would be with Trump.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “The world does not hate Europe. The world simply no longer knows which Europe it's talking to. And this is the uncomfortable truth. Geopolitics is not therapy. The world will not validate Europe's identity crisis forever. States must be predictable actors, not confused ones. And the more fragmented Europe appears, the more influence Europe loses economically, diplomatically, geopolitically. And let me be absolutely clear about one thing a stronger Europe must never become a silent Europe. We can never back down on human rights. We can never back down on democracy. We can never back down on the rule of law. But values without a strategic coherence eventually become performative, and strategy without values becomes cynical. Europe cannot afford either. Europe was never built on blood. Europe was built on a decision, a decision that cooperation is stronger than hatred. That dialogue is stronger than violence. That dignity matters more than power. People do not come together in Europe because we share the same ethnicity, the same religion, the same path. People come together in Europe because they believe in the idea of Europe. And if Europe can unite its values with strategic clarity, then Europe will not only be respected again, Europe will be believed again. Thank you very much.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you for accepting the blue card. Well, you talked about the lack of skilled workers. I mean, figures are clear on that. And I agree with you when it comes to training and education. But I'm sure you'll agree with me that, uh, when you. I say that our businesses are saying that we can't find enough skilled workers in our countries. We also have a lot of fear of migration. So how can we use migration to deal with the lack of skilled workers in the energy and other sectors? Thank you.”
  Legal migration
• “You are not only civil servants. You can call the commission president, Commission president, you can call the group of commissioners College. But in the end, you are the government of the European Union. We are the Parliament and we must work together and we must be we must be informing each other proactively and not only in regards to what's written down and what's the bare minimum that the rules of procedure force us to do. But beyond that, and this not only in general, because also right now we have a crisis of legitimacy. The people lose trust in our institutions, and the people lose even more trust in you, the commission then in us, because at least we are in constant communication with the people. So my question is this while you explain that you did everything right on a technical level, and I'm pretty sure you are convinced that is in fact true. Do you think that the way that you did this during the last year is good or bad for the trust of the people in European institutions? Thank you.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Dear people of Europe. The EU Commission's work programme, on paper, shares key priorities with the Party of Progress. Reducing bureaucracy for businesses, fostering digital and green innovation, strengthening social protection and internal security. Let us be friends because we also have 123 open proposals from the previous work programmes. However, this work programme it falls short in one crucial area and this is democratic participation. The Party of Progress believes that Europe must not only work for its people, but with them. Because you and me, we both know that populists, extremists and opportunists work to turn the people against our democracy every day, and that also in here, in this temple of freedom. And that is why we need stronger engagement with the citizens to reflect their voices. Democracy Si itself must always keep pace with economic and social progress. A bolder, simpler and faster union can only be the union of the people.”
  EU engagement with citizens
• “Thank you chair and commissioner Europe is where it is because of the absence of tariffs. And I hope that in light of this growing trade war where some of us seem to prefer taking a trade beating, instead, we use this situation to deepen the internal market and lift the exceptions for the four basic freedoms of the internal market. Mr. Commissioner, how can we use the tariffs imposed as an argument to facilitate investigations of American companies to Europe as they want to sell to European customers without rising prices. And secondly, to quote you, America is still our ally. And now to switch to classical EP language. Whereas the US started this new trade negotiations with punching us in the face, whereas Doge is disabling the democratic institutions in the US, whereas must use his control of X to influence European member states elections. Whereas the Trump administration deported people against a court ruling without a hearing to torture prison in Salvador, and where President Trump and the vans who humiliated Zelensky. And like a good EP resolution. I could go on and on and on, but my time is over. So what would be the turning point for the commission to see the US? Not as an ally anymore? Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you for accepting my blue card. I think would everybody would agree. The idea here is not to create a new set of principles about the European Union's role. The idea is to better define the functions which the European Union should role play in terms of foreign affairs. Just imagine that we were to have a genuine EU foreign minister, a foreign affairs dimension. What role would you give the European Parliament? If the EU were to take over full powers when it comes to foreign policy?”
