kfajdsl/voxpopuli huggingface dataset:
as we are discussing the circular economy here china is at the same time constructing artificial islands in the south china sea. for what reason? for one single reason to secure resources. the single pillar of chinese foreign policy is to secure resources for its large population.
what are we doing in our external policy?
it is close to nothing although we are the most vulnerable region in the world where resources are concerned. we provide only thirty of the resources that we use for ourselves so in external policy resource efficiency is absolutely absent.
but of course and this is the main focus of today's debate resource efficiency also has a very strong internal dimension the efficient use of resources in europe itself.
i must say it was a brilliant document and a very strong analysis with a roadmap on what europe should do to become resource efficient.
it talked about recycling about better design about creating economies of scale for the reuse of materials the recovery of precious minerals like phosphates and working on alternatives for our chemical industry through biomass.
but we have a lot of wrong kinds of incentives and regulations and if we do not tackle this nothing will happen. thirty years ago we did not live in caves.
the choice is for now and it is our choice. we have the information and we need legal certainty and regulation to make it happen.
first of all this commission remains strongly committed to presenting before this parliament and before the end of the year a circular economy package which has a holistic approach on the issue yes on waste but also on the reuse of finite materials and on other proposals that would create the environment for a new economy for europe.
why do we need this and why do we passionately believe in this?
businesses are leading on this and we should be leading as well as politicians.
we also know where we need to be which is in the circular economy but we do not know well how to get from where we are to where we need to be.
here is where government comes in and here is where the european union is an essential link in getting us from where we are to where we need to be.
i passionately believe in this transition.
i believe this year by presenting our package we can make the first important contribution to this transformation which is inevitable and the report we discussed today is an important building block for what we are going to do.
indeed we will look at the waste package as i have said and we will work on it so that we can present the new waste package before the end of the year and essentially we will look at all the other issues we need for the circular economy.
i believe in this because it is a huge business opportunity for european businesses.
i would encourage parliament to look at this not within silos but as something we have a common interest in because a circular economy is not something we do just for the environment.
if we do not take the three elements into account economic social and environmental sustainability we will not succeed in creating the right conditions for the circular economy.
i want to stress this.
because they know it will lead to growth; because they know this is where europe can lead worldwide.
we should use that opportunity to integrate the three elements of sustainability economic social and environmental and then i believe we will be successful.
you can count on the commission to take this holistic approach;
you can count on the commission to work closely with you.
i am sure that we can look at the elements particularly starting with analysing the situation in member states and having comparable analyses from them so that we can take it from the zero situation to the higher levels in the next couple of years.
finally and perhaps more fundamentally all streams are actually a problem of definition.
earlier this year we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the eastern partnership together with our partners and we decided to launch a broad consultation process on the future of this partnership.
in fact armenia considers the agreement with the european union as a true blueprint for reforms and we are proud of that.
is not just a statement or a declaration of principle it is the foundation of our daily concrete work on the ground.
i am proud i can now leave to you and to my successor this huge capital of ideas achievements but also aspirations and dreams as a very solid foundation for the next eastern partnership summit and for the future of our partnership itself. of course each of the six countries has a different situation
so putting people first was our approach throughout these five years with all the six partners as diverse as they are with a differentiated approach respectfully and we've always focused on people and not on geopolitics and i want to close on this to stress once again something that i have discussed several times not only with our partners in the east of europe but also with our interlocutors a little bit further east
our priorities are the same as those of our friends in the eastern partnership countries be it security good jobs good governance or institutions that they can trust and rely on.
the new government has taken a bold approach to reforms as the people of ukraine expect substantial change on the rule of law on the fight against corruption and the prosecution of bank fraud.
we need i believe to continue investing enormously on this as conflict has not yet disappeared from our continent.
it's for our people.
we have invested more in ukraine than in any other country in the world and no other partner has invested in ukraine as much as we have done.
this has led to some very important tangible results.
it's for improving living standards including democratic standards for a more peaceful european continent based on partnership and cooperation.
our support is and i believe will continue to be focused in particular on reforms to fight corruption and vested interests and in ensuring that state institutions preserve or rather sometimes build their autonomy and are not politicised.
