misclassified/meps_speeches huggingface dataset:
The UK government’s unilateral introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill and respect for international law (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-07-06

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, the Northern Ireland Protocol bill tabled by the United Kingdom Government is a regrettable unilateral move. As it dis—applies core elements of the Protocol in Ireland and Northern Ireland, it creates more difficulties in Northern Ireland and undermines mutual trust. Unilateral actions deliberately contradicting an international agreement are not the way forward. 
The Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol, was and is the necessary foundation for the EU—UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The European Union’s reaction to the Northern Ireland Protocol bill has been proportionate, firm and calm – and rightly so, Vice—President Šefčovič.
We want to have stable and positive relations with the United Kingdom based on our agreements, mutually negotiated, signed and ratified by the United Kingdom and the European Union. We remain partners with shared values. Therefore, I call on the UK Government to re—enter talks to facilitate the practical implementation of the Protocol. The Protocol is not the problem – it is part of the solution to a problem. The original problem is, and remains, Brexit.
The EU and the defence of multilateralism (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-07-05

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has been a wake-up call for all of us in the European Union. This war is a defining event for the future of our common foreign and security policy. Many challenges, as colleagues have already pointed out, lie ahead of us in this new era marked by increasing strategic competition, as well as a continued erosion of the rules-based international order. 
Indeed, the European Union should strengthen its role as a global champion for multilateralism. It is about making this system more relevant, resilient and effective. Moreover, as the European Union we need to intensify ties with our strategic partners, partners with whom we share the same values, partners with whom we can work together to promote and defend the rules-based international order with the United Nations at its heart. 
The European Parliament has a special role to play when it comes to parliamentary diplomacy and building global partnerships. Therefore, let us continue to develop our wide-ranging networks with third countries and international organisations to face common challenges. As Committee Chair, let me say to Jávi López, well done, your report will be voted tomorrow with a large majority.
The EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine (A9-0164/2022 - David McAllister, Nathalie Loiseau)  (vote)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-06-08

  David McAllister,  rapporteur. – Mr President, as I have communicated to the co-rapporteur Nathalie Loiseau, to the shadow rapporteurs and to the plenary services yesterday, I would like to propose an oral amendment to update the title of this recommendation. 
It shall be named ‘The EU's foreign security and defence policy after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine’. Colleagues, over the past weeks, we have used the term ‘war of aggression’ instead of ‘invasion’; therefore, I suggest to also change the title of this recommendation accordingly.
The EU’s Foreign, Security and Defence Policy after the Russian invasion of Ukraine (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-06-07

  David McAllister,  rapporteur. – Mr President, since Natalie Loiseau is not in the plenary I guess it’s up to me to sum up this debate. I would, first of all, like to thank all of you for an open, constructive and fruitful debate. We heard a lot of support and praise from the centre of the European Parliament and some criticism from the very far left and the very far right. I would like to share the observation of many MEPs, and I listened carefully, that we as a European Parliament are sending a strong message with this recommendation. 
The European Union indeed has to make genuine progress in the foreign policy and defence cooperation at the EU level, and this should include establishing a defence union with more ambitious, short, medium and long term objectives. As several colleagues mentioned in tonight’s debate, the European Union needs to implement the concrete actions laid down in the strategic compass, which would serve as a starting point for implementing common EU defence. 
Finally, the European Union needs to achieve strategic sovereignty and increase its ability to act in today’s moment of geopolitical redefinition. Colleagues, Russia’s war against Ukraine is not only attack on Ukraine, it is indeed an attack on the entire peace and security architecture and order in Europe. For this reason, for this reason, it is high time that we enhance the healing and the effectiveness of our foreign security and defence policy. Let us do this with determination substantially and in close cooperation with our partners.
The EU and the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-06-06

