kfajdsl/voxpopuli huggingface dataset:
what have we become if the presidency of this house an office that should rise above partisan politics and ordinary political ambition is reduced to nothing more than a bargaining chip a counter in a game a consolation prize for failing to get a consolation prize plan d in a political life where plans a b and c
all my political life i have espoused the vision of europeans cooperating together in open democratic and fair institutions.
colleagues there is nothing more sacred in the world of democratic politics than the right to vote to cast a ballot for beliefs sincerely held to express a choice that reflects the interests of all those who we have been elected to serve to give a voice to cherished ideals and principles.
it is a mandate to carry on exactly as before a deaf ear to the message conveyed by the majority who felt compelled to stay away from the ballot and the millions who felt compelled to demonstrate in the only way left to them by turning to the extremes.
i do not want to play politics i want to enhance the reputation of our shared institution.
we were told in the recent election that this time it would be different that transparency would prevail over secrecy that principle would override expediency that honest democratic politics would triumph over the backward looking backroom deal.
i did not come into politics to defend the status quo or to secure high offices for the select few.
but today colleagues if we choose to listen there is a message for us to hear a message which requires us to change our ways.
well i respect this parliament.
when you are about to cast your ballot this morning and you stand alone with your beliefs and conscience in making your democratic choice will you vote for the backroom deal or will you vote for a europe of openness transparency democracy and hope?
i believe that the president of parliament should not use his office to express personal opinions or promote his personal interests or to advance his personal career.
this is a shoddy shabby shameful vision of our union.
the president should reflect the diversity of this house as this house reflects the diversity of the peoples of europe.
the european parliament is the voice of european citizens not the secretary of eu governments.
as parliamentarians who are directly elected each and every one of us we should not simply be presented with a pre cooked deal to just rubber stamp.
that is why i also think that these elections signal change.
one thing was to end austerity. we simply cannot have a continent with more and more poverty especially among young people where people do not see europe as a promise anymore but sometimes even as a threat.
that needs to change and i would want to invest in that as part of this european parliament and as your president.
in this house we have a code of conduct that is not always monitored and implemented. we need a legislative footprint to make sure that it is clear who is influencing which law and that nobody can try to buy a law.
we need to tell european citizens that we are serious about that.
we also need a single seat.
go. it is also clear that we must not fall into the trap of pandering to populism inter governmentalism or worst of all nationalism and extremism. the european parliament has long been a champion of fundamental human rights and citizens' rights and this must continue.
we must face down the knee jerk trend to intolerance disrespect and second class treatment of women but also of minorities whether racial sexual social or otherwise.
the european parliament can and must do more to defend core values on which this european union is founded and the next parliamentary term will be decisive for europe's future. if we do not get it right now there will with reference to the football championship going on at the
i would like to end by sharing something with you that i deeply share with mr schulz who will be speaking after me so i will switch to german for
i think that we should be working to make this happen because in the past we have not had an informed public debate on various technologies which has led to resistance and indeed sometimes total objection to them.
but i also want to remind colleagues of paragraph thirty three where we call on the commission to ensure that consumers and farmers are sufficiently educated in new and emerging breeding techniques so as to have an open and informed public debate on these issues.
one hundred million tons of food is lost in the eu every year and food waste is economically sustainably and ethically unacceptable.
we need to take the lead as opinion builders and work with all parts of the food chain producers retailers and consumers.
efficient farming is important to feed an evergrowing population in the world but it is also important to use what we produce.
my campaign basta to food waste' has highlighted that it is high time to step up our action over decades.
each of us must take our shared responsibility and change our lifestyles and attitude to food.
this report as i say gives a strong message that further action is needed and i hope the commission will listen and respond.
we worked with our colleagues in the committee on the internal market and consumer protection on this and it highlights very clearly that six hundred members in this chamber believe that we do need more action to tackle unfair trading practices in the food supply chain. i think this sends a strong signal to the commission and to all actors in the food supply chain about the political concerns around this issue. none of us has the ideal solution but all of us have identified with the problems that exist where there is an imbalance of power between those at one end of the food supply chain and producers at the lower end.
irish companies have been at the forefront of developing agricultural technology for many years now.
