In our latest interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Reinhold Lopatka, Member of the European Parliament serving on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Human Rights. The discussion offered valuable insights into the dynamics of parliamentary cooperation, the role of values in EU external action, and the importance of maintaining dialogue even in challenging political contexts.
Lopatka emphasized that the European Parliament is fundamentally a “parliament of compromises,” where collaboration across political groups is essential to achieving meaningful policy outcomes. Despite diverse political perspectives, members regularly find common ground through committees, intergroups, and regional delegations.
Reflecting on the EU’s engagement with regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South America, Lopatka underlined the need for a values-based approach to foreign policy — one that upholds credibility and human rights as core principles. Crucially, the interview also highlighted the vital role of NGOs as partners, particularly in countries where democratic institutions are weak or parliamentarians are not freely elected.
On the issue of democratic backsliding in regions such as the Western Balkans and Turkey, Lopatka firmly rejected the idea of cutting ties, stressing that “dialogue is always the best way.” Maintaining open channels of communication, he noted, is key to promoting democratic values and human rights.
Finally, when asked about the future role of the European Parliament in shaping EU foreign policy, Reinhold Lopatka remarked that its influence ultimately depends on the dedication and initiative of its members:
“It’s in our hands to make the Parliament stronger and more influential — it depends on how hard we work.”
This insightful exchange reflects ASSEDEL’s ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding between European institutions, civil society, and international partners, in pursuit of a more just and values-driven global order.
For the full video, head over to our YouTube channel!