misclassified/meps_speeches huggingface dataset:
EU-US relations (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-12-12

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, dear colleagues, transatlantic cooperation has been tried and tested over time, but our bond has proven itself time and again, most recently in the response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Here we have shown remarkable unity, not least by coordinating our military support within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
The United States of America is and will be our most important partner and ally as the European Union. People are at the bedrock of this relationship. Bilateral trade and investment supports millions of jobs in Europe and the United States, respectively, and we are each other’s strongest geo-economic base. But indeed, we need to and can do more in order to maximise the added value of transatlantic relations by exploiting the opportunities for cooperation presented by the EU-US security and defence dialogue.
I am convinced that on both sides of the Atlantic there is genuine interest to cement the foundations of a relationship so that we can meet the challenges of the years and decades to come. Let me thank the rapporteur and the shadows for presenting this very good report.
EU/New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-11-21

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, this free trade agreement negotiated over the course of four years and signed on 9 July indeed marks a significant milestone in our bilateral relations. It reinforces New Zealand Aotearoa as a valued trade and investment partner and it strengthens the European Union’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.
All in all, as many colleagues have mentioned, this agreement removes trade barriers for companies on both sides, particularly when it comes to tariffs, public procurement and the protection of intellectual property. This promises legal certainty and, hence, ultimately incentives, investment and trade.
Yet this agreement is not merely a trade and investment deal. It is a testament to shared values and mutual trust between two like-minded partners. Just like us, New Zealand adheres to the Paris Climate Agreement, New Zealand is committed to sustainable development and New Zealand is dedicated to core labour standards. In a world facing increasing protectionism, New Zealand and the European Union have together set a positive example and laid an important foundation for fair, rules-based and sustainable trade.
I am glad that all our Member States have understood just how important New Zealand Aotearoa is in this process, and I trust that we will pave the way for the agreement to come into force in the first half of next year.
Strengthening the right to participate: legitimacy and resilience of electoral processes in illiberal political systems and authoritarian regimes (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-11-08

  David McAllister (PPE),  schriftlich. – Geopolitical turmoil, chief amongst it the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its global repercussions, is both the cause and the consequences of an environment in which democracies are openly challenged. Only 6.1 per cent of the world's population lives in a functioning democracy according to the most recent Global Democracy Index. More than a third of the global population lives under authoritarian rule. Precisely because democracy is the beating heart and core of the European Union’s identity, we need to reinforce the right to participate in the world. Autocracies employ increasingly versatile tools to legitimise elections that are neither fair nor free - be it through fake observers or the abuses of information and communication technology. The European Union needs to strengthen the link between election observation work and our wider support for human rights and democracy. Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group is a dedicated structure that coordinates our work in this area. Over the last year and especially since 2014, our democracy support activities have been ramped up. We have developed expertise and capacity to provide comprehensive assistance to non-EU parliaments through a number of activities undertaken ahead of, during and after elections.
Taking stock of Moldova's path to the EU (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-10-03

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, as we have heard tonight, President Maia Sandu and her pro-European government are operating in constant crisis mode. And yet, they have succeeded in introducing key legislative initiatives tailored to the nine conditions set by the European Commission. These are tremendous efforts. Soon, the Commission’s upcoming enlargement package will testify to these reforms. It is now up to us in the European Union to live up to our own commitments at a political level. We need to introduce further permanent means of diplomatic engagement, sectoral cooperation and financial assistance. And we need to strengthen the new European Union partnership mission in Moldova. Moldova’s entry into the European Single Market would boost exports, attract investments and foster integration with the European Union. And colleagues, both parties would benefit from starting EU accession negotiations. The citizens of Moldova deserve the perspective of joining our European Union. Mulţumesc.
Relations with Belarus (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-09-12

  David McAllister (PPE),  in writing. – Last week, Mr Lukashenko declared that passports will be issued and renewed in Belarus only. This will effectively leave all those in exile stranded abroad without valid identification. This is another act of subjugation. This is another piece of evidence that the dictator in Minsk is ready to betray his population to secure his own power. Tougher sanctions need to be the consequence – against Lukashenko and all his henchmen that are responsible for violence, for repression and for the complicity in the atrocities committed in Ukraine. While Lukashenko is pushing Belarus ever deeper into the Russian orbit, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who we will welcome tomorrow noon in this hemicycle, presents a diametrically different vision. Let us elevate our relations with the Belarusian democratic forces to a more formal level. The new Consultative Group is a first step in the right direction. It is our duty – it is our self-interest even – to continue providing the opposition with the resources required to keep the Belarusian democratic dream alive.
European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-09-11

