kfajdsl/voxpopuli huggingface dataset:
we did not of course take a position as the european council on the two thousand and eleven budgetary procedure as this is a matter for the council of ministers and parliament. as president of the european council i appeal to all parties concerned to continue their consultations in order to reach a compromise on the two thousand and eleven budget with the shortest delay possible.
we agreed to return to this in december.
concerning the latter i would like to emphasise that this landmark reform was made possible by the open and constructive approach by the europeans. we gave up two seats in order to reach the final agreement thus bearing a large part of the adjustment effort.
these recommendations like the others by the task force are also extremely close to the commission proposals.
this was the focus of the eu two thousand and twenty strategy agreed by the european council earlier this year.
this european council also served as will be the case for all european councils to prepare common positions for the european union ahead of major international events.
this means a commission proposal for sanctions stands unless a qualified majority vote against whereas until now a majority had to approve the sanctions.
that will be the main objective of the european council meetings of february and march next year.
on the g twenty which has of course now taken place we agreed on the priorities which were then promoted by the representatives of the union and by the eu member states that are members of the g.
i trust all the institutions will keep up the momentum.
i intend to make this a regular feature of the european council meetings.
it really is a breakthrough;
we welcome the decisions to establish a set of indicators on imbalances and the assessment that will made in.
i pay tribute to the speed of the action of the finance ministers over the last week and i underline that this illustrates the level of determination of our concern to safeguard the stability of the euro.
given the strong fundamentals of the irish economy decisive implementation of the programme should allow a return to a robust and sustainable growth safeguarding the economic and social cohesion.
and how they want to spend in accordance with their national political procedures and european law.
mr president does the speaker appreciate that the so called eu funds which she referred to as having been received by her constituents are simply the uk's own money being returned but being returned only in part and after the european union has skimmed off its croupier's
he is an undemocratic fascist.
mr president this is a debate about economic governance. across europe many countries including my own face difficult economic times.
this weekend the eu and the uk extended support to our friends across the irish sea.
this is not a time for the european parliament to indulge in name calling or finger pointing but it is a time for learning from our mistakes and making better decisions in the future. last week in the middle of november greece amended its december year end accounts for the third time.
i hope we have finally drawn a line under those accounts.
if there was ever a good reason for countries to ensure better accounting and forecasting that was it.
the european council has gone a long way in their detailed plans for sharing of information during the european semester.
it needs to be put into practice.
yes we should share good practice between different countries but also recognise that not all countries are the same and good economic governance can be achieved in different ways but for the benefit of all.
quite frankly the only thing we must do is to always be vigilant to counter the sort of criminality which involves itself in major fraud. this particular area of fraud in europe is particularly important.
to protect our citizens the legitimate honest and honourable citizens of europe we have to deal with these offences and deal with them strongly and vigorously.
mr president my prime minister describes members of the united kingdom independence party interchangeably as fruitcakes' and loonies'.
so you get a recession.
fraud will remain.
it is paid and reclaimed throughout the life of a transaction.
what is it really? well of course it is a tax so it is just a form of extortion by the state confiscating money from ordinary working people for the state to spend on itself.
it is closing down retailers in the high street. manufacturers are on three day weeks. in the uk manufacturing has fallen thirty five in the last few years.
notwithstanding the draconian powers given to vat collectors worthy of the old east german secret police and i know some of you want to bring that back fraud is rife.
the tax is regressive and monstrous twenty in the united kingdom.
it is bureaucracy politicians subsidies for cronies and donors to party funds.
if you really want to get rid of fraud get rid of the tax.
it is not applied when value is added whatever that may mean but at the end so the customer pays it or simply withdraws his custom.
and grow. we are talking about trying to get out of recession and particularly develop smes this is one of the most effective ways of so doing because if you reduce the amount of fraud and the number of companies operating illegally you will make it easier for genuine companies and compliant companies to be effective. finally i want to say that the irish presidency is very pleased and has this as one of its priorities and is going to bring forward a paper in two weeks' time to make progress on this.
mr president i would like to thank david casa for his good work on this report which brings forward a quick reaction mechanism that can be utilised by member states to combat vat fraud.
under these proposals member states will no longer have to request a formal derogation from the commission.
given the wider impacts of a reversed charge on business and on the vat system itself the qrm should only be used as a measure of last resort when other options already available within the directive have failed.