  David McAllister,  rapporteur. – Mr President, the Indo-Pacific has become one of the centres of geopolitical gravity and a rallying point for many global players. Its growing economic, demographic and political weight makes it an increasingly important region in shaping the international order. Therefore, the European Union must increase its efforts and step up its strategic engagement with the region. 
Last year, first the Council adopted conclusions on an EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and then the High Representative presented a communication in September last year which reflects the European Union's efforts and ambitions. Tomorrow, we are going to vote in this plenary on the report on the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. This report, from my point of view, assesses the EU strategy with regard to the security dimension, taking into account national strategies and new developments. Generally, my report focuses on four parts that are of key importance. 
First, in security and defence for unity among Member States will be key for the EU to assert effectively our presence in the Indo-Pacific and to achieve the ambition of strategic sovereignty amidst the increasing competition among global and regional powers in the region. In the absence of an overarching security architecture in the Indo-Pacific, the European Union should concentrate its efforts on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific for all and on promoting an open and rules-based regional security architecture. 
Second, our united approach to the region must also go hand-in-hand with targeted actions aimed at building strong partnerships and security cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries and regional cooperation forums. To do so, we should build on a vast network of trade, partnership and cooperation agreements concluded with a large number of regional countries in the past. A close coordination with our partners in the region is especially important in order to tackle the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. 
The third point: Europe and the countries of the Indo-Pacific share increasingly similar challenges in a number of other security-related areas, such as cyber security, terrorism and non-proliferation. As all these challenges directly affect the EU's own security and prosperity, we need to address them in close cooperation and coordination with regional partners. A particular focus should be given to our key partners and like-minded democracies. Let me name Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. 
Last but not least, the report highlights the necessity to tackle maritime security, cyber, air and space, as well as non-traditional security challenges. 
To conclude, let me thank the shadow rapporteurs from all the different political groups and also the team of the High Representative for a really good, constructive and fruitful cooperation on where drafting and working on this report.
The EU and the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-06-06

  David McAllister,  rapporteur. – Mr President, Commissioner Várhelyi was very precise and I will be just as brief. 
I would like to thank all colleagues for their contributions. I thought this was a constructive debate and having listened carefully to all the contributions, let me try to summarise. I guess most of us do agree that for us in the European Union, the Indo-Pacific offers great opportunities, but indeed also poses many challenges. But one thing is clear: our prosperity and economic interests rely on the openness for stability and the security in the region.
 Several colleagues mentioned increasing geopolitical competition. Well, yes, this does produce tensions not only in trade and supply chains, but also in broader political and security matters. It is authoritarian regimes in the region that are suppressing democratic principles and human rights and this, in the end, puts regional stability at risk and this also directly affects European security and prosperity. 
From my point of view, the key message the European Parliament is sending to the entire Indo-Pacific is that we are ready – ready for deepening cooperation and engagement with our partners and like-minded countries, like-minded democracies in the region, in order to respond to emerging dynamics that are affecting regional but also global stability and security. 
To sum up, it is in our joint interest to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific for all, and it is in our interest to promote a rules-based regional order in line with the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and international law.
I would like to thank once again for the support I received from most of the political groups yesterday, and I am quite convinced that tomorrow we can adopt this report with a large and broad majority in this plenary. Once again, dear colleagues, thank you for a fruitful and constructive debate.
State of play of the EU-Moldova cooperation (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-05-05

  David McAllister (PPE),  in writing. – In the context of the Russian war against Ukraine, the security situation in the Republic of Moldova has become increasingly tense. The country has been disproportionally affected by the recent events. I condemn all provocations and attempts to involve Moldova in actions that could endanger peace in the country. The EU must be ready to provide more humanitarian, security and socio-economic assistance to the Republic of Moldova, the longer the Russian war against Ukraine lasts. This includes: increasing the financial and technical assistance, including through a new proposal for macro-financial assistance; putting forward additional proposals aimed at ensuring the full liberalisation of transport and trade with the EU; working towards granting EU candidate status to the Republic of Moldova, in line with Article 49 of the Treaty of the European Union and on the basis of merit; in the meantime, working towards the full implementation of the Association Agreement with Moldova and its integration into the EU single market. The Moldovan authorities under President Maia Sandu are on the right track by adopting key reforms that will ensure Moldova´s compliance with the ‘Copenhagen criteria’. Let us provide our full support to Moldova’s European aspirations.
Debate with the Prime Minister of Estonia, Kaja Kallas - The EU's role in a changing world and the security situation of Europe following the Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-03-09

