unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: EU Association Agreement with the Republic of Moldova
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Eugen Tomac
Political group: PPE
Country: France
Language: RO

Domnule președinte, domnule comisar, felicit raportorul, domnul Tudorache a făcut o treabă foarte bună, însă vreau să pun accent pe o chestiune ce ține de decizia politică pe care trebuie să o ia Uniunea Europeană.  Pentru că să nu uităm un lucru extrem de important: Republica Moldova este victimă a Pactului Ribbentrop-Molotov, este o fostă republică sovietică, care, la fel ca țările baltice, a fost o victimă a unor înțelegeri criminale. Tocmai de aceea astăzi, prin discursul pe care l-a transmis doamna Președintă Maia Sandu, a subliniat o chestiune extrem de importantă și anume că poporul Republicii Moldova este european.  Românii din Republica Moldova vorbesc o limbă oficială a Uniunii Europene. O bună parte din cetățenii Republicii Moldova sunt deja cetățeni ai Uniunii Europene și tocmai de aceea este esențial să accelerăm acest proces și să facem dreptatea pe care cetățenii Republicii Moldova o merită.
Debate: EU Association Agreement with the Republic of Moldova
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Olivér Várhelyi
Language: EN

Let me assure you that we are closely following the situation in Moldova and that we continue to work on the opinion on Moldova’s application for membership to the European Union. We will, of course, also continue – and look forward advancing – our collaboration to find additional ways to help Moldova to face the current crisis, because we think that we will have more help needed for that country, and we are ready to deliver that.
Debate: EU Association Agreement with the Republic of Moldova
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Dragoş Tudorache
Country: Lithuania
Language: EN

I also want to thank the Commission. I didn’t do it in the first round, but I want to thank them really for how they’ve handled the numerous emergencies that Moldova has put on the table in the last couple of months, from energy supply alternatives to urgent budgetary support. I also want to invite you – and I’m sure that you’ve heard this message today from the colleagues – to also take this message back to the Commission, both in terms of the political message that is needed, but also in terms of the very concrete support that they now need, including through export quotas, which is something that is vitally important for compensating the effects of the war. The key political takeaway, the key political conclusion for me from today’s debate is that Moldova’s commitment to Europe is no longer just words. It is felt in the drive to reform the judiciary and to strengthen the rule of law. It is felt in how they hosted half a million refugees in their country, and how they withstand Russian pressure. It is a commitment that comes with risks and costs, and though they’re not doing it with guns in their hands, Moldovan citizens are fighting alongside their Ukrainian neighbours for the European dream, and for the values that bring us together. All that is needed now is our voice saying, without hesitation, that the Republic of Moldova’s rightful place is by our side.
Debate: EU Association Agreement with the Republic of Moldova
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Andrus Ansip
Political group: Renew
Country: Estonia
Language: ET

President Maia Sandu juhtimisel on Moldova teinud märkimisväärseid edusamme. Moldova eksport on ümber suunatud idaturult Euroopa Liitu. Viimase aasta jooksul on Moldova teinud olulisi edusamme ka meediavabaduses. Ühe aastaga on maailma meediavabaduse indeksis tõustud 89. kohalt 40ndaks. Nende edusammude põhjal pean võimalikuks lähemas tulevikus Moldovale Euroopa Liidu kandidaatriigi staatuse andmist.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Othmar Karas
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Erklärung der Kommission zu der Tötung der palästinensischen Journalistin Shireen Abu Akleh und den gewalttätigen Tumulten bei ihrem Begräbnis (
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Olivér Várhelyi
Language: EN