instead they will have the power to put in place a temporary derogation themselves within a month of establishing the existence of the fraud.
he is not in the chamber because he is campaigning in that election and we may not see him again.
it is unfair competition in that sense.
this proposal is small and unambitious but a realistic step in fighting vat fraud.
just changing the legal structures is not enough.
this is a way of getting better reaction and better opportunities to deal with vat fraud by using the different opportunities in different member states.
i think it is important to say that this is not the case.
the measures that we have tried to combat vat fraud have historically been very much aimed at those who are doing it right which is a problem because they are doing it right.
a simplified vat system across the eu will assist in reducing the complexity which exists between different member states.
not only will it support the current commission proposal it will go beyond in coupling the proposals with long term strategies to combat tax fraud.
however to properly combat vat fraud more needs to be done such as structurally reforming the vat system.
and legal way;
the more we can fight tax fraud in a simple way the more we can ensure that honest entrepreneurs and businesses can deal with cross border business the better it is.
this quick reaction mechanism is intended to combat sudden and massive fraud schemes that cannot be stopped via traditional control and enforcement means.
on the other hand the commission is not in a position to accept the other amendments notably on involving the other institutions and consulting the relevant stakeholders amendments thirteen fourteen and. eight particularly from a practical point of view this would not be feasible as it would delay the decision making process and therefore undermine the main objective of the proposal which is to counter sudden and massive fraud situations by providing
i will now turn to the most important amendments.
i think it is important to underline one thing and that is that the fight against fraud and the fight against those committing fraud is a fight for the honest citizen and a fight for fair competition and good opportunities for entrepreneurship.
but also to ensure that the legislation is followed and accepted and implemented because that is how the rule of law should function.
i think that when we talk about carousel fraud this is also a way of underlining the need not only to clarify that the rules should be respected but also to ensure that we can simplify them.
we went the extra mile to take into account all the concerns expressed by the social democrats on the social dimension that are fully covered by the treaty and in the services directive.
so we ask the commission to refrain from including such clauses given the importance of capital controls especially for poorer countries to mitigate the impact of the financial crisis.
however it should also be recognised that quite often the state is unable to provide so called public' services and we should recognise that there is a role for non state actors the private sector in providing essential services to the poor especially when the state itself cannot do this on its own quite often owing to a shortfall in income.
the eu and india launched negotiations in june two thousand and seven on what is termed a free trade agreement but what many would probably more correctly call a preferential trade agreement.
the report also recognises that the investment chapters have often come accompanied by a commitment to liberalising capital movements and renouncing capital controls.
one it also notes india's concerns about the implications of reach costly certificates for exporting fruit to the eu and costly conformity procedures for the ec mark and stresses that those issues must be resolved in the preferential trade agreement. the report also points out that services liberalisation must in no way hinder the right to regulate services including public services.
the report goes on to welcome india's commitment to strong intellectual property protection and to the use of trips flexibilities to meet certain public health obligations. once again we should all be aware that too many obligations on public health can often leave citizens in poorer countries unable to access medicines because there is no incentive for pharmaceutical companies to develop medicines for those countries. finally the report recognises that a substantial development chapter is an essential part of any trade agreement and that we should ensure trade and foreign direct investment.
comfort. it is where we stand in moments of challenge.
our region. the fiscal compact will play a key role in stabilising
confidence. but when the social market economic model has proven so successful for us over the decades it must continue to be our guiding principle through and beyond the current
a time. as i have stressed today the challenge facing the eu today is basically threefold.
reality. it is up to the leaders of europe to show this to our citizens and to the outside
denmark. it is what sets our union
problem. the path out of this crisis goes through more europe not less
durable. that is in the interest of all
ever. relying on our fundamental rules and procedures is not only in the interest of small member states like
the union is the best implement for helping to spread and strengthen those conditions in our own continent and throughout the
union. however the crisis should not lead
union. we are a union based on cooperation rule of law and democracy.
destiny. it is of paramount importance that we work together and stand
fourthly we will work for a safe europe.
and as the years passed europe delivered the conditions which brought the single market which helped to breach the berlin wall and promote the reunification of germany which produced the maastricht treaty and secured european enlargement.
it if it is fairly applied.
growth in europe must be restored and sustained. we need to stimulate long term growth and job creation not least for our younger generation.
