lmms-lab-audio/europal-asr huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-17
Mr President, thank you very much to all the Members of the Parliament who have spoken in this discussion. Most of the interventions coincided with the Commission position that this free trade agreement should, if possible, be concluded this year and that this agreement would be positive for many reasons and for both sides. Let me share some of the comments and concerns raised. First of all, the question of human rights, because it is extremely important that our economic and trade partners protect human rights. We are addressing human rights in our institutional dialogue under the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and we will be extremely careful in monitoring protection of human rights and the situation of human rights which may be at risk in this country. Regarding labour rights: labour issues are covered in the trade and sustainable development chapter of the Free Trade Agreement in the present state of this text which is being negotiated and our negotiators have been able to agree on robust language on matters related to the ILO. Good progress was also made on provisions dedicated to upholding levels of labour protection. Another element which has been raised is animal protection. Vietnam has agreed to include these issues in the text. Vietnam prefers to cover the provisions in the trade and sustainable development chapter, but we keep pushing through our negotiators to have it in the chapter on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. So thanks for all your contributions, thanks for your comments, and I hope that in the first months of the next Parliament we will be able or the Commission will be able to inform you about the successful conclusion of these negotiations.
Date: 2014-04-17
Mr President, the Commission welcomes the urgent resolution on the situation in Syria, especially to support the most vulnerable communities in this country. The situation in Syria continues to be extremely difficult and a violent civil war is going on with no end in sight. The international community has spelt out very clearly the conditions for the resumption of the Geneva II talks, but the regime prefers to focus on preparing the re-election of President Assad. The Council stated very strongly last Monday that such elections would be a parody of democracy and would have no credibility whatsoever. At the same time, what was a local uprising against the violent excesses of the Assad regime has attracted radical forces which resort to terrorist tactics against the most vulnerable, as was the case in the recent attack on the Syrian town of Kessab. Vice-President/High Representative Ashton has, on many occasions, called on these fighters to leave Syria and on their external supporters to withdraw this support. Equally, the regime relies on outside support, which further aggravates the situation and impedes the path to a political and Syrian-led solution. We continue to work with all the stakeholders to maintain a political process but the plight of Syrians continues to worsen. The European Union is involved on all fronts to assist the Syrian population. The EU has shown real leadership among the international community, from the ongoing humanitarian support, pressing for humanitarian access, and now with UN Security Council Resolution 2139, to actions supporting refugees, including Palestinians and their host communities in the neighbouring countries, together with providing basic services to Syrians organising their lives in all areas. We will continue to focus our activities to better assist the most vulnerable, which means refugee communities, the internally displaced, people in besieged areas, children, women and minorities, including Christians who, as the Foreign Affairs Council reiterated on Monday, are increasingly targeted. Vice-President/High Representative Ashton, in a statement, expressed shock at the assassination of Father Frans van der Lugt. Many of you made reference to this terrible fact. Father van der Lugt was a courageous man, helping many Syrians trapped inside their homes. Many others like him continue to be kidnapped and mistreated for their courageous work in their communities, especially by extremist and al-Qa'ida linked groups. Thus the EU will continue to call for accountability that will ensure that the perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, especially in regard to those most vulnerable, will not go unpunished.
Date: 2014-04-17
Mr President, the situation of human rights in North Korea is indeed a matter of grave concern for the EU. The UN Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in North Korea was established in March 2013 following a resolution initiated by the EU and Japan. Since 2003 the European Union and Japan have taken the lead in drawing the attention of the United Nations system to human rights abuses in North Korea. The recent report by the UN Commission of Inquiry was a powerful reminder of the abuses that are being perpetrated there, and beyond its borders, by the authorities of this country, including ones that may qualify as crimes against humanity. Our policy towards North Korea is one of critical engagement. The EU's position on the absolute need and obligation for a country to change course in terms of human rights is crystal clear. We have consistently and constantly raised this issue, both with the authorities of North Korea and in the international arena. Especially in the United Nations, the EU has taken a leading role in drawing attention to this appalling state of affairs and we will continue to do so. We will work with all our partners to ensure an appropriate follow-up to the findings of the Commission of Inquiry. At the same time, the European Union has continued to finance limited humanitarian projects in North Korea that ease the sufferings of the most vulnerable and show the North Korean authorities that the EU is not just a critical voice but an actor ready to help improve the situation directly on the ground. The improvement of human rights in North Korea is our ultimate goal.
