unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Radosław Sikorski
Political group: PPE
Country: Sweden
Language: EN

Madam President, we tried to integrate post-Soviet Russia into our community. We admitted Russia into the Council of Europe. We signed a partnership and cooperation agreement. We were ready to sign partnership and cooperation agreement II, which would have been an association agreement in all but name. But Mr Putin has gone the way of conquest, and that, of course, has to be countered. I welcome the words of the President of the European Commission that we need to become more independent in the energy sphere. European defence is one thing, but what we really need is a gas union. Just as the Commission buys uranium on behalf of Member States and then distributes it among Member States, we could be using the power of monopsony, of being the largest client customer for Russian gas. I call on Germany to overcome the selfish logic of Nord Stream 2 and to become the leader of the gas union. This would be good for the environment, good for the European economy, good for Member States (we would all get gas cheaper) and good for our standing with Mr Putin. He will not change his mind thanks to partnerships between cities – it’s not the language he understands. He will change his behaviour if we confront him with actions, not just words.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Juozas Olekas
Political group: S-D
Country: Spain
Language: EN

Madam President, once again we’re discussing a crisis in the centre of Europe created by Russia, and trying our best to avoid any unnecessary confrontation. Once again, we see a flow of European and world leaders to meet the biggest European bully, and we are clapping our hands with relief if he decides to move echelons of his soldiers a few hundred kilometres from the Ukrainian borders. Of course, we should use all our diplomatic means to achieve the peaceful ending of the current crisis. I believe we can achieve this only by being united in our response. We should push even more for a common approach to any security crisis. For this reason, we have to ask governments of our Member States to dedicate adequate attention and financial resources to the defence sector. We also have to free ourselves from big dependency on one big supplier in any areas of our life, including energy. For that reason, I welcome the efforts of EU diversification of energy supply. As the European security system cannot be decided in the corridors of Kremlin, the same way the path of Ukraine cannot be decided in the Kremlin either. Ukraine’s future should depend on the choice of its people. But the EU has the right and the moral obligation to stress again that Ukraine has a place in the European family, and Europe will help Ukraine in these difficult times by all possible means – financially, with expertise and with defence and military equipment.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Malik Azmani
Political group: Renew
Country: Netherlands
Language: EN

Madam President, we have all witnessed the escalating pressure on Ukraine and Putin is without doubt playing a very dangerous game of brinkmanship. What is he really trying to achieve? Well, nobody knows, besides Putin himself. And what we do know is that putting a gun to Ukraine’s head is no way to preserve peace in Europe or to enhance Russia’s security. One misstep, one mistake and Putin could unleash a devastating conflict that will jeopardise our collective safety and stability. This is why the Union needs to support Ukraine in any way we can: complete the list of severe sanctions, increase financial support for Ukraine, and enhance the defensive capabilities of Ukraine. I commend High Representative Borrell for his hard work in coordinating also with our transatlantic partners, and I call on our Member States to maintain our unity and to stand firm if we want to prevent a new war in Europe.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Markéta Gregorová
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: France
Language: CS

Paní předsedající, vážené kolegyně, vážení kolegové, scházíme se na tomto plénu v datum, o kterém mnozí v posledním týdnu spekulovali jako o dni ruské invaze na Ukrajinu. Nejen lidem, kteří válku zažili, ale i těm, kdo by tuto zkušenost ve svém životě rádi oželeli, se při takové možnosti svírá hrdlo. Podíváme-li se na výčet bezpečnostních hrozeb za posledních několik let, marně bychom hledali incidenty, které by nebyly agresí Ruské federace. Gruzie. Ukrajina. Špionážní skandály, atentáty na evropské půdě či dezinformační kampaně, všude nacházíme rukopis Kremlu. Ať už se současné napětí vyvine kterýmkoli směrem, je třeba si uvědomit, že Rusko s evropskými státy válku dávno vede, jen používá jiné než tradiční metody. A vyhrává. Daří se mu rozdělovat – zbývá panovat. My se musíme sjednotit a soustředit se jak na krátkodobé hrozby, tak na dlouhodobé dopady kroků Kremlu. Jinak prohrajeme i bez boje.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Bernhard Zimniok
Political group: ID
Language: DE