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, as we have stated so often in this plenary, to this day, 80 % of defence equipment is procured at purely national level. 
Not only do we need to invest more in defence but we definitely need to invest better, and better means, of course, more European. Together we get better prices, profit from faster delivery times and avoid a regrettable lack of interoperability in our national capabilities. 
EDIPRA, as previous speakers have pointed out, serves precisely this purpose. This instrument will pool the demand of Member States and incentivise joint procurement by covering the administrative costs related to such cross-border cooperation. 
Small- and medium-sized enterprises are key enablers of such collaborative efforts. I am glad to see their contribution recognised in this instrument. 
But with a budget of EUR 300 million till December 2024, the envisaged financial volume, indeed, falls short of the actual needs that should not be dismissed. 
Yet the political will for the instrument itself is a historic step towards a European Defence Union, because for the first time the collaborative procurement of defence equipment is supported directly from the budget of the European Union. Well done, I say, to the rapporteurs.
Situation in Lebanon (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-06-13

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, for months now, the current situation in Lebanon is extremely alarming. Lebanon has the largest per capita number of refugees in the world. The state is nearly collapsing due to the political, economic, social, financial and health crisis and in the end, a state of institutional breakdown. Since the last general elections in May 2022, which I was able to observe on the ground, a fully-fledged government has still not been formed. Lebanon needs to swiftly elect a president and break the institutional gridlock. Operational and functioning public institutions are urgently required to start pursuing long overdue reforms without any further delay, to strengthen accountability, to increase transparency, and to tackle corruption. 
Colleagues, it is regrettable that the municipal elections have been postponed again. Proper democratic and free local elections must be held without any delay. The European Union should provide technical and financial assistance to enable these elections to be held in the best possible conditions. 
And finally, almost three years have passed since the Beirut port explosion. A transparent, independent, neutral and effective investigation into this explosion must be a priority. Commissioner Lenarčič, given the dire situation in Lebanon, the EU must now engage to prevent the state collapse and to help alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people with a strong, critical and demanding focus on delivering reforms.
Situation in Nicaragua (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-06-13

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, dear High Representative / Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, look, we have all heard very good arguments from previous speakers. Most of us, apart from a few exceptions, will agree that the authoritarian regime of Mr Ortega and Ms Murillo has systematically undermined Nicaragua’s democratic structures, including the separation of powers, the electoral system and the respect for human rights.
The European Parliament has, rightly so, strongly condemned the repression in Nicaragua, and repeatedly called for the liberation of all political prisoners, for the return to the rule of law and for a dialogue between the regime and the opposition. 
Indeed, the dictatorship of Mr Ortega and Ms Murillo maintained strong ties to the other authoritarian regimes such as Iran, Venezuela and Cuba. It has also been consistently outspoken in its support for the Kremlin, in particular in its voting record at the United Nations. 
High Representative, one point I would like to finally make. We need to make sure that our financial assistance supports the people in need and the country does not end up in the hands of the regime and its associates. European taxpayers hard-earned money must not be misused to legitimise the undemocratic and autocratic regime in Managua.
Situation in Peru (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-04-18

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, Peru, as we have heard from so many speakers tonight, is a key partner for the European Union, and we want to deepen and strengthen our close and long-standing relations with this country on the basis of the memorandum of understanding that was signed in October last year.
All of us are very concerned by the social unrest and the political instability that Peru has been going through since December. I deplore at least 67 killed people and more than 1 300 injured in clashes with law enforcement forces since the beginning of the protests. It is essential to end the violence and to investigate any possible violations of human rights. In this highly polarised and unstable context, only a constructive dialogue between the government and all political actors, including the participation of civil society and affected communities, can, in the end, pave the way to a swift political solution that preserves the constitutional order, the rule of law and human rights.
Regaining trust in the democratic institutions is important to ease the current tensions. Therefore, I ask you, dear High Representative, to continue the EU’s full, committed support to the Peruvian efforts in this regard. As part of the EU election observation mission to Peru in 2020, I observed first-hand the electoral system, which has delivered free and fair elections for over 20 years. We as the European Union stand ready to support the democratic system also in the future.
EU Rapid Deployment Capacity, EU Battlegroups and Article 44 TEU: the way forward (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-04-18