Date: 2014-09-16
Madam President, I have listened very carefully to what the Members of the House have had to say in the course of this debate, and you will not be surprised to hear that I agree with many of the remarks that you have made. The structural shortage of payments which affects Horizon 2020 should be of concern to all of us, and I definitely hear that concern here today. I am heartened by all of your comments. I have also taken good note of the position of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy on the 2015 EU budget as they expressed it in their vote on 2 September 2014. It is appropriate that, in the week when we meet and have this discussion, the world university rankings have just been published. These show that we have two European Union universities joint second in the world ranking: Cambridge and Imperial College. Both institutions benefit substantially from EU research funding. When we talked about Horizon 2020 and putting the programme together, we worked with the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy to ensure that it meant exactly what Mrs McGuiness talked about: collaboration, getting rid of duplication, and ensuring that the best of European researchers work together with companies, the private sector, SMEs to ensure that we get this synergy going and that we ensure European subsidiarity. Companies like Jaguar Land Rover which also benefit and are present very present in the framework programmes were very supportive of what we were trying to do in relation to simplification and other elements of Horizon 2020. We need the budget that the Commission has asked for in order that we can roll out Horizon 2020. I count, therefore, on the continued active support of the whole Parliament in addressing the payment shortage issue. For that reason, I would repeat once again my call at the beginning of this debate for adoption, without modification, of the Commission's proposal for Draft Amending Budget No 3 to the 2014 budget and of course the draft EU budget for 2015. If you would permit a last word, Madam President, in what I expect to be the final time that I get the opportunity to address the plenary session before leaving office., I can only say that it has been a great honour, a privilege and indeed a pleasure to work with all of you in this Parliament during my mandate as European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. I am confident that, with the support and collaboration of my successor, you will continue in this Parliament to be champions of the research and innovation agenda throughout this parliamentary term. Tá mé thar a bheith buíoch a Uachtaráin as ucht na ndíospóireachtaí dearfacha a bhí agam anseo sa bParlaimint féin agus le Feisirí na Parlaiminte i réimse polasaithe a bhí faoi mo chúram: taighde, nuáil agus eolaíocht. Guím rath ar bhur gcuid oibre agus guím rath ar an bhfear atá ag teacht mar chomharba orm agus tá súil agam go leanfaidh sé leis an gcomhoibriú dlúth a bhí idir an Coimisiún agus an Pharlaimint.
Date: 2018-11-14
Mr President, thank you for this important exchange. I think it has highlighted the importance of the preservation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty for European and global security, as well as our common preoccupation with the increased threats to our security. Disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation treaties and agreements like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and INF constitute our first line of defence. Dismantling such multilateral security arrangements and institutions is in nobody's interest. Because I was asked very explicitly, I would also like to answer the question as to whether I believe we can rescue the INF. Yes, of course, I do believe that. We mustn't give up on that, and must put all our efforts into the rescue of the INF. I also believe that debates like the one today in the European Parliament remind people, including decision makers in Moscow and Washington, of the value of the INF Treaty for European and global security and the stake that we in Europe have in this treaty's future. By the way, the INF is only one contribution to Article 6 of the NPT, so a lot more has to be done in the future. Allegations that the Russian Federation has begun producing and developing new missiles which could be aimed at EU countries, and which are not in compliance with Russia's treaty obligations, deserve to be treated seriously and need to be resolved. This should happen through a responsible dialogue, including at the highest level. The stakes are simply too high.
Date: 2018-11-28
Mr President, to conclude, I would like to thank honourable Members very much for this really useful debate. I have listened attentively to the views expressed. We look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue and engagement. When moving ahead in the accession process with Serbia, I would like to assure you that we closely monitor its progress, paying particular attention to the area of the rule of law, freedom of the media, the Belgrade-Priština dialogue and the other important issues which were mentioned here today.