Last week, we received the shocking news of the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Aqla, who was killed by a gunshot when she was reporting on an Israeli military operation taking place in Jenin in the occupied Palestinian territory on 11 May. The External Action Service spokesperson issued a statement on the same day strongly condemning her killing and sending condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. Another journalist, Ali al—Samoudi, was wounded. The EU has called for a thorough and independent investigation clarifying the circumstances that led to her death. It is essential that this investigation clarify all the circumstances of these incidents, and as soon as possible, and that those responsible are brought to justice. It is unacceptable to target journalists while they perform their jobs. Journalists covering conflict situations must be ensured safety and protection at all times. The European Union stands in solidarity with journalists and will continue to support their fundamental work, in particular while covering conflicts. Just days after World Press Freedom Day, the European Union recalls the crucial role played by journalists, media workers and free and independent media. Honourable Members, on Friday last week, 13 May, during the funeral procession of Shireen Abu Aqla, we witnessed scenes that showed disproportionate use of force and disrespectful behaviour against participants of the mourning procession. The High Representative / Vice—President gave a statement on the same day, noting that the European Union is appalled by the events that took place during the funeral procession. The EU condemned this disproportionate use of force and the disrespectful behaviour. The EU reiterates its call for a thorough and independent investigation that clarifies all the circumstances of the death of Shireen Abu Aqla and brings those responsible for killing her to justice.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Miriam Lexmann
Political group: PPE
Country: Spain
Language: EN

Shireen Abu Aqla was killed during the Israeli anti-terror operation following the murder of 19 Israelis in a spate of terror attacks within the past few weeks. Despite overtures by the Israeli authorities to conduct a joint investigation with the Palestinian authorities, the Palestinian side has refused this offer. The tragic death of Shireen Abu Aqla is a sad reminder of the spiral of violence taking place that continues to haunt this region.  That is why we must seek the truth by supporting a joint inquiry rather than fuel any flames of hate and violence.  Finally, let me also state that we must do all in our power to ensure mechanisms and safeguards to protect journalists. In 2021 only, 55 journalists have been killed around the world, while a free press is one of the key pillars to support freedom and democracy and society that protects human rights. Here in Europe, the brutal killings of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak in Slovakia are a stark reminder that the pressure from international communities to impartial investigation plays an important role in ensuring the truth is exposed and the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Iratxe García Pérez
Political group: S-D
Country: Germany
Language: ES

En nombre de esta Cámara y del Grupo de Socialistas y Demócratas, quiero transmitir nuestro más sentido pésame a la familia y amigos de la periodista palestina, así como a todos aquellos que la apreciaban y valoraban su trabajo. Echaremos de menos a Shireen y condenamos con todas nuestras fuerzas este cruel asesinato, pero no nos quedemos en la condena o en el llanto: queremos pedir explicaciones y acciones. Por un lado, esta Cámara debe pedir una investigación rápida, internacional e imparcial para esclarecer todas las circunstancias en las que se produjo este atroz acto, y, por otro lado, pedimos también que se investigue con la misma determinación los actos violentos ocurridos en su funeral el pasado fin de semana., porque las imágenes de un ataúd en hombros de amigos y familiares siendo atacado por las fuerzas de seguridad de Israel con porras y golpes nos golpean el corazón y nos indignan: nadie nadie debe sufrir este trato inhumano en el funeral de un familiar o de un amigo, es contrario a la libertad de culto y a la dignidad humana. Esta tragedia es el síntoma de una frustración y una tensión creciente sobre el terreno que se ven alimentadas por la ausencia total de avances en el proceso de paz después de setenta y cuatro años de la creación del Estado de Israel y el inicio de la ocupación de Palestina. La situación de los palestinos y las palestinas en Cisjordania y Jerusalén Oriental se deteriora cada día más, sobre todo por las demoliciones de viviendas, las amenazas de desahucios y la continua construcción de asentamientos. Tampoco podemos dejar de pensar en los periodistas y trabajadores de los medios de comunicación. En unas semanas voy a encabezar una delegación de alto nivel de nuestro Grupo de Socialistas y Demócratas a Israel y Palestina.  Finalizo dejando claro que el mensaje que tenemos que trasladar es nuestra condena más absoluta y que necesitamos avanzar en un auténtico proceso de paz para Israel y Palestina.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Hilde Vautmans
Political group: Renew
Country: Romania
Language: EN

