unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: h anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Pernando Barrena Arza
Political group: The Left
Language: ES

Señor presidente, señorías, desde el inicio de los diálogos de paz en 2012, alrededor de 1 000 líderes sociales y activistas pro derechos humanos han sido asesinados en Colombia por bandas paramilitares y agentes armados. Llegados a este punto es importante que este Parlamento reafirme el apoyo al Acuerdo de Paz entre el Gobierno colombiano y la guerrilla de las FARC-EP. Es fundamental para el bienestar del pueblo colombiano continuar con el proceso histórico emprendido en Colombia desde una perspectiva de verdad, justicia, reparación y garantías de no repetición. Y a la vez deseamos mostrar nuestra preocupación por la situación de los activistas de derechos humanos. Este Parlamento debe instar al Gobierno colombiano a protegerlos, así como al conjunto de la oposición política colombiana, para que puedan ejercer su mandato sin poner en riesgo su vida y la de su comunidad. La Unión Europea debe continuar aportando respaldo económico y de toda índole para el desarrollo de cada una de las partes del Acuerdo e instar al Gobierno colombiano a retomar los diálogos con el ELN. El pueblo colombiano necesita más que nunca del apoyo internacional, el respaldo al proceso de paz y su desarrollo con plenas garantías.
Debate: h anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Ibán García Del Blanco
Political group: S-D
Country: Italy
Language: ES

Señor presidente, en noviembre se cumplirán cinco años de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz y creo que hay que valorar el avance que se ha producido en todos sus términos por parte de una democracia con muchas dificultades.  Hay que reconocer que la posición de salida era compleja, pero esto no nos puede de ninguna forma hacer obviar otra parte que es también muy importante, que hay que resaltar. No es posible que tengamos unos datos, que ha resaltado la propia Misión de Verificación de las Naciones Unidas, con cientos y cientos de personas asesinadas cada año. Es decir, incluso estamos en una situación, hoy, peor que la de antes de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz en algunas cifras.  Se está asesinando a antiguos combatientes, se está asesinando a defensores indígenas, defensores del medio ambiente... En fin, esto tiene que terminar, porque hay una premisa indispensable para un Acuerdo de Paz, que es que una de las partes no desaparezca. Porque la paz es una paz duradera, justa, estable... no la paz de los cementerios. Así que quiero reiterarle al Gobierno colombiano su obligación, como Estado, de defender a las personas que están siendo perseguidas, amenazadas e incluso asesinadas. En ello es en lo que nos jugamos una paz duradera.
Debate: h anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Massimiliano Smeriglio
Political group: S-D
Country: Germany
Language: IT

Signor Presidente, onorevoli colleghi, a più di quattro anni dall'attuazione del processo di pace, solo il 25 % delle disposizioni previste sono state effettivamente applicate: delitti, omicidi, sparizioni, massacri, minacce e torture sono persino aumentati. L'aggressività e l'efferatezza riservata ai leader sociali, contadini, indigeni, lavoratori comunitari, donne attiviste, difensori dell'ambiente, dimostrano che la transizione ha ancora tanta strada da fare.  Gli spazi lasciati vuoti dalle FARC sulla scena della lotta armata sono aggrediti dagli attori dell'economia illegale. Il narcotraffico, le disuguaglianze storiche e strutturali, le questioni legate alla terra e all'estrazione di risorse costituiscono a tutt'oggi un grave ostacolo all'attuazione dell'accordo e alla giustizia di transizione. Le nostre istituzioni hanno il dovere di continuare a dialogare con le autorità colombiane, a cui spetta il compito di difendere i diritti umani e lo Stato di diritto, privilegiando la presenza delle istituzioni civili anziché la militarizzazione, dimostrando in modo chiaro l'impegno politico comune per la pace.
Debate: h anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Mónica Silvana González
Political group: S-D
Country: France
Language: ES

