unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Miapetra Kumpula-Natri
Political group: S-D
Country: France
Language: EN

Madam President, colleagues, I have observed every case of misconduct with concern, and it is crucial to address these issues and build confidence in the EU’s integrity. Today can mark a stride toward a more ethical, transparent and accountable European Union. It is up to us to make the decision, and it’s up to the work of the next Parliament to improve it, because there have been better ideas, for example, from my Group, S&D. This timing of this discussion on the last day of this Parliament underscores our dedication to transparency and accountability as we enter the period of European elections. Ensuring citizens’ trust in our democratic institutions remains steadfast. As we move forward, let me remind you that this is not perfect, but voting against an ethical standards body looks very bad. We have to stay clear that we do not accept third-party, third-country involvement here. So, Mr President, in my 10 last seconds as an MEP on the speaking podium after my 10 years, I have not given up hope for democracy, I will not give up hope for European integration, and I think we stand for democracy here, but we also stand for Ukraine. Let us keep that moment for the next Parliament, too. I will go back to the national parliament, but I hope this House will continue to stand with Ukraine and not have its ethics interfered with by third countries like Russia.
Debate: Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Cyrus Engerer
Political group: S-D
Country: Romania
Language: EN

Madam President, transparency in politics is not only important, but essential. We currently have a system of self-verification, self-regulation at EU level and, Commissioner, we work so hard to fight greenwashing in Europe, we must do the same to fight for transparency and the integrity of all members of all institutions of this European Union. What a shame that governments have chosen to stay out from having an independent interinstitutional ethics body. European governments, together with the EPP and the fascists in this House, are giving the signal that they do not want transparency for our institutions. I am very satisfied that even in my last speech in this House, under this mandate, I am fighting corruption, bribery, and I am fighting for the transparency and the enforcement of all ethical standards in this European Union. We need these to be higher. We need to fight for what is good, and we need to fight for this House, for the European institutions, to regain their credibility after a number of embarrassing and problematic issues that have cropped up. And while this is also my last speech, my commitment to the values of this European Union – equality, human rights, the protection of minorities and the strengthening of democracy – will keep on being my fight together with you elsewhere.
Debate: Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Juan Fernando López Aguilar
Political group: S-D
Country: Germany
Language: ES

Señora presidenta, señor comisario, en el último día útil de la última sesión plenaria de esta legislatura del Parlamento Europeo 2019—2024, este Parlamento Europeo continúa incrementando y reforzando su balance de rendimiento, que ha sido sobresaliente en esta legislatura.  Lo hace adoptando un acuerdo interinstitucional con la Comisión y el Consejo, cuyo objetivo es reforzar las normas de dación de cuentas, de transparencia y, por consiguiente, de responsabilidad en el comportamiento ético exigible a todos sus miembros. Y lo hace de forma decidida.  Pero este Parlamento, que se distingue por ser la única institución directamente electiva, supranacional y legislativa del mundo, tiene muchas razones para estar orgulloso en el momento de afrontar su reencuentro con las urnas —sufragio universal el próximo 9 de junio, en el que los ciudadanos tienen la palabra— porque, a lo largo del proceso de integración supranacional, este Parlamento no ha dejado de crecer.  Es la institución que ha salido fortalecida de cada reforma de los Tratados y hemos apostado por incrementar su poder de investigación. Ayer lo exigimos en un debate intenso. Este Parlamento no ha terminado su trabajo, pero desde luego tiene razones para decir que mantiene su sensibilidad y su capacidad de respuesta ante cualquier asunto que pueda preocupar a la ciudadanía —y en esta legislatura los hemos conocido—. Por eso, está respondiendo de nuevo ante un reto de fortalecimiento de las normas éticas.  Pero este es el momento de decir que vamos al encuentro con las urnas el próximo 9 de junio con la cabeza muy alta, porque los ciudadanos tienen la palabra. Ellos decidirán directamente esa composición democrática, porque este Parlamento los representa y les pertenece.
Debate: Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Vlad Gheorghe
Political group: Renew
Country: Spain
Language: RO

