natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
In strongly recommending MEPs to vote for enlargement Commissioner Günter VERHEUGEN reminded the House that the European Parliament would be the only institution to vote separately on each individual country application.
In strongly recommending MEPs to vote for enlargement Commissioner Günter VERHEUGEN reminded the House that the European Parliament would be the only institution to vote separately on each individual country application.
A positive vote, he said, would go towards fulfilling the " aspirations " of some 70 million people who had truly earned the right to be part of a united democratic Europe after emerging from the yoke of communism and Soviet dictatorship.
A positive vote, he said, would go towards fulfilling the " aspirations " of some 70 million people who had truly earned the right to be part of a united democratic Europe after emerging from the yoke of communism and Soviet dictatorship.
A positive vote would enable the Treaty signature to take place in Athens on 16 April, to be followed by ratifications in the individual national parliaments, where he did not foresee any problems.
A positive vote would enable the Treaty signature to take place in Athens on 16 April, to be followed by ratifications in the individual national parliaments, where he did not foresee any problems.
His only regret was that an agreement on Cyprus enabling the entry of a united Island into the EU to take place had not been achieved.
His only regret was that an agreement on Cyprus enabling the entry of a united Island into the EU to take place had not been achieved.
He did, however, promise his support for any further ongoing talks under the UN.
He did, however, promise his support for any further ongoing talks under the UN.
The Commission, he said, would be monitoring progress in the new Member States and drawing attention to any additional measures needed, where necessary.
The Commission, he said, would be monitoring progress in the new Member States and drawing attention to any additional measures needed, where necessary.
He particularly emphasised the need for a proper judicial and administrative system to be in place to tackle corruption and crime.
He particularly emphasised the need for a proper judicial and administrative system to be in place to tackle corruption and crime.
It was also important to ensure protection for human rights and offer equal opportunities.
It was also important to ensure protection for human rights and offer equal opportunities.
As to the question as to whether the new countries were politically and economically prepared for membership, his answer was that this was the best-prepared accession process that had ever taken place.
As to the question as to whether the new countries were politically and economically prepared for membership, his answer was that this was the best-prepared accession process that had ever taken place.
He was convinced that the new countries would add a new dynamism to the idea of Europe and indeed support any further enlargement.
He was convinced that the new countries would add a new dynamism to the idea of Europe and indeed support any further enlargement.
And, he added, the new Europe would not just be a free trade area as the new countries would be contributing, for example, to the CFSP.
And, he added, the new Europe would not just be a free trade area as the new countries would be contributing, for example, to the CFSP.
His only qualification concerned the structures of the existing Union and the position of the existing Member States.
His only qualification concerned the structures of the existing Union and the position of the existing Member States.
While he felt that the Union was basically prepared to absorb the new countries, he warned that decisions on urgently needed reforms could not be put off for much longer and he looked to the Convention paving the way to progress here.
While he felt that the Union was basically prepared to absorb the new countries, he warned that decisions on urgently needed reforms could not be put off for much longer and he looked to the Convention paving the way to progress here.
As to further enlargements, he emphasised that he expected Bulgaria and Romania to join shortly and that the Commission would be producing a fair report on assessing the situation in Turkey.
As to further enlargements, he emphasised that he expected Bulgaria and Romania to join shortly and that the Commission would be producing a fair report on assessing the situation in Turkey.
He too recognised the aspirations of the Balkan States to join the EU, emphasising that the timescale here would depend on progress made in the countries concerned.
He too recognised the aspirations of the Balkan States to join the EU, emphasising that the timescale here would depend on progress made in the countries concerned.
While the Commissioner ended on an optimistic note, he did say that the new EU could not necessarily guarantee a strong political Europe.
While the Commissioner ended on an optimistic note, he did say that the new EU could not necessarily guarantee a strong political Europe.
Hans-Gert POETTERING (D) for the EPP-ED group, stated that he felt " filled with joy on this historic day ".
Hans-Gert POETTERING (D) for the EPP-ED group, stated that he felt " filled with joy on this historic day ".
He pointed out that he had been a Member of the European Parliament since 1979, and if someone had told him back in 1979, that on 9 April 2003, the European Parliament would be voting on the accession of countries under the yolk of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, he would have thought they were describing a dream.
He pointed out that he had been a Member of the European Parliament since 1979, and if someone had told him back in 1979, that on 9 April 2003, the European Parliament would be voting on the accession of countries under the yolk of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact, he would have thought they were describing a dream.
However, today, he said the dream had become a reality.
However, today, he said the dream had become a reality.
He stated that Europe had to learn from its past, but at the same time grasp the future.
He stated that Europe had to learn from its past, but at the same time grasp the future.
The European Convention on the future of Europe, he recalled, would help to strengthen Europe's democratic institutions and that it would make its possible for the EU to absorb ten new Member States.
