My views

The European Union is just as beautiful as the figure loved by Zeus in Greek mythology: the Union has enabled many different peoples, cultures and human beings to live peacefully in a community of states. We should appreciate and love this Europe and its values: democratic participation allows us to assist in its further development and transformation.

The European Union is particularly important for us in South Tyrol. The historical regions can now grow together again in the European region: there are no border controls, we can use the same currency and work where the best opportunities arise.

The free movement of goods and people is a valuable asset, but it has its limits. We need cost transparency for goods transport in order to avoid unnecessarily diverted traffic.

Anyone demanding a halt to the new Brenner railway and the redevelopment of the current line has forgotten to take account of those who live along the route. I am therefore a critical supporter of the new Brenner railway (with the simultaneous provision of branch lines, as far as possible in tunnels). But there is also a pressing need for temporary solutions – for example, more noise protection walls and quieter equipment.

Agriculture is the only policy sector that is 100% determined by the European Union. It is therefore indispensable for a South Tyrolean MEP to have a good working knowledge of the Common Agricultural Policy. There are decisions to be made in coming years that are of critical importance for our farmers and South Tyrol as a whole.

The European Union is successful because it has its roots in the shared history of the Christian western world. I am against extending the EU to states that do not form part of this tradition: therefore Turkey, in my view, should not become a member of the EU.

We should offer immigrants the possibility of integration while requiring that they respect our values and rules. The problems that accompany immigration cannot however be solved solely in South Tyrol. Anyone entering the Schengen area can move around freely. Europe must therefore establish common regulations and jointly control the borders of the Schengen area.

As a Member of the European Parliament, my role is to represent all South Tyroleans. I believe that I have the insight, experience and contacts to be able to represent our fellow citizens in a proper, balanced manner.