all of these challenges are putting huge pressure on the agricultural sector and so they must be properly addressed. new technologies have the potential to play an important role in making farming more productive and sustainable and allow the agricultural sector to overcome these many challenges.
challenges to an increasing global food demand include shrinking land availability environmental loss and degradation water shortages increased energy demand and the emergence of new pests and diseases.
mr president i supported this report particularly where it calls for countries to put in place binding national measures against land grabbing.
and i also want to acknowledge that it is very important that agriculture is now firmly on the agenda for development policy.
clearly food security and nutrition are very much linked to agriculture policy.
so this is particularly welcome. i think there are sensitivities on what technologies we would allow or say that developing countries should or should not use.
i think we should allow them to make those choices rather than us insisting that they are restricted in the use of any technologies;
i include in that plant breeding technologies.
the developing world needs an agriculture policy to encourage its farmers to give them the tools and knowledge to produce food so that they will have food security and nutrition.
the new alliance has made a commitment to promote inclusive agricultural based growth that supports small scale farming and helps reduce poverty hunger and under nutrition in countries in sub saharan africa.
i am therefore especially concerned about the massive deal struck between guinea and chinese companies and i hope that the commission and council will express to beijing our expectations that its business activities there should neither provoke internal strife nor further undermine human rights in guinea.
in the past i have pressed the european commission to help develop a kind of kimberley process for resources other than just diamonds to ensure that the activities of mining companies do not support civil war or ruthless dictators such as captain camara in guinea.
this is why i am pleased that at least the european parliament speaking on behalf of the citizens who sent us here has an appropriate reaction and the resolution we will vote on today appropriately addresses it.
we envisage an ambitious text focusing on concrete measures putting consumers at the centre of the single market something you have stressed in your report.
the proposed consumer programme focuses on four key areas of action covering the whole spectrum of consumer policy.
empowerment is about how consumers can participate actively in the market and make it work for them.
together with previous parliament reports dealing with consumer issues such as the grech hedh arias and schaldemose reports as well as the forthcoming work on vulnerable consumers this report offers the commission an extremely valuable source of inspiration for its work on the future consumer policy.
in particular i very much welcome the comprehensive approach to consumer policy embodied in the report.
it highlights some cross cutting issues such as sustainable consumption vulnerable consumers and accessibility.
the european consumer agenda will also have the explicit ambition to build on the progress already made in realising a european judicial area thus enhancing the role that judges legal practitioners and enforcement authorities can play including across borders.
in this context the report rightly puts the emphasis on consumer safety both for products and food. it stresses the importance of empowering consumers of consumer education and information.
discussions are ongoing as regards its organisation.
and redress including alternative dispute resolution and on line dispute resolution among the priorities.
to address the specific needs of an ageing population;
consumers with the right information and the educational tools to properly understand
let me say a few words about the commission's intentions in this respect.
indeed a successful modern consumer policy cannot be only about legislation but has to be multi faceted.
as a first step we are preparing in response to an earlier request from parliament a report on the integration of consumer interests into all aspects of consumer policy.
it rightly emphasises the need for eu consumer policy to support growth and innovation in the retail sector and in particular the completion of the digital single market. it cites reviewing the existing consumer legislation notably in relation to unfair commercial practices and misleading advertising
the consumer agenda will also need to take into account the emerging challenges facing future consumer policy the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption;
we have already collected contributions from the advisory networks that we manage which bring together consumer organisations and national authorities. we now plan to organise a hearing at the beginning of two thousand and twelve possibly with the help of the imco committee.
it insists on the need to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of existing legislation.
this consumer agenda will present a coherent strategic vision for consumer policy in the years to come together with milestones set between two thousand and twelve and the end of the current commission's mandate.
this is now for discussion between the budgetary authorities.
it is unfortunate that such an ambitious and wide ranging report has to be confined to this relatively short time and we are not having a full debate on it.
we can be the first political player in the region to facilitate a dialogue which has to be a direct dialogue between the israelis and the palestinians but which maybe for the first time really has the chance of becoming regional.
i saw an awareness both in israel and in palestine that the order of priorities is changing not only in the region but also in europe and also on the other side of the atlantic also for the international community and that we have a clear possibility there of
can help us in that to shape a common european approach of national initiatives that could go in the same direction.