a chance to contribute to their societies and to build a secure future. they will work for that but they can only be sure of achieving it if we encourage and enable them to do so.
there is a huge potential here but we face a real risk that high tech research and knowledge intensive jobs will move out of europe to more attractive regions.
at this critical time in our history it is our shared responsibility to fulfil havel's belief in europe. we must do our part to fulfil and to keep on advancing europe's potential for peace opportunity freedom and prosperity.
but in europe we saw a path to a more prosperous and promising future.
the essential basis for that is stability that fosters growth and opportunity that maximises innovation.
firstly the danish presidency will aim at ensuring a responsible european economy.
today. your input and your support in this parliament will be critical in this
as in any parliament there are lines of division and heated debates as there should be.
jobs are being lost.
thirty years ago denmark held the presidency in a period of cold war and economic uncertainty but also in the first period with an elected european parliament.
looking outward we must do more to help our companies exploit trade opportunities with the emerging economies outside europe. thirdly we will work for a greener europe.
budget discipline growth and jobs green policies and ensuring the safety of our citizens and the voice of europe in the world these are our priorities.
you are a parliament of europe and for europe.
no one here needs to be told that europe is in a profound economic crisis that has rocked the very foundation of our cooperation.
we owe it to all generations throughout europe but in particular we owe it to our youth.
and ten years ago denmark held the presidency when the eu fulfilled its historic obligation and united europe.
a driver of progress and integration;
we in our union have created an unparalleled framework for decision making at the european level the community method that enables us to raise standards of freedom fairness in economies and societies without diminishing the diversity of cultures and communities.
in the middle of an economic crisis i do not expect the danish presidency to be
i have been looking forward to speaking to you today as prime minister of denmark but also as a former member of this great unique parliament.
that is why we have built a europe with a strong social dimension.
and because of the nature of the current afflictions citizens throughout europe are experiencing and will experience cutbacks and reductions.
beyond our own region the eu's voice must be heard and heard even more clearly as we promote our common values and protect our interests. the presidency will support and assist the high representative and the european external action service.
havel was europe at its best a champion of liberty and creativity;
either. we are not built like
i was honoured to serve in improving europeans' right of movement in the committee on employment and social affairs and in furthering european integration as part of the european convention that led to the lisbon treaty.
in this century even more than in the past justice care and opportunity are components of efficiency while efficiency is the vital source of investment in justice care and opportunity. that mixture is at the core of the european success.
to create a new foundation for growth and progress;
in the coming six months we will again work hard to move europe forward.
europe inspired the world with a truly unique model of cooperation.
people will accept austerity with justice but they will resist austerity that is manifestly unequal and unfair.
we need a modern and responsible budget and we must bring public deficits under control.
to ensure the safety and freedoms of our citizens we need to work in that area to combat terrorism and cross border crime; to manage our borders;
for many it was a time of hardship with high unemployment and limited job opportunities especially for the young who were also disadvantaged by cut backs in our education systems.
and we have to show the same steady resolve in ensuring robust public finances because robust public finances are the true bulwark against short sighted speculation.
we need to put europe back on track so that we can ensure the prosperity and security of our citizens.
so. we must keep one thing in mind democratic politics are judged by results not by intentions.
we are a leader on the global stage in this field but to maintain our position and to encourage others we need new initiatives in areas such as energy efficiency and renewable energy.
out of the gloom and pessimism came an era of growth progress and optimism.
people are ready to make sacrifices but they will not be sacrificed.
this requires discipline and political will from all of us to implement and comply with the new rules of economic governance.
in a globalised world only a joint european effort will be truly effective.
we must honour it with determination.
that is the only path out of the crisis.
this will be crucial if we are to achieve real progress on the heavy agenda in front of us all.
the danish presidency will work tirelessly during the next six months to ensure that the eu continues to produce tangible useful results results that benefit all europeans young and old students and workers in the north and in the south.
the eu has developed an ambitious policy on energy and climate issues.
this is an achievement which we must be proud of when we recall that just a few decades ago europe moved from being a continent of repeated conflict and division to a union of twenty seven nations based on openness rule of law and democracy.
as leaders of europe we must work in that knowledge and respond to that reality.
easy. but i can assure you that the presidency will not be daunted
every day in the political engine room of this house decisions are taken that form the building blocks of tomorrow's europe.
