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Mr Franz Leonhard ESSL (Austria, EPP/CD)

Photo member

Representative
Deputy
ÖVP

Parlament
AT - 1017 - Wien
Austria

Working language: English

Declarations of interests:
2024 , 2023 , 2022 , 2021 , 2020

Mandates

In the political groups

  • Member: Group of the European People's Party since 27/01/2014

In the Assembly

  • since 27/01/2014 Representative - Austria

In the committee(s) and sub-committee(s)

  • Full Member: Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development (since 29/01/2014)
  • Alternate of Ms Andrea EDER-GITSCHTHALER (Full Member): Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination (since 27/01/2020)
  • Alternate of Ms Monika MÜHLWERTH (Full Member): Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination (from 22/01/2018 to 26/01/2020)
  • Alternate of Mr Andreas SCHIEDER (Full Member): Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination (from 29/01/2014 to 21/01/2018)

Interventions

Last speeches

25/06/2024 | 18:44:26 The rule of law and human rights are values that we strongly represent in this Assembly and are irrefutable principles for the work and decisions in this Assembly. This applies to all areas and, of course, also to guaranteeing asylum procedures that comply with human rights. For me, these are self-evident. However, the debate as it is being conducted now seems to imply that every asylum seeker automatically has the right to be granted asylum. The fact is, however, that the reasons have to be... 21/06/2023 | 17:59:39 Thank you, Madam Chair Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to comment on the report Integration of migrants and refugees: benefits for all parties involved. In the first moment, I would like to say, I feel, like the previous speaker, this is plausible and worthy of support. However, on closer examination of the report, I will explain why I will still not agree. From my point of view, there has to be a separate approach and a separate assessment, depending on whether it is a legal influx, where... 27/04/2023 | 18:51:24 Trade takes place everywhere and at all times around the world. Trade does not only mean economic performance; it also means jobs and prosperity. International trade, in particular, can also have negative effects. For example, when rainforests are cut down in these areas, food is produced cheaply and exported all over the world. This damages the environment and has a negative impact on the climate. It creates unnecessary competition for agriculture in other countries and harms small family... 15/03/2022 | 15:53:26 Dear Mr President, Ladies and gentlemen, First of all, a message to our Ukrainian delegation and especially to the Ukrainian people; you have our support. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, It is true – in the Council of Europe we have been discussing the relationship with Russia for eight years now, because at that time Russia already violated international law with the occupation of Crimea. I was and still am of the opinion that the Council of Europe should be that body, that place, where we can... 30/01/2020 | 17:32:04 Thank you, Mr Chairman.   Ladies and gentlemen, we are debating this report 1523 on concerted action against human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, this is a serious violation of human rights and a serious violation of human dignity.   But the facts say; trafficking in human beings takes place anyway. Criminals and criminal organisations take advantage of people's plight in order to make a profit. According to UNODC estimates, we are talking about 32 billion US dollars annually. We also...

Activities