September 26, 2026
Germany
Anton Hofreiter
MP; Alliance 90; Greens/EFA
As far as anti-aircraft missiles are concerned, there isn’t much more that can be done against ballistic missiles, apart from hoping that—or rather, there is one thing that could be done: one could try once again to tighten the sanctions and try once again to ensure more effectively that electronic components do not reach Russia on such a large scale. After all, ultimately they are also dependent, to a certain extent, on electronic components from the West for their ballistic missiles.
Source
Interviews (DLF)
00:06:08
September 26, 2026
France
Aurore Lalucq
MEP; President of Place publique
Trump has threatened the International Criminal Court and imposed sanctions on judges. And so far, these judges have not been protected by the European Commission, which could do so. The way to protect them is to put in place what is known as the blocking mechanism, but the European Commission is refusing to do so for the time being. So, typically, if you want to be respected, if you are constantly invoking international law, then you must protect the judges who apply it.
Source
Ici l'Europe (France 24)
00:16:03
September 26, 2026
France
Aurore Lalucq
MEP; President of Place publique
The strategy we need to adopt, in reality, is to break free from self-destructive dependencies, such as those on oil and gas, for example. We must step up the pace of electrification. We must also accelerate progress in the field of payment systems – though we are already well on the way to achieving independence in the digital sphere. In fact, it is more a question of industrial policy, and of doing everything we can to protect our industry and reproduce certain capabilities within Europe that will truly safeguard us.
Source
Ici l'Europe (France 24)
00:13:08
September 25, 2026
Spain
Juan Jesús Vivas
Mayor-President of the autonomous city of Ceuta
What needs to be done is to proceed with the immediate and automatic deportation of all those who use this method [of illegal entry] to violate our territorial integrity [of Spain]. [...] 90 or 95 per cent of those who entered were Moroccans. [...] Morocco is considered a safe country by the European Union. Therefore, objectively speaking, the majority of these people – barring very exceptional cases – are not entitled to international protection under the right to asylum.
Source
Hoy por Hoy (Cadena SER)
00:22:24
September 24, 2026
Spain
Juan Jesús Vivas
Mayor-President of the autonomous city of Ceuta
We need to get on well with Morocco, but what we must not do is outsource the border. The border is one of Europe’s most important strategic infrastructures. We are talking about Europe’s only land border with Africa, and we are talking about Ceuta, which lies on the Strait of Gibraltar. So tell me if this isn’t strategic for Europe. Therefore, in my humble opinion, this [border security] cannot be left in the hands of a third party.
Source
Mas de uno (Onda Cero)
00:17:05
September 24, 2026
France
Jean-Yves Le Drian
Former Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs
There are players on the world stage who do not wish to be swept along either by President Trump’s hellish logic or by the China–US duopoly; they want to find a new path, and it is up to France and the Europeans to show the way. And I believe that is precisely what President Macron did in his speech to the United Nations.
Source
L'invite de 8h20 (France Inter)
00:09:01
September 24, 2026
France
Jean-Yves Le Drian
Former Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs
Winter is certainly going to be a difficult one. The major powers, particularly the Europeans, who are Ukraine’s allies, must step up. Because, let me remind you, the United States is no longer funding Ukraine; even though they are currently struggling due to a lack of weapons and capabilities, they are no longer providing funding. But the Europeans must now step up to protect Ukraine, because this is a matter of our own security.
Source
L'invite de 8h20 (France Inter)
00:14:21
September 23, 2026
Germany
Johann Wadephul
Foreign Minister of Germany
And above all, as you quite rightly said, the Security Council must indeed regain its ability to act. One cannot expect the United Nations to enjoy lasting acceptance in the world with a paralysed Security Council. [...] Africa is not represented. This is an untenable situation. We therefore support Africa’s wish to be represented there with two seats. These are issues that must be addressed over the next five years.
Source
Interviews (DLF)
00:12:20
September 23, 2026
Germany
Johann Wadephul
Foreign Minister of Germany
It is clear that the Gulf States are suffering, India is suffering considerably, many African states are suffering, and so is Europe. And that is what we are now bringing to the table. I have held in-depth discussions on this matter here too, in numerous talks with the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and again today with my Indian colleague. We are in agreement: we expect both sides [Iran and the US] to negotiate sensibly now on the nuclear programme and other issues, but it must also be clear that blockades must be lifted and that the Strait of Hormuz must be kept open. That is what the world needs right now.
Source
Interviews (DLF)
00:09:27
September 23, 2026
Germany
Boris Ruge
NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy
Well, I’d say that German support [to Ukraine] is very, very substantial. And I believe that in certain areas we’ve really pushed ourselves to the limit. [...] I believe we are doing a great deal, and I think what we must hope for is that our partners in the European Union and in NATO will, so to speak, take a long, hard look at themselves, reflect on the situation and do even more. [...] There are others who could do even more.
