misclassified/meps_speeches_with_translation.csv huggingface dataset:
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-10-07
Debate: Situation in Iran (debate)

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Madam President, thank you Mr High Representative for your statement. I would like to echo your justified words on the urgent need to ensure the preservation and the implementation of the JCPOA by all parties. This multilateral agreement, as we have underlined many times in this European Parliament, is a crucial achievement of European diplomacy. It remains a key pillar of the global non—proliferation architecture, contributing to regional security and stability and it addresses Iran’s nuclear programme in a comprehensive manner.
Colleagues, in 2018 the Foreign Affairs Committee visited Iran and Saudi Arabia. We had very interesting talks in Riyadh and Tehran and our key message was consistently a de—escalation in the region is a must. Today, more than two years later, this is more needed than ever before and that’s why, dear High Representative, I would like to underline what you announced as regards the snapback mechanism. All parties involved should do their utmost to preserve the JCPOA and to refrain from any action that could be perceived as an escalation in this current situation.
(Applause)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-09-15
Debate: Preparation of the Special European Council, focusing on the dangerous escalation and the role of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean (debate)

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, during the past weeks, we have witnessed an alarming military build-up in the Eastern Mediterranean. All of us are extremely concerned by the very real risk of a direct military confrontation. 
Last Thursday, in the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), we discussed this dangerous escalation with the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs of Greece and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. It was a remarkable meeting in several aspects.
Listening to the comments of colleagues across party lines, for me four points are very clear. First, de—escalation is urgently needed. Second, we fully support the Council’s clear position of solidarity with our Member States, Greece and Cyprus. Third, we condemn the Turkish drilling activities in the exclusive economic zones of Greece and Cyprus, and we consider them illegal. Fourth, at the next European Council the option of additional sanctions against Turkey must be openly discussed in the light of continued Turkish aggression.
This conflict can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiations. I very much hope that the ongoing mediation efforts will bear fruit. But, as the High Representative just underlined, further concrete steps towards creating an environment conducive to dialogue in good faith are needed now. 
(Applause)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-09-15
Debate: Situation in Belarus - Situation in Lebanon - Situation in Russia, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny (debate)

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, as the European Parliament we need to make clear firstly that we strongly support the protesting Belarusians and their demands for freedom, dignity, democracy and the right to choose their own destiny. Secondly, that we don’t recognise the results of the presidential elections held in Belarus on 9 August as they were conducted in flagrant violation of all internationally recognised standards, and thirdly that we condemn the ongoing intimidation and disproportionate use of force towards peaceful protesters, participants of strikes and members of the Coordination Council. 
High Representative, the restrictive measures targeted against those responsible for the repression in Belarus should be immediately implemented, they are certainly overdue.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-07-09
Debate: The 2019 Human Rights Annual report - Stability and Security in the Mediterranean and the negative role of Turkey - Situation in Belarus (debate)

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, the recent Turkish escalations in the Mediterranean and the violation of the territorial integrity of Greece and Cyprus are challenging our partnership. As the European Parliament, today we should once again make it very clear that Turkish activities, like the illegal drilling in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, the violations of Greek airspace or the attacks on the Greek border are simply unacceptable. Turkey must take concrete steps to de—escalate the current situation. 
I would like to thank the High Representative, Josep Borrell, for his initiative to start, to restart a dialogue with Turkey. Indeed, Mr High Representative, we need to talk urgently. We need to talk urgently on the basis of firm principles and fully united as the EU-27.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-06-18
Debate: Foreign policy consequences of the COVID-19 crisis - The PRC national security law for Hong Kong and the need for the EU to defend Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy - The EU's response to the possible Israeli annexation in the West Bank (debate)

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, as I am convinced that we should stand up for fostering the European Union strategic autonomy for promoting multilateral solutions and for defending our interests in a spirit of solidarity, I welcome today’s debate on the foreign policy consequences of the COVID—19 pandemic. 
We all know that this pandemic will not only lead to more medical, social and economic changes of a tremendous dimension, but it will also, as the High Representative and Vice—President, Josep Borrell, has pointed out, also be a potential geopolitical game changer. To name just a few examples, we are witnessing the deterioration of democracy and fundamental freedoms in many parts of the world, increasing disinformation campaigns, as well as cyber—attacks and isolationism instead of multilateral cooperation. As the European Parliament, we should make clear that unprecedented global threats arising from the pandemic call for strong and coordinated measures. 
I welcome that, in the months and weeks to come, all the committees for external policies in our Parliament want to focus even more on our global response. With today’s debate, but also with upcoming hearings as well as the reports the respective committees are working on, hopefully we can highlight the importance of the foreign policy dimension for the fight against a global pandemic and we can send a strong signal of solidarity with our partners across the world.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-06-17
Debate: Preparation of the European Council meeting of 19 June 2020 - Recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (debate)