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Frau Präsidentin, meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren! Der barbarische Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine bedeutet, wie mehrere Vorredner es bereits betont haben, eine Zeitenwende. Die Gewissheiten der letzten drei Jahrzehnte seit 1990 haben ihre Gültigkeit endgültig verloren, die Welt der Mächtekonkurrenz ist zurück. Als Europäer müssen wir wieder lernen, für unsere Werte zu streiten, unsere Interessen in der Welt zu benennen und durchzusetzen.
Um unsere Freiheit, Sicherheit und Versorgung dauerhaft zu sichern, braucht Europa einen Realitätscheck. Ja, wir benötigen dringend eine grundlegende Neuausrichtung unserer Außen-, Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik. Dafür gilt es, eben genau diese gemeinsame Außen-, Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik effektiver zu gestalten. Das Europäische Parlament hat mit großen Mehrheiten seit Jahren konkrete Vorschläge dazu gemacht, zuletzt während der Plenardebatte und der Plenarsitzung hier in Straßburg, wo die beiden Berichte verabschiedet wurden. Lasst uns jetzt endgültig konkrete Schritte hin zu einer europäischen Verteidigungsunion gehen – eng abgestimmt mit unseren Nachbarn, eng abgestimmt mit unseren NATO-Partnern –, und zwar schnell und engagiert.
Russian aggression against Ukraine (continuation of debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-03-01

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, the Russian military aggression and invasion against Ukraine is illegal. It is unprovoked. It is unjustified. This is indeed a crucial and historical moment, the moment of truth, as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pointed out. 
Too many times in the past, the international community has been blind in front of unfolding tragedies. Today, we as a European Parliament are sending a strong and a united message to the Kremlin that we stand with Ukraine in full solidarity. 
As Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I would like to thank the colleagues from the different political groups who drafted and negotiated this resolution, and I call on colleagues to vote in favour. 
I fully underline the very good arguments we have heard today. I want to add one point. Let us also strongly condemn the involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine. It was during last week’s inter-parliamentary conference on the CFSP and CSDP in Paris that Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya made it very clear that the assault on Ukraine wouldn’t have been possible if dictator Lukashenko wouldn’t have provided Russia with the land and the infrastructure. The Lukashenko regime has assisted and enabled this Russian aggression. For this reason, the EU should apply further appropriate sanctions also on Belarus. 
Dear colleagues, the world will hold Russia and Belarus accountable for their actions.
EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-02-16

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, as many colleagues from different political groups have underlined this morning, the current escalating tensions and the threat of unprecedented military aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine are indeed not only targeting Ukraine but also threatening the rules-based international order and threatening Europe as a whole. And this is why we must stand together in this crucial moment.
As the European Parliament, we will not waver in our support of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders. Ukraine has a sovereign right to choose its international alliances freely. The Russian Federation must cease its military threat against Ukraine and immediately, as well as fully, withdraw its forces and military equipment from the border of Ukraine. Any further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive and unprecedented consequences and severe costs in response, including restrictive measures coordinated with our international partners.
It is on the Kremlin to de-escalate and to engage constructively through established mechanisms. The double track of diplomatic engagement and deterrence remains key to solving the current situation.
A final remark: following Monday’s vote to apply an urgent procedure, we are now, this noon, set to give the green light to an emergency EUR 1.2 billion loan to Ukraine to cover its external financing needs in 2022. This demonstrates our solidarity and support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2021 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2021 (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-02-15