Frau Präsidentin, werte Kollegen! Die Lage an der russischen Grenze zur Ukraine ist immer noch besorgniserregend und sehr undurchsichtig. Ob der Teilabzug russischer Truppen entsprechend einer dauerhaften Entspannung gedeutet werden kann, ist aktuell völlig unklar. Um die Situation aber langfristig zu verbessern, sind verschiedene Schritte nötig. Zum einen bedarf es einer Garantie vonseiten der Ukraine, dass sie der NATO definitiv nicht beitreten wird. Wie der renommierte amerikanische Politologe John Mearsheimer schon trefflich formulierte: Keine Großmacht möchte eine andere Großmacht als Nachbarn haben. Stellen wir uns einfach mal vor, Kanada würde einem Bündnis mit Russland beitreten. Die USA würden sich sicher sehr darüber freuen. Diese Fakten zeigen eins sehr deutlich: Die NATO bewegt sich seit Jahrzehnten sukzessive auf Russland zu und nicht umgekehrt. Eine einseitige Verurteilung Russlands lehne ich deshalb ab. Es darf auch keine neuen Sanktionen gegen Russland geben. Stattdessen sollten die bestehenden Sanktionen perspektivisch zurückgenommen werden, um diese unnötigen Spannungen abzubauen. Die Ukraine sollte wiederum den Status eines neutralen Staates einnehmen, um Beziehungen zu Moskau und zu Washington unterhalten zu können, ohne sich in irgendeiner Weise auf irgendeine Seite zu schlagen und da wieder Konflikte zwischen den beiden Mächten auszulösen. Natürlich muss Russland aber eins klar sein: Den Visegrád-Staaten, den baltischen Staaten oder unseren polnischen Freunden stehen wir natürlich im Falle einer russischen Aggression oder Bedrohung kompromisslos zur Seite. Was uns aber alle eint, muss ganz klar sein: Ein Krieg muss unbedingt verhindert werden!
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Beata Szydło
Political group: ECR
Country: Netherlands
Language: PL

Pani Przewodnicząca! Szanowni Państwo! Rosja leży bliżej Unii Europejskiej, niż czasami zdają się pamiętać niektórzy politycy czy nawet my, tutaj, w tej Izbie. A Putin jest bardziej bezwzględnym dyktatorem, niż łudzą się ci, którzy próbują z nim robić interesy. Wykorzystuje bezwzględnie słabości, naiwność i brak odwagi w relacjach z nim. Nie można mieć złudzeń, że, pozwalając na budowę, np. Nord Stream 2 czy uzależniając Europę od gazu rosyjskiego, nie będziemy ponosili tego konsekwencji. Oto ten moment właśnie nadchodzi.  Musimy być solidarni, zjednoczeni i jednoznaczni w swoich decyzjach. Dzisiaj musimy wspierać Ukrainę i musimy też pamiętać, że polityka Unii Europejskiej wobec Rosji musi być zdecydowana i jednoznaczna. Tego potrzebuje dzisiaj Europa, tego potrzebuje dzisiaj Ukraina.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Giorgos Georgiou
Political group: The Left
Country: France
Language: EL

Κυρία Πρόεδρε, κύριοι Επίτροποι, η CIA προέβλεπε πόλεμο σήμερα. Πόλεμος δεν έγινε. Μήπως κάποιοι τον ήθελαν; Μήπως κάποιοι τον χρειάζονται; Είναι πολλά τα λεφτά από τις πωλήσεις των όπλων, του φυσικού αερίου, των εμπορικών συναλλαγών. Μιλούν οι ΗΠΑ για επιθετικότητα άλλων, όταν οι ίδιες ξοδεύουν 800 δισεκατομμύρια για στρατιωτικές δαπάνες, διαθέτουν 800 βάσεις σε όλον τον κόσμο και χιλιάδες στρατιώτες στην Ευρώπη. Η κυρία von der Leyen απειλεί με μαζικές κυρώσεις τη Ρωσία· δεν μας λέει, όμως, ποιος θα πληρώσει το κόστος. Μήπως και οι ευρωπαϊκοί λαοί; Η Ευρώπη, ουρά του ΝΑΤΟ, παρακολουθεί αμήχανα τις εξελίξεις που συμβαίνουν στην αυλή της. Το είπαν ο Καγκελάριος Scholz και ο Πρόεδρος Macron: χωρίς να είναι ασφαλής η Ρωσία, δεν θα είναι ασφαλής ούτε και η Ευρώπη. Ας ακούσουμε τις φωνές της λογικής. Η Ευρώπη πρέπει να σταθεί στο ύψος της. Αυτό επιτάσσει η ιστορία της: να σταθεί αποφασιστικά δίπλα στην ειρήνη ενάντια στον πόλεμο. Απαιτείται διπλωματική λύση άμεσα που να διασφαλίζει τη μη διεύρυνση του ΝΑΤΟ προς Ανατολάς, με ταυτόχρονη παράλληλη απομάκρυνση των ρωσικών στρατευμάτων από τα σύνορα της Ουκρανίας. Να δώσουμε χώρο στην ειρήνη.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Siegfried Mureşan
Political group: PPE
Country: Germany
Language: EN