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, it is now more than four and a half months ago since the United Kingdom decided to leave our European Union. 
From the very beginning, we in Parliament’s UK Coordination Group followed the negotiations for a new partnership thoroughly and sought to ensure a strong political consensus. We have closely been in touch with our chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, whom I would like to thank personally for the excellent cooperation. I also would like to thank Maroš Šefčovič, and we will all be seeing each other again in about half an hour’s time for the next meeting of the UK Coordination Group.
This report incorporates the opinions of no less than 17 committees. This is unprecedented, and it delivers a clear and strong message of unity. That’s why I would like to thank the rapporteurs, Kati Piri and Christophe Hansen, for their tireless work, but also the Chairs and the rapporteurs of all the opinion-giving committees.
Yes, indeed, the high-level conference decided that new momentum is required for the negotiations. The EU is ready to intensify the talks in July to create the most conducive solutions for concluding an agreement soon. This should be in the interest of both sides.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-05-13
Debate: Conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 23 April 2020 - New MFF, own resources and Recovery plan (debate)

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, I would like to just make one additional remark after having listened to this debate for nearly two hours with great interest. This pandemic knows no borders; neither should the EU’s response. That is why the chairs of the committees in this Parliament who deal with external policies have issued a joint statement. We have called for close cooperation with our neighbours and partners, both in the fight against the pandemic as an imminent health issue and against its serious future consequences. 
In the past few weeks, we have seen remarkable efforts of cooperation and acts of goodwill, but we have also had to witness increased isolationism, harsh competition between nations for medicines and equipment, intense propaganda and disinformation by third countries, and a sharp rise in cyber—attacks. This shows this pandemic has a global meaning. It’s a global challenge. 
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be the main instrument to tackle this challenge we face within the European Union, but also to support our partners not only, but foremost, in our immediate neighbourhood. This has to be covered in the future MFF.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-03-10
Debate: Migration situation at the Greek-Turkish border and the EU's common response to it (debate)

  David McAllister (PPE),  schriftlich. – Die Europäische Union ist sich der Anstrengungen der Türkei bei der Aufnahme und Verpflegung syrischer Flüchtlinge bewusst und unterstützt daher das Land seit 2016 enorm. Die Europäische Union darf sich jedoch nicht unter Druck setzen lassen. Die flüchtenden Menschen dürfen kein Spielball geopolitischer Interessen sein. Entscheidend ist: Wir brauchen Humanität und Ordnung an der türkisch-griechischen Grenze. Derzeit fehlt es an beiden. Eine Situation wie 2015 darf sich nicht wiederholen. Das bedeutet vor allem eines: Keine unkontrollierte Migration nach Europa. Um Ordnung sicherzustellen, müssen wir für einen wirksamen Schutz der EU-Außengrenzen sorgen. Die Ereignisse der letzten Wochen haben gezeigt, dass die Europäische Union in ihrem Denken und Handeln sowie in ihrer Kommunikation nach außen stärker, geeinter und strategischer auftreten muss. Es ist höchste Zeit, dass die EU einen humanen, wirksamen und umfassenden Ansatz für die Migration findet. Es ist ungemein wichtig, dass Kommissionspräsidentin Ursula von der Leyen den Dialog mit dem türkischen Präsidenten wiederaufgenommen hat. Ziel muss es sein, Migration zu ordnen, zu steuern und zu reduzieren.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-02-11
Debate: Proposed mandate for negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (debate)

