unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Jutta Paulus
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Portugal
Language: DE

Herr Präsident, liebe Kolleginnen, liebe Kollegen! Es muss den Bürgerinnen und Bürgern wie Hohn vorkommen. Die Ukraine kämpft um ihr Überleben. Russlands Einschränkung von Öl- und Gaslieferungen lässt viele fürchten, im Winter im Kalten zu sitzen. Gigantische Steuersummen werden mobilisiert zur Unterstützung der Ukraine, aber auch zur Unterstützung der Wirtschaft, die unter diesen hohen Energiepreisen leidet. Aber diejenigen, die von den enormen Preissteigerungen profitieren, die sollen nicht zur Verantwortung gezogen werden können? Die sollen sich nicht beteiligen müssen? Es gibt ja auf OECD-Ebene bereits Vereinbarungen, um genau solche Zufallsgewinne abschöpfen zu können. Denn es geht hier nicht um Innovation wie bei den Impfstoffen. Es geht hier auch nicht darum, dass jemand besonders klug gewesen ist. Es geht einfach, schlicht und ergreifend um ein Monopol, um die Menschen, die sich den Tankrabatt – den die deutsche Regierung ausgeschüttet hat, um den Leuten, die mobil sein müssen, zu helfen – größtenteils in die eigene Tasche gesteckt haben. Das hat überhaupt nichts damit zu tun, dass wir einen freien Markt brauchen, der auch auf solche Dinge reagieren kann.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Erik Bergkvist
Political group: S-D
Country: Sweden
Language: SV

Herr talman! Bästa ledamöter! Europa är inne i en djup energipolitisk kris. Många hushåll har svårt att klara kostnader för energi och livsmedel, dvs. det mest grundläggande. Samtidigt gör många energibolag stora vinster.  Det här skapar då möjligheter. En rätt – och då menar jag rätt – utformad skatt skulle kunna göra det lättare för de företag som vill och redan i dag gör gröna investeringar att föra över resurser från dem som inte vill vara med om den gröna omställningen på samma sätt. Den måste dock utformas rätt, annars riskerar den faktiskt att öka priserna ännu mer och att skada de företag som redan nu håller på med den gröna omställningen för fullt. Om vi lyckas vi med det här, kommer vi inte att behöva ställas inför en sådan här kris igen, eftersom vi då har vi den gröna energi vi behöver. Det tycker jag vore väldigt bra.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Manon Aubry
Political group: The Left
Country: France
Language: FR

Monsieur le Président, je voulais vous montrer ça: c’est juste le petit ticket d’un plein d’essence à plus de 100 euros. C’est le cas en France, mais c’est aussi le cas dans beaucoup de pays. Je ne sais pas si on se rend bien compte: 100 euros, c’est juste pour pouvoir se déplacer, pour pouvoir aller bosser et ça ne tient parfois qu’une semaine. C’est autant de sacrifices dans le budget de millions de gens pour manger, pour le centre de loisirs des enfants cet été, pour payer le loyer, pour se chauffer. Bref, le prix de l’essence – on l’a tous senti – a augmenté en un an de 44 %. Dans le même temps, les bénéfices de Total ont augmenté de 42 %. Je ne sais pas vous, mais le problème a l’air assez évident. Rien que sur le premier semestre, Total a fait 5 milliards d’euros de bénéfices en France. Si on divise cette somme par le nombre de personnes qui prennent leur voiture pour aller bosser, ça fait 100 euros par mois. Alors ne nous dites pas que taxer les bénéfices de ces profiteurs de crise et bloquer les prix est impossible. Le Royaume-Uni de Boris Johnson l’a fait. Je ne pense pas qu’on peut dire de lui que c’est un bolchevique. Madame la Commissaire, pour imposer des restrictions aux citoyens, vous savez faire. Alors, pour une fois, montrez que vous pouvez faire preuve de la même fermeté auprès des entreprises profiteuses de crise et taxez-les.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Mick Wallace
Political group: The Left
Country: Germany
Language: EN

Mr President, a windfall tax on energy companies would be welcome, but it’s not a silver bullet; a windfall tax is just a short—term solution. It would be far better to remove windfall profits through price regulation than by taxing these.  France has one of the lowest inflation rates in Europe, at 5.8% annually up to May, compared to the EU average of 8.8% and an Irish rate of 8.3%. A big reason for this is the energy price controls France has introduced. Ireland’s electricity prices increased by 41% from January to May. The average EU electricity price increase is 29% for the same period. France is only 6.5%.  Energy poverty is first and foremost a political failure which requires an adequate political response which tackles the root causes of injustice while ensuring a fair and sustainable future for all. Energy is a public good, but we need to start treating it as such – because we haven’t been doing so.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: João Pimenta Lopes
Political group: The Left
Country: Romania
Language: PT