The European Convention on the future of Europe, he recalled, would help to strengthen Europe's democratic institutions and that it would make its possible for the EU to absorb ten new Member States.
For the PES group, Enrique BARÓN CRESPO (E) was another speaker to underline the historic significance of the debate and the vote calling it a " date with history ".
For the PES group, Enrique BARÓN CRESPO (E) was another speaker to underline the historic significance of the debate and the vote calling it a " date with history ".
He stated that the vote was rather the beginning of the process rather than the end.
He stated that the vote was rather the beginning of the process rather than the end.
He regretted the criticism of the candidate countries vis à vis Iraq.
He regretted the criticism of the candidate countries vis à vis Iraq.
He called for a common declaration to be made by all the Member States and the candidate countries on Europe's values and its commitment to provide humanitarian aid to Iraq.
He called for a common declaration to be made by all the Member States and the candidate countries on Europe's values and its commitment to provide humanitarian aid to Iraq.
He also welcomed the resolution of the budgetary problems surrounding enlargement.
He also welcomed the resolution of the budgetary problems surrounding enlargement.
For the Liberals, Cecilia MALMSTRÖM (S) said she was proud to take part in such a historic debate.
For the Liberals, Cecilia MALMSTRÖM (S) said she was proud to take part in such a historic debate.
The EU, she recalled was moving from 15 Member States to 25.
The EU, she recalled was moving from 15 Member States to 25.
She also said that this was a historic day for the Liberal group, since the Liberals had always been strong supporters of enlargement.
She also said that this was a historic day for the Liberal group, since the Liberals had always been strong supporters of enlargement.
She also regretted that the candidate countries were used as " scapegoats " for the EU's failure to reach a common position on Iraq.
She also regretted that the candidate countries were used as " scapegoats " for the EU's failure to reach a common position on Iraq.
She also welcomed the ending of the budget dispute, however outstanding issues she said include the Cyprus question, the rights of minorities and corruption.
She also welcomed the ending of the budget dispute, however outstanding issues she said include the Cyprus question, the rights of minorities and corruption.
Francis WURTZ (EUL/NGL, F), on the other hand, while saying that his group could endorse the individual applications from the candidate countries, he could not agree with the views expressed in Mr Brok's report on the general negotiation process.
Francis WURTZ (EUL/NGL, F), on the other hand, while saying that his group could endorse the individual applications from the candidate countries, he could not agree with the views expressed in Mr Brok's report on the general negotiation process.
He emphasised the importance of taking account of citizens' needs and concerns, whereas in the overall negotiations this did not seem to have been the case, as could be seen in positions taken on agriculture and free movement of people where for most EU countries there is a transitional period.
He emphasised the importance of taking account of citizens' needs and concerns, whereas in the overall negotiations this did not seem to have been the case, as could be seen in positions taken on agriculture and free movement of people where for most EU countries there is a transitional period.
He also felt that not enough had been done to address social problems and economic developments.
He also felt that not enough had been done to address social problems and economic developments.
Privatisation had left many economies in a precarious state, he contended.
Privatisation had left many economies in a precarious state, he contended.
For Daniel Marc COHN-BENDIT (Greens/EFA, F), however, the importance of today's vote was to recognise the struggles of the peoples of Eastern Europe against totalitarism and at last being welcomed into the European democratic family.
For Daniel Marc COHN-BENDIT (Greens/EFA, F), however, the importance of today's vote was to recognise the struggles of the peoples of Eastern Europe against totalitarism and at last being welcomed into the European democratic family.
His group would be strongly supporting accession for all the countries in the hope of establishing a better future and stable democracy.
His group would be strongly supporting accession for all the countries in the hope of establishing a better future and stable democracy.
He also had reservations about the Brok report in the sense that it had not recognised the EU's ability to absorb the candidate countries at this point in time.
He also had reservations about the Brok report in the sense that it had not recognised the EU's ability to absorb the candidate countries at this point in time.
And, he continued, it was not just a question of CAP reform, subsidies or indeed social change but rather of adapting existing institutions and abolishing the unanimity rule which he felt just would not work in a Europe of 25 Member States.
And, he continued, it was not just a question of CAP reform, subsidies or indeed social change but rather of adapting existing institutions and abolishing the unanimity rule which he felt just would not work in a Europe of 25 Member States.
Furthermore, it was vital to emphasise the need for a strong independent Europe in the transatlantic alliance, which would allow a difference of opinion by Europeans when appropriate.
Furthermore, it was vital to emphasise the need for a strong independent Europe in the transatlantic alliance, which would allow a difference of opinion by Europeans when appropriate.