  EU competences on foreign affairs
• “Thank you very much indeed for agreeing to the blue card. You talked about a bank heist. I've got a similar question for you. So if this really is a heist. So a bank robbery, and then you've got the robbers in the bank with their hostages, and they've already shot half of the hostages in cold blood. What do you do? I mean, do you go in? Do you negotiate? Do you call them up and say, oh, you know, come on, you know, here's €1 million. Go home, release the hostages. It'll all be fine. Or do you send in, um, a special operational commando? Is that not what we should be doing with Russia? I mean, should we not be, um, taking on the bank robbers rather than allowing them to return home with their duty.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “(18:34:21 – 18:35:48): Now you, catch me a little bit off guard, mister president. I thought I'm not on the speaker's list, but it doesn't matter. I'm here to speak. I'm paid to speak. I can do a speech. Dear people of Europe, I think the European steel market is 1 of the most important areas of our economy, not only because it brought this union together historically, it was the agreement on steel, on the shared production of steel between France and Germany that led to the first steps of the European integration. But also because it serves as an example on how we have a necessity to make it possible for our industry, for our workers, for our small and medium enterprises to transition into the new era that we need so desperately. And, yes, dear colleague, this means green steel. And for green steel, you need green energy and a lot of other green things, and I think we are perfectly capable of doing it. Last but not least, regret regrettedly, we are also living in an era of war. So if we want it or not, a vibrant European steel sector might be of utmost importance in the future. And I'm happy that the commission is willing to take the necessary steps, and I hope you all like this very spontaneous speech. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, my friend. My next speaker is mister Bottenga, Seat 124. Thank”
  Energy (green transition)
• “I do apologize, I'm boring you, but this is a parliamentary debate after all. Mr. Sheardown. Now, we did agree that rentals are not such a bad thing. So what are we going to do to make sure that private. The number of private owners who want to rent could increase. So we get a balance there and that we can really have a proper balance in this case. Thank you.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Wow. I fully understand what you're saying, but but obviously we have seen with countries that are talking about today that are outside of Europe, there's perhaps a lack of understanding about how things work here and how things work with parliamentary democracy. And obviously, they see one particular vote or one opinion and think that that stands for all of the institutions. How can we understand that that the Parliament can have a larger role without people just thinking that the folks on the extremes.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “I hope, Mr. Rapporteur, that you are not too sad that it is just you, me and the Commissioner speaking. The people of Europe. I want to explicitly align myself with the analysis of our rapporteur, Mr. Van Overwhelmed because the independence of central banks is not an abstract economic preference. It is a hard learned lesson from European history. Independent central banks protect price stability. They anchor inflation expectations and they shield monetary policy from short term political pressure. The European Central Bank is a clear example of this principle and practice. Its independence is enshrined in article 130 Tfeu and its primary mandate price stability is deliberately narrow. Why? Because once governments can directly influence monetary policy, inflation becomes a political tool and citizens pay the price. So let us be clear. Protecting central bank independence is not technocratic dogma. It is a precondition for economic stability, social cohesion and democratic credibility. And this is why this report matters. Thank you very much.”
  ECB monetary policy
• “Thank you. Chair. Come here. Minister. Uh, dear Minister. Dear colleagues, let me begin by warmly welcoming also Danish presidency and thanking you, Minister, for joining us here today. Denmark has a long standing tradition of constructive European leadership, and I'm looking forward to your contribution in these challenging times. I speak here as a member of the European Parliament for the Party of Progress, a young and pro-European movement. Our trade policy is built on clear principles open markets, strong standards and strategic autonomy. We want the EU to become the strongest trade bloc in the world, not by protectionism, but by removing internal barriers and defending our values globally. That brings me to two questions. First, in your presidency programme, you refer to strengthening the single market through, and I quote, better implementation simplification and a stronger focus on impact assessments. Could you please outline what concrete steps the Danish presidency is prioritizing to eliminate internal trade barriers, particularly in areas like capital markets, digital infrastructure or labour mobility. And second, in light of Donald Trump's trade wars and the renewed risk of transatlantic conflict, what kind of tactics and strategies that the Council consider appropriate? Should we seek to de-escalate reality or retaliate? Diversify. What message should I give to young Europeans like I am one who asked me whether Europe is prepared to defend itself in a new era of economic confrontation. Thank you very much.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you very much. I simply wanted to remind Madame Borsdorf that according to article ten four of the rules, hate speech is something which is unacceptable. And that was what was expressed in her words about trans individuals. Thank you.”
  LGBTIQ+
• “Perhaps I didn't put my question very clearly. What I wanted to know was whether or not the representatives of civil society Who are, you know, have spoken out on this in the monitoring group, whether they were familiar with the plenary results that we had in the delegation as to the decisions taken there, because the joint resolution decided on their actually addresses those very subjects and topics that were named as important topics in the monitoring group. So whether or not they actually took on board, but on board these decisions, including in the Mercosur context.”