we fully support the mediation efforts and the proposals of the osce minsk group co chairs including through the work of our special representative.
you will know that we have divergences with belarus particularly on human rights yet i'm convinced the only way forward is to continue engaging and to finalise our partnership priorities.
indeed the twenty deliverables that we are implementing within the eastern partnership focus on the issues our people care the most about jobs energy security education strong civil society independent media things that are indeed on top of our citizens' agendas.
i believe that this positive path that we have followed has been possible because our work has been focused always on our greatest common interests that we share between the european union and our eastern partners and that is our people the people of europe whether they live inside or outside the european union.
let me also thank you for the opportunity with this debate to look back at these five years of work with our eastern partners.
i can now proudly say that we have become closer as the european union to all our eastern partners to all six of them in different ways and i believe we have managed to improve the situation of each and every one of them in this partnership and through this partnership even if obviously challenges remain and i will
their citizens can now also travel to the european union without a visa when they come for business for tourism or to visit family.
our support to the reform process has increased after last year's political revolution including to the ongoing justice reform and i am confident that this partnership will become even closer in the years ahead.
georgia is a close and reliable ally in the neighbourhood in our partnership and this is precisely why we don't shy away when we see risks as today we see the risk in the country of a backsliding on some important reforms in the rule of law area.
and different aspirations too so let me very briefly go through them.
we want an ambitious agreement in line with international standards one that ranges from human rights to the support of the diversification of their economy. we will also continue to work for the peaceful resolution of the nagorno karabakh conflict encouraging and supporting dialogue at the highest level between armenia and azerbaijan.
the recent parliamentary elections were somehow a lost opportunity to deliver on international standards and we have called on the authorities to implement electoral reforms before next year's presidential elections.
as always the european union is ready to support reforms in all possible ways and as always our support remains conditional.
since two thousand and fourteen we have put together for ukraine the biggest support package in the history of the european union.
i would say that ukraine today is a stronger more resilient country than it used to be.
i went to close my short remarks by thanking you and this parliament for all the support you have given to our work with our eastern partners because in particular in this field the work of parliament has been key in liaising with the national parliaments through your many delegations through your many visits and this has been a fundamental pillar
this is also the case in the republic of moldova where we have supported structural reforms to fight corruption improve the electoral framework and to ensure an independent and accountable justice system.
in in recent months positive developments have also materialised on the security side mainly thanks to ukraine's constructive approach and the normandy four summit on nine december is now an opportunity for substantial progress.
it goes to the core of who we are.
explaining clearly that our eastern partnership is not and i believe will never be against anyone it's for.
the government has committed to substantial democratic reforms in line with our partnership agreement.
on the contrary the security situation along the administrative boundary line with the georgian breakaway region of south ossetia has worsened in recent months. that is why we are increasing our eu monitoring mission's presence on the ground because our support to georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity
we have collected now more than two hundred contributions coming not only from governments and civil society but also academia the business community members of the european parliament and other stakeholders and i want to thank you for the contributions you have given us.
the european union was born as a peace project.
this would be the best way not only to work on our mutual interests such as the economy or nuclear safety but also to better address the human rights situation which is so important for us.
yet it is no secret that the preservation of this agreement has become increasingly difficult.
i also want to emphasise that we expect the iranian authorities to ensure the free flow of information and access to the internet at all times.
lebanon is a very special partner for the european union and it holds a very special place in our heart. today the people of lebanon are asking for good governance good governance and good governance beyond any sectarian line and this is truly inspiring as lebanon society often
citizens have the right to peacefully demonstrate and there is no justification for the disproportionate use of violence by the security forces.
on the contrary in the north west of syria the situation has got worse once again only a few weeks after the turkish military operation opened a new front in the north east of syria.
this calls first and foremost for the swift formation of a functioning government to ensure political and economic stability followed by the rapid and decisive implementation of effective reforms on governance and corruption in line with the lebanese people's aspirations.
and i think we are now seeing this clearly.
let us not forget that the whole middle east remains an incredibly fragile place.
we europeans have always said that we want to help the people of iraq win the peace and this is what the people of iraq are asking right now.
in these years we've been trying to build multilateral solutions to all crises in the region and we have worked very closely with our partners including lebanon and iraq to stabilise those countries to bring investment for reconstruction and economic growth and to support these countries in their reform agendas.