For the UEN, Charles PASQUA (F) emphasised that, apart from one member, the group was solid in its support for enlargement, which he saw more as making up for previous injustices in not acting after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
For the UEN, Charles PASQUA (F) emphasised that, apart from one member, the group was solid in its support for enlargement, which he saw more as making up for previous injustices in not acting after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Indeed it should be considered in terms of joining a continent which should never have been separated in the first place. "
Indeed it should be considered in terms of joining a continent which should never have been separated in the first place. "
Liberty " would be the winner and " federalism " the loser, he concluded.
Liberty " would be the winner and " federalism " the loser, he concluded.
The debate then focused on the situation in the individual applicant states with Jürgen SCHRÖDER (EPP-ED, D) looking at the situation in the Czech Republic.
The debate then focused on the situation in the individual applicant states with Jürgen SCHRÖDER (EPP-ED, D) looking at the situation in the Czech Republic.
Here, he emphasised, the importance of enabling the Czech people to benefit from membership, adding that the views of " opportunist " Czech politicians, who had come under fire recently should be ignored.
Here, he emphasised, the importance of enabling the Czech people to benefit from membership, adding that the views of " opportunist " Czech politicians, who had come under fire recently should be ignored.
It was important to take account of the position of minorities where there should be no discrimination.
It was important to take account of the position of minorities where there should be no discrimination.
The question of Sudetenland reflected deep historical divisions and should be treated delicately.
The question of Sudetenland reflected deep historical divisions and should be treated delicately.
Nevertheless, if the Czech people did not honour commitments to ensure respect for human rights, then the EU should not hesitate to act, he added.
Nevertheless, if the Czech people did not honour commitments to ensure respect for human rights, then the EU should not hesitate to act, he added.
Michael GAHLER (EPP-ED, D), the reporter on Estonia, welcomed Estonia's imminent accession to the Union.
Michael GAHLER (EPP-ED, D), the reporter on Estonia, welcomed Estonia's imminent accession to the Union.
He was surprised at the speed of Estonia's rate of reform since it had started its reform process ten years later than other countries.
He was surprised at the speed of Estonia's rate of reform since it had started its reform process ten years later than other countries.
He also supported the Estonian government's policy towards the Russian minority in the country.
He also supported the Estonian government's policy towards the Russian minority in the country.
The referendum, he recalled, would take place on 14 September and he looked forward to a " yes " vote.
The referendum, he recalled, would take place on 14 September and he looked forward to a " yes " vote.
Jacques POOS (PES, L), the reporter on Cyprus, was disappointed that the Kofi Annan proposals for a settlement were rejected.
Jacques POOS (PES, L), the reporter on Cyprus, was disappointed that the Kofi Annan proposals for a settlement were rejected.
On the other hand, he looked forward to Parliament granting assent to Cyprus and Cyprus joining the EU.
On the other hand, he looked forward to Parliament granting assent to Cyprus and Cyprus joining the EU.
Technically and legally, he said, the whole of Cyprus would be joining since Northern Cyprus was not a recognised state, however realistically speaking, the " acquis " would only apply to the Greek part of island.
Technically and legally, he said, the whole of Cyprus would be joining since Northern Cyprus was not a recognised state, however realistically speaking, the " acquis " would only apply to the Greek part of island.
He also welcomed Cyprus' attitude towards Iraq - he supported the position that Cyprus would not permit any military facilities to be used or operations to be carried out from Cypriot territory.
He also welcomed Cyprus' attitude towards Iraq - he supported the position that Cyprus would not permit any military facilities to be used or operations to be carried out from Cypriot territory.
Cyprus, he said, " fully supported the common EU position on Iraq" and stated this to be exemplary behaviour.
Cyprus, he said, " fully supported the common EU position on Iraq" and stated this to be exemplary behaviour.
Elisabeth SCHROEDTER (Greens/EFA, D) the reporter on Latvia encouraged all to vote in favour of assent.
Elisabeth SCHROEDTER (Greens/EFA, D) the reporter on Latvia encouraged all to vote in favour of assent.
She stated that the main problem was the lack of regional government which would lead to difficulties in absorbing EU structural funds.
She stated that the main problem was the lack of regional government which would lead to difficulties in absorbing EU structural funds.
However, she also questioned the EU's willingness to reform when necessary and stated that it " was a bit ripe for the EU to be over critical of individual weaknesses in certain candidate countries ."
However, she also questioned the EU's willingness to reform when necessary and stated that it " was a bit ripe for the EU to be over critical of individual weaknesses in certain candidate countries ."
Ioannis SOULADAKIS (PES, GR), the reporter on Lithuania, spoke more broadly about the historic importance of enlargement and stated that the EU was now on a new path of stability and solidarity.
Ioannis SOULADAKIS (PES, GR), the reporter on Lithuania, spoke more broadly about the historic importance of enlargement and stated that the EU was now on a new path of stability and solidarity.