  David McAllister,  im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar, sehr verehrte Damen, sehr geehrte Herren! Vor drei Wochen hat der Auswärtige Ausschuss über die Lehren aus 20 Jahren Einsatz in Afghanistan beraten. Und eines war, glaube ich, fraktionsübergreifend klar: Die Europäische Union muss künftig in der Lage sein, eine Evakuierungsoperation wie die in Kabul im Jahr 2021 selbst durchzuführen. 
Genau solch einem Zweck dient diese schnelle Eingreiftruppe der Europäischen Union. Mit bis zu 5000 Soldaten, die je nach Bedarf zu Bodentruppen, Luft- oder Seestreitkräften gehören, wird die Eingreiftruppe auf den jeweiligen Krisenkontext zugeschnitten. So unterscheidet sie sich qualitativ und quantitativ von den EU Battlegroups, die zwar seit 2007 einsatzbereit waren und sind, aber aufgrund von mangelndem politischen Willen und fehlender finanzieller Solidarität leider nie entsandt wurden.
Damit die schnelle Eingreiftruppe nicht das gleiche Schicksal erfährt wie ihr Vorgängermodell, bleiben noch manche Fragen zu klären. Das betrifft besonders die Kostenteilung, die Anforderung zur Einsatzbereitschaft parallel zur NATO Response Force und die Befehlsstruktur. Die Mitgliedstaaten müssen die genauen Modalitäten jetzt zügig festlegen, idealerweise noch vor der ersten Übung in diesem Jahr. 
Am Ende, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, steht und fällt das Konzept mit dem echten politischen Willen der Mitgliedstaaten. Gemessen an den Hürden, die die europäische sicherheits- und verteidigungspolitische Zusammenarbeit bisher nehmen musste, ist die schnelle Eingreiftruppe ein Meilenstein. Darauf kann und sollte aufgebaut werden.
Formal sitting - Ceremony on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-03-29

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, as just rightly described by our three Presidents, the troubles in Northern Ireland were one of the darkest chapters in recent European history.
For the longest time, deep historic rifts between unionists and nationalists made any negotiations for lasting peace seemingly impossible. With the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement, we are celebrating a historic development that remains essential to peace and indeed reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Dear colleagues, the true test of political leadership comes when it takes courage to lead against popular belief, and the peace process on the island of Ireland has known more than one courageous political leader. The Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement demonstrates it is possible to achieve great good in politics. Ever since 1998, we, as the European Union, we have worked alongside our UK and Irish partners to implement exactly this agreement. It was exactly in this spirit that we conducted the Brexit negotiations amid the rise of old questions of sovereignty and national identity. Preventing a hard border on the island of Ireland was and is an essential priority for the European Union.
Particularly in times of serious geopolitical challenges, a stable cooperation with the United Kingdom is so crucial. Much more unites us than divides us. As just mentioned by the Commission President, the Windsor Framework: with this Windsor Framework, we have found practical solutions to the challenges in the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland while maintaining the integrity of our EU single market. Indeed, the Windsor Framework offers a united way forward, but it also honours the historic achievements we are commemorating today. Together with our UK partners, let us use this momentum to walk the talk and to implement the solutions reached on paper.
The challenges facing the Republic of Moldova (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-03-14