Date: 2018-11-28
Mr President, at the outset of my concluding remarks, let me express my sincere gratitude to the rapporteur of the European Parliament on Kosovo, Igor Šoltes. I would like to reiterate that stability in the neighbourhood and the enlargement of the European Union is a priority of the Austrian presidency. The EU will continue to assist Kosovo, including through its presence on the ground. And of course this applies also to visa liberalisation, but the Council's deliberations are currently ongoing and the outcome cannot be pre-judged. The Austrian Presidency remains committed to moving the process forward. However, the primary responsibility for progress lies with Kosovo, its leaders, institutions and civil society. Reforms are crucial and they will require consensus across the political spectrum, and the political leaders to live up to their responsibilities for the good of Kosovo and of its citizens.
Date: 2018-11-28
Madam President, honourable Members, dear Commissioner, dear rapporteur, let me begin by recalling the Council conclusions of June 2018, in which the Council decided to respond positively to the progress made by Albania and set out the path towards opening accession negotiations in June 2019. We welcome the Commission's necessary preparatory work. We concur with your view that Albania has made steady progress in addressing the five key priorities. These are positive signals which show that Albania is on the right path, and we strongly encourage it to continue its efforts. Moreover, Albania is implementing a comprehensive justice reform, as the rapporteur already mentioned; the re-evaluation process for judges and prosecutors the so-called vetting has started to deliver under the oversight of the international monitoring operation. We encourage Albania to build on the progress made and to pursue the justice reform in order to achieve increased independence, accountability and professionalism of the judicial system. Establishment of the independent judicial structures, as provided for by the constitutional reform, should be finalised. Albania has worked towards the establishment of a solid track record in the fight against corruption and organised crime. However, it is important that the Government delivers tangible and sustainable results, including against the cultivation and trafficking of drugs. Dismantling organised groups remains an important challenge. We commend Albania for its close cooperation with external law enforcement agencies. We welcome its participation in international police operations and joint investigations, in particular with EU Member States, and urge it to be even more proactive in international police cooperation. On elections, as set out in your report, we expect Albania to address the outstanding OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, amend its electoral code and introduce measures for further enhancing the independence, impartiality, professionalism and capacity of election administration. We emphasise the need for legislative and policy measures to reinforce the protection of human rights and anti-discrimination policies, including the equal treatment of all minorities and access to rights for persons belonging to them throughout the country. Albania has made efforts to put in place effective measures to counter the high flow of manifestly unfounded asylum applications lodged to Albanian citizens. These measures need to be further pursued with the countries most affected until sustained results are achieved. We welcome Albania's constructive engagement in regional cooperation and good-neighbourly relations, which remain an essential element of the enlargement process. I equally want to commend Albania for its full alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy. Today in our discussion we are focusing on Albaniaʼs progress in 2017, on which we have a very similar opinion. However, and more generally, I would like to stress the importance of tangible and sustainable results focusing in particular on the rule of law: this will take Albania closer to the opening of accession talks.
Date: 2018-11-28
Madam President, again, let me express my sincere gratitude for the excellent work and commitment of Parliament's rapporteur on Albania, Mr Fleckenstein. Albania has taken many steps in the right direction and the reform efforts are bearing fruits. We expect the political leaders to overcome internal difficulties and join their forces on advancing on the EU path. In this regard we count on the continued support of the European Parliament to call on all leaders of Albania to cooperate in good faith. Decisive action is now needed to make the required progress. The EU will continue to assist Albania.
Date: 2018-11-28
Madam President, Montenegro remains the front-runner in the accession process and has made further progress over the past years, as already mentioned in detail by the rapporteur. With the institutional framework complete and the legal framework largely in place, the entire rule of law system should now deliver more tangible results and a strengthened and sustainable track record. Progress in particular on the rule of law and fundamental rights chapters, as set out in the negotiation framework, will continue to determine the pace of accession negotiations overall. Therefore, Montenegro should now focus its reform efforts on meeting the interim benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24 and on implementing the respective action plans. The Council strongly encourages Montenegro to demonstrate real results in the fight against corruption and organised crime, money laundering and trafficking in human beings, including through effective investigations, prosecutions and final convictions, and to improve the seizure and confiscation of criminal assets. Recent attacks against journalists highlight the urgent need for the authorities to guarantee a safe climate conducive to freedom of expression and the independence of the media. On economic reforms, the Council has taken positive note of the continuous economic growth and has encouraged Montenegro to take measures to ensure fiscal sustainability, decrease the high public debt, reduce the trade deficit, advance reforms in important areas, such as public procurement and labour market, and improve the business environment. With regard to elections, Montenegro's authority needs to address all irregularities reported by international observers. Returning the political debate to the parliament remains the responsibility of all parties. The Council has warmly welcomed Montenegro's continued positive role in further developing regional cooperation and advancing good neighbourly relations, strongly commended it also for its consistent cooperation on foreign policy issues and, in particular, for its continuous full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. The clear messages in your draft resolutions are well appreciated. It is clear that Montenegro has homework to do. Montenegro will have to intensify its focus on implementing reforms with determination and on fulfilling all benchmarks. To conclude, let me use this opportunity to assure you that we, as the Presidency, will continue to support Montenegro in its reform process and will do our utmost to move the accession negotiations forward. We also count on Montenegro to do its part and maintain the reform momentum.