  David McAllister,  on behalf of the PPE Group. – Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the resolution on the draft mandate, which we are debating this morning, is the first proof of work of the newly created UK Coordination Group. As the Chair, I would like to thank all members of our group, as well as the involved Committees and the political groups, for their contributions in an extremely short period of time. In my opinion, the result is a very good and balanced resolution only nine days after Michel Barnier presented the Commission’s draft mandate.
Our resolution contains Parliament’s views on the content and on the architecture of a future EU-UK relationship. Let me highlight three main principles of particular importance.
Firstly, the integrity and the correct functioning of our internal market, the customs union and the Four Freedoms must be maintained. Secondly, a third country cannot have the same rights and benefits as a Member State of the EU. And thirdly, a level playing field is an overall priority and precondition for any future agreement. We should not, and we will not, enter a race to the bottom.
As Ursula von der Leyen has pointed out, together with our British friends, we should aim for a partnership that goes well beyond trade and is unprecedented in scope: everything from climate action to data protection, fisheries to energy, transport to space, financial services to security. We are indeed ready to design a new partnership with zero tariffs, zero quotas and zero dumping. However a free trade agreement with the UK will not be equivalent to frictionless trade.
Ladies and gentlemen, besides the negotiations on the future relations, the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement is of particular importance. This concerns especially citizens’ rights, financial duties on the protocol on Ireland-Northern Ireland.
Our chief negotiator Michel Barnier, whose work is highly appreciated across party lines in the institutions, has already assured us in the UK coordination group’s first meeting to keep Parliament fully informed at all stages of the procedure.
(Applause)
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-01-29
Debate: Withdrawal Agreement of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (debate)

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, for me, Brexit is and will remain a historic mistake. However, this Withdrawal Agreement provides now for an orderly exit of the UK from our EU by addressing all issues that have been of key importance for us in the European Parliament from the onset of the negotiations. We must now focus on our common future relations. I believe the EU should enter these negotiations from a position of certainty, good will, respect and mutual interest. At the same time, we need to acknowledge that our partnership will remain close, but will no longer be the same. We need to negotiate a truly ambitious and comprehensive new partnership with the UK, but because of the limited timeframe for negotiations, we cannot expect to agree on every single aspect of our new partnership. We will have to prioritise, as Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, has pointed out. 
I would like to thank all members of the Brexit Steering Group for the very good work they have done, and I hope to continue their good work in the UK Coordination Group, which I’m honoured to chair. More than 100 meetings of the Brexit Steering Group is an impressive track record. Let me thank our colleagues, staff and especially Mr Guy Verhofstadt for his excellent work.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-01-14
Debate: Annual report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy - Annual report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy (debate)

  David McAllister,  Rapporteur. – Madam President, the High Representative and Vice—President just spoke about many issues. Since we're running late, I would suggest that I keep it very short. I would just like to thank you all for your contributions. I would like to thank you for an honest and open debate. It was a pleasure for me to witness that a majority of speakers in this House is in favour of acting towards a stronger common foreign and security policy of our European Union. A lot of work lies ahead of us. I have, in particular, the ongoing negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework in mind in these upcoming negotiations. Dear Mr Borrell, we not only have to ensure the adequate financing but also the coherence, the effectiveness, the responsiveness and the flexibility of our external financing instruments. Let me also finally thank the High Representative – not only we are still here in the plenary but also he himself, for many, many hours now. I think this shows the respect that the High Representative is showing for the European Parliament.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2020-01-14
Debate: Situation in Libya (debate)

  David McAllister,  im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Frau Präsidentin, meine sehr geehrten Damen und Herren, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Wir haben es gerade vom Hohen Vertreter gehört: In Libyen spielt sich ein politisches Drama ab, und zwar ein politisches und humanitäres Drama – direkt vor unserer Haustür. Dieses Drama hat viel zu lange viel zu wenig Beachtung gefunden. Die Zahlen der Vereinten Nationen sind bekannt: Seit Beginn der Offensive von General Haftar im April haben nach Angaben der UN über 1 100 Menschen ihr Leben verloren, es gibt über 340 000 Binnenvertriebene, und 900 000 Menschen sind auf humanitäre Hilfe angewiesen, davon zwei Drittel Frauen und Kinder. Die Not ist groß.
Ich finde, die seit Sonntag geltende Waffenruhe in Libyen ist ein Schritt nach vorne. Das Land und die Menschen brauchen jedoch – das haben wir gehört – einen dauerhaften Frieden. Die Bundesregierung und speziell die Bundeskanzlerin unterstützen seit geraumer Zeit Aktivitäten, einen dauerhaften Frieden in Libyen herzustellen. Und diese Konferenz, Herr Hoher Vertreter, die nach meinem Kenntnisstand am nächsten Sonntag in Berlin stattfinden wird, soll eben dazu einen aktiven Beitrag leisten.
Was wir auch als Vertreter eines Europäischen Parlaments klar sagen müssen, ist: Das ist nicht das erste Mal, dass wir diesen Konflikt debattieren. Alle Staaten, die an diesem Konflikt direkt oder indirekt beteiligt sind, müssen dafür sorgen, dass dieser Bürgerkrieg endlich beendet werden kann und Frieden in Libyen einkehren kann. Libyen soll künftig ein souveränes, ein friedliches Land sein. Erst wenn das gelingt, können wir über den Wiederaufbau konkret sprechen, und dann wird es auch eine besondere Aufgabe der Europäischen Union sein, Unterstützung zu geben.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2019-12-18
Debate: Situation of the Uyghur in China (China-cables) (debate)