Madam President, let us be clear what military aggression by Russia against Ukraine means. It means the instant international isolation of the Russian Federation. It means political isolation. It means economic isolation for the Russian Federation, and we all know that isolation brings poverty. It means poverty for the people of Russia. For 20 years, the rule of Mr Putin has led the people of Russia down. Today, the average salary in Russia is smaller than the average salary in any of the 27 Member States of the Union. Today, life expectancy in Russia is shorter than life expectancy in any of the 27 Member States of the Union, and the media in Russia are much less free than the media in the European Union. People in Russia today are living in worse conditions than the people of the European Union: this is the truth. It needs to be told. And an aggression will mean an immediate worsening of the living conditions in Russia. People will be poorer very soon. We do not want this to happen, but this is what will inevitably happen if Russia invades Ukraine. We also need to find ways to talk to the citizens of Russia. We need a plan, and this belongs in the Strategic Compass of the European Union to tell the people of Russia why democracy, freedom of the press, rule of law are good for them, and why peace is the first condition for prosperity. And for us, dear colleagues, defending Ukraine means defending ourselves. We can only live in safety inside the borders of the European Union if we are surrounded by safe neighbours. We can only be safe within the borders of the EU if Ukraine is safe. Defending Ukraine means defending Europe and defending the European Union.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Andreas Schieder
Political group: S-D
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Frau Präsidentin, Herr Vizepräsident, sehr geehrte Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Wie jetzt schon oft gesagt worden ist: Die Lage ist ernst. Die Kriegsgefahr in Europa, in Osteuropa ist so real und aktuell wie seit Langem nicht mehr. Und vieles wurde schon über die Hintergründe und die Zusammenhänge gesagt.  Ja, Russland trägt die Verantwortung für diese Eskalation, und daher muss auch unser europäischer entschlossener Appell Russland gelten, die Truppen von den Grenzen wieder abzuziehen. Unser wichtigstes Ziel als Europäer – und das gehört ganz klar hier herausgearbeitet und unterstrichen – ist, den Krieg zu verhindern. Dialog und Deeskalation ist unser wichtigstes Ziel. Wir wollen Frieden in ganz Europa. Die Menschen in der Ukraine haben sich zu Recht ein Leben in Frieden verdient. Aber auch die Menschen in Russland wollen ein Leben in Demokratie und wollen diese militärische Bedrohung, wie sie jetzt herrscht, nicht. Alle Akteure müssen raus aus dieser Gewalteskalation. So sehr wir auf Dialog und Diplomatie setzen, müssen wir uns aber auch vorbereiten, auf Sanktionen zu setzen, wenn die Lage noch ernster wird.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Frédérique Ries
Political group: Renew
Country: France
Language: FR

Madame la Présidente, Vladimir Poutine, décidément, souffle le chaud et le froid. On craignait une invasion pour ce matin, pour aujourd’hui; c’est l’inverse qui semble se produire: le Kremlin annonce maintenant le retrait d’une partie de ses troupes. Prudence. L’avenir nous dira s’il y a réellement désescalade. En attendant, Vladimir Poutine est maître des horloges, de l’agenda et du tempo depuis des semaines, tandis que l’économie ukrainienne a un genou à terre. J’ai une minute seulement. L’Union européenne doit assumer ses ambitions géopolitiques au-delà des slogans: être ferme au nom de tous et de chacun, ficeler son paquet de sanctions et avancer sur cette défense commune. Nous devons aussi, bien évidemment et avant tout, cette solidarité infaillible au peuple ukrainien, qui paie cher le prix de sa liberté. Je me souviens, Monsieur le Haut Représentant, comme si c’était hier, du président Viktor Iouchtchenko dans notre hémicycle de Strasbourg, un hémicycle orange de bas en haut. Vous présidiez la session, vous étiez Président du Parlement européen à l’époque. C’était en 2005. Je vais le citer: «Les frontières de l’Europe et de la liberté vont jusqu’à Odessa et à Kiev.» Je le cite, c’était il y a dix-huit ans, et l’Europe balbutie, mais combien de temps encore? Je conclus, Madame la Présidente. Que l’on ne s’y trompe pas, c’est bien notre Union, notre ADN, nos valeurs et notre paix qui sont en jeu ici.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Jakop G. Dalunde
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Italy
Language: SV