Forty—two Palestinian journalists have been killed in 2022. To get the facts straight, it is clear that we need an independent inquiry into the killing of Shireen, and we need to do better to protect journalists both within and outside our Union. Media freedom is a cornerstone of our democracy.  But colleagues, apart from the shock, I’m also angry – angry about the fact that too often we here in Europe look away when the spiral of violence continues, when new settlements plans are announced, or when another journalist gets killed or wounded. We all agree that we must tackle the root causes of this conflict. So let’s get to work and play our role.  Shireen was called ‘the voice of Palestine’. Let us now commit to be the voice of Shireen. We have neglected the conflict too long. We must put new energy into bringing lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Jordi Solé
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Bulgaria
Language: EN

The targeting of journalists and media in Palestine must cease. More than 40 Palestinian journalists have been killed since the year 2000. More than ever, journalists are key to expose the protracted climate of impunity and violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories. I call for an immediate, thorough, independent investigation into the killing and the violence at the funeral, and for those responsible to be held accountable. I call on Israel and the Palestinian authorities to cooperate with such investigation, and I call on the EU to go beyond a statement of condemnation. We cannot be a passive bystander in front of such crimes. This attack happens in a context of growing tensions and violence, with terrorist attacks in Israeli cities, increased settler violence around the settlements, clashes at the holy sites in Jerusalem during Ramadan, and forced evictions and demolitions in the West Bank, including of EU—funded projects. Until when has this to go on? Enough is enough. I call on the EU to take, at long last, a resolute initiative to uphold international law in the region and to secure genuine negotiations towards a two—state solution.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Bert-Jan Ruissen
Political group: ECR
Country: France
Language: NL

De grootste fout die we vandaag kunnen maken, is om voorbarige conclusies te trekken. Ja, we zagen beelden en verklaringen, maar de werkelijke toedracht moet uit nader onderzoek blijken. Dat geldt ook voor de confrontaties bij de begrafenis. Voor de hand liggend zou zijn een gezamenlijk onderzoek van Israëlische en Palestijnse autoriteiten, eventueel met inschakeling van buitenlandse experts. Hoe merkwaardig dat Palestijnse autoriteiten een dergelijk onderzoek afwijzen en hun conclusies al hebben getrokken.  Israël is recent geteisterd door een golf van aanslagen. Dat Israël verdachte personen zoekt, is alleszins begrijpelijk. Beelden van de confrontatie tonen een schotenwisseling tussen het Israëlische leger en gewapende Palestijnen in onoverzichtelijk stedelijk gebied. De risico’s voor onschuldige omstanders zijn in dit terrein groot. Dat laat onverlet dat het doden van journalisten tijdens hun werk door wie dan ook stellig veroordeeld dient te worden. Maar laat het beantwoorden van de schuldvraag over aan een onafhankelijk onderzoek en niet aan emoties of vooringenomenheid.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Manu Pineda
Political group: The Left
Country: Czechia
Language: ES

Cincuenta periodistas palestinos han sido asesinados por Israel desde el año 2000. No es casualidad. Responde al intento de silenciar que solo en el último año más de trescientos civiles han sido asesinados por las fuerzas israelíes de ocupación. Israel no quiere testigos del sistema de  No podemos ser cómplices del asesinato de esta periodista, ni de la transferencia forzosa de la población, ni de la detención masiva de niños y niñas, ni de la ampliación de los asentamientos ilegales. Hoy el Parlamento acepta tener este debate y les agradezco a todos los grupos que lo han apoyado que así lo hayan permitido. Pero ahora toca que la Unión pase de la palabra a los hechos.
Debate: The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Olivér Várhelyi
Language: EN