Supporting Hungary's application Luís QUEIRO (UEN, P) emphasised that preparations for enlargement were well underway with the economy one of the most successful in the region with a high growth rate and high levels of inward investment.
Supporting Hungary's application Luís QUEIRO (UEN, P) emphasised that preparations for enlargement were well underway with the economy one of the most successful in the region with a high growth rate and high levels of inward investment.
In other words, there had been a successful transition towards a market economy, albeit at some costs.
In other words, there had been a successful transition towards a market economy, albeit at some costs.
Nevertheless there was still a need to make sure commitments to minorities such as the Roma people were maintained and that corruption and crime were tackled.
Nevertheless there was still a need to make sure commitments to minorities such as the Roma people were maintained and that corruption and crime were tackled.
On Malta, Ursula STENZEL (EPP-ED, A) too was able to report a successful transition to a social market economy.
On Malta, Ursula STENZEL (EPP-ED, A) too was able to report a successful transition to a social market economy.
Special arrangements had, however, been negotiated for the shipyards, agricultural subsidies and holiday homes.
Special arrangements had, however, been negotiated for the shipyards, agricultural subsidies and holiday homes.
She welcomed the yes vote with a 53% majority in favour in the referendum, but emphasised that this was not binding and the final decision would only be taken after the April Maltese parliamentary elections, with the present opposition Labour party still against membership.
She welcomed the yes vote with a 53% majority in favour in the referendum, but emphasised that this was not binding and the final decision would only be taken after the April Maltese parliamentary elections, with the present opposition Labour party still against membership.
Jas GAWRONSKI (EPP-ED, I) emphasised the important role that Poland had played in an enlarged Union.
Jas GAWRONSKI (EPP-ED, I) emphasised the important role that Poland had played in an enlarged Union.
Although progress had been made, there was still a need for further modernisation and to tackle corruption.
Although progress had been made, there was still a need for further modernisation and to tackle corruption.
He underlined the importance of respect for justice and the focal point that the European Parliament could play here.
He underlined the importance of respect for justice and the focal point that the European Parliament could play here.
And, he added, the decision for Poland to join should not be considered just on economic grounds but political as well.
And, he added, the decision for Poland to join should not be considered just on economic grounds but political as well.
It should not be discriminated against for the position it has taken on Iraq, he added.
It should not be discriminated against for the position it has taken on Iraq, he added.
Demetrio VOLCIC (PES, I), the reporter for Slovenia, recalled Slovenia's difficult past.
Demetrio VOLCIC (PES, I), the reporter for Slovenia, recalled Slovenia's difficult past.
He welcomed the early recognition of the country by the EU, and stated that this had assisted Slovenia in its rapid economic growth.
He welcomed the early recognition of the country by the EU, and stated that this had assisted Slovenia in its rapid economic growth.
He welcomed the 89% " yes " vote on EU membership as a record for any referenda on accession to the EU.
He welcomed the 89% " yes " vote on EU membership as a record for any referenda on accession to the EU.
He also pointed out that Slovenia's political geography required it to embrace the Balkan region, as he said, it was now once again doing.
He also pointed out that Slovenia's political geography required it to embrace the Balkan region, as he said, it was now once again doing.
Finally, he pointed out that Slovenia was the world's largest investor in Bosnia, and its accession process was regarded as a model for the other Balkan countries.
Finally, he pointed out that Slovenia was the world's largest investor in Bosnia, and its accession process was regarded as a model for the other Balkan countries.
Urging colleagues to support Slovakia's application, Jan Marinus WIERSMA (PES, NL) recalled that he hardly felt he would be able to make this recommendation in 1997 when the country was emerging from authoritarian rule and the accession process began.
Urging colleagues to support Slovakia's application, Jan Marinus WIERSMA (PES, NL) recalled that he hardly felt he would be able to make this recommendation in 1997 when the country was emerging from authoritarian rule and the accession process began.
Considerable progress had been made resulting in democratic presidential elections, a new constitution and respect for minorities.
Considerable progress had been made resulting in democratic presidential elections, a new constitution and respect for minorities.
There were still concerns over corruption and much remained to be done.
There were still concerns over corruption and much remained to be done.
His other concern was with the ability of the country to absorb EU funds.
His other concern was with the ability of the country to absorb EU funds.
Gary TITLEY (PES, North West) recalled his vision of the EU as a young man - of a broad non-exclusive Union made up of more that Western European nations.
Gary TITLEY (PES, North West) recalled his vision of the EU as a young man - of a broad non-exclusive Union made up of more that Western European nations.
He called the " yes " vote to assent, the reflection of hard work and more than 5 years of difficult and tough negotiations.
He called the " yes " vote to assent, the reflection of hard work and more than 5 years of difficult and tough negotiations.
He also recognised the tough ongoing social and economic transition in the candidate countries.
He also recognised the tough ongoing social and economic transition in the candidate countries.