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Herr Präsident, sehr geehrter Herr Kommissar! In den letzten Monaten ist die Republik Moldau zunehmend zum Ziel russischer Einflussnahme geworden. Die wirtschaftliche Lage ist angespannt, das sicherheitspolitische Umfeld ist fragil. Moskau schränkt die Energieversorgung ein und versucht, die proeuropäische Regierung durch orchestrierte Proteste zu destabilisieren.
Das Ziel ist klar und das haben bereits viele Vorrednerinnen und Vorredner angesprochen. Der reformorientierte korruptionsbekämpfende und EU-freundliche Kurs soll untergraben werden. Der Regierung von Präsidentin Maia Sandu ist es trotz dieser widrigsten Umstände gelungen, ein ambitioniertes Reformprogramm voranzutreiben. Der im Juni 2022 erteilte Beitrittskandidatenstatus ist unser Versprechen an die langfristige europäische Perspektive der Republik Moldau.
Die Europäische Union muss und wird die Regierung in Chişinău in dieser schwierigen Lage weiterhin entschlossen und konsequent unterstützen. Es geht darum, die staatlichen Strukturen zu stabilisieren. Es geht darum, die wirtschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen zu verbessern, und es geht darum, die Resilienz gegenüber russischer Desinformation zu stärken.
In diesem Zusammenhang, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen, unterstütze ich ausdrücklich die Pläne, zügig eine zivile GSVP-Mission in das Land zu entsenden, um die moldauischen Strukturen im Krisenmanagement zu stärken. Das nächste Treffen der Europäischen Politischen Gemeinschaft findet am 1. Juni in Chişinău statt. Das wird ein wichtiger Anlass sein, der Republik Moldau die Unterstützung aller europäischen Partner zu zeigen.
Implementation report on the Agreement on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU - The Windsor Framework (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-03-14

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, over the past two years of relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union were shaped by challenges that have indeed emerged in the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Particularly at a time of serious geopolitical challenges, a stable and trustful cooperation is crucial. For this reason, like many other colleagues, I welcome the Windsor framework that was announced on 27 February. This is a welcome and long-awaited step in the right direction which should allow us to open a new chapter in our relationship.
Let me congratulate Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The agreement shows that practical and shared solutions to the challenges in the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland can be found. It highlights that joint efforts to find bilateral solutions to mitigate the consequences of Brexit can ensure stability and predictability for people and businesses in Northern Ireland, while at the same time maintaining the integrity of our EU single market.
The Windsor framework also reflects the EU’s long-standing commitment to protect the Belfast Good Friday Agreement in all its parts. The timely implementation of the solutions identified in the Windsor framework is key now. As the European Parliament, we will deliver on the legislative procedures as quickly as possible.
Let me also thank Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and his team for the great work and for the excellent cooperation with Parliament. You can count on our continued support.
The Global Gateway Initiative (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-01-19

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, more than one year has passed since the Commission put forward the Global Gateway – let me thank President Ursula von der Leyen for her leadership. In that one year, geopolitics have changed significantly, as many speakers have pointed out. It is now more important than ever to ensure that the European Union provides an instrument and an investment alternative to partner countries, including those receptive to Chinese and Russian influence.
The Global Gateway initiative offers long—term sustainable solutions to address joint priorities together with our partners. This is good for their development and it is also necessary to strengthen our own strategic sovereignty and competitiveness. Yes, the Global Initiative is an important geopolitical tool with large potential, but in order to make it effective, it is key to be geopolitically smart and strategic in our action and communication.
The choice of projects should be driven by two guiding questions: first, where does our offer to countries entail both a qualitative high positive offer to the partner country? And second, when does it help prevent malign influence by authoritarian countries? I welcome the groundwork that has been done over the past year, but now it is important to deliver as Team Europe, the EU institutions, the Member States, the EIB, the EBRD and the private sector need to come on board with their financing and with their expertise. The European Parliament should continue to stand ready to help make Global Gateway a success.
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2022 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy - annual report 2022 (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-01-17