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Madam President, the credible reports that have reached us on the treatment of Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang are indeed deeply worrying. Three points are now, from my point of view, of utmost importance. Firstly, the practice of arbitrary detentions without any charge, trial or conviction for a criminal offence of Uyghur or other Muslim minorities must be ended immediately and the detained persons should be released unconditionally. Secondly, the authorities in Beijing should allow free and unhindered access to Xinjiang for journalists and international observers, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. And thirdly, the full details of persons disappeared in Xinjiang should be released and handed over to their families. In their joint statement issued after the 21st EU—China Summit, the EU and China reaffirmed that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, so it’s up to Beijing to put these words into action. I welcome, Mr High Representative/Vice—President, your clear words this afternoon, and I welcome the draft resolution we will adopt tomorrow noon – especially the call for targeted sanctions.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2019-12-16
Debate: Macro-financial assistance to Jordan (debate)

  David McAllister,  im Namen der PPE-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, meine sehr verehrten Damen, sehr geehrte Herren, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Gestatten Sie mir als Vorsitzendem des Ausschusses für auswärtige Angelegenheiten einige wenige Anmerkungen zu diesem Thema. Wir haben es eben gerade sowohl von der Berichterstatterin wie auch vom Herrn Kommissar gehört – Jordanien steht vor enormen Herausforderungen: Die Wachstumsrate sinkt, die Staatsverschuldung wird größer, und die Arbeitslosenquote insbesondere unter jungen Menschen steigt. Viele äußere Umstände haben zu dieser Entwicklung beigetragen. Als Nachbarland von Syrien und als Nachbarland von Irak ist Jordanien unmittelbar von den schrecklichen bewaffneten Konflikten in der Region betroffen. Laut jordanischen Angaben – Kommissar Gentiloni hat diese Zahl gerade eben bestätigt – befinden sich derzeit rund 1,3 Millionen – 1,3 Millionen! – Syrer in Jordanien. Trotz der enormen Belastung für Staat und Gesellschaft ist der Umgang des Landes mit dieser schwierigen Situation vorbildlich.
Deshalb ist es so wichtig, dass wir als Europäische Union dem Ersuchen Jordaniens um eine makrofinanzielle Hilfe in Höhe von 500 Millionen Euro geschlossen zustimmen. Ich werde selber am 4. und 5. Januar in Jordanien vor Ort sein. Herr Kommissar Gentiloni, ich kann Ihnen nur zustimmen, dass wir als Europäisches Parlament dem Vorschlag der Kommission folgen sollten, um unserem Partner und unserem Verbündeten Jordanien weiterhin unter die Arme greifen zu können.
Speaker: David McALLISTER (Germany — Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands)
Political group: Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats)
Date: 2019-11-13
Debate: Turkish drilling activities in EU waters in the Eastern Mediterranean (debate)

  David McAllister (PPE).   – Mr President, the European Union has repeatedly called on Ankara to cease its illegal activities in the eastern Mediterranean, but Turkey has continued its drilling operations within Cypriot international waters. Let’s be very clear, these activities are illegal under international law. They reflect the regrettable change of Turkish foreign policy and they have a negative impact on Turkey-EU relations. 
Madam High Representative, I welcome the adoption by the EU Foreign Affairs Council of a legal framework for possible sanctions against individuals and entities that are involved in the drilling activities, but as Mr Michael Gahler pointed out, now the names need to be added to the list. These sanctions are a necessary step to put pressure on Turkey to respect the sovereignty of Cyprus and therefore the integrity of our European Union territory.