  David McAllister,  rapporteur. – Mr President, recent international developments and challenges, such as the Russian military threat against Ukraine, the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan or the geopolitical consequences of the COVID—19 pandemic, have once again reminded us that the European security environment is today more volatile and more complex than ever since the end of the Cold War. At the same time, not a single EU Member State can respond effectively to today’s global challenges on its own. Therefore, as the European Union, we need to achieve the strategic goal of developing our global leadership role. 
There are five takeaways from my report.
First, the EU needs to take the lead in promoting global partnerships and a strong multilateral system. We should promote alliances of democracies worldwide and pool our resources to counter malign interferences by authoritarian states. We need to develop our partnerships in the areas of conflict prevention and conflict resolution, and should build alliances based on our Green Deal. 
Second, we need to improve the way the European Union takes decisions in the field of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP). Unanimity hampers the EU’s ability to act. I would like to encourage EU Member States to switch to qualified majority, at least in some areas of the CFSP. It is also necessary to strengthen the existing EU toolbox, for example, by better combining all assets we have as the EU on the international scene. 
Third, we need to ensure our strategic sovereignty in fundamental areas, including by reducing our dependencies in key technological areas, critical infrastructures and supply chains. It is also about establishing a European Defence Union. The new Strategic Compass, which hopefully, High Representative, will be adopted at the end of March, should guide the way forward. 
Fourth, we need to develop coherent regional EU strategies for our relations with different parts of the world. In this respect, I welcome the High Representative / Vice-President’s endeavours to propose clear frameworks with well-defined ambitions and objectives for our relations with different partners in the world, such as the new indo-pacific strategy and the announced joint communication on a partnership with the Gulf. 
Fifth, democracy is at the heart of our foreign and security policy. Therefore, we need to strengthen the democratic oversight, scrutiny and accountability, as well as the parliamentary dimension, of the common foreign and security policy.
I look forward to today’s debate and I would like to thank the shadow rapporteurs – and also the team of the High Representative – for the really good, constructive and fruitful cooperation during the last weeks while working on this report.
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2021 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2021 (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2022-02-15

  David McAllister,  rapporteur. – Madam President, it’s up to me to conclude this debate now. I would like to thank all colleagues for this open and constructive debate, which lasted more than two hours. I believe it is a strong signal that most of the colleagues I listened to in this House act in concert towards a stronger common foreign and security policy. 
The challenges of the 21st century call for more, not less, EU action on the global scene. These challenges call for more, not less, multilateral governance and rules-based international cooperation. 
We just heard the High Representative conclude our debate. I believe that also we should make our EU common foreign and security policy more efficient, more coherent, more flexible and at the same time, democratic, accountable and transparent. Achieving leadership as the European Union in international affairs in the end requires a strong will and decisive steps in 2022, such as the EU Strategic Compass. I sincerely hope that this will have significant added value for our common foreign and security policy and solidarity among Member States. 
Once again, thank you so much, also on behalf of Nathalie Loiseau, for this interesting debate. And now we can move on to the next point of order.
The situation in Nicaragua (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-12-14

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, the elections on 7 November in Nicaragua violated all international democratic standards for credible, inclusive, fair and transparent elections. They were a sad climax of Nicaragua’s continuous authoritarian development as they complete the conversion of this country into an autocratic regime. As the European Parliament, we reject the legitimacy of the results of these fake elections and, therefore, we reject the democratic legitimacy of any institutional authorities emerged from this rigged vote. 
The systematic crackdown of opposition leaders, journalists and civil society actors, as well as the psychological and physical abuse of the Nicaraguan people, are appalling and represent a clear breach of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. High Representative / Vice-President, indeed we need to consider all instruments at our disposal to take additional measures against the Ortega regime. 
I call on the Nicaraguan authorities to end repression, to uphold and respect human rights, and to allow the Nicaraguan people to exercise their civil and political rights. I call on the Nicaraguan authorities to hold elections in accordance with international parameters which comply with international standards and the Inter-American Democratic Charter to realise the democratic aspirations of the people of this country. And I call on the Nicaraguan authorities to allow international as well as civil society organisations to access the country without restrictions. For the European Union has consistently called for free and fair transparent elections, for the respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and for the immediate and unconditional release of arbitrarily detained political prisoners.
Mr Ortega, return the sovereignty of Nicaragua to the Nicaraguan people, who are its rightful owners.
Situation in Belarus and at its border with the EU and the security and humanitarian consequences (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-11-23

  David McAllister (PPE),  schriftlich. – Die Rede von Frau Swjatlana Zichanouskaja im Plenum war das richtige Signal zum richtigen Zeitpunkt: Wir stehen an der Seite der mutigen belarussischen Opposition und verurteilen die Aktivtäten des Lukaschenka-Regimes. Die humanitäre Lage an der Grenze zwischen Polen und Belarus bietet Anlass zu sehr großer Sorge. Die derzeitige Krise ist ein von Herrn Lukaschenka und Herrn Putin koordinierter Angriff auf die Europäische Union.
Menschen nach Minsk einfliegen zu lassen, gewaltvoll an die EU-Grenze zu treiben und sie für politische Zwecke zu instrumentalisieren, ist eine skrupellose Methode. Daher begrüße ich den jüngsten Vorschlag der Kommission, der eine schwarze Liste für alle Verkehrsmittel und Transportarten auf der Grundlage der völkerrechtlichen Vereinbarungen über Menschenhandel und Schleuserkriminalität umfasst.
Die Europäische Union darf sich nicht erpressbar machen. Nur mit Geschlossenheit können wir autoritären Herrschern gegenübertreten!
Die Migranten an der EU-Außengrenze müssen dringend humanitär versorgt werden. Dass die Menschen bei bitterer Kälte verharren müssen, ist unerträglich und zeigt einmal mehr die Brutalität des Regimes in Minsk. Es ist gut, dass die Europäische Union konkret Hilfe leistet und gemeinsam mit den UN-Agenturen die Menschen vor Ort unterstützt.
The outcome of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-11-11