  David McAllister,  rapporteur. – Madam President, thank you for giving me the floor. High Representative / Vice-President Josep Borrell, dear colleagues, I remember how we adopted last year’s common foreign and security policy report, it was on the 16th of February and just a few days later, the world changed significantly.
Since the 24th of February, war is back in Europe. We are living in a moment of geopolitical redefinition, as we have heard by previous speakers today already. The European Union’s swift, united and sustained response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and our ability to learn and address previous geostrategic mistakes, is a testament of the effectiveness of our common foreign security and defence policy. Indeed, the world has returned to the rules of power politics. As the European Union, we need to adapt to these realities, making sure that our objectives are consistent with our means. 
My report this year emphasises that the European Union should shape its common foreign and security policy in accordance with four general actions. 
First, the concept of strategic autonomy or strategic sovereignty, however you want to name it, needs to be put into practice. This can, inter alia, be done by swiftly and efficiently implementing the ambitious measures enshrined in the strategic campus. This can be done by reducing strategic dependencies. This can be done by enhancing the European Union’s resilience. But its action that speaks not words.
Second, the European Union should strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships for a better world. From our closest neighbours and allies to those who are far away but need us most, we should cooperate with partners to defend the rules based order and to maintain a principled position vis-à-vis those who exactly challenge our common values and principles.
Thirdly, to strengthen the European Union’s institutional and decision-making arrangements in foreign and security policy, we once again propose to turn to qualified majority voting progressively in all areas of the CFSP without military or defence implications. For instance, when it comes to the EU global human rights sanctions regime, also called the EU Magnitsky Act, using the passerelle clauses in Article 48 and Article 31 of the Treaty on European Union would be key. 
And finally, fourthly, we should do our best to enhance parliamentary diplomacy as one of the European Union’s foreign policy tools with a proven added value. 
To conclude, let me thank the shadow rapporteurs, all the involved staff from the groups and the Secretariat, and also dear Josep Borrell, the team of the High Representative for the once again constructive and fruitful cooperation. And I’m looking forward to carefully listening to the arguments in this debate.
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2022 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy - annual report 2022 (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-01-17

  David McAllister,  Berichterstatter. – Herr Präsident! Ich werde noch nicht einmal im Ansatz versuchen, die Debatte, die wir heute Nachmittag bzw. heute Abend hier geführt haben, zusammenzufassen. Ich möchte festhalten, dass ich hier sehr gute Wortbeiträge vieler Kolleginnen und Kollegen gehört habe. Ich gebe auch zu Protokoll, dass ich einige Wortmeldungen vom ganz linken Rand und vom ganz rechten Rand dieses Parlaments für außerordentlich befremdlich hielt und nach wie vor halte.
Ich möchte all das, was der Hohe Vertreter und Vizepräsident Josep Borrell gerade gesagt hat, unterstreichen. Und ich glaube, es ist wichtig, dass wir sowohl in der europäischen Außen- als auch in der europäischen Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik, für die der Kollege Tom Vandenkendelaere den Bericht vorgelegt hat, versuchen – auch hier im Europäischen Parlament zwischen den konstruktiven Fraktionen –, ein hohes Maß an Übereinstimmung bereitzustellen. Ich will noch einmal an dieser Stelle sagen: Wir hatten wirklich gute Sitzungen der Schattenberichterstatter, haben uns durch viele, viele Anträge durchgearbeitet und am Ende ein gutes Werk gemeinsam hinbekommen. Nun haben wir morgen noch zu meinem Bericht zumindest 91 Änderungsanträge vorliegen, die in letzter Minute noch vorgelegt worden sind. Das ist eine relativ hohe Anzahl. Über die müssen wir jetzt alle noch abstimmen.
Gleichwohl hoffe ich, dass wir dieses hohe Maß an Geschlossenheit und Einheit in grundsätzlichen Fragen der europäischen Außen-, Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik hier im Parlament aufrechterhalten, auch um unserem Hohen Vertreter und Vizepräsidenten dann auch entsprechend die parlamentarische Unterstützung zu geben. Ich möchte mich ausdrücklich bei Josep Borrell bedanken, dass er die ganze Debatte über hier im Plenarsaal mit dabei gewesen ist.
“The Road to 2023” - Towards a stronger EU-Latin America partnership (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2023-01-17

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, Commissioner Reynders, ladies and gentlemen, I’m enjoying this midnight session. The relations between the European Union and Latin America are not just a priority for some European countries because of their traditional bilateral relations: this partnership is a priority for the entire European Union as a whole and strategically important to strengthen the international rules—based order.
But colleagues, actions speak, not words, and to ensure that our efforts are credible, let us finally complete the modernisation of existing association agreements with Mexico and Chile. Let us finally sign the negotiated post—Cotonou Agreement with the African, Caribbean and Pacific community. Let us finally ratify the Association Agreement with Central America, and let us finally finalise the EU—Mercosur Agreement.
Trade plays an important role, yet these agreements are not just trade deals. These agreements are vehicles for a new and modernised agenda of cooperation. They are, in the end, a matter of credibility for our relationship and key to strengthening the European Union as a geopolitical actor.
Colleagues, actions speak, not words.
Suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions (debate) (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-12-13