The EU and its Member States have more generally recently noted that the EU is concerned about the increasingly high number of casualties, including women and children, and recalls that the use of force must be proportionate and in line with international law, and only as a last resort when it is strictly unavoidable in order to protect human life.  The latest developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory over the last few weeks and months highlight the dire need for renewed engagement between the parties to renew confidence and to restore a political horizon and open the path towards the relaunch of the peace process as soon as possible.  The EU has condemned terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. We have condemned the new settlement announcements and possible forced transfers. The EU urges both parties to demonstrate their stated commitment to a two—state solution and to avoid unilateral actions which threaten it.
Debate: Commission’s  Rule of Law Report
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Othmar Karas
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Als nächster Punkt der Tagesordnung folgt die Aussprache über den Bericht von Terry Reintke im Namen des Ausschusses für bürgerliche Freiheiten, Justiz und Inneres über den Bericht der Kommission über die Rechtsstaatlichkeit 2021 (
Debate: Commission’s  Rule of Law Report
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Monika Hohlmeier
Country: Poland
Language: DE

Zunächst einmal herzlichen Dank für den diesjährigen Bericht über die Rechtstaatlichkeit. Wir sind froh, dass er in diesem Jahr doch schon ein Stückchen präziser geworden ist, was für uns ganz wesentlich ist. Aus der Sicht des Haushaltskontrollausschusses wissen wir jetzt, dass der Konditionalitätsmechanismus zum ersten Mal getriggert worden ist. Es wäre für uns aber sehr wichtig, zu sehen, dass sich im zukünftigen Bericht über die Rechtsstaatlichkeit auch eine Bewertung der Erfüllung der verschiedenen Konditionen, die im Konditionalitätsmechanismus gesetzlich festgelegt werden, befindet und wir diese darin analysieren können, und auch eine Bewertung der Maßnahmen, die die Mitgliedstaaten ergriffen haben, um die Probleme zu lösen, die vonseiten der Kommission adressiert worden sind. Des Weiteren wäre es wichtig, eine klare Unterscheidung zwischen einzelnen Problemstellungen und systemischen Problemstellungen zu treffen – da fehlt mir noch die ganz klare Unterscheidung. Es kann sein, dass irgendwann einmal in einem Mitgliedstaat ein Fehler oder eine spezifische Tradition nicht unbedingt toll ist, aber es ist kein grundlegendes Problem, während es bei anderen zu echten systemischen Problemen kommt, die sich quer durch die ganze Verwaltung und quer durch die Finanzierung und quer durch den Staat ziehen. Da muss man dann doch auch die Unterschiede deutlich machen.
Debate: Commission’s  Rule of Law Report
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Franco Roberti
Country: Netherlands
Language: IT

Il nostro compito è di disinnescare con strumenti normativi e persuasivi gli attacchi, anche mediatici, contro magistrati, giornalisti, ONG e persone LGBT, che purtroppo circolano con insistenza nel nostro continente. Lo Stato di diritto è fondamento dell'Unione europea, lo stiamo vedendo anche in questi giorni, e rafforza la fiducia dei cittadini nei confronti delle istituzioni. Esso è tuttavia fragile, perché si fonda soltanto sul dominio della legge, pretende il dominio esclusivo della legge. Ciò è possibile solo quando i poteri dello Stato sono separati e ben bilanciati, in modo che nessuno di essi possa sopraffare gli altri. Altre condizioni indispensabili per garantire l'uguaglianza e la tutela dei diritti dei cittadini di fronte alla legge sono l'efficienza dei sistemi giudiziari e l'indipendenza dei magistrati, poiché la gestione efficiente della giustizia si realizza solo dove operano giudici e pubblici ministeri indipendenti, che si danno disponibilità di risorse umane e finanziarie adeguate e di una formazione permanente e professionale dei magistrati stessi: lo stiamo vedendo anche in questi giorni con il tema in discussione dell'applicazione dell'intelligenza artificiale ai sistemi giudiziari. Inoltre, e finisco, di estrema importanza per un'incisiva lotta alla corruzione è un'amministrazione pubblica efficiente e trasparente, con codici e procedure di gestione tali da prevenire i comportamenti illeciti; dobbiamo puntare al potenziamento di misure atte a limitare la durata e i costi dei contenziosi e dei processi, nonché dei fondi a disposizione per l'assistenza legale e dei mezzi di ricorso per i cittadini bisognosi tali da favorire un accesso alla giustizia per tutti.
Debate: Commission’s  Rule of Law Report
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Sophia in 't Veld
Country: Poland
Language: EN