Doamnă președintă, umblă valizele cu bani pe aici, pe holurile Parlamentului, dar noi vorbim despre etică. Avem europarlamentari aici, în acest plen, care au fost prinși în flagrant cu sume uriașe de bani. Și totuși, noi vorbim despre standarde. Avem europarlamentari prinși spionând pentru China, pentru Rusia, pe bani, împreună cu angajații lor, și noi vorbim despre instituții. N-o să ne creadă nimeni, cetățenii noștri n-o să ne mai creadă dacă rămânem la vorbit.  Propun exemplul doamnei Kövesi: Haideți să mergem să le luăm banii! Haideți să ne uităm la toată structura lor de interpuși! Pentru că, dacă vedeți care e cuvântul cheie, pe lângă etică, instituții, standarde: banii, asta ne leagă pe toți! Până nu facem ceva concret, până când nu le luăm banii - ăia care sunt luați fără niciun fel de drept și care sunt banii cetățenilor - fie că sunt cetățeni europeni, fie că sunt cetățeni ai altor state, până când nu o să facem asta, nu o să ne creadă nimeni.  O să vină alegerile și o să vă întrebați de ce votează lumea cu alții, cu unii care sunt anti Europa. Dacă noi nu facem lucruri concrete, cetățenii noștri nu ne vor crede.
Debate: Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Virginijus Sinkevičius
Language: EN

I have attentively listened to those advocating for and those opposing the establishment of the interinstitutional ethics body. I want to clarify that no institution can be outvoted. No institution can be forced to do anything that it does not want. It is a common body which fully respects the autonomy and independence of each institution and its members. And it is also a departure point: we are now starting at eight institutions and bodies, but I count on the European Council joining soon in the next mandate, and the scope and functioning of the body may also evolve with time. Also, the European Investment Bank has expressed interest in joining. The EU ethics body will play a pivotal role in collectively upholding the high standards expected by European citizens and ourselves. Once again, I thank you for your attention and for this interesting debate.
Debate: Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Daniel Freund
Country: Spain
Language: DE

Wenn Sie zum Beispiel über die Gewaltenteilung reden, dann ist ja ein Prinzip der Gewaltenteilung, dass man eben nicht selber über sich richtet. Aber genau das ist ja das, was bisher eben passiert, dass Abgeordnete über Abgeordnete richten, dass immer wieder die politische Couleur, die Parteizugehörigkeit die Hauptrolle spielt und dann am Ende dazu führt, dass niemand sanktioniert wird. Jetzt zumindest sich mal unabhängig eine Empfehlung zu holen – und mehr ist es ja nicht –, das jetzt dann irgendwie als das zu bezeichnen, dass wir die komplette Kontrolle abgeben in einem Gremium von acht Institutionen, wo das Parlament genauso gleichberechtigt am Ende alle Entscheidungen blockieren kann oder einstimmig mitstimmt, dass es zu einem gemeinsamen Standard kommt, da jetzt zu sagen, andere Institutionen würden das Parlament kontrollieren, ganz ehrlich, das ist doch Unfug. Es ist merkwürdig zu sehen: Manfred Weber hat im letzten Wahlkampf versprochen, ein solches Gremium einzurichten, Ihre CDU-Kollegin Ursula von der Leyen hat versprochen, ein solches Gremium einzurichten, Ihre Parteikollegin Roberta Metsola hat als eine der Hauptantworten auf Katargate versprochen, ein solches Gremium einzurichten. Jetzt gehen Sie als Fraktion gegen Ihr eigenes Spitzenpersonal, und ich kann nur vermuten, dass Sie das tun, weil Sie Angst haben, dass am Ende natürlich vor allen Dingen EVP-Abgeordnete vor diesem Gremium landen. Keine Fraktion hat so viele Nebeneinkünfte wie Sie, bei keiner Fraktion gibt es so viele Berater und Anwälte, wo man keine Ahnung hat, wo das Geld am Ende eigentlich herkommt. Ihr Kommissar Oettinger aus der letzten Wahlperiode hatte mehr Lobbyjobs während der Abkühlzeit als jeder andere. Da hat man natürlich eine gewisse Sorge, dass das Gremium in Zukunft empfehlen könnte, dass es an der einen oder anderen Stelle eine Sanktion gibt.
Debate: Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Virginijus Sinkevičius
Language: EN