Fru talman! Oavsett hur den nuvarande situationen i Ukraina slutar måste vi ta hotet om rysk aggression på allvar. Att Ryssland använder hot om våld som diplomatiskt påtryckningsmedel, det är oacceptabelt oavsett i vilken utsträckning hotet faktiskt verkställs.  Rysslands agerande underminerar folkrätten och den europeiska säkerhetsordningen. Även om det just nu är hotet mot Ukraina som är själva hävstången är målet med politiken att kunna utöva inflytande över alla Rysslands grannländer. Om Putin har för avsikt att splittra EU måste vi visa att det har motsatt effekt, att det för EU-länderna närmare varandra och skapar en säkerhetspolitisk enhet. Det är grunden för ett ökat motstånd mot Putins imperialistiska maktanspråk.  Europeisk solidaritet med det ukrainska folkets självbestämmande, och fast beslutsamhet, är vägen framåt för Europa. Gemensamma sanktioner mot Ryssland och insatser för att stötta Ukraina är avgörande.  Jag upprepar, ett hot om våld är ett allvarligt brott mot den regelbaserade världsordningen, oavsett i vilken utsträckning hotet faktiskt verkställs. Om din granne kommer över till dig och viftar med en pistol och hotar dig är det ett brott, även om pistolen inte avfyras.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Angel Dzhambazki
Political group: ECR
Country: Germany
Language: BG

Г-жо Председател, позволете ми един цитат. Цитирам: „Нито един договор с Русия не струва дори хартията, на която е написан.“ Не се надявайте, че веднъж възползвали се от слабостта на Русия, ще получавате дивиденти вечно. Руснаците винаги ще идват обратно, и като дойдат, не се надявайте подписаните съглашения да ви оправдаят. Затова с руснаците си струва да се играе или честно, или въобще да не се играе. Оставям ви за домашно да се сетите от кого е този цитат. Той е от един велик европеец, но половината от вас ще изпоприпадат само при споменаването на неговото име. Но така или иначе той е бил прав.  На 5 ноември 1994 година в Будапеща е подписан договор, който гарантира, трябва да гарантира териториалната цялост на Украйна, в замяна на отказ от ядрено оръжие. Към това време Украйна е третата в света държава по силата на ядреното си оръжие. Виждате колко струва този договор, а страна по него е и Русия. Защо става така? Защото европейското лидерство към днешна дата е некомпетентно, беззъбо, неумело и не знае какво трябва да направи. Защото европейските лидери отиват да се договарят сепаративно, защото европейските лидери не могат, не знаят как да изработят една позиция, която да отстояват и която да защитават. Половината говорят за енергийна независимост, другите обаче си пускат тръби, защото е изгодно за тяхната икономика. Ето така няма да се получи и така няма да стане, уважаеми. Казвам го с цялата сериозност на тази тема.  Това, което всеки един от вас трябва да знае, е, че начинът, по който политиката се води в момента, е погрешен. Г-н Борел, Вие говорите в момента за единство. Какво единство, г-н Борел? Всеки европейски лидер отива и се договаря сепаративно – единство няма. Не се лъжете, да не се лъжем. Чувам тук някакви хора се опитват да кажат „Слава на Украйна!“, ама тихичко така, да се запишат в листа на изказващите се. Украйна има нужда от сериозно партньорство, от сериозна поддръжка и от икономика, а не от празни приказки, от декларации и от игра на шикалки.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Emmanuel Maurel
Political group: The Left
Country: Greece
Language: FR