  David McAllister (PPE),  schriftlich. – Letzte Woche haben die Vereinigten Staaten und die Europäische Union endlich den jahrelangen Streit um Sonderzölle auf Stahl- und Aluminiumimporte beigelegt. Nachdem verschiedene Entwicklungen der jüngeren Vergangenheit das grundsätzlich positive Verhältnis der EU mit den USA zuletzt belastet hatten, war dies eine weitere positive Nachricht. Die USA sind und bleiben unser wichtigster strategischer Verbündeter.
Ebenso ist positiv, dass der neue Handels- und Technologierat vor gut einem Monat hoffnungsvoll gestartet ist. Ein intensiver Dialog stärkt das gegenseitige Vertrauen und Verständnis. Wir haben gemeinsame Interessen und stehen vor enormen Herausforderungen, auf die wir uns konzentrieren sollten. So werden wir nach gemeinsamen Lösungen für die Lücken in den Lieferketten für Halbleiter suchen. Die globale Halbleiterversorgungskrise ist vermutlich der größte Bremsklotz für die wirtschaftliche Erholung nach der Pandemie und kostet schon jetzt Arbeitsplätze, gerade auch in Deutschland. Die EU und die USA sollten dieses Problem zusammen angehen.
Der Handels- und Technologierat sollte weitere drängende Fragen behandeln. Dazu zählen beispielsweise gemeinsame Regeln für Künstliche Intelligenz oder die Plattformökonomie, sowie unser Verhältnis zu China. Hier sollten wir uns strategisch enger mit Washington abstimmen. Jetzt gilt es, den Schwung des ersten Treffens mitzunehmen und die transatlantische Zusammenarbeit zu stärken.
The outcome of the Western Balkans summit (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-10-21

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, the European perspective of our partners in the Western Balkans is in our mutual interest and remains our strategic choice. With the visit of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen last month and the EU Western Balkans Summit two weeks ago in Brdo, the European Union has once again demonstrated its strong political commitment to the Western Balkan countries and the entire accession process. 
Having a closer look at the Brdo declaration, I would see five important positive messages to our partners. 
Firstly, it is reconfirmed the European perspective of the region and our commitment to enlargement. Secondly, the EU has provided EUR 3.3 billion for emergency support and for supporting the recovery. In addition, the EU together with the Member States, has delivered almost three million doses of vaccines already. 
Thirdly, the heads of state have called for a swift implementation of the economic and investment plan and the new IPA III regulation. Fourthly, other very practical measures were agreed to associate the region more closely to us in the European Union, such as to lower roaming charges. And fifthly, the European Union reaffirmed its support to strengthen regional cooperation. 
Recent concerning events have shown how deep the divisions run and how much work is still needed to build good and sustainable neighbourly relations. Allow me to thank Commissioner Várhelyi for presenting the enlargement package yesterday at an extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. During our discussion, we welcomed the restated commitment of the Western Balkans partners to the primacy of democracy, fundamental rights and values. 
EU support must continue to be linked to tangible progress on the rule of law and socio—economic reforms, as well as to the adherence of our European values, rules and standards. 
A final point: as we enter a critical juncture for the future of the EU and its enlargement, the EU and the Member States must clear the hurdles precluding us from switching gears in the accession process for countries that show a strong commitment to reforms.
The Arctic: opportunities, concerns and security challenges (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-10-05