Señor presidente, comisaria Johansson, por fin, después de cinco años, vamos a volver a debatir sobre la situación en Colombia. En Latinoamérica no todo es Venezuela. Cinco años después del Acuerdo de Paz, estamos alarmados por los ataques y las muertes de defensores de los derechos humanos y del medio ambiente, en especial en la región del Cauca, donde hay conflictos por la tierra y proyectos hidrográficos, como el de Ituango. Hemos invertido muchos esfuerzos en la paz; más de 128 millones de euros solo en el Fondo Fiduciario, y lo seguiremos haciendo a través del nuevo instrumento de cooperación, el IVDCI. Pero, cinco años después, solo se ha implementado el 4 % de la Reforma Rural.  Necesitamos mejorar la rendición de cuentas —dotarnos de más mecanismos de control—y la participación de la sociedad civil en los seguimientos de los fondos, y avanzar en la ejecución de iniciativas con perspectiva de género. Y esto debemos exigírselo al Gobierno colombiano. Debemos poner el foco en el Gobierno colombiano. La paz debe ser integradora, debe incluir a las mujeres, a las comunidades indígenas, a los afrodescendientes y a las personas LGTBI. Se debe reforzar la protección de los defensores de los derechos humanos y del medio ambiente.
Debate: h anniversary of the Peace Agreement in Colombia
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Ylva Johansson
Language: EN

Comprehensive and sustainable peace will necessarily require further efforts to resume a genuine dialogue to end and prevent further violence. This is crucial for Colombia’s socio-economic development as well.  Colombia is a key partner of the EU in Latin America, a stable democracy and a like-minded country in many areas. We share the ambition to deepen and broaden our relationship, and you can rest assured that peace-building will remain a shared priority.  I agree with those that have mentioned the importance of protecting human rights defenders and social leaders. The Commission is providing concrete support through the campaign ‘Defendamos la vida’ and through direct assistance to defenders at risk with protection programmes such as ProtectDefenders.eu. We are also giving support to the special investigation unit in the Prosecutor’s Office for the dismantling of organised crime and the protection of human rights defenders, as well as to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia and to the Ombudsman’s Office to strengthen their human rights monitoring capacity, including on early warnings against attacks on human rights defenders and social leaders.  As you all know, and as many of you have mentioned, almost two million Venezuelan migrants and refugees are in its territory; Colombia is by far the most affected country in the region. With its hospitality and generosity, Colombia has set an example to the world. The EU has so far provided EUR 320 million in assistance to regional efforts to cope with this migration crisis and will continue to stand by its Latin American partners.  The VP/HR Josep Borrell and Commissioner Janez Lenarčič publicly praised Colombia’s historic decision to grant temporary protection status to Venezuelan migrants. At the same time, the continuous deterioration in the situation in Venezuela also affects Colombia from a security perspective. Armed groups, the National Liberation Army and FARC dissidents are finding refuge behind the Venezuelan border. The EU is closely following the recent clashes, which seem to be the consequence of disputes over the control of illicit economies and which have forced many civilians to flee their homes.  The situation is very complex and the challenges remain serious. The EU will continue to support Colombia in addressing them, making the best use of all available tools and areas of our cooperation. I appreciate the support of this Parliament in maintaining the focus on this important peace process.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Othmar Karas
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Aussprache über den Bericht von Alviina Alametsä im Namen des Ausschusses für auswärtige Angelegenheiten über eine Empfehlung des Europäischen Parlaments an den Rat, die Kommission und den Vizepräsidenten der Kommission/Hohen Vertreter der Union für Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik zu den Beziehungen zwischen der EU und Indien (
Debate: Second voting session
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Othmar Karas
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Die Dossiers, über die wir nun in der zweiten Abstimmungsrunde abstimmen, sind der Tagesordnung zu entnehmen. Die Abstimmungsrunde startet nun. Sie ist eröffnet und dauert bis 21.10 Uhr. Es kommt dasselbe Abstimmungsverfahren zur Anwendung, wie es Ihnen bereits bekannt ist. Die Abstimmungen sind namentlich, und sie beginnen in diesem Moment. Ich darf auch noch darauf hinweisen, dass die Ergebnisse der zweiten Abstimmungsrunde morgen Früh um 9.00 Uhr bekannt gegeben werden.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: David McAllister
Political group: PPE
Country: Netherlands
Language: EN