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, trust in our Parliament’s integrity and the rule of law are paramount for the functioning of European democracy. The European Parliament must conduct a policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. 
For this reason, I am appalled that four people closely connected to the European Parliament, including one of its vice presidents, were arrested by the Belgian authorities on suspicions of money laundering, corruption and participating in a criminal organisation. 
I very much welcome President Roberta Metsola’s leadership, her words yesterday, here in this hemicycle. I welcome her initiative to launch an internal investigation and a wide-ranging reform process. In order to increase transparency and to fight corruption, it is important that we now draw the right conclusions. 
Colleagues, the European Parliament cannot assume the role of a court and does not intend to prejudice ongoing investigations. Yet I congratulate the relevant Belgian and further European authorities on 14 further criminal actions through their work. Parliament should fully support the ongoing criminal investigation. For any foreign actor proven guilty in this ongoing case, there must also be swift and dissuasive consequences. 
The European Parliament needs to strengthen our anti-corruption mechanisms as well as defensive tools to combat foreign interference. Let me fully underline what colleagues have said. For time reasons, let me just add one additional point. In this case, a non-governmental organisation was allegedly used, or – to be more precise – misused as a vector of foreign interference in our political work. Therefore, we should also have a look at existing regulations in order to increase transparency and accountability of organisations and other actors.
Annual implementing report on the EU association agreement with Georgia (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-12-13

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Georgia is part of Europe. Georgia belongs to Europe. But as we have heard tonight, to be granted EU candidate status, Georgia needs to successfully address the 12 key priorities indicated by the Commission. The Georgian bid for membership will continue to be assessed based on its own merits and its success in implementing all the necessary reforms. Unfortunately, the tense political situation hampers the country’s development. 
I want to make five remarks. First, political stakeholders need to refrain from any divisive and aggressive rhetoric, and unite their forces in order to increase trust among all political and institutional actors. Second, the excessive influence of vested interests in economic, political and public life needs to be eliminated. Third, Georgian authorities need to ensure media freedom. This entails editorial independence, transparent media ownership of pluralistic, impartial and non-discriminatory coverage of political views. Fourth, political leaders in Georgia must stop aggressive verbal attacks against Members of our European Parliament and representatives of other partner countries. 
And finally – and this is also personal for me – as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I call on the Georgian authorities: please, please release former President Saakashvili and allow him to undergo proper medical treatment.
ASEAN relations ahead of the EU-ASEAN summit in December 2022 (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-12-13

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, tomorrow, as so many speakers have mentioned, our heads of state and government are commemorating 45 years of the partnership between ASEAN and the European Union, a partnership that was upgraded to a strategic level just two years ago. If the relationship between the two most advanced and integrated regional organisations in the world really is to be strategic, issues of concern to the one ought to be considered an issue of concern to the other. 
Having said that, tomorrow’s summit offers ample opportunity to strategise the elements of our future security and defence cooperation at a time when international law and maritime security are increasingly being subverted. Like the EU, ASEAN does not attempt to undermine multilateralism. We stand united in our conviction that trade and security should follow rules laid out in international agreements. With the EU being ASEAN’s third largest trading partner and its second largest investor, a region-to-region free trade agreement remains the common long-term objective. 
In the meantime, let us make full use of existing free trade agreements with Vietnam and Singapore. I encourage further progress in the negotiations concerning the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia, and we should also remain open to a resumption of bilateral negotiations with Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines when, of course, right conditions are in place.
EU-China relations (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-11-22

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, High Representative/Vice-President, ladies and gentlemen, as a number of colleagues have pointed out in tonight’s debate, the relations between the People’s Republic of China and the European Union have been affected by so many different items – disproportionate counter-sanctions, cases of economic coercion and Chinese convergence with Russia, just to name a few. 
China is the only country with both the intent to reshape the international order and the economic, diplomatic, military and technological power to actually do so. China will continue to be a major global player with whom the European Union must speak, work, trade and negotiate in areas of common and global interest. 
Therefore, High Representative/Vice-President, for this reason, the European Union’s engagement with China should be, as we have often pointed out, principled, practical and pragmatic. But at the same time, the European Union needs to stand firm in defending our values and interests. To reduce our vulnerabilities, to increase our resilience, to address our security concerns and to engage with our partners – from the more distant to the like—minded – are all important lines of action.
EU response to the increasing crackdown on protests in Iran (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-11-22