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, two weeks ago, as Anna Fotyga mentioned, the delegation of our Foreign Affairs Committee visited Denmark, Greenland and Iceland to discuss international cooperation and challenges in the Arctic.
Anna Fotyga, Željana Zovko, Urmas Paet and Andreas Schieder will probably agree; our visit demonstrated that the unique complexity of the challenges on the ground requires more engagement and solutions based on the knowledge and the will of the people living in the Arctic. 
Furthermore, there is an urgent need for constructive international cooperation to counter emerging threats to stability in the entire High North. For this reason, I welcome the adoption of our timely report. Let me thank Anna Fotyga for her good work and I do hope, Commissioner Breton, that the Commission and the High Representative / Vice—President will soon present an ambitious new joint communication which takes our main messages into account. These are: to respond ambitiously to climate change and safeguarding the Arctic environment, to promote sustainable development and to strengthen international cooperation in order to address all the geopolitical challenges in the High North. 
The Foreign Affairs Committee will keep the Arctic high on its agenda. Yes, indeed, there should be more EU in the Arctic and more Arctic in the EU.
Situation in Afghanistan (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-09-14

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, the recent developments in Afghanistan must be a wake—up call for us to reflect about our Common Foreign and Security Policy. It is clear that we have to go beyond just expressing our concerns.
First, of course it is about providing immediate humanitarian assistance for all those people in need in Afghanistan in order to stabilise the whole region and to prevent a migration crisis. Second, we need to identify a coherent strategy and develop a united approach at EU level, together with our international partners, on how to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul, the Taliban. Third, international cooperation with our allies and partners is necessary to ensure regional stability and global security. The risk of resurgence of radical Islamist forces in Afghanistan is real.
As Europeans, I strongly believe we have to draw serious lessons learned for the nature and mandate of future military interventions. We need to strengthen our own defence cooperation and military capabilities, such as our intelligence and strategic airlift capacities. Doing this should always go hand—in—hand with close transatlantic cooperation. In this regard, I welcome the recent initiative of the High Representative and Vice—President.
Instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA III) 2021–2027 (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-09-14

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, this is an important day for the EU’s external action and opens a new chapter in our enlargement policy. The modernised instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA III) paves the way for improved governance, for coherence and for transparency of our external funding in this crucial period of our enlargement policy.
Commissioner Várhely, I do hope that IPA III can improve our visibility as the European Union in the region and bring a tangible impact on the ground through enhanced conditionality. Allow me to thank and include all the involved staff, the negotiators of the Council, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and, of course, our co-rapporteurs, Željana Zovko and Tonino Picula, for their dedication and their tireless work, in particular during the occasionally rather challenging trilogues.
Together, we have achieved a very good outcome. This is a remarkable achievement. Thank you so much.
Brexit Adjustment Reserve - Draft amending budget No 1/2021: Brexit Adjustment Reserve (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-09-14

  David McAllister,  im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, Frau Kommissarin! Meine sehr verehrten Damen, sehr geehrte Herren! Unser Berichterstatter Pascal Arimont hat es soeben sehr zutreffend auf den Punkt gebracht: Mit dem Brexit gehen viele negative soziale und wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen für die Menschen, für die Unternehmen und auch für die öffentlichen Verwaltungen einher. 
Ich begrüße diese 5 Milliarden Euro schwere Reserve für die Anpassung an den Brexit sehr, weil, das wichtig für die Regionen Europas ist, die besonders von den Folgen des Brexits betroffen sind. Es geht darum, Unternehmen bei der Anpassung an neue Grenz-, Zoll- und Kontrollregelungen zu unterstützen. Und es geht vor allen Dingen um Hilfen für Branchen, die vom Handel mit dem Vereinigten Königreich ganz besonders abhängig sind. Viele Unternehmen mussten hohe, teils unvorhergesehene Einbußen verzeichnen.
Die Fischerei ist der verhältnismäßig am stärksten betroffene Wirtschaftszweig. Das ist natürlich eine Folge der reduzierten Fangrechte im Ärmelkanal, in der Nordsee und im Nordatlantik. Auch für die Fischwirtschaft und für die Standorte Cuxhaven und Bremerhaven in meiner norddeutschen Heimat ist es nun wichtig, dass diese finanziellen Mittel zügig und unbürokratisch vor Ort ankommen.
Situation in Nicaragua (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-07-06