For this reason, the news we are hearing from India about the critical situation related to COVID—19 in the country is so shocking. The European Union, in close cooperation with Member States, as we just heard, is mobilising support and assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to help our trusted partner. It is crucial to quickly support India in these critical days. I believe the full potential of our relations with India should finally be unleashed. It is about accelerating and strengthening the strategic partnership – a strategic partnership based on common values and principles, as well as on joint interests. With the roadmap to 2025, agreed on in July last year, there is a solid basis to do so; now it needs to be further implemented. The EU–India leaders meeting on 8 May, as mentioned by the rapporteur and the Commissioner, will be a good occasion to take stock of the progress achieved so far and to intensify our future cooperation. Four areas will be key: global health issues, climate change and sustainable growth, technology, trade and investment, and foreign security and defence. A final remark: India is an important partner for the EU when it comes to preserving and promoting the rules—based multilateral order. Therefore, let us improve our cooperation on geopolitical challenges, especially in the Pacific and in international organisations. The upcoming summit should create positive momentum and clear steps to deepen our strategic partnership. This is the expectation of the EPP.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Katarina Barley
Political group: S-D
Country: Germany
Language: EN

The EU is ready to help and quickly provide medicine, ventilators and oxygen. We have seen that especially India has been very helpful towards other poorer countries like Bangladesh. Even more we should now be solidary with them. The European Commission has activated the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism to coordinate the aid. We’re in this together. I would like to, first of all, thank rapporteur Alametsä for the very good cooperation on this balanced report. We all agree, of course, that India is one of the fastest—growing economies, and the world’s largest democracy. It has been a strategic partner of the European Union since 2004 and, rightly, our relations are a priority of the Portuguese Presidency. Based on our shared values, we can boost our cooperation in many areas, for mutual benefit. Let me state a few examples. First, India is one of our key partners in tackling climate change and biodiversity degradation. As two major global greenhouse gas emitters, a joint commitment and shared plans for the full implementation of the Paris Agreement can make a great contribution towards a just and safe clean energy transition and reaching climate neutrality. We should also encourage further convergence in the area of protection of personal data and privacy to facilitate safe and secure cross—border cooperation. And we need closer coordination to counter terrorism, violent extremism, and disinformation campaigns. We have to overcome the issues that have hampered our trade relations in recent years and work together on closer value—based trade relations within EU. We have also to promote people—to—people exchanges, including education and culture, and a stronger dialogue. But let me also say that human rights must be at the heart of the EU’s engagement with India. We do have issues with human rights here in Europe, but we also have to encourage India to take further steps to ensure a safe environment for the work of independent journalists, human rights defenders and civil society.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Klemen Grošelj
Political group: Renew
Country: Hungary
Language: EN

The stability of the Indo—Pacific area is of common strategic interest, where mutual cooperation should be strengthened in light of China’s growing influence in the region. This should not be seen as a tool for confronting China, but as a tool for limiting its narrow regional agenda. Bilateral trade with India has seen extraordinary growth over the years but there are many opportunities that remain unexploited. We need strong political will to negotiate a comprehensive and mutually—beneficial agreement, which should include all aspects of trade, from investor protection to social and workers’ rights. The EU and India could and should intensify cooperation on digitalisation and climate change. Opportunities for cooperation are practically unlimited in fields such as research, innovation and the development of new technologies. This would enable us both to achieve ambitious climate goals and foster international cooperation in combating climate change. Respect for the rule of law, human rights and good governance are fundamental values that should be addressed in an open and constructive dialogue. Some recent trends in India raise particular concerns. We call on India to fully implement the recommendations made by several international institutions. We expect the world’s largest democracy to demonstrate its commitment to respect and fully enforce the constitutionally guaranteed rights of all of its citizens and to put an end to all forms of discrimination. India needs an open and vivid civil society, and civil society organisations must be able to carry out their work without any obstacles. We hope for India to make further progress as regards gender equality, especially in effectively combating and preventing gender—based violence. We believe that increased cooperation can, and will, help India to overcome its deep social stratification, contributing in this way to its overall progress and development.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Thierry Mariani
Political group: ID
Country: Croatia
Language: FR