in this framework i think this debate today about the role that the european union can play in this process is crucial.
we have some open points.
side and control of the crossings.
is the very same concept the core of the efforts that the european union has always worked on. today it is probably more difficult than ever but sometimes when it is more difficult people around the table realise that a plus of political will and internal leadership
national governments are going to take decisions or not at this time or later but the important thing is that we all work together towards the same goal with the most effective instruments coordinating these instruments if we manage
i will not just take into account but i will take note of your debate today because i believe that the parliamentary debates and then if you are going to take a vote on this next month can fit into the process of a european common approach.
on the other side the vacuum that is there and which risks being even more relevant especially in gaza given the regional framework could lead to even more dangerous outcomes.
some member states are doing that in national parliaments; you are going to have a debate in this parliament and i will be listening to your orientation very carefully.
uniting different actors which now share the same concern for the security and stability of the region.
first of all i would like to thank you for this timely debate. i think it is a crucial debate coming at a crucial time.
you know very well that the recognition of a state is not within the competences of the european union.
but you also have some instruments some important instruments in your daily or weekly or monthly contacts with the counterparts there.
but none of this is reopening the path to a political perspective to direct talks or to steps that can bring back hope in the fact that what we call the two state solution' can become a reality in the near future.
case targeted at an imminent decision that can become operational because it is not in the power of the european parliament as it is not in the power of the high representative vice president to recognise a state it is our common responsibility to work together to achieve the goal that i just stated the creation of a palestinian
but i think it is right that we go into the details of what our historical position is to remind ourselves what a two state solution means with the right of israel not only to exist but to exist in security and safety and peace in the region and with all the palestinians all the palestinians
that is why i decided to go in my first week in office because we are the first trade partner for israel and we are the first donor for the palestinian authority.
i am in constant contact with john kerry who is renewing his commitment to reopen the way for negotiations and with the un also because we know that the un security council could be a way to redefine the framework of an initiative.
that is why i think it would be wise from my side today not only to listen to you in the debate but also to try to give you some input on what kind of political elements we can have as the european union to restart a peace process to restart a political process a political perspective.
if we manage to send a united and strong message we probably have a chance of influencing the course of the events in the middle east.
so i am and i will always be a friend of israel and a friend of palestine and will always work to show that this is the only way to be friends of both and of each of them.
it might not be the case that our vision for the future will stay the same for decades.
the criticism about the process and the talks is yes but what does it bring to our people?
we could not make a worse mistake than this.
this can be our role if we keep the awareness of the responsibility that we bear.
we have to be aware of that.
we have two other challenges that are really european ones.
i will always respect the outcome of your decisions and try to work together hand in hand.
the best way of helping the israeli people is to build a palestinian state and the best way of helping the palestinian people is to secure israel's security.
i think the debate this afternoon reflects this very well this questioning ourselves.
we are getting used to it and this is dangerous.
what are the steps?
you would not believe me and you would be right.
if we lose lucidity if we lose our capacity not to be trapped within the conflict ourselves we lose our possibility to play this role and there are not many international actors that are able to play this role so we are bearing with us a responsibility.
now this is something we all agree on;
the decision whether to take a vote on the resolution or not is your decision;
however on the other side let me very frankly say that this debate this afternoon mirrors the debate that is there in the region and this is worrying to me because i think that this debate this afternoon shows that our frustration and even our sense of desperation is deep
so first find better ways to support those internally in the two camps that are committed and help them show their own public opinion that this path is delivering for their own public opinion. this is the big question mark that we have to find an answer to.
we will do it also with the member states and we will do it also with our partners internationally because i believe that all our diplomatic efforts need to be made together with the others.
let me start by saying very sincerely and from my heart that this debate this afternoon shows not only that this is as some of you mentioned one of the most difficult issues on foreign policy in europe i am afraid we might have many of those
it so my attitude today and for tomorrow and for the next five years as we share the period of mandates is and will always be to share to listen to decide together if not officially politically but to respect your autonomy.
what is the best way to strengthen and make credible the people who on both sides still believe that peace is possible there?