Enlargement is in the Union’s own strategic interest. While there are challenges, the benefits of a well-managed enlargement process span across a number of areas: geopolitical, economic, environmental, social and democratic. For these benefits to materialise, both the EU and aspiring Member States must be well prepared, and this requires full and sustained political commitment and engagement – first and foremost from the enlargement countries, but also from the EU itself. With this understanding, the Commission’s communication looks at the implications of a larger EU in four main areas: values, policies, budget and governance, laying the ground for the pre-enlargement policy reviews. The EU must deepen as it widens. We must start preparing today for the Union of tomorrow and use enlargement as a catalyst for progress. While reforms were already necessary, with enlargement they become indispensable – and it is true that there will be challenging discussions ahead, reconciling the opportunities of a larger Union with the challenges it possesses will not be easy. It will require us to be bold in shaping the Europe of the future. But we are not starting from scratch. This is a key message from our communication. First, we have drawn important lessons from previous enlargements. We have redefined our enlargement toolbox, including through our policy of gradual integration. By frontloading certain benefits and obligations of EU membership, enlargement countries can be better prepared for a smoother accession process. Second, let us not forget that enlargement is only one factor determining the future of the EU and its capacity to act. In the last years, the EU has successfully dealt with the COVID pandemic, agreed on Next Generation EU, shown unprecedented unity in the face of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and effectively addressed the energy crisis. As we improve our policies at 27, we also become better prepared for a larger Union. Third, we must make full use of the untapped possibilities already offered by the Treaties, so the Commission is ready to support those who want to reform the Treaty to make it work better for citizens. And these are the main messages we want to pass through this communication. More will come when we present our in-depth policy reviews.
Debate: Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Francisco José Millán Mon
Political group: PPE
Country: Spain
Language: ES

Ayer, precisamente, conmemoramos en esta Cámara los veinte años del Tratado de Atenas. Por su parte, la Unión Europea también ha ganado en tamaño —muy importante en un mundo multipolar en el que rivalizan los países grandes—. La próxima ampliación tendrá un impacto en la propia Unión y será preciso repensar algunas de nuestras políticas. Quiero compartir algunas ideas.  En primer lugar, creo que la Comisión Europea debe hacer un estudio de impacto sobre lo que supondrá la adhesión de cada país candidato y las consecuencias que tendrá en cada ámbito. Tenemos que analizar la repercusión de la ampliación en políticas tan relevantes como la cohesión o la agricultura, por ejemplo.  En este sentido, yo lamento que la reciente Comunicación de la Comisión se limite a afirmar que habrá que repensar estas políticas, pero, por ejemplo, no pida más recursos. Hay que ser claros. La ampliación necesitará también más medios, especialmente en cohesión y agricultura. No tiene que suponer recortes. En definitiva, tenemos que evaluar la capacidad de integración de la propia Unión y las decisiones que habrá que tomar.  La integración gradual también debe estudiarse cuidadosamente. No puede convertirse en una integración a la carta, como dice la propia Comisión en su documento. Tiene que haber una serie de condiciones. No se trata solo de derechos, sino también de deberes. Y entiendo, por otra parte, que la meta final seguirá siendo la membresía plena.  Termino: la próxima ampliación de la Unión mira hacia el este de Europa, pero necesitamos mirar también hacia el sur. Precisamente, para la vecindad meridional necesitamos una política más ambiciosa y con más medios. La estabilidad y la prosperidad de la orilla sur afecta mucho también a la Unión Europea.
Debate: Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Pedro Silva Pereira
Political group: S-D
Country: Bulgaria
Language: PT