Je note cependant que mes collègues de la commission des affaires étrangères avaient largement abîmé le texte et le climat de cette réunion, en transformant ce texte que nous étudions en un tract d’ONG plutôt qu’en une stratégie politique. Ce qu’ils croient être la démonstration de leurs vertus n’est qu’une preuve supplémentaire donnée au monde que l’arrogance et l’aveuglement sont devenus les maîtres mots de la politique étrangère européenne. Beaucoup vous diront que l’Union européenne est un partenaire commercial essentiel pour l’Inde. C’est nous donner une puissance que nous n’avons pas. Seule l’Allemagne fait partie des dix partenaires commerciaux principaux de l’Inde. La France doit par exemple intensifier ses échanges avec Delhi, notamment. Du fait de l’ouverture économique et des progrès de la puissance indienne, il est donc essentiel que nous nous libérions des préjugés de nombreux idéologues de la Commission pour négocier avec l’Inde autour de nos intérêts mutuels bien compris. En somme, il faut sortir d’une situation où l’Union européenne accorde le statut SPG+ au Pakistan, qui soutient l’islamisme, notamment au Cachemire, mais refuse de s’entendre avec l’Inde, à cause de préjugés idéologiques contre le premier ministre Modi. Le sommet de Porto, même s’il se tient en ligne, doit être l’occasion, enfin, de changer de ligne.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Bert-Jan Ruissen
Political group: ECR
Country: France
Language: NL

Daarbij mogen we echter niet uit het oog verliezen dat een aantal zaken in India niet goed gaan. Ik denk bijvoorbeeld heel concreet aan pastor Sanjay Bhandari, die eerder deze maand in elkaar werd geslagen door een groep hindoe-extremisten, want het moest maar eens afgelopen zijn met die bekeringsactiviteiten van hem.  Godsdienstvrijheid blijkt in India maar al te vaak slechts een papieren werkelijkheid te zijn. In onze resolutie leggen we daarom de vinger op de kwalijke antibekeringswetten en roepen we India op meer te doen om christenen en andere religieuze minderheden te beschermen.  Ik roep het voorzitterschap en de Europese Dienst voor extern optreden op hetzelfde te doen. De mensenrechtendialoog van begin deze maand moet absoluut een vervolg krijgen. Dat is in het belang van de godsdienstvrijheid, in het belang van de mensenrechten en in het belang van de religieuze minderheden.  Versterking van de economische samenwerking moet hand in hand gaan met verbetering van de mensenrechtensituatie.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Mick Wallace
Political group: The Left
Country: Germany
Language: EN

I would like to see the EU play a different role, to play an independent role and have a healthy relationship with India. We shouldn’t pretend that we’re going there and engaging with them because of shared values. The truth is that Modi is a far—right—wing racist. He’s a nasty piece of work, but that doesn’t stop us from actually engaging with India. Hopefully he won’t be there forever.  But the idea that we can use India as a vehicle to stop China, as if China was the baddy and India was the goody, is absolute nonsense. The human rights record in India is much worse than it is in China. There is no comparison. The Chinese have performed miracles with challenging poverty unheard of in humankind. They have so much to offer and we have so much to learn from them.  If you want to compare the two, look at how both of them have dealt with COVID. Let’s be realistic in our relationship and stop pretending.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Michael Gahler
Political group: PPE
Country: Spain
Language: EN

Mr President, today’s discussion on India comes at a very dark time for the country facing the biggest numbers of COVID infections: more than 300 000 per day over the last few days. I’m very glad that the European Union has reacted quickly and, via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, has made shipments of urgently needed oxygen, medicine, and equipment available. I would like to thank those Member States who have worked within this mechanism, and there are others who have helped bilaterally. Today’s debate was designed to be ahead of the planned leaders’ meeting between the EU and India in Porto. It has been cancelled due to the surge of infections in India, however, topics on the bilateral agenda remain valid. The EPP Group believes that the bilateral relationship requires a constant improvement and deepening. We have by no means achieved our full potential. India will be, in a couple of years, the most populous country in the world. Its rise since the start of economic reform at the beginning of the 1990s has been spectacular. Our trade in the last decade has increased by 70%. The EU is ready to launch negotiations on the stand—alone investment protection agreement, which would increase legal certainty for investors on both sides. As a friend, I say we can also address some issues of human rights where we see negative tendencies. India prides itself on being a country that treats human rights with respect and care, but I think one aspect is important: the Citizenship Amendment Act. I have studied it. I think it is about temporary privilege for some, but not for discrimination for others, so we should not criticise from this angle but look at other issues that are at stake.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Bernd Lange
Political group: S-D
Country: Portugal
Language: DE

Herr Präsident, Frau Kommissarin, liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen! Natürlich unterstützen wir Indien in dieser aktuellen Krise, wir müssen aber, glaube ich, noch mehr tun als bisher. Insofern schönen Dank an alle, die bisher geholfen haben. Aber ich glaube, wir müssen medizinische Güter und Impfstoffe verstärkt auch nach Indien liefern. Aber neben der aktuellen Situation müssen wir natürlich auch gucken, wie wir langfristig mit unseren wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen weiterkommen. Wir verhandeln ja schon seit Jahren über ein Handelsabkommen, ohne signifikanten Erfolg. Und deswegen, Frau Kommissarin, müssen wir vielleicht a) überlegen, ob das Mandat dieser Handelsverhandlungen noch stimmt. Denn inzwischen ist klar, dass wir in bestimmten Bereichen mit unserem Partner Indien nicht übereinkommen. Von daher, glaube ich, müssen wir das Mandat – wo wir uns drauf konzentrieren wollen – wirklich verändern. Und ein Bereich ist sicherlich der Investitionsschutz. Indien hat ja bekanntermaßen die alten ISDS—Regeln außer Kraft gesetzt, was ich sehr begrüße. Da haben die Recht, da waren die schneller und besser als die Europäische Union. Aber jetzt haben wir uns auch bewegt und diese privatrechtlichen Streitschlichtungen auf den Müllhaufen der Geschichte geworfen und wollen, wenn überhaupt, eine gerichtliche Situation. Und da können wir über einen Investitionsschutz, glaube ich, sehr genau miteinander verhandeln. Neben der Frage von Zöllen, neben der Frage von geistigem Eigentum geht es natürlich auch um Nachhaltigkeit. Ich glaube, wir können kein Abkommen mehr schließen – weder ein Investitions— noch ein Handelsabkommen –, wenn nicht gesichert ist, dass Arbeitnehmerrechte, dass Umweltstandards, dass das Pariser Klimaschutzabkommen umgesetzt wird, und vor allen Dingen, dass es auch Durchsetzungsmöglichkeiten gibt. Und das ist, glaube ich, die Lehre unserer bisherigen Handelsabkommen. Wir brauchen bessere und stärkere Durchsetzungsmöglichkeiten, und das müssen wir mit Indien auch vereinbaren.
Debate: EU-India relations
Date: WEDNESDAY, 28 APRIL 2021
Speaker: Sandro Gozi
Political group: Renew
Country: France
Language: FR

Monsieur le Président, tout d’abord, je tiens à témoigner tout mon soutien au peuple indien pour l’épreuve qu’il traverse dans cette crise de la COVID—19. Je salue, à mon tour, l’envoi par l’Union européenne de médicaments grâce au mécanisme de protection civile. Cela montre que l’UE est un partenaire de confiance pour l’Inde et un ami dans les moments difficiles. Le choix du premier ministre Antonio Cósta d’organiser ce sommet euro-indien, même virtuel, le 8 mai prochain est donc excellent. Nous devons entrer dans une nouvelle phase des relations avec Delhi, relancer les partenariats stratégiques comportant une forte dimension parlementaire, promouvoir un dialogue ouvert et exigeant sur le respect des droits humains et le rôle de la société civile, travailler pour un accord de protection des investissements, agir ensemble contre le changement climatique. Les équilibres géopolitiques dans le monde et en Asie bougent et une alliance solide entre l’Europe et l’Inde est fondamentale. On n’a pas besoin d’être complètement d’accord sur tout pour s’entendre sur l’essentiel.