this is even more urgent today.
this moment can become somehow an opportunity to deliver the reforms that lebanon so urgently needs while at the same time preserving the country's stability and resilience.
them. but the european union will continue i believe to support dialogue and accompany reforms.
and i believe this unity is key to preserve the agreements as much as possible.
we have urged restraint in handling the demonstrations.
the triggers have been specific policy initiatives but the protests have then expanded targeting inequality sectarianism and corruption and asking for better governance and better job opportunities. our response to these protests has common elements too.
first on iraq. the challenges that iraq is facing are unique. the country is finally coming out of a long conflict it needs reconciliation and reconstruction. it also needs to deliver on its people's aspirations to a better life and better opportunities for all.
we have also demanded that external actors always respect this country's sovereignty.
events are unfolding and each case is different yet there seem to be some common causes.
these expectations need to be fulfilled if iraq is to stabilise in the long term and i've seen myself during my last visit there in july if i'm not wrong how far the country has come when it comes to being ready to work on reconciliation and reconstruction but also how fragile this progress is.
we have asked for respect for freedom of expression and prompt investigation of instances of violence.
we have condemned any act of violence from all parties.
it is one of the regions that is closest to us i often say it is our common region and the european union i believe will continue to engage as a reliable partner and as a force for peace in the middle east.
so we will continue to be on their side and to accompany iraq on its path towards a stronger more inclusive and more just democracy. in iran the recent protests also stem from genuine frustration with the current economic hardships.
each of these countries will have to find its own way to overcome their current difficulties. nobody can do it for
we also continue to encourage iraq to maintain its policy of constructive engagement with all its neighbours in times when its role as a voice of wisdom is essential in the region.
and let me add one word on something that is not on our focus specifically tonight but is still there.
all reports of incidents deserve swift and full investigation by the relevant independent authorities.
so regional tensions are still running high and this is putting even more importance and pressure on those in the region and beyond the region who are trying to calm down the situation and find sustainable outcomes to the current dynamics.
from the beginning of the protests we have been asking for dialogue and steps to quickly address the protesters' concerns including those steps suggested by the un mission.
let me add something that is clear and obvious but it is important to clarify this once again that this has nothing to do and should have nothing to do with the implementation of the nuclear deal with iran.
we all agreed just a few weeks ago that we must spare no efforts to preserve the deal and let me also say that i wish my successor all the best as he takes over also this difficult essential role that of coordinating the joint commission of the jcpoa. third and last but not least at all let me say a few words on lebanon where protests have led to the prime minister's resignation.
our position is also clear and unchanged regarding the security of the state of israel.
first on settlements we have always believed that border changes can only be decided through direct negotiations between the parties based on the pre one thousand nine hundred and sixty seven borders.
the very idea of two states today has come under attack as never before from many sides.
at the same time it is also clear that gaza is part of the future state of palestine and that palestinians themselves must find unity beyond their divisions.
on the european union side we have always been and we will continue to be i'm sure about that ready to support to encourage and to accompany all efforts to build peace and security and a negotiated twostate solution for israel and palestine.
and i will repeat once again israel has the right to security israelis have the right to security. but we are also convinced that security will only be sustainable and real if it is built on peace and on a two state solution.
this is a principled and a pragmatic position at the same time.
our support for the two states is a matter of international law is a matter of justice and democracy but as i mentioned is also a matter of realism.
yet the crisis in gaza is inherently political in nature and requires a political solution.
and let me say personally i'm also deeply convinced that out of all the crises and conflicts of the region of the middle east this is probably the easiest to settle in concrete terms provided and this is the most difficult thing to achieve there is political will among the parties and among the international players to accompany this process.
and the work continues today even in such difficult circumstances let me say especially in such difficult circumstances.
and on the israeli side the political stalemate continues and might lead to an unprecedented situation with the third election in just one year.
this was the goal that i kept in my mind and in my actions all of these years.
i think it is a matter of political will and political conditions and i'll get back to that.
in addition settlement activity in east jerusalem seriously jeopardises the possibility of jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states.
i am still convinced today five years after my first visit as a high representative in palestine and israel that that is the goal and that is realistically achievable.