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, I would like to underline what so many colleagues have already said this afternoon, that we as the European Parliament should condemn in the strongest possible terms the ongoing systematic detention and arrest of opposition leaders, as well as the repression of journalists, students, indigenous people and human rights defenders in the great country of Nicaragua.
The latest developments are yet another step away from achieving a peaceful and democratic solution to the political, economic and social crisis in that country.
I call upon the Nicaraguan Government to make immediate changes to the electoral law in accordance with the international parameters demanded by the Organization of American States. I call upon the Nicaraguan Government to guarantee transparent, free and fair elections in accordance with international standards. And I call on the Nicaraguan Government to release, immediately and unconditionally, all arbitrarily detained political prisoners, among them the pre—presidential candidate and the opposition leaders.
Dear Josep Borrell, the Council should quickly enlarge the list of sanctions against individuals and entities and include President Ortega, Vice—President Murillo and their inner circle.
EU global human rights sanctions regime (EU Magnitsky Act) (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-07-06

  David McAllister,  author. – Madam President, the European Parliament has been consistently calling for an EU-wide mechanism which would allow for imposing targeted sanctions against individuals and entities that are involved in grave human rights violations. Therefore, I welcome last year’s adoption of the EU global human rights sanctions regime, which some of us in this House prefer to call simply the EU Magnitsky Act. 
This regime should be part of a coherent and clearly defined strategy that considers the foreign policy objectives of the EU. It needs to reflect new challenges and threats to human rights violations such as corruption, abuse of state emergency powers or violence against human rights defenders. 
We as the European Parliament would like to see an efficient and consistent use of the sanctions regime, with decisions in the Council taken by the qualified majority vote. With this in mind, I would like to address the High Representative and the European Commission with the following questions. 
Number one: what are the experiences in implementing the EU global human rights sanctions regime? What is its place in the EU’s external policy toolbox and how does it relate to other EU sanctions frameworks? 
Number two: how are the uniformity of criteria and consistency ensured in the regime’s implementation, especially with regard to the listing and delisting of persons, entities and bodies? 
Number three: how does the European External Action Service plan to involve Parliament? 
Number four: will the European External Action Service (EEAS) set up an EU-level advisory committee and outline guidelines for the involvement of civil society organisations in proposing and providing evidence? Does the EEAS envisage a mechanism for protecting those organisations or individuals? 
Number five: would the Commission consider enlarging the scope of the regime, taking into account the United Kingdom’s new global anti-corruption sanctions regime? 
Number six: would the External Action Service and the Commission be ready to reintroduce the proposal to use qualified majority voting to impose sanctions? 
And finally, question number seven: what cooperation has been undertaken with like—minded countries? What will be done to ensure close cooperation and consistency with external judicial institutions and international supervisory and monitoring structures in implementing the regime?
EU strategy towards Israel-Palestine (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-05-18

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, the grave and ongoing escalation in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the major upsurge in violence against Israel and in and around Gaza, is extremely worrying and must stop now. It has claimed the lives of so many innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children on both sides. The rocket attacks by the terror organisation Hamas have no justification and put the lives of innocent people at great risk. They must stop immediately.
Israel has a right and Israel has a duty to defend its citizens against terror attacks. I call on the Israeli Government to act with restraint and to do its utmost to avoid civilian casualties. As Minister Santos Silva just underlined, the European Union is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to help defuse the violence. We should pursue close dialogue with the United States, but also with partners like Egypt and Jordan on an immediate and lasting ceasefire. Meaningful direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians towards a long—lasting and fair agreement on the two—state solution based on the internationally agreed parameters need to restart. The European Union and the United States should cooperate closely together in the Middle East Quartet to create the conditions for renewed confidence between the two negotiating parties.
Finally, let me be very clear. Yes, one can criticise Israel’s politics but there is no justification for anti—Semitism, hatred and violence, not on this continent and not in the European Union, which is committed to freedom of religion and human rights for all our citizens. Anti—Semitism in any form is unacceptable, anti—Semitic violence must be punished with the full force of law.
2019-2020 Reports on Montenegro (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-05-18