Foi Mário Soares, herói da democracia portuguesa e antigo deputado deste Parlamento, que apontou a Portugal a porta da Europa, para participar neste extraordinário projeto de paz, liberdade e prosperidade, com certeza, mas também para aderir a uma comunidade de valores e para tornar irreversíveis as conquistas democráticas da Revolução dos Cravos.  É importante ter presente esses valores europeus fundamentais, agora que a União Europeia se confronta com tão grandes ameaças e também quando discutimos o desafio do alargamento. O alargamento não pode ser tratado com ligeireza. Os países candidatos têm mesmo de fazer as reformas necessárias para garantir, antes da adesão, o total respeito pelos valores da democracia, da separação de poderes e do Estado de direito.  E a própria União Europeia não pode deixar para depois as reformas institucionais e financeiras necessárias para estar em condições de absorver novos Estados-Membros. Esta é a mensagem principal do relatório de que fui correlator e que aqui aprovámos.  É na fidelidade aos valores europeus que reside o sentido e a força da União Europeia. Essa ideia generosa que tanto entusiasmou Mário Soares e que eu tive a honra de servir ao longo destes anos, como deputado, graças ao mandato democrático que os cidadãos me confiaram, e como Vice-Presidente do Parlamento Europeu, graças à vossa confiança. Obrigado por tudo. A União Europeia tem futuro.
Debate: Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Guy Verhofstadt
Political group: Renew
Country: Bulgaria
Language: EN

Well, I have to tell you, I find this irresponsible and insane. And moreover, it’s the first time, in my opinion, that I have seen that the Commission is renouncing its historical role to be at the side of the European Parliament, to bring forward the reform treaties that are absolutely necessary to make this union ready for 36 Member States. Why is there nothing about Treaty change in your communication? I will tell you why there is nothing, because Ms von der Leyen does not want that there is something on Treaty change. She need to be re-elected, presented by the Member States, by the Council so that you cannot.  So I tell you one thing. I tell you one thing. In any case, my group will not vote in the next Parliament for a candidate for President of the European Commission and for a Commission that is not putting Treaty change as an essential condition for the enlargement of the European Union. That is clear. It’s very clear. And it’s a shame, I tell you that, that we asked the Commissioners to change that communication and to be aware of the need to change the Treaty. How will you do it?  A Commission with 36 Members? You are already now with 27, have not enough competences to fulfil the different portfolios. Will you do it like that? Continue with unanimity? Continue with the budget with 1 %? The geopolitical Commission with the budget of 1 % of European GDP. It’s ridiculous to talk about the geopolitics.  I find it insane that the Commission comes forward with a crucial communication on the future of the European Union, including preparing the enlargement to 36 Member States, and then says nothing, but, oh, we have the passerelle clause to solve our problems, something that has not been applied and cannot be applied in the Union because it needs a unanimous decision.  So I tell you, and I repeat myself for the last time, this is my last intervention. So I will not bother you anymore in the coming years. Not inside the Parliament, but more, maybe outside the Parliament. Be sure of that. There will be no support for a new Commission after these elections if a treaty reform is not from day one on the table.
Debate: Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Tineke Strik
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Poland
Language: EN

But enlargement and being an effective organisation and preserving a veto is not a realistic combination. We must urgently make our House ready for more inhabitants, but also to gain more decisiveness and to prevent blackmail by a single non-compliant Member State. Orbán and Fico show us how vetoes can easily undermine the values and strength that we hold so dear. And this is also why the rule-of-law conditionality must become more effective, both in the current Member States and the candidate Member States. But let us also pave the way to our House. Abolish the veto and enlargement process, support them better, and already involve candidate countries in common policies such as the single market, energy policies and other policy areas. Let them not wait for tangible benefits of accession, which would encourage the EU trust of their citizens. Political declarations and nice words only do not bring that trust, do not push reforms in candidate countries, and don’t make our Union ready for a larger and more meaningful future. So let’s get to work.
Debate: Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Angel Dzhambazki
Political group: ECR
Country: Germany
Language: BG