Senhor Presidente, nos primeiros meses de 2022 dispararam, escandalosamente, os lucros das empresas do setor energético. Por detrás destes lucros estão os aproveitamentos da atual situação, a especulação nos mercados, as consequências das sanções e a guerra. Mas estão também as privatizações, a liberalização do setor da energia e a desregulação dos preços praticados, há anos promovidas pela União Europeia.  Pagam os milhões de famílias que não conseguem pagar a fatura da energia ou as inúmeras micro, pequenas e médias empresas que não conseguem fazer face aos aumentos dos custos de produção e que se veem forçadas a encerrar portas. A opulência de uns é a miséria de outros.  Aos Estados deve caber, sem rodeios, tomar medidas concretas na tributação dos lucros obtidos inesperadamente, mas é preciso ir mais longe, regulando o setor, controlando e fixando preços, rejeitando medidas como a redução de impostos, sem fixar preços, colocando as receitas fiscais a subsidiarem os lucros das petrolíferas com efeitos perversos, como vemos em Portugal.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Věra Jourová
Language: EN

EU citizens have seen the price of energy soar over the past few months, and we must continue to take action to alleviate that economic burden. In this context, I am glad to see that you concur with the Commission in considering that Member States may make exceptional use of windfall taxes on energy companies. Such a temporary tax on excessive profits may be an appropriate response to try to mitigate some of the social and economic consequences of Russia’s aggression of Ukraine. The debate has been very interesting and rich, and you asked many relevant questions over the debate. And, for instance, Mr Ferber, the impact on ability and potential of companies to invest, or the level of uncertainty on the market, and many other questions. What our services and our experts confirm is that, technically, designing and implementing a windfall tax is feasible, but it is not as straightforward as it may seem, because there are many different parameters to consider. In addition to the technical specifications regarding the definition of extraordinary profits, and thus the tax base, as well as the time period during which it would apply and refer to, and the tax rate used, one would need also to decide how to use the revenues generated at national level, at EU level, whether as a kind of own resource or something in between. We will also have to invest, consider how such a tax relates to national legislation. Many, many questions to be discussed. And as I said at the beginning of this debate, we will have to discuss further. We have to continue the debate in the weeks to come to assess thoroughly also the pros and cons of different options and different parameters. But speaking about weeks to come, also, it was the opinion of many of you that we cannot discuss it forever, that it’s necessary to do something now because people, the citizens, are also getting the shockingly high bills for energy now as we speak. I would like to conclude by underlining that I take good note of your calls for a more coordinated approach in the design of windfall profits taxation schemes. The Commission agrees that such coordination would be useful, and as indicated in my introductory remarks, our services are already examining whether there is scope for EU action on this matter.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Mikuláš Bek
Language: EN

As we discussed in this House yesterday, energy prices’ hikes are partially linked to the overall uncertainty on the market, which is constantly nurtured by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. That is why our regulatory framework is developing so fast: the REPowerEU plan, Fit for 55 package, and so on. Yesterday we discussed in detail ways of how to tackle rising costs of living that impacts severely the most vulnerable groups of citizens and households. It becomes clear that in the context of the current energy crisis, all measures deserve exploring, including taxation of the windfall profits of energy companies. Experience gained in Member States which have started to use such a tax could contribute to the knowledge about the possible limits and opportunities provided by this measure. I remain convinced that taxation measures have their place among different measures that could be used in the current energy crisis, provided they are carefully designed, as Vice—President Jourová said. In short, each Member State has an opportunity to opt for measures that are most appropriate in its specific situation. While respecting the provisions of the Treaties, the Council will continue to work with the Commission on this important issue.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Antoni Comín i Oliveres
Political group: NI
Country: Romania
Language: ES

Señor presidente, efectivamente, entiendo que la diputada que ha hablado después de mí en este debate ha faltado a los artículos del Reglamento que exigen respeto entre los diputados y, por esta razón, pido a la presidencia de este debate que la llame al orden en aplicación del Reglamento de esta Cámara. Señora Benjumea, yo no soy un prófugo de la justicia, como usted ha dicho, porque yo vine a Bélgica el 30 de octubre de 2017, haciendo uso de un derecho que tengo como ciudadano europeo, que es el derecho a la libre circulación. Y rindo cuentas ante la justicia, contra lo que usted ha dicho, porque yo rindo cuentas ante una justicia de verdad, que es la belga, una justicia democrática, como la belga, y no una justicia franquista. Señora Benjumea, yo no soy un prófugo de la justicia como usted ha dicho, porque yo soy un eurodiputado elegido por los ciudadanos de mi país, que es Cataluña, que me votaron, que dieron a nuestra lista, que ganó las elecciones, más de un millón de votos. Y nosotros no somos prófugos de la justicia, nosotros representamos a más de un millón de ciudadanos. Pero ya sé que a usted esto seguramente no le importa nada, porque a usted no le importa nada la democracia, porque la derecha española tiene desde hace décadas un problema gravísimo con la democracia.
Debate: Taxing windfall profits of energy companies
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Isabel Benjumea Benjumea
Political group: PPE
Country: Spain
Language: ES