Whereas the idea of the annual rule of law report, or the annual rule of law health check, has been very favourably received by the general public, the Commission has been as eager as a toddler about vegetables. It initially rejected the idea altogether, and only after a few years it introduced a drastically slimmed down version. Now, the addition of country—specific recommendations in this year’s edition is very welcome, but key elements from the 2016 proposal are still missing, notably, the panel of independent experts. And that is important because the Commission is simply not free and independent enough to really critically assess the Member States. It will mince its words. Fortunately, in the Reintke report, there is a proposal to set up a panel by this Parliament. I would really urge the Commission to give a full and swift follow—up to all the elements of the 2016 proposals. I also think that the timing of the publication of the annual report, at the end of July, is particularly unfortunate. And I ask you, Commissioner, why? Why is it buried in the summer break? We call, instead, for an ‘annual values week’ in September. Finally, the EU governance structure should equally be subject to scrutiny, and therefore I’m very happy to note the support of this House for my call for an opinion of the Venice Commission on key democratic principles, in particular, the separation of powers, accountability, and checks and balances.
Debate: Commission’s  Rule of Law Report
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Isabel Benjumea Benjumea
Country: Spain
Language: ES

Por un lado, reflejar los principios fundamentales del Estado de Derecho, principios que han de respetar todos y cada uno de los Estados miembros: separación de poderes, independencia e imparcialidad del poder judicial, igualdad ante la ley, ejecución de las sentencias, lucha contra la corrupción y las noticias falsas, protección de los denunciantes y de los periodistas y, por supuesto, honrar a las víctimas del terrorismo poniendo todo el empeño en aclarar los crímenes sin resolver. Pero, por otro lado, este informe también debía reflejar, y eso es lo que ha hecho, la gran cantidad de peticiones de ciudadanos de la Unión que han llegado a la comisión parlamentaria relacionadas con la defensa del Estado de Derecho y con la denuncia de vulneraciones que se han dado en los territorios de la Unión. No olvidemos que la defensa del Estado de Derecho ha de ir acompañada siempre de coherencia: ninguna credibilidad tendremos si solo denunciamos violaciones y vulneraciones atendiendo al color político del Gobierno de turno y callando ante otros casos por supuesta cercanía ideológica; este juego, al que se dedican algunos, y no pocos, diputados de esta Cámara, es muy dañino para nuestras instituciones y para nuestro proyecto de derechos y libertades.
Debate: Commission’s  Rule of Law Report
Date: WEDNESDAY, 18 MAY 2022
Speaker: Vladimír Bilčík
Political group: PPE
Country: France
Language: EN

Let me focus on one aspect, because I do believe that the 25 February and Russia’s attack against Ukraine has been a game changer in so many respects, including also the way we discuss rule of law issues. It has altered the reality of innocent people of Ukraine, but in many respects, our lives too. Our strong institutions are more important than ever. Our functioning democracy and our freedom are invaluable. The rule of law and democracy can only flourish in an environment with quality, free and independent media, and free of manipulative propaganda. In this House, we do have several tools to tackle the consequences of malign foreign interference. We, thanks for the work of the INGE Special Committee, know that we have to defend our democracy in the information space. We know who the malign foreign actors are; we know what Russia has been doing to undermine our freedom for many years. Sadly, with COVID and Russia’s war, we find ourselves in an increasingly vulnerable information space within the EU. Fake news and the resulting disinformation aimed at EU citizens is a threat to democracy and the rule of law of our Union, as the spread of disinformation polarises and weakens our institutions. The Digital Services Act was a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done, especially in the European Media Act, and a set of rules aimed at tackling disinformation to create fair conditions for the media sector and the spread of free and factual information in online platforms. We need free and fair debate, we need facts, and this is the best way to fight for rule of law as well.