Един от големите провали на този мандат на Парламента и на Комисията беше видимият двоен стандарт, когато ставаше дума за разширяване. Видим двоен стандарт и отказ да бъдат защитавани основни базови човешки права, които вие наричате европейски ценности – човешки права като право на самоопределение, право на национално самочувствие и самосъзнание. Такова право беше отказвано и продължава да бъде отказвано на македонските граждани с българско национално самосъзнание в Република Северна Македония.  И вие се провалихте да принудите властите в Скопие да изпълнят собственото ви условие, да впишат българите в конституцията. Това не се случи и това е ясен, видим провал. Вие се провалихте да впишете в доклада за напредъка на Република Северна Македония ярките, драстични примери на насилие, на пожари, на побоища срещу хора, които имат българско национално самосъзнание. Какво е това разширяване и какво разширяване ще има, когато в една държава, която дори не е кандидат за член, властите мачкат някакви хора и тези хора идват да се оплакват и вие се правите, че не ги забелязвате? И тук, в тази зала съм убеден, че има хора, които са били зависими по някакъв начин от въздействие и влияние – такова, каквото беше „Катаргейт“ – от властите в Скопие и в Белград.  По същия начин стои въпросът с Белград. Затваряте си очите и се правите, че всичко там е наред, защото такава е задачата, която са ви поставили геополитически. Но това е лицемерие. Това е двоен стандарт. Така няма да има разширяване, така няма да има един Съюз.  Господин Верхофстад, при цялото ми уважение към Вас – това изречение, за разлика от друг път, е истинско – категорично не съм съгласен с Вашата идея за промяна на Договорите. Те ще дадат възможност на анонимни бюрократи, водени от утопични идеологии, да се налагат над националните интереси на държави. Ето това Ви беше примера с провала в Скопие, при който Комисията и Парламентът не успяха да принудят властите в Скопие да променят своята конституция, нещо, което те са подписали, да включат българите в нея.  Какво разширяване, какви човешки права, когато имате пример за драстичното им нарушаване, когато имате доказателства за това нарушаване? И продължавате да си говорите, че трябва да има разширяване на всяка цена и нещо трябва да стане. Не може да давате пример с Украйна и да се оправдавате с Украйна за това да нарушавате собствените си правила. Казано е, че всяка една държава, която иска да е кандидат за член, трябва да отговаря определен критерии. Не може да си затваряте очите. Ако го правите, ще продължите да се проваляте, а ние ще продължим да Ви го напомняме.
Debate: Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
Date: THURSDAY, 25 APRIL 2024
Speaker: Thierry Mariani
Political group: ID
Country: Croatia
Language: FR

Les pays fondateurs de l’Union européenne continuent de payer à chaque fois le prix fort des élargissements successifs, comme la France, bien sûr, qui voit notamment l’Union européenne se détourner du bassin méditerranéen pour pencher toujours plus à l’Est. Emmanuel Macron réunit le dernier quarteron de ses admirateurs à la Sorbonne aujourd’hui. Il s’est lancé dans son exercice favori: les monologues prétentieux qui masquent mal le bilan catastrophique du duo qu’il forme avec von der Leyen. Vous promettiez, il y a cinq ans, la prospérité. Quel est le bilan cinq ans après? La croissance européenne est l’une des plus faibles du monde. L’inflation a brisé nos familles. L’hiver démographique européen continue. La submersion migratoire est décuplée par votre pacte migratoire et le choix que vous avez fait de ne pas utiliser Frontex comme ce serait possible de le faire. Les Français souffrent de vos décisions, mais vous n’avez aucune intention de les entendre ni d’infléchir votre politique. Surtout, vous cachez la vérité. Pour une fois, j’ai écouté avec attention – et j’avais presque envie de vous applaudir, Monsieur Verhofstadt, parce que vous avez raison. On ne peut pas, avec les traités actuels, fonctionner à 20, 30 ou 35, et c’est ce que je reproche à la Commission et à Emmanuel Macron: ils cachent la vérité aux Français, parce que chacun sait que dans cet hémicycle, comme dans la Commission, il y a un programme caché. Le programme caché, c’est effectivement l’abandon du droit de veto. Le mercredi 24 avril, 50 intellectuels français de premier plan s’exprimaient dans