Madame la Présidente, nous voulons tous empêcher l’embrasement. Nous voulons tous empêcher cette fuite en avant qui met en péril la sécurité européenne. Évidemment, nous sommes tous d’accord sur le fait qu’une agression, même limitée, à l’encontre de l’Ukraine justifierait une réponse politique et économique forte et commune de la part de l’Europe. Nous devrions tous être d’accord aussi pour dire que, parmi les grandes puissances qui jettent de l’huile sur le feu, il n’y a pas que la Russie – mais cela, c’est difficile à entendre.  Dès lors, il faut agir pour empêcher cette catastrophe, sans que l’Ukraine soit menacée ni déstabilisée. Cela suppose d’appliquer les accords de Minsk, comme le demandent la France et l’Allemagne de façon répétée, dans le cadre du format Normandie. Mais cela suppose aussi – je suis désolé de le dire – que pour l’instant l’Ukraine n’adhère pas à l’OTAN, car il est devenu évident qu’une adhésion de l’Ukraine à l’OTAN serait un facteur de guerre; l’ignorer en balayant d’un revers de main les objections de la Russie, ce n’est pas une attitude responsable.  Je le répète et vous le savez tous: contrairement aux États-Unis, la Russie reste – et restera – sur le continent européen. Comme le disaient très bien hier le chancelier Scholz, mais aussi le président Macron, il n’y a pas de sécurité européenne s’il n’y a pas de sécurité russe.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Esteban González Pons
Political group: PPE
Country: Slovenia
Language: EN

Madam President, for years, we have tried to avoid any kind of conflict with Moscow, but we can’t anymore. This is not the time for speculation or cheap political talk. Putin has made his intentions clear to Ukraine, to Europe and to the world. He insists that diplomatic options are still on the table, but his troops are prepared for the invasion of an independent nation. Negotiating with tanks and with a gun to our heads is not negotiating. It is blackmailing.  Make no mistake, the target is Ukraine, but we, the European Union, are the goal. The threat is there, it is now, and it is a real one. The only question that we have to answer is: what are we going to do about it? Do we stand down? Are we going to be prisoners of a dictator or do we unite, put our political difference aside and stand together against this act of aggression? Rather than being afraid, let’s hold our heads high and make him understand that he will never divide us. Last, I don’t want to forget that yesterday a new trial began against Alexei Navalny. Please remember that today, more than ever, Navalny represents Russia’s hope. Let’s not condemn Russia to suffer a dictatorship forever.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Isabel Santos
Political group: S-D
Country: Hungary
Language: PT

Senhora Presidente, os sinais parecem anunciar um desanuviamento da tensão nas fronteiras entre a Rússia e a Ucrânia, mas não podemos baixar a guarda. Não tenhamos ilusões: a paz não é um dado adquirido, é uma construção permanente que temos que tomar definitivamente nas nossas mãos.  Não voltamos as costas à Aliança Atlântica, mas não podemos ter a nossa segurança definida entre Washington e Moscovo. Sejamos ousados se queremos ser relevantes. Enquanto a palavra estiver do lado da diplomacia nada está perdido. Mas é necessário não perder de vista que só seremos construtores da paz se estivermos preparados para responder solidariamente à ameaça da guerra.  Por ora, recomenda-se a contenção retórica de todos os lados, nervos de aço e não cedência na solidariedade com a Ucrânia. Não podemos ceder na defesa dos valores inscritos na Ata Final de Helsínquia e na Carta de Paris.
Debate: EU-Russia relations, European security and Russia’s military threat against Ukraine
Date: WEDNESDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2022
Speaker: Urmas Paet
Political group: Renew
Country: Italy
Language: EN

Madam President, for years, Russia has been keeping their military in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova against the will of the governments of those countries, thereby impeding the normal development of these countries. Also, in the current situation where Russia has surrounded Ukraine with its military, carries a purpose that Ukraine itself should not be able to decide on its future. Russia’s goal is to get Ukraine into its sphere of influence. It wants Ukraine to give up its path towards the EU and NATO. So far, Ukraine has managed to endure, despite the huge pressure. Democratic western countries should not make things more difficult for Ukraine. This means that we must remain with the Ukrainians by supporting them every way we can. It means also a physical presence in Ukraine. Above all, we must maintain a strong and visible diplomatic presence in Ukraine. The continuous and high-level presence of democracies in Kyiv and in other parts of Ukraine is of essence, especially these days.