but i believe that we also run the risk of calling for negotiations again for the sake of the process and this is eroding the credibility of the process itself. we need the process to bring a result especially on the palestinian side but also on the israeli side.
this is another trap we have to escape.
as someone was saying i will also try to be as innovative as possible and hope that you can help me in this.
the second element that is worrying and is making things very complicated is that there is too much history and too little future in the debate.
for sure you will do it here in this chamber.
we need to work with the countries and the region.
union. so be aware of the fact that this is going to be as many of you have mentioned a real contribution to the role and the work that the european union can do in the middle
detailed plan for peace in the middle east.
we need to make sure that the process and the talks deliver something very concrete for both parts not in the far future but immediately.
and that we risk being trapped in the false illusion of us needing to take one side.
it is not only a historical responsibility but to me it is a responsibility for the future.
it has not come out here but it is coming out there.
it. use it carefully wisely but use it in a way that can work on the results that we
in my opinion and from what i have heard today i see as an element of my future work to strengthen inside the two camps the political leaders and the communities not only the political leaderships but also the communities because society has a role to play here that are committed and that are capable
every second wasted costs innocent lives.
every nation deserves to be recognised and the palestinians have suffered immensely.
the eu must have a coordinated approach to ensure peace and security and stability for all.
it is time to give the palestinians some hope.
the two state solution is the only real chance for peace putting both on an equal footing.
the greatest threat is the illegal settlements in palestine which continue to grow without account.
those who claim that recognition of the palestinian state would negatively impact on future negotiations ignore the reality that twenty years of negotiations have advanced little and have reinforced israel's occupation which consistently undermines a two state solution through settlement expansion and land confiscation. the international community needs to influence change by action because the worrying situation emerging in east jerusalem and the preposterous jewish state bill
similar debates will take place in france belgium and demark.
the israeli onslaught in gaza this summer has shown that the status quo is not acceptable to the millions we represent who protested and it should not be acceptable to anyone who genuinely supports a peaceful and just resolution.
there have been resolutions passed in ireland and britain calling for recognition of palestinian statehood.
my group absolutely joins the condemnation of the horrendous har nof synagogue bombing but the conclusion we draw from this and other terrorist acts is that status quo is not guaranteeing peace and security for the israeli people.
our move today is supported by former israeli ambassadors to france turkey and south africa the former israeli attorney general and the former speaker of the knesset.
we share your concern that this must be a contribution towards talks and i restate our willingness to find with you a good compromise on this point.
why should the european parliament act?
some platter! but as my own party has said in britain palestinian statehood is not a gift to be given it is a right to be recognised.
this is an attempt to restart the journey.
to our palestinian friends we recognise that you have held back on asking us to do this until now and we recognise that international recognition is vital to maintaining hope amongst your people to sustain political support for peace.
given what she lost and what she asked us who are we to disagree?
to my friends in the european people's party your current offer is to say that recognition can only be the outcome of successful talks but that is only restating what is already the case.
it is an attempt to break the deadlock in which the viability of the two state solution is increasingly questioned to avoid a new apartheid which some say is already here.
to those who have argued for delay this week why should parliaments in spain france sweden ireland the united kingdom and now denmark take the initiative but not this european parliament?
we need to change tack colleagues.
there is no peace process worth the name.
in scotland today we support recognition government and parliament alongside many other countries.
i do not know what the right decision is because one thing for sure is that peace can only be achieved if and when israel and the palestinians are ready.
not because no one tried;
to recognise the state of palestine might bring the parties back to the negotiating table but as i said we cannot force them to make peace;
the great number of victims on both sides over the past forty years is a sad testament to the failure of many diplomatic attempts.
for decades now there has been frustratingly little progress in peace processes.
we have seen many attempts by outside powers to initiate to prompt to cajole the two sides into settling their differences but to no avail.
this will all require much compromise in order to achieve the final agreement.
mr president we in this house all dream of the day when we may welcome the end of the hostilities and when peace between israel and the palestinians will finally be achieved in the middle east.
we must recognise the palestinian state at a time most helpful to the peace process.
my group the ecr accepts that lasting peace can only be achieved when all sides return to the negotiating table in order to bring about a two state solution.