and i said at that time that i believe that a twostate solution could be achieved during my mandate.
in difficult times in difficult years this has remained and remains the strong united european union position.
and at some points i have to say this goal seemed to be getting closer but we all know what the situation looks like today. this doesn't mean that the perspective is not there and is not valid anymore.
we have never shied away from restating this position including just a week ago and it is a united european position.
it is my firm conviction that with courageous leadership a return to negotiations is possible.
and any plan that is not firmly anchored in international law and let me add also in the profound aspirations and interests of the people not only of palestine and israel but also of the region would ultimately fail.
with the gaza desalination plant we are providing concrete and longlasting support which will benefit hospitals schools enterprises and every citizen of gaza.
actually i'm convinced that this is the only achievable sustainable realistic solution to this conflict.
in these years we have worked full time to avoid the dissolution of the twostates perspective.
president abbas has announced his intention to set a date for elections.
nobody nobody has presented a credible alternative to two states so far.
the closure must end and crossings must be fully opened.
there won't be peace without a strong political commitment by both sides and by the international community.
as you know in recent years we have also worked constantly to alleviate the suffering of the people of gaza.
because sometimes we have the impression as do some of our friends in the un system in the arab world but also a little bit farther away in africa and asia that especially in this moment where it is so difficult to keep the perspective alive that the voices of wisdom and realism need to be heard and need to speak up.
we know that the current political outlook is uncertain both in palestine and in israel.
yet we should all know that a twostate solution remains i'm profoundly convinced of this the best and the only realistic chance for peace and also for security in the holy places.
firing rockets on israel's civilian population is simply unacceptable and i'm grateful to egypt for their diplomatic efforts which helped to stop the recent escalation.
this explains our position on all recent developments.
they constitute an obstacle to peace and threaten to make a twostate solution impossible.
in case you haven't noticed we are at war and the stakes could not be higher.
just a few examples of good old school disinformation at its finest straight from the heart of the european union.
but i believe we have much to protect the very foundation of our democracies depends on our ability to defend our values our principles and the right to objective truth.
the eu as a community of shared values must be at the forefront of this fight.
we live in an era where facts and fiction are intertwined and the border between arguments and propaganda is blurred.
i believe there are serious challenges facing europe today but also many reasons for optimism.
but let me assure you that the last remaining sane brits are working on fixing that little problem and we welcome your support.
thank you for your determination to make this happen and i now look forward to seeing similar balance in all of europe's institutions on its boards and at its top tables.
of course i am very disappointed that there is no british commissioner sitting with you today.
i look forward to seeing file after file come before this house for our scrutiny policies that will leave europe in a better position than it is in now.
as alyn smith said this is an ambitious and brilliant project and you should all value it greatly.
ms von der leyen it is my deepest wish that i will still be sitting in this house in five years' time to see the results of the work you are embarking on today.
you have rightly prioritised the climate emergency digitalisation and migration.
you fell slightly short at the last minute but there has never been such high female representation in europe's top jobs.
we must also work hard to ensure higher minority representation across all our european institutions too.
madam president ms von der leyen commissioner designates it took a while to get here and it involved compromises for many but the time has come for europe to get on with its work and start producing legislation that benefits the lives of all europeans.
yet again our infantile government has damaged the credibility and reputation of our nation.
in our meeting before we supported you as commission president you told us that you would consult with british proeuropeans on language and brexit policy and i look forward to us meeting on that shortly.
so more work needs to be done to ensure a gender balance and also an overall better representation of european society in the commission.
however we're not so sure that the headlines will be followed by concrete action because if the commission as it has announced does not change its agricultural and trade policy then any climate measure will remain halfhearted.
but be sure that whenever you take an initiative that protects the climate that strengthens a social europe and that enhances the rule of law we are more than ready to support you.
europe needs decisive action now and we hope that you will feel the courage and the strength to push for change to stand up against the council when needed and to base your work on european values such as human rights for all and on the rule of law.
we want you to act because it's high time and that's why we don't give you a red card even though we have pointed out all of those problems i've mentioned today at various times and we haven't seen them addressed.
but we will also point out when we think that the commission is taking a wrong turn or is being too timid.