The key facts
- Alice Weidel presented AfD's programmatic document on the EU at the European Parliament in Strasbourg
- The party demands returning powers to national parliaments and reforming European treaties
- Weidel stated that living standards in Europe are declining and the EU is losing its global role
Call for EU reform
Co-chair of the German right-wing party 'Alternative for Germany' (AfD) Alice Weidel on Wednesday called to 'rebuild and reform' the European Union. The speech took place at a media briefing at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where she presented the party's programmatic document on EU policy. According to her, the EU 'in its current form is in urgent need of reform,' and the AfD intends to promote reform initiatives at the European level.
Return of powers and veto right
Weidel demanded reducing the EU's powers and strengthening national sovereignty. 'We need to return competences to national parliaments and governments. They must take over the decision-making process,' she said. She also advocated for reforming the European treaties and proposed a veto right to opt out: 'If the European Union fails a major task enshrined in the European treaties, we must have the right to veto in order to exit.'
Criticism of the economic situation and the EU's role
Weidel warned about the declining living standards of Europeans and serious economic problems: 'Europeans are getting poorer, we are seeing a clear loss of purchasing power, and we have an inflationary currency.' In her view, the EU is also increasingly losing its global significance in resolving international crises, including the war in Ukraine. 'From the point of view of the US, Russia and China, we no longer play any significant role — and this should serve as a warning signal for all of us,' she added.