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, as Tonino Picula and other speakers have already pointed out, Montenegro is currently the most advanced country in an EU accession process. However, as we have also heard, further reforms as regards the rule of law, the judiciary, media freedom and the fight against corruption remain essential.
The elections on 30 August last year resulted in the first transition of power since the introduction of the multiparty system in this country. Just 2 months ago in the Foreign Affairs Committee we have discussed the first 100 days of a new government with the new deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr Dritan Abazović. I welcome his clear commitment and pledge to keep a pro-EU and a pro-NATO course. This should be the position of all parties in the government.
Our priority and what will be key now is to deepen and to speed up reforms, particularly with regard to the rule of law, where the next milestone ahead is meeting the benchmarks under the rule of law and fundamental freedoms Chapters 23 and 24. To overcome the socio-economic crisis due to the pandemic, which has hit Montenegro particularly hard, the EU is ready to continue its support because, as Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi said, we care about our partners. 
(Applause)
EU-India relations (continuation of debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-04-28

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, at the European Union, we share strong political, economic, social and cultural ties with India, the world’s largest democracy.
For this reason, the news we are hearing from India about the critical situation related to COVID—19 in the country is so shocking. The European Union, in close cooperation with Member States, as we just heard, is mobilising support and assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to help our trusted partner. It is crucial to quickly support India in these critical days.
I believe the full potential of our relations with India should finally be unleashed. It is about accelerating and strengthening the strategic partnership – a strategic partnership based on common values and principles, as well as on joint interests. With the roadmap to 2025, agreed on in July last year, there is a solid basis to do so; now it needs to be further implemented.
The EU–India leaders meeting on 8 May, as mentioned by the rapporteur and the Commissioner, will be a good occasion to take stock of the progress achieved so far and to intensify our future cooperation. Four areas will be key: global health issues, climate change and sustainable growth, technology, trade and investment, and foreign security and defence.
A final remark: India is an important partner for the EU when it comes to preserving and promoting the rules—based multilateral order. Therefore, let us improve our cooperation on geopolitical challenges, especially in the Pacific and in international organisations. The upcoming summit should create positive momentum and clear steps to deepen our strategic partnership. This is the expectation of the EPP.
The current political situation in Georgia (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-03-09

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, we are all following the political developments in Georgia with great concern. The political situation in the country has rapidly deteriorated. Therefore, I support the efforts of all facilitators to relaunch and strengthen dialogue between the Opposition and the Government. 
Georgia is indeed facing numerous challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic development, social cohesion and security. Therefore, political leaders need to overcome this political crisis quickly and to find long—term solutions together. The way forward should include an ambitious electoral reform, a rule of law and court reform, also addressing politicised justice, power sharing in parliament, including the setting up of the investigative commission and potentially new elections, and also the preparation for the local elections planned for autumn this year.
As the High Representative just mentioned, next week’s EU-Georgia Association Council in Brussels will hopefully state some progress that has been made in the dialogue. Let me wish the newly appointed envoy, Christian Danielsson, and also our EU Ambassador in Tbilisi, Carl Hartzell, and their teams all the best in overcoming the current political tensions in this great country.
The situation in Myanmar (debate)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany, Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) / Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Date: 2021-02-09

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, as the European Parliament we have always followed developments in Myanmar very closely. 
In a number of resolutions throughout the last few years we have, for instance, strongly condemned all past and present human rights violations, especially against the Rohingya population. 
Since 2015, and previous speakers have underlined this, the European Union has politically and financially supported Myanmar’s process of democratic transition. We have undertaken enormous efforts to promote peace, human rights and development in this country. 
Unfortunately, all these positive developments have been abruptly reversed by the recent coup. This coup was a clear violation of Myanmar’s constitution, which we ought to all strongly condemn. I am deeply concerned by the detention of political leaders and civil society activists, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. 
I call upon the military to immediately end the state of emergency. I call on the military to restore power to the democratically elected government. I call upon the military to respect human rights and the rule of law, and I call upon the military to release all those unjustly detained. 
The November election results, as well as the Constitution, must be respected, and the national parliament should be convened at the earliest opportunity. Power should be returned to democratically elected representatives and to a civilian government as soon as possible. 
For the European Union, all instruments should be on the table in order to react. As the European Parliament, we should send a strong message that we stand with the people of Myanmar who want to see a democratic future of their country. 
High Representative, thank you for your good words on this issue.