Source
Streitkraefte und Strategien (NDR)
00:35:27
September 22, 2026
The crisis [in Ukraine] will be resolved through what we have been calling for for a number of years now – ever since the start of this crisis, ever since the very first day we condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – namely, an international peace conference. There have been 2 million civilian and military casualties, so we must continue to support Ukraine, but above all we must find a solution.
September 21, 2026
France
Raphaël Glucksmann
MEP; S&D
I want those listening to us to understand one thing clearly: we are not helping Ukraine simply out of solidarity with a people fighting for their freedom. We are helping Ukraine because our own security is at stake, because we know that we are Vladimir Putin’s targets, that his war is aimed at the whole of the European continent and our democracies, and that therefore the slightest sign of weakness is an invitation to aggression. We will have to stand firm, we will have to be strong, we will have to hold our ground.
September 21, 2026
France
Éric Ciotti
President of Les Républicains; LR
The reality is that the Russian threat has always existed. Of course, it has existed since the Second World War. When you have a nuclear power with most of its warheads aimed at Europe, of course there is that threat. [...] We must always remain vigilant and be armed. We face multiple threats. There is the Russian threat, and there is also the jihadist threat, which is just as serious. [...] So in any case, we must be strong, be armed, and not let our guard down. We have many enemies.
Source
Actualite politique (Europe 1)
00:05:02
September 21, 2026
Germany
David McAllister
MEP; CDU; EPP
Closer cooperation between Canada and the European Union is not an act directed against any third country, not even the United States. As the European Union, we have the sovereignty to enter into our own partnerships and to determine the nature of those partnerships. And the same applies to Canada. In this respect, therefore, we should make it clear to President Trump that closer cooperation on raw materials, technology and the defence industry as a whole strengthens cooperation between allies. And the US remains a key partner for both Canada and the European Union. But we will not make our relations with Canada contingent on American threats of tariffs.
Source
Interviews (DLF)
00:06:12
September 21, 2026
Belgium
Hadja Lahbib
Minister of Foreign Affairs; MR
We now need to expand our partnerships. We have around 80 of them. We are certainly the Union with the most agreements in the world. [...] Because people – and other countries too – still see us as that beacon in the night when it comes to upholding values, democracy and principles, as well as well-being and the protection of our citizens.
Source
Ici l'Europe (France 24)
00:15:13
September 19, 2026
Belgium
Hadja Lahbib
Role: Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade; National party: MR
We are neither at peace nor at war, and what used to be called “hybrid threats” are increasingly less a matter of potential threats and more a matter of real risks on our soil. [...] So we’re in a truly ambiguous situation where we have to face the truth: the war raging in Ukraine is increasingly spilling over onto European soil, and we must prepare for these threats.
September 20, 2026
Italy
Ruggero Razza
MEP; ECR
Responsibility for the organisation of healthcare systems lies with the Member States, and we do not want the Union to interfere in matters that are the responsibility of others. We do, however, want to ensure that this does not hinder Member States’ ability to take action. We want it even more to act as an incentive to ensure fair access for every European citizen, in each of the 27 Member States. We want the EU to take responsibility, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, for matters falling within the remit of the Member States, by enabling a plan that provides support, removing rules that hinder access to the profession, and ensuring genuine cohesion, which means equal rights.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
17 September 2026, 09:05
September 21, 2026
Spain
Juan Fernando López Aguilar
MEP; S&D
But it is also necessary furthermore, for the European Union to finally assume the global stature it has promised itself, to have a voice that is audible, worthy of being heard — and, hopefully, respected — not only in the face of Russia, the aggressor, but also on the peace stage, where the European Union remains completely absent. Whenever there is talk of peace talks, the European Union is conspicuously absent. The main objective, therefore, is for the European Union to be at the table and not on the menu of peace.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 17:39
September 21, 2026
Germany
Michael von der Schulenburg
MEP; NI
Whilst we continue to entertain the idea that Ukraine might win the war, the country is, quite literally, bleeding to death and its population is dwindling. Of the 52 million Ukrainians who once lived there, only 22 million remain in this devastated country today. Half of them are pensioners and war invalids. It is time for us in Parliament to face up to the new realities. If we still want to save Ukraine, there is no military solution. We must talk to Russia!