Señor presidente, simplemente me quiero reafirmar en cada una de las palabras que he dicho en el uso de la palabra. El señor Comín es un prófugo de la justicia española y espero que muy pronto rinda cuentas...
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Mikuláš Bek
Language: EN

Recently we also witnessed a major and significant development on our partners’ side: the birth of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, with an ambition to become a global player. During the past years, both sides have worked hard on negotiating a new modern framework which responds to the many challenges of our age and which uses our bond in the most effective and efficient way to promote the many values and views we share in the global scene. These negotiations were driven by a common goal of exploring the potential of our partnership to shape multiple multilateral discussions to the benefit of our peoples.  The new agreement builds on the substantial and important acquis and experience we gained together with the ACP countries. It sets out a flexible framework with provisions applying to all parties, as well as regional partnerships focusing on the reality, challenges and needs of each region. The new institutional set—up is to ensure the flow of information between the regional and all ACP levels. Furthermore, the modernised parliamentary dimension has been strengthened considerably and is an important element of this new institutional framework.  The work of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly will be complemented by regional assemblies allowing for discussions, focusing on issues specifically relevant for the respective region.  The new agreement sets out an inclusive framework, increasing the presence and role of the different stakeholders, be it local authorities, civil society or private sector representatives. The creation of an open and transparent mechanism for structured cooperation will be an important, innovative element of the renewed partnership.  Honourable Members, ladies and gentlemen, work is well-advanced within the Council on the Council decision on the signing and provisional application of the new agreement, and the Czech Presidency is determined to continue efforts and to bring the process forward towards a conclusion so that the preparations for the signature of the agreement can start as soon as possible. Thank you very much for your attention.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Tomas Tobé
Political group: PPE
Country: Estonia
Language: EN

Parliament’s view is that this modernised agreement has the potential to enhance our political partnership since it covers crucial issues such as climate change, migration, and peace and security. It is clear that we do need to tackle these major challenges together. Today’s increasingly unstable and unpredictable geopolitical landscape makes it even more important for us to enhance cooperation with our partner countries.  Therefore, I once again call on the Council to overcome any remaining divisions internally. I do know that there is one country that is the problem. I don’t have to mention them but they have had elections now, so hopefully, hopefully, we can now come to that we can have this agreement signed and then Parliament will be ready to give its consent.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Carlos Zorrinho
Political group: S-D
Language: PT

Respeito a independência e a legitimidade dos diversos órgãos institucionais. Não vou, por isso, pronunciar-me sobre as razões que levam a que o Acordo Pós-Cotonu continue na gaveta, depois de ter sido possível chegar a um acordo para avançar com a parceria multilateral entre iguais, com forte dimensão parlamentar, e alinhado com as grandes prioridades de desenvolvimento sustentável, num trabalho de grande proximidade e empenho da Comissão, do Conselho, do Parlamento Europeu e da Organização dos Estados de África, Caraíbas e Pacífico.  A verdade é que aguarda ratificação pelo Conselho, desde junho de 2021, e obriga a uma nova prorrogação do Acordo de Cotonu, que deveria ter expirado em fevereiro de 2020. E há uma causa maior, Senhor Presidente do Conselho, que não nos permite silenciar o dano que o atraso desta ratificação e a entrada em vigor do novo acordo provoca. É que o mundo mudou.  A União Europeia geopolítica trava agora um combate brutal de relevância e sobrevivência, em nome dos seus valores e princípios estruturantes. E o Acordo Pós—Cotonu representa uma referência para o sentido de mudança da ordem global emergente.  Inclui 106 países de quatro continentes. Inclui a segunda maior assembleia parlamentar paritária do mundo, três assembleias parlamentares paritárias regionais que dão sequência à atual Assembleia Parlamentar UE-ACP, a que me orgulho de copresidir. Cobre áreas temáticas fundamentais. É fundamental para uma aplicação de instrumentos, como o Global Europe ou o Global Gateway. Por isso, insisto: o Acordo Pós-Cotonou é uma referência crucial para o sentido da mudança. É urgente que entre em vigor.  Neste momento, é do Conselho que isso depende e deixo um apelo veemente para que tudo faça nesse sentido.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Marie-Pierre Vedrenne
Political group: Renew
Country: Denmark
Language: FR

Nous traversons une période de tensions qui éprouve tous les continents: guerres, pandémies, urgence climatique, et aujourd’hui le risque accru de famine et de pénurie alimentaire. Cela fait plus d’un an que nous avons un accord. Un accord à la hauteur des enjeux environnementaux, sociaux et numériques de notre siècle. Un accord qui renforce un partenariat gagnant-gagnant avec l’Afrique, les Caraïbes et le Pacifique. Il est temps de donner ce nouvel élan à nos relations et de construire une coopération plus forte, plus profonde et plus durable. Ici, au Parlement européen, nous sommes prêts. Monsieur le Commissaire, vous l’avez dit, vous êtes prêts. Au Parlement européen, nous avons déjà, et à plusieurs reprises, rappelé l’urgence de finaliser l’accord post-Cotