unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: The humanitarian situation in Haiti following the recent earthquake
Date: WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Hannes Heide
Political group: S-D
Country: Slovakia
Language: DE

Frau Präsidentin, Frau Kommissarin! Bereits im Mai dieses Jahres haben wir über die Situation in Haiti debattiert und gefordert, dass der Rechtsstaat wiederhergestellt wird und dass Hilfsgelder dort ankommen, wo sie am dringendsten benötigt werden. Wir konnten und wollten uns damals nicht vorstellen, dass alles noch schlimmer kommen könnte. Aber, nur einen Monat nach unserer Debatte wird Präsident Moïse ermordet, und am 14. August fordert das Erdbeben 2 200 Todesopfer. Gewalt, Korruption und Bandenkriminalität stehen weiter an der Tagesordnung. Erst vor wenigen Tagen wurden 17 amerikanische Missionare mit ihren Familienmitgliedern, darunter auch Kinder, entführt. Alle diese Entwicklungen erschweren Hilfs- und Wiederaufbaumaßnahmen nach dieser verheerenden Naturkatastrophe. 650 000 Menschen sind auf Soforthilfe angewiesen. Kinder können nicht in zerstörte Schulen, COVID-19 verschärft die ohnehin schon dramatische Ernährungsunsicherheit. Die Europäische Union muss alles tun, um für stabile Verhältnisse in Haiti zu sorgen. Denn erst dann wird es möglich sein, dass Hilfe bei den Menschen ankommt, denen es an allem fehlt.
Debate: The humanitarian situation in Haiti following the recent earthquake
Date: WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Stéphane Bijoux
Political group: Renew
Country: Spain
Language: FR

Madame la Présidente, Madame la Commissaire, je veux redire ici tout de suite que, malgré la distance géographique, Haïti est notre voisin. En effet, les grandes souffrances du peuple haïtien résonnent fort dans les territoires d’outre-mer européens proches d’Haïti. Une fois encore, le drame haïtien est au cœur de cet hémicycle et je veux tout de suite remercier le Commissaire européen, Janez Lenarčič, pour son engagement aux côtés du peuple haïtien, tout de suite après ce terrible tremblement de terre. Bien évidemment, la mission humanitaire européenne doit se poursuivre auprès du peuple haïtien, mais nous savons que le combat contre la misère ne sera pas suffisant. Des gangs criminels, parfois soutenus par des politiques locaux, sèment une terreur épouvantable et toute cette violence entrave le processus démocratique, empêche les réformes indispensables et impacte directement le fragile équilibre migratoire dans les régions d’outre-mer voisines. Pour toutes ces raisons, l’Europe doit rester un partenaire fort du peuple haïtien, mais dans ses négociations avec les autorités d’Haïti, l’Europe doit être forte et exigeante pour que la sécurité reste au centre des priorités non négociables.
Debate: The humanitarian situation in Haiti following the recent earthquake
Date: WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Carlos Zorrinho
Political group: S-D
Language: PT

Senhora Presidente, Senhora Comissária, a situação humanitária no Haiti é devastadora, como têm sido devastadoras as sucessivas catástrofes naturais que têm afetado o país nos últimos anos. As catástrofes e a fragilidade das instituições têm induzido um ciclo endémico de pobreza e caos social.  É fundamental ligar a ajuda humanitária ao reforço da resiliência da sociedade haitiana, designadamente apoiando a capacidade do Estado de fornecer serviços básicos à população. A situação humanitária no Haiti já foi por diversas vezes debatida neste Parlamento. Sempre apelámos, e faz sentido apelar hoje de novo, a uma forte mobilização da comunidade internacional. Sempre defendemos o envolvimento alargado da União Europeia. Contudo, sem estabilidade política e mais capacidade institucional não são criados alicerces para o desenvolvimento sustentável do país.  A ajuda humanitária de emergência será mais eficaz se for combinada com uma dimensão de estabilidade e desenvolvimento em que as autoridades do Haiti também têm que estar empenhadas.
Debate: The humanitarian situation in Haiti following the recent earthquake
Date: WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Ylva Johansson
Language: EN

Haiti is the largest beneficiary of the European Union’s humanitarian aid in Latin America and the Caribbean, with EUR 434 000 000 provided since 1994. A very significant part of this funding has been mobilised in response to the different disasters hitting the country during this period.  The intention behind the visit of Commissioner Lenarčič was to put the spotlight on this protracted crisis affected by donor fatigue and resulting in underfunding. At the moment, only 17% of the 2021 UN humanitarian appeal is funded. EU humanitarian aid for Haiti will continue. This year it amounted to EUR 17 000 000, including EUR 3 000 000 allocated in the aftermath of the disaster. Our commitment will continue next year. The EU’s co-funded post-disaster needs assessment is ongoing, with results expected in early November. A reconstruction conference is expected at the end of the year.  Once again, I would like to thank you for this debate.
Debate: Agenda for next sitting
Date: WEDNESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Ewa Kopacz
Country: Bulgaria
Language: PL

Zamykam posiedzenie. Zostanie ono wznowione jutro o godz. 8.30 i rozpocznie się od ogłoszenia wyników drugiej części dzisiejszego głosowania. Porządek obrad został opublikowany i jest dostępny na stronie internetowej Parlamentu Europejskiego. Dobrej nocy Państwu życzę.
Debate: Announcement of voting results
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Othmar Karas
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Ich gebe zunächst die Ergebnisse der zweiten Abstimmungsrunde von gestern bekannt. Bevor wir mit den Aussprachen beginnen und vor der ersten Abstimmungsrunde von heute, in der wir über den Beschluss des LIBE-Ausschusses abstimmen werden, interinstitutionelle Verhandlungen aufzunehmen über den Vorschlag für eine Verordnung zur Änderung der Verordnung (EU) 2016/794 in Bezug auf die Zusammenarbeit von Europol mit privaten Parteien, die Verarbeitung personenbezogener Daten durch Europol zur Unterstützung strafrechtlicher Ermittlungen und die Rolle von Europol in Forschung und Innovation und den Vorschlag für eine Verordnung zur Änderung der Verordnung (EU) 2018/1862 über die Einrichtung, den Betrieb und die Nutzung des Schengener Informationssystems (SIS) im Bereich der polizeilichen Zusammenarbeit und der justiziellen Zusammenarbeit in Strafsachen in Bezug auf die Eingabe von Ausschreibungen durch Europol, kann jeweils nur ein Redner, der den Beschluss des Ausschusses, Verhandlungen aufzunehmen, unterstützt, und ein Redner dagegen sprechen.
Debate: Announcement of voting results
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Saskia Bricmont
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: France
Language: FR

Monsieur le Président, je me vois contrainte de revenir sur les étapes de ce dossier tant il suscite peu de débats, alors qu’il contient un concentré des débats qui nous animent au sein de cette Assemblée: intelligence artificielle, surveillance de masse, collecte indiscriminée de données, y compris de non-suspects, échanges de ces données avec des pays tiers et des entreprises privées. Le point de départ de la réforme, c’est la découverte par le comité européen de la protection des données de l’analyse massive de données personnelles par l’Agence en dehors de tout cadre légal. La Commission nous présente alors une réforme qui légalise des pratiques illégales et renforce considérablement les compétences de l’Agence à sa demande. Tout cela sans évaluation ni étude d’impact. Chers collègues, c’est loin d’être un dossier technique. L’échange de données avec des parties privées et des États tiers a des conséquences en termes de droits fondamentaux et de protection des données. Le financement de projets d’Europol par des pays tiers peut entraîner des conséquences en termes d’ingérence étrangère. Donner la compétence exécutive à l’Agence d’insérer directement des alertes de sécurité dans le système d’information Schengen est une question éminemment politique. L’autoriser à développer des projets de recherche et d’innovation, d’intelligence artificielle à des fins expérimentales et policières, et à promouvoir des technologies de reconnaissance faciale alors que notre Parlement s’y est opposé il y a quinze jours, sont des questions éminemment politiques. Assurer la protection des droits fondamentaux est une question éminemment politique. Or, face à l’élargissement des missions et des pouvoirs confiés à l’Agence, on ne trouve pas les indispensables garde-fous et les mécanismes indépendants de contrôle démocratique. Chers collègues, Europol doit assurer la sécurité de tous les citoyens et sans affaiblir leurs droits fondamentaux. Je vous exhorte donc à vous opposer à ce texte, à ces évolutions qui ne font pas de l’Europe un continent plus sûr pour tous.
Debate: Announcement of voting results
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Javier Zarzalejos
Country: Croatia
Language: EN

The reform of Europol’s mandate is a long-standing request by this Parliament, and I was mainly motivated by the need to equip the agency with new tools and capabilities to face the digital transformation. Criminals have adapted their modus operandi to the new digital reality, and consequently it is necessary to enable Europol to better support Member States in the fight against these evolving security threats.  The two legislative reports, which were adopted by a large majority of 75% of the votes cast in LIBE last week, build on the main elements of the legislative proposals of the European Commission, while introducing additional safeguards to ensure the fundamental rights, in particular, the right to the protection of personal data, are respected.  The report, furthermore, includes provisions to enhance parliamentary oversight and the accountability of Europol, marking a substantial progress and striking the right balance between new capabilities and closer democratic scrutiny and oversight.  Consequently, I kindly request for your support for both decisions, which gather a broad support in the LIBE Committee, so allowing us to enter into negotiations so we can start the discussion with the Council and the Commission soon with a view to deliver new legislation that will allow Europol to better support the Member States to counter serious crimes and terrorism in full respect of fundamental rights.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Othmar Karas
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Aussprache über die Erklärungen des Rates und der Kommission zu den Ergebnissen des Westbalkan-Gipfels ( Ich darf zu diesem Tagesordnungspunkt auch den Vertreter des Rates, Herrn Außenminister Anže Logar, und Frau Kommissarin McGuinness begrüßen – herzlich willkommen in unserer Aussprache.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Anže Logar
Language: EN

I am therefore particularly happy to discuss with you the outcome of the EU—Western Balkans Summit in Brdo, hosted by our Presidency and chaired by the President of the European Council, which was a cornerstone event. The summit served to strengthen our ties and stressed the importance of our relations. It allowed us to emphasise that the EU remains the predominant partner and investor in the region. The system and the close partnership during the COVID—19 pandemic were notably underlined. The Union also reconfirmed its commitment to the enlargement process based upon credible reforms by partners, fair and rigorous conditionality and the principle of own merits. The Brdo Declaration, which was agreed at the summit, highlights these themes as well as the other important aspects. Let me recall some key features that were discussed. In order to foster the region’s socio—economic recovery, leaders discussed ways to intensify their engagement, building on concrete deliverables, notably the economic and investment plan and the green agenda for the Western Balkans. The summit also agreed a set of concrete deliverables, such as the agreement on a roadmap towards lowering roaming costs between the EU and the Western Balkans. Let me also recall that fundamental values and principles, notably rule of law, independent justice and strong democratic institutions, remain key. The Union’s assistance will continue to be linked to tangible progress in the area of rule of law and socio—economic reforms, as well as to the Western Balkans partners, adherence to EU values, rules and standards. Inclusive regional cooperation and the strengthening of good neighbourly relations, including with EU Member States, remain important. So does the need to make further efforts to foster reconciliation and regional stability. In order to ensure the stability of the region and strengthen regional cooperation, ways to deepen our security and strategic engagement were also discussed by the leaders. Finally, it was agreed to hold an EU—Western Balkans summit as a regular event in the future, a decision that reaffirms the Union’s shared commitment to reinvigorating and enhancing our political dialogue with the region of the Western Balkans. To conclude, the summit was successful and appreciated by both the EU and the countries of Western Balkans. It was a timely and important event showing our commitment to the shared objective of a strong, stable and united Europe. I would like to take this opportunity to particularly thank the European Parliament for your role in promoting a sustained and constructive engagement with the Western Balkans and in the strengthening of your important ties. I guess future presidencies will need and will count on your support as well.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: David McAllister
Political group: PPE
Country: Netherlands
Language: EN

Having a closer look at the Brdo declaration, I would see five important positive messages to our partners.  Firstly, it is reconfirmed the European perspective of the region and our commitment to enlargement. Secondly, the EU has provided EUR 3.3 billion for emergency support and for supporting the recovery. In addition, the EU together with the Member States, has delivered almost three million doses of vaccines already.  Thirdly, the heads of state have called for a swift implementation of the economic and investment plan and the new IPA III regulation. Fourthly, other very practical measures were agreed to associate the region more closely to us in the European Union, such as to lower roaming charges. And fifthly, the European Union reaffirmed its support to strengthen regional cooperation.  Recent concerning events have shown how deep the divisions run and how much work is still needed to build good and sustainable neighbourly relations. Allow me to thank Commissioner Várhelyi for presenting the enlargement package yesterday at an extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. During our discussion, we welcomed the restated commitment of the Western Balkans partners to the primacy of democracy, fundamental rights and values.  EU support must continue to be linked to tangible progress on the rule of law and socio—economic reforms, as well as to the adherence of our European values, rules and standards.  A final point: as we enter a critical juncture for the future of the EU and its enlargement, the EU and the Member States must clear the hurdles precluding us from switching gears in the accession process for countries that show a strong commitment to reforms.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Tonino Picula
Political group: S-D
Country: France
Language: EN

It’s true that some significant steps were taken, such as adopting the IPA free pre-accession financial instrument and substantial financial commitment has been made throughout the region as well. Nevertheless, we need more political engagement and commitment. As a group we particularly insist that all countries in the region uphold fundamental rights and the rule of law, defend freedom of media, fight corruption, and we will not compromise on these issues. What worries us is that we are witnessing unrest across the region. Typical patterns of foreign interference and public support for the EU is falling.  As a long-term solution and effective driver of reforms, we propose a credible and reachable European perspective for the Western Balkans countries. We must not shy away from calling out on all of the negative trends and backsliding. Still, we must deliver on our political commitments towards countries that did everything we asked for.  The Western Balkans is a real test of the credibility of the European Union’s declared geopolitical ambitions. Therefore, the accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania, but also regarding the visa-free regime for Kosovo should be approved immediately.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Ilhan Kyuchyuk
Political group: Renew
Country: Netherlands
Language: EN

It shows that any hurdle can be overcome in the commitment to the enlargement process and that fully—fledged EU membership is the ultimate goal. The EU’s commitment to provide nearly EUR 30 billion in grants and investments over seven years in order to aid development and propel Western Balkan countries towards membership is  real proof that we stand side by side with our partners and reaffirm our unequivocal support for the region’s European perspective. However, the enlargement process does not only depend on the level of economic growth, but also on many other achievements, among which are the rule of law, democracy and, last but not least, good neighbourly relations. We have the current examples for this: the provocation on the Kosovo—Serbia border shows us how fragile the peace in the region is, or the difficulties between Bulgaria and North Macedonia to find a compromise on the bilateral dispute demonstrate to us what the role of the past is in the region. I believe we should continue to support Western Balkans in carrying out all those necessary reforms because the European Union and alignment with its values and standards remain the greatest unifying factor for all the people of the Western Balkans. Having said that, I urge both North Macedonia and Bulgaria to finally resume a constructive dialogue in order to achieve sustainable results. Reaching a compromise over an action plan of concrete measures could foster the whole EU integration, and I think the further delays will put at risk the credibility, objectivity and reliability of the accession process.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Ireland
Language: EN

The EU pretends that it wants to enlarge to the Western Balkans, while those countries pretend that they are conducting reforms to join the club. The current approach not only undermines our efforts to democratise these countries, but also endangers peace – as we have recently seen in the north of Kosovo and in Bosnia with a succession threat.  It has to stop, and we need a fundamentally different Balkan policy. Albania and North Macedonia deserve to start accession negotiations immediately as the EU cannot afford to lose its overall credibility due to the Bulgarian veto. Kosovo met all the criteria for visa liberalisation years ago, and the Commission in return reiterates that. But young Kosovans are still prevented from travelling freely like their peers from Lisbon to the Tbilisi.  Furthermore, we will prove our credibility by being fair and strict to the countries that have democratic backsliding, like in Serbia. If we continue the appeasement approach towards autocratic and corrupted leaders such as Aleksandar Vučić and Milo Đukanović, we risk losing again a chance to democratise the region and bring it closer to the Union. The membership promise must become credible again. That is our task. Robust engagement and reinforcing IFOR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation) in Bosnia. Opening accession talks with Albania, North Macedonia, visa liberalisation for Kosovo and strict conditionality for Serbia and Montenegro is the way to become credible in the Western Balkans.  The Western Balkans is not our neighbourhood. It is in our yard. This region means so much for European security, migration and border management, but also for culture and education as we share so much together. If the EU cannot play a pivotal role there, then our dream of becoming a geopolitical Union is indeed just a dream.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Julie Lechanteux
Political group: ID
Language: FR

En effet, comment est-il possible de proposer une adhésion à des contrées caractérisées par des situations politiques et géopolitiques d’une grande complexité comme l’Albanie et la Macédoine du Nord, ou encore comme le Kosovo qui, je le rappelle, est une entité non reconnue comme État souverain par cinq États membres de l’Union européenne? Ces pays sont plus connus pour des faits de corruption, des trafics en tous genres et l’actualité judiciaire de leurs dirigeants. Dans toute cette région des Balkans occidentaux, un seul peuple nous est proche et partage nos valeurs. C’est le peuple serbe, un peuple qui, dans les moments difficiles de l’histoire, a toujours choisi le camp de la démocratie et de la liberté, et qui a fait de l’amitié franco-serbe un point d’honneur de son action politique sur le plan international, et ce, malgré l’horreur des bombardements de l’OTAN en 1999.
Debate: The outcome of the Western Balkans summit
Date: THURSDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2021
Speaker: Mick Wallace
Political group: The Left
Country: Germany
Language: EN

The EU can’t make clear statement on the matter. President Charles Michel said after the summit, ‘there is a desire to work towards progress on enlargement’. After over 20 years of dangling the prospect of EU membership in front of the Western Balkans, vague and distant statements like this must make the people of the Balkan states wonder. The Albanians who put down their weapons in 1999 did so surrounded by promises from the EU that never materialised. What did happen was a string of leaders vetted by the West allowed the market to rip through their most valuable assets. Privatisation and fire sale of said assets has resulted in the disposal of laws that protected workers’ rights and strong education, health and social-security programmes. Prioritising foreign direct investment meant disaster for local industry. The EU asked these accession states to address corruption, if they do then they have to reverse some of the predatory buying of state properties that went to US, EU Member States’, Turkish and Israeli companies for peanuts. For fear more of more eyes turning to Russia and China, our friends in the US now want to speed up things. But much of the trust is gone and, thankfully, a more independently minded leadership is growing in the region.