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Munich Security Conference: Netherlands and US reaffirm support for Ukraine

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Dutch NATO contribution could double without U.S., says Defense Minister

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Latest News

Germany's Central Bank confronts Nazi past and pledges 'never again'

Germany's Central Bank confronts Nazi past and pledges 'never again' Germany's Central Bank confronts Nazi past and pledges 'never again'
Germany's Bundesbank has taken a significant step in addressing the Nazi legacy of its predecessor, unveiling new research that delves into...
Read More...

Belgium secures eleventh victory in World Student Diplomacy Championship

Belgium secures eleventh victory in World Student Diplomacy Championship Belgium secures eleventh victory in World Student Diplomacy Championship
  On March 14, 2024, Belgium clinched victory in the World Student Diplomacy Championship, a prestigious competition simulating the workings...
Read More...

Commission declares Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for EU accession talks

Commission declares Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for EU accession talks Commission declares Bosnia and Herzegovina prepared for EU accession talks

On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged EU member states to approve the start of accession negotiations with...
Read More...

Romanian President and Austrian Chancellor confer on Schengen during Bucharest meeting

Romanian President and Austrian Chancellor confer on Schengen during Bucharest meeting Romanian President and Austrian Chancellor confer on Schengen during Bucharest meeting
In the backdrop of the European People's Party (EPP) congress, Romania's President Klaus Iohannis engaged in discussions with Austrian Chancellor...
Read More...

NATO unveils 'Nordic Response' with massive military exercises

 NATO unveils 'Nordic Response' with massive military exercises NATO unveils 'Nordic Response' with massive military exercises
In a display of strength and solidarity, NATO has launched its largest military exercises since 1952, marking the first participation of new...
Read More...

Far-right Vlaams Belang surges in Belgian polls

Far-right Vlaams Belang surges in Belgian polls Far-right Vlaams Belang surges in Belgian polls
With Belgian elections looming in June, the far-right party Vlaams Belang is witnessing a historic surge, polling just under 28 percent in...
Read More...

Sweden officially joins NATO as Hungary grants approval

Sweden officially joins NATO as Hungary grants approval Sweden officially joins NATO as Hungary grants approval
In a significant geopolitical development, Sweden has gained approval to become the 32nd member of the NATO military alliance, marking a blow...
Read More...

Munich Security Conference: Netherlands and US reaffirm support for Ukraine

Munich Security Conference: Netherlands and US reaffirm support for Ukraine Munich Security Conference: Netherlands and US reaffirm support for Ukraine
  During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte...
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Dutch NATO contribution could double without U.S., says Defense Minister

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Outgoing Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren warned that the Netherlands might need to double its defense spending if the United States were to...
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President Metsola,


Honourable Members of the European Parliament,
Representatives of anti-racism organisations from all across Europe,

There is a poisonwithin our societies. It's racism. It's in our workplaces, in our streets, in our stadiums.Too often, it is in the speeches of some politicians, and it is in our institutions.

Racism makes the life of some people among us a constant struggle, against discrimination and prejudice. But it also hurts all of us, as communities. We have all heard the stories of talented and qualified people who cannot get a good job because of how they look, or because of their surname.

And this is a loss not just for them, but for all of us.

Diversity can be a great asset.Companies and scientists are more successful when they include diverse perspectives and experiences. When they use the strengths of all people who want to contribute.

The dignity of every single person who lives with us equally stands for the dignity of our great continent.

I want Europe to be better. I want Europe to be a place where there'sno placefor racism.

At the beginning of this mandate we said: We must talk about racism in Europe. And we must act on it. And we have kept our word.

Today our Union has its first Action Plan against racism. We have appointed our first anti-racism coordinator. We have set out the first European strategy to fight anti-semitism and foster Jewish life in Europe, and a new European Roma Strategy. And we have appointed a new anti-Muslim hatred coordinator. We have also proposed to include hate crimes and hate speech in the list of EU crimes that must be sanctioned all across our Union.

Because using race and colour as a slur isnotfree speech. It is a criminal offence.

This is the broadest set of anti-racism actions in the history of our Union. It is a message to Europeans of all colours, faiths and backgrounds. You belong in Europe.This is your flag. This is your home.

But there is still a huge gap to fill between policy and reality. There is more to do in our institutions, to understand and fight structural racism. And there is more to do in every sector of our societies.

We must all call out on the daily episodes of racism. We must be ready to question ourselves, our biases, our privilege and prejudice. We must all be ready to change. And this requires daily work that we can only do together, joining forces across countries, across political divides.

And with those, like you who are here today, who are already making a difference inside our communities. You know the reality of racism better than anyone else. But you also know how people of different backgrounds contribute to the daily life of European communities, and make Europe a better place. You know that many Europeans live diversity as a daily reality. A reality where the only thing that matters is who you are.

I want Europe to be like them. Not in some distant future, but already today. Let's us work together for an anti-racist Europe.

I wish you all a great EU Anti-Racism and Diversity Week.

Thank you very much.

Photo by European Parliament from EU, Wikimedia commons. 

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