  David McAllister,  im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Sehr verehrte Frau Präsidentin, Herr Kommissar, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Kommissar Várhelyi hat gerade die Situation in Iran beschrieben; dem ist nichts hinzuzufügen. Das islamistische Mullah-Regime setzt Repression als Mittel zum eigenen Fortbestehen ein. Aber angesichts dieser Entwicklung, die der Kommissar beschrieben hat, muss aus meiner Sicht die Europäische Union endlich ihre Iranpolitik auf den Prüfstand stellen und den Druck auf das Regime weiter erhöhen. 
Der Iran steht möglicherweise vor den größten innenpolitischen und gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen seit 1979. Jetzt besteht die Chance, systematische Verbesserungen für die Lage der Frauen und einen gesellschaftlichen Wandel hin zu mehr Freiheit und Demokratie zu erreichen. Aber auf diesem Weg bedarf es der entschlossenen und tatkräftigen Unterstützung durch die Europäische Union. 
Herr Kommissar, ich bitte Sie: Wir müssen als Europäische Union die Protestbewegung, die Zivilgesellschaft im Iran stärker unterstützen. Die EU-Sanktionen müssen auf alle Personen und Organe des iranischen Regimes ausgeweitet werden, die an der Unterdrückung der aktuellen Proteste beteiligt sind, und die sogenannten Revolutionsgarden müssen EU-weit auf die Sanktionsliste gesetzt werden. 
Ich bin Präsidentin Roberta Metsola dankbar, dass sie einer Anregung der Koordinatoren im Ausschuss für auswärtige Angelegenheiten gefolgt ist, dass wir im Europäischen Parlament bis auf Weiteres keine direkten Kontakte mit offiziellen iranischen Gesprächspartnern werden stattfinden lassen. Das ist unsere Antwort auf die Sanktionierung von sechs Kolleginnen und Kollegen durch das Regime in Teheran.
EU-Western Balkans relations in light of the new enlargement package (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-10-19

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, Commissioner Várhelyi, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has forced us to rethink our commitments and policies, including on enlargement. With Ukraine and Moldova having been granted candidate status and Georgia having been granted a European perspective, there are now ten countries in total that have embarked upon a path towards the European Union. 
Last Wednesday, we debated the 2022 enlargement package immediately after its adoption in an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee, together with our Commissioner, Olivér Várhelyi. 
If I remember correctly, we more or less conveyed three messages. First, we highlighted the need to advance the EU enlargement policy as the single most effective instrument for securing peace, prosperity and fundamental values on the European continent. Second, we reiterated our strong support for the European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans and underlined that the European Union needs to deliver on the obligations towards these countries. And, third, we emphasised that each enlargement country should be judged by its own and on its own merits. The enlargement process needs to remain firmly based on the fulfilment of all relevant criteria, with a strong focus on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, as well as on close cooperation on foreign policy matters. 
Commissioner Várhelyi, the Foreign Affairs Committee will continue to scrutinise the enlargement policy closely and we will now stock our work on the individual country reports.
Outcome of the first meeting of the European Political Community (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-10-19

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, Commissioner Várhelyi, Minister Bek, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has been a wake-up call for all of us. In this context, it is crucial that we intensify our relations with our strategic partners all over the globe, and especially with our like-minded neighbours in Europe.
In this regard, I very much welcome the inaugural meeting of the European Political Community. Minister Bek, let me thank the Czech Presidency for hosting, organising and making this event a success, děkuji.
This new platform has potential. The gathering of the 44 leaders delivered some concrete results, as Commissioner Várhelyi just mentioned. For example, the organisation of a civilian EU mission on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, or in the case of agreeing on a future bilateral summit between the United Kingdom and France. As such, the European Political Community can foster political dialogue for the benefit of our entire continent.
However, it is clear that the European Political Community cannot replace existing EU policies and instruments, notably enlargement. It has to fully respect the European Union’s decision-making autonomy. The European Political Community should not create a two-speed Europe.
Now, a strategic follow-up to a meeting in Prague is key to shape the future work of the EPC. This new format should be used to deliver concrete solutions to Europe’s most pressing issues.
The death of Mahsa Amini and the repression of women's rights protesters in Iran (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-10-04