we aim at both prosperity and solidarity because we know that in the modern world they are not merely desirable they are interdependent.
we must confront the economic challenge with decisive action to restore confidence in europe;
forty years ago denmark was part of the first enlargement of the community and our new partners trusted us with the presidency the very same year that we became a member.
and it was a particular pleasure in that context and a privilege to be active in achieving the changes which have significantly and rightly enhanced the legislative powers of this house.
i draw very particular attention to it today not only to honour our past but more importantly to give confidence and guidance to our future.
to ensure the long term viability of the european model.
european citizens expect their political leaders to act and rightly
but what makes this assembly special is the commitment to europe and its citizens that runs through the veins of the majority of its members.
for us they are not only noble ideals they are practical working realities.
insecurity has become part of everyday life for millions of european families.
twenty years ago we held the presidency at a time when the single market was launched.
i am honoured to stand before you today to present the priorities of the danish presidency.
we need to be bold and ambitious.
it has been truly fulfilling for me to be part of the crucial work that you do here.
what our youth demand of us is only fair access to the same education and job opportunities that previous generations have enjoyed.
like now these were crucial periods in the history of the european union.
we need a european union that is united in meeting and overcoming the challenges facing us
the danish presidency will work hard to ensure that the centre of green research and green jobs stays in europe in the future.
we saw leaders of vision and vigour like havel.
restraint in spending is not a departure from solidarity in present conditions it is a precondition for dependable solidarity. i am certain that a great majority of people understand that and are prepared to be part of
secondly we will work for a more dynamic europe.
businesses are struggling.
if we want them to be providers for us in the future we must be providers for them in the present. that is the contract between generations.
think about it more than twenty million jobs are linked to the environment in one way or another.
that is the challenge facing europe as denmark takes over the presidency of the council.
the only sustainable future for our social market economies is to embrace change and increase competitiveness.
to illustrate that i want to highlight our key priorities.
effort. as i stand here today as prime minister of denmark i can assure you of my personal commitment to
europe. i am a european at heart and most of all i am a european for my children. i know that ultimately their security opportunity and liberty will depend upon the safety the life chances and the freedom of their generation everywhere.
the euro. this is also in the clear interest of the european
firstly we need to rely on the strong rules and institutions for decision making that are already firmly established in our
us astray. on the contrary it is more evident than ever that we share a common
europe. in current conditions to be inward looking is to be blind to
of us. secondly we must maintain that europe is part of the solution to the current crisis not the
during times of crisis when tough decisions and compromises need to made these fundamentals our community method are more important than
world. it is the practicality of europe that will restore faith in our european project. thirdly we must bring europe through to the other side of the crisis with our values intact. fiscal restraint is crucial to stabilise our economies and restore
apart. it is what makes our cooperation so strong and so
crisis. there is no doubt that the current crisis has put the european union to
this is such
together. if we are to realise vclav havel's vision of cooperation and solidarity we need to secure a europe at
the commission is also being assisted by a committee which comprises thirty five representative civil society organisations that are active in the field of heritage culture and youth. i welcome this particular programme very much and i hope that people will actually apply for it but it has nothing to do with chinese european relations.
national regional and local levels are involved. it has nothing to do with promoting tourism or cultural tourism with china it's about promoting cultural heritage in the european union at local regional and national level.
it is actually promoting european tourism.
so the tourism dimension came one year earlier and it was set up for the purpose of trying to encourage additional tourists and travellers to come into the european union.
people have the freedom to travel and we hope that visitors will come to the european union and i am disappointed as some members actually are trying to interpret this as some kind of an effort to say that chinese travellers are not welcome.
can i emphasise on behalf of commissioner biekowska that these are two separate initiatives. one is about tourism which is a decision that was made by president juncker and prime minister li on twelve july two thousand and sixteen promoting the eu china tourism year and this decision was made one year before the decision to designate two thousand and eighteen as the european year of cultural heritage.
that is not the position of the european union and certainly not the position of the european commission.
while i listened to contributors here today i got the impression that the european union budget was promoting chinese tourism.
as with other european years the year of cultural heritage will be implemented through a series of initiatives and events at european level.
the european year of cultural heritage is benefiting from many eu funding programmes which also support cultural heritage like horizon two thousand and twenty cosme under the cultural tourism dimension and natura.