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 17:08
September 21, 2026
Germany
Andreas Glück
MEP; Renew
Cross-border trade is now being stifled as a result. And anyone who promises to cut red tape in their Sunday speeches but then passes laws [such as the Packaging Ordinance] during the week – that cannot be right; it leads to a loss of public trust. At some point, the Commission finally recognised the problem too. But then came the deadlock in the Council – which lasted far too long. Germany, too, spent far too long sitting on the brakes. Now it’s slowly starting to change its mind. Dear friends, if we really do not want to lose even more faith in democracy, then this sort of nonsense must be sorted out quickly.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 15:57
September 21, 2026
Germany
Volker Schnurrbusch
MEP; ESN
Yet this year alone will see the introduction of further obligations: the CBAM, DAC8, the Wage Transparency Directive, the AI Act, the Packaging Ordinance and the Cyber Resilience Act. Taken together, these result in reporting obligations, obligations to provide evidence, audit obligations, documentation obligations and, above all, costs. [...] Reducing bureaucracy is not measured by new omnibus packages and new promises. It is measured by whether an entrepreneur has to fill in fewer forms, pay fewer consultants and can invest more time in staff, innovation and customers. Anyone who promises a 25 per cent reduction in red tape must finally stop creating more of it!
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 14:28
September 21, 2026
There is an assault on Europe’s external borders. And the response at European level: writing letters, issuing statements, offering kind words; but no decisive action. Yet what is needed at last is a genuine signal to the Arab-African region. There is Fortress Europe: no one whom we do not want to enter our continent may enter our continent. And anyone who does so anyway must be sent back – to where they came from.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 11:01
September 21, 2026
France
Raphaël Glucksmann
MEP; S&D
What we did for the skies over Abu Dhabi in the Emirates, we must do for the skies over Kyiv. We must do the same for the skies over Lviv. We shot down the Shahed missiles that the Iranians sent towards the UAE. At the time, no one considered, for example, that France was going to war with Iran.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 17:00
September 21, 2026
France
Raphaël Glucksmann
MEP; S&D
The war in Ukraine is not simply a war against Ukraine: it is a war against the entire European continent; it is a war against all our nations. And so we must continue to support the Ukrainian resistance. We must do far more than we have done so far; what we must do now is take responsibility for protecting Ukrainian airspace against Russian missiles targeting civilians across the whole of Ukraine.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 11:59
September 21, 2026
France
Raphaël Glucksmann
MEP; S&D
Our batteries, our rare earths, our solar panels – everything comes from China these days. We are completely dependent on US platforms and artificial intelligence. [...] We need to wake up. We want a European investment plan for industries driving the green transition. We want, at long last, European preference, public procurement reserved for European products, and protection for our factories against Chinese dumping. Now, we want you to finally enforce the rules we have voted for against the American and Chinese digital giants.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 11:57
September 21, 2026
France
Valérie Hayer
MEP; Renew
This green transition, like the digital transition for that matter, reminds us of one thing: Europeans’ standard of living in the coming years depends on our ability to innovate in disruptive technologies, green technologies, AI, data centres, biotechnology and quantum technology. What is at stake is our sovereignty. We must invest heavily; we must protect – that is to say, defend – our businesses against unfair competition; and we must turn our European public procurement into a genuine industrial weapon, just as China and the United States do.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 10:45
September 21, 2026
France
Jordan Bardella
MEP; PfE
A Europe that no longer has any limits, walls or borders is doomed to disappear. From Ceuta to Lampedusa, from the Mediterranean to the Belarusian border, the peoples of Europe expect only one thing: that you protect our borders and turn back those who attempt to enter or land illegally on our territory. These people must not be distributed across our towns and countryside [...], but must be sent back to their countries of origin.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
16 September 2026, 10:37
September 21, 2026
France
Bernard Guetta
MEP; Renew
Everything is going badly, very badly in the Middle East. But Iran cannot carry on like this, nor can the United States. And once they [the United States] have voted, the Israelis and Palestinians will have to find ways out of this appalling impasse. Now, therefore, is the time for us Europeans to make our voices heard, to propose avenues for compromise in the Gulf and to restate the obvious, to hammer home the fact that there is no solution other than the two-state solution to enable two peoples disputing the same land to coexist.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
15 September 2026, 19:53
September 21, 2026
France
Murielle Laurent
MEP; S&D
We must now take responsibility for the 1,400 or so unaccompanied minors currently there [in Ceuta]. We are talking about children. They need our solidarity. This solidarity must extend not only within Spain, but also across Europe. The lack of solidarity shown by many European countries, which have called for borders to be closed rather than offering their support, is unacceptable. At a time when we are under threat from various forms of imperialism, sending out a signal of a divided Europe brings shame upon us and weakens us in the eyes of the world.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
15 September 2026, 14:31
September 21, 2026
France
Fabienne Keller
MEP; Renew
The Ceuta crisis highlights a divide within Europe that should not exist. In the face of such crises, we should adopt a united, firm and supportive European response. First and foremost, the Commission [...] must conduct an independent and transparent inquiry to shed full light on who is responsible and on the use of disinformation on social media. Next, we must continue to support Spain financially and operationally on the ground, with two absolute priorities: the protection of the 1,500 unaccompanied minors currently stranded [in Ceuta], and support for the residents of Ceuta.
Source
European Parliament Plenary
15 September 2026, 14:09