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, Mr High Representative/Vice President, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, the massive protests that erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody have spread to 171 cities in all 31 provinces of Iran. The people are protesting against a deeply corrupt and violent regime that systematically oppresses women and responds to political resistance with brutal violence and repression. The violent crackdown of the mullahs security forces on peaceful protesters must stop immediately.
The Council ought to impose tough sanctions responding to serious human rights violations as soon as possible. Call them restrictive measures, call them tough sanctions – the main thing is they will be adopted; sooner, the better.
The regime in Tehran has manoeuvred itself into a dead end. As our President Roberta Metsola stated yesterday here in the plenary, we as the European Parliament stand in solidarity with the brave women and men and all their democratic aspirations in their fight for women’s, human and minority rights, for the free flow of information and access to Internet, and for a free, secular and democratic republic.
The EU’s strategic relationship and partnership with the Horn of Africa (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-10-04

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, Commissioner Urpilainen, as you just mentioned, a delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee travelled to Ethiopia and Sudan just two weeks ago, and we were able to observe first-hand that insecurity in the Horn of Africa is a serious threat to the prospects of the whole of Africa, as well as to our own security in the European Union. 
Coming back from these two countries, I would like to share a number of observations, perhaps six actions which I believe are key. 
First, we need to tackle the root causes of conflicts, extremism and radicalisation, such as terrorism, extreme poverty, the consequences of climate change and long—standing border disputes. Second, we need to strengthen the EU-CSDP missions and operations and to support peace processes under African ownership. Third, we need to support all diplomatic efforts towards ending the ongoing conflict within Ethiopia. Fourth, we need to counter Russian influence, such as the activities of the paramilitary Wagner Group in Sudan, as it has the potential to further destabilise the region. Fifth, we need to address the dependency of African states on Chinese investments. And six, we need to monitor very closely the total alignment of Eritrea with the Russian narrative and Russian propaganda. 
As Fabio Castaldo pointed out, the Horn of Africa is strategically important, and thus the European Union needs to strengthen its role in the region. Together with international and regional partners, let us integrate the trade, the development, the humanitarian and the conflict—prevention approaches to tackle the enormous challenges in this region.
The situation in the Strait of Taiwan (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-09-13

  David McAllister (PPE).   – As many colleagues have underlined, I also condemn the unprecedented level of the PRC’s military exercises in the Taiwan Strait. In addition to these militarily threatening gestures, the communist government in Beijing is employing economic and political means, as well as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns against Taiwan. But stability in the Taiwan Strait is directly linked to our European key interests of maintaining security, prosperity and freedom in the region. Yes, the European Union maintains the principled one-China policy, but we cannot tolerate unilateral attempts to modify the status quo, and even less so by resorting to force. In light of the continued military build-up, it remains very important for us as a European Union that we express our firm solidarity with the people of Taiwan, that we refuse to be intimidated or blackmailed by Beijing's provocations in the Taiwan Strait, and that we work together with our key partners such as the United States, South Korea, Australia and Japan to maintain peace and stability in the entire region.
Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood – a new agenda for the Mediterranean (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-09-13

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Dear Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, allow me, first of all, to thank our colleague Antonio López-Istúriz White for his excellent report and also for his very concrete recommendations to the Commission and the Vice-President High Representative: how to renew the partnership with our Southern Neighbourhood.
As Mr López-Istúriz White’s report outlines, it is key to secure adequate resources for a timely and effective implementation of the new agenda for the Mediterranean. It is key to strengthen the EU’s dialogue in cooperation with the countries of the Southern Neighbourhood, and it is key to address the impact of the Russian aggression against Ukraine on exactly these countries.
A strengthened Mediterranean partnership remains a strategic imperative for the European Union, simply because the challenges the region continues to face require a common response. And I would like to thank Commissioner Várhelyi for presenting a number of very concrete actions we are taking as a European Union. Only by acting together in a spirit of partnership can we turn common challenges and opportunities in our mutual interest.