Date: 2018-11-28
Madam President, I wish to thank you for a very useful debate. I take note that our institutions have a very similar approach and assessment. We look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue and engagement. The Council will continue to closely monitor Montenegro's progress, paying particular attention to the area of rule of law and other important issues mentioned here today and also by the Commissioner. Let me express our appreciation for the constructive contribution of the European Parliament and in particular rapporteur, Charles Tannock, in advancing Montenegro's succession process. I can assure you that we will continue to pay particular attention to the views of Parliament in this regard.
Date: 2018-11-29
Madam President, honourable Members, Chief Negotiator Barnier, ladies and gentlemen, the European Council endorsed the agreement of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU and Euratom. The European Council then invited the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council to take the necessary steps to ensure that the agreement can enter into force on 30 March 2019. The European Council also approved the political declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK. On that occasion, the Union's determination to have as close as possible a partnership with the UK in the future was restated in line with that declaration. This outcome would not have been possible without the commitment and the determination of Mr Barnier and his team, to which the European Council paid tribute. No less important was the sense of unity, shared purpose and responsibility amongst the EU's 27 Member States, as well as amongst the EU institutions. On this particular occasion, I should like to express my appreciation for the constant involvement and timely contribution of the Brexit Steering Group and, more broadly, the European Parliament. In the coming months we will have to secure the conclusion of the withdrawal agreement. The Council is doing its utmost to adopt its decision on signature in the coming weeks, which should allow the EP to complete its consent procedure in good time, before the end of March 2019.
Date: 2018-11-29
Mr President, honourable Members, High Representative, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for this opportunity to discuss the issue again after the debate we had in Strasbourg earlier this month. I'm aware that the delegation from Parliament will be present in Marrakech and that you attach great importance to this conference where the Global Compact of safe, orderly and regular migration is due to be politically endorsed. Since the first draft of the Global Compact was put on the table, Member States engaged in intensive discussions on this document in the Council, both during the Bulgarian and the Austrian Presidency. They also actively engaged in the discussions in New York. Indeed, since the adoption of the New York declaration for refugees and migrants in September 2016, the EU has actively engaged in providing input at the various stages of preparation of the first draft of the Global Compact. As you are aware the Council does not have a common position on this text. Member States have decided or are in the process of deciding their national position on the Global Compact. The political endorsement of the Global Compact in the intergovernmental conference in Marrakech followed by the adoption of this document by the UN General Assembly will open the way for the implementation phase. To conclude, I would recall that cooperation with third countries and regions remains a crucial element of the EU's migration policy. The dialogues and the support we provide to our partners through a variety of instruments, including through the EU Trust Fund for Africa, are testimony to our commitment to a policy that recognises the specific responsibilities, needs and concerns of countries of origin, transit and destination. I can assure you that the Council and the Presidency will continue to contribute to that purpose.
Date: 2018-11-29
Mr President, High Representative, honourable Members, it was useful to have this discussion today in view of the conference next month and of the forthcoming adoption of the Global Compact in New York. I would like to conclude by reiterating what I already stated at the beginning, and that is the fact that migration in general and more specifically cooperation with third countries will remain high on the agenda of the Council and the Presidency. Therefore we will continue to contribute to that purpose. I would like to thank you for sharing your doubts, your questions, your concerns, and also your thoughts in this regard.