Corruption is one of the greatest threats to our democracy. Authoritarian governments misuse EU funds to entrench their power, buy up independent media, or simply enrich themselves. The European Commission underestimates this danger and acts irresponsibly. I am firmly committed to ensuring that autocrats in Europe are cut off from EU funding and that our values are defended.

Brussels is Europe’s lobbying capital. Around 35,000 lobbyists seek to influence EU legislation. But not all of them play by the rules. Commissioners move into the private sector. Members of Parliament work on the side as lobbyists. We need greater transparency about who is involved, when, and where European laws are written. And we must ensure that existing rules are enforced – through an independent oversight body.

The climate crisis, corporations that don’t pay their fair share of taxes, and the impacts of digitalisation – no country can tackle these challenges on its own. That’s why we need a strong and capable European Union. An EU that cannot be paralysed by national vetoes. The necessary reforms must begin now, even if they require changes to the EU treaties. A constitutional convention must be convened.

My home - Aachen in North Rhine-Westphalia - lies at the heart of Europe. Whether it’s climate-neutral industry, a just structural transition, or protecting our democracy: Europe’s biggest questions for the future are also decided right here, in our region. That’s why a strong, green Europe needs a strong North Rhine-Westphalia.