  EU engagement with civil society
• “Thank you sir. Listen very carefully to you. And I was happy to hear that you are in favour of European integration in this very critical sectors. So I was wondering if you would agree with me that if that is the case, and if we want to reach this goal, we should in no way and never collaborate with those political forces who want to destroy the European Union and roll back on European integration and the shifting of competences from the member States to the Union. Thank you very much.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you chair, and thank you to the commission for your presentation. The first colleague I heard you today spoke about the need to deepen new markets, for example, with the United Arab Emirates. And that must be one of these coincidences that only this Parliament can produce. Because just now, I came here straight from a demonstration by Sudanese civil society organisations in front of this very house. They protested an event that I always almost made the mistake of hosting, and even where I was tricked into inviting speakers with direct links to the Rapid support forces, this militia has committed some of the worst systematic war crimes humanity has seen in decades. And as countless UN and independent reports have shown, these forces directly are supported by the UAE, with finances and with weapons. It goes without saying that I cancelled this event immediately, and instead I spent the last hour and a half listening to the testimonies of loss and suffering from the very people enduring the crimes of a militia and accompanied by a country we now consider as a possible trading partner. Colleagues, I believe this situation illustrates the core struggle of the European Union today. We want to trade with the world freely, fairly, sustainably, but too often beyond our continent, human rights are torn apart, the environment is devastated, and our morality itself is put to the test by actors we want, in fact, to trade with. This leaves us with a price to pay. Either we uphold our standards and risk competitiveness, or we uphold competitiveness and sacrifice our standards and morality. There can be only one solution. The development of international law. So my question to the commission is this in the current geopolitical climate, given our new strategic position with the trade agreements signed in the last couple of months, how does the Commission see the prospects for the EU to be accepted as a leading force, together with our democratic allies like Canada, Australia and New Zealand in developing international supply chain law and corporate social responsibility. Beyond bilateral trade agreements. Thank you very much.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “Thank you, colleague, for accepting the blue card. You said that we should start buying our energy from the cheapest supplier. Once again, I presume you mean the Russians buy this? Despite the Russian war of aggression, despite Russian war crimes, despite the deportation, deportation of hundreds of thousands of children. So without asking you to answer those specific questions, perhaps you could try to give us a better understanding of the moral issues at stake here. What can an energy supplier do so as to ensure that we can buy as energy again?”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Thank you, Mr. Vice President. I hope I pronounce this right, Tucker. Now, this is our situation that we have to deal with. This house has said it already. No one is happy. And I don't think that we can change anything with that now. But we have to learn something from for the future, while we now have to stand together implementing this. I think the very first lesson is how to deal with bullies, not to give in. And if I may suggest this for the next time that we find ourselves in a situation like this, Mr. Commissioner, we should impose countermeasures already while negotiating this deal. And the second lesson that we take is that we are not seen as weak in that sense. The European Commission should take more effort into actually communicating their efforts that have been made with the public to convince them that this was not just the best that we could get, but actually something good for Europe. Thank you very much for your work. Thank you for your cooperation.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you. President. I'm sure we'll hear a speech now about how important dialogue with the Parliament and the Commission is. You're going to talk about how we need GMOs in order to make our agriculture sustainable. But I bet there's one thing you're not going to talk about, which is how your attitude has really put the wind in the sails of the extremists in this house. If you want to know what the people think, then listen to what's being said in Parliament. But if now the right extremists go out and say the commission is ignoring you completely, then it's grist to the mill of populism. If you could say a few words about that, I'd be very interested to hear them. Thank you.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you very much. Thank you very much for this blue card. I simply wanted to say that I am shamed by the role of my men or many men. The role that many men play here. So describing the family situation, but also tradwives thinking about this, contemplating this where, uh, that women are being telling other women that they ought not work, that they ought to remain at home and have children and bring up children.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much. Thank you very much for this blue card. I simply wanted to say that I am shamed by the role of my men or many men. The role that many men play here. So describing the family situation, but also tradwives thinking about this, contemplating this where, uh, that women are being telling other women that they ought not work, that they ought to remain at home and have children and bring up children.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much, Mr. President. My personal statement will be quite short. I hope the colleague there, over there listens. I just want to tell you that I am, in fact, in a psychological treatment, because you can go to therapy here in the Parliament for free. I think in this toxic work environment with a long hours that we have, it's good for everyone. So go to the medical service, go to therapy like I do. Highly recommend it. Thank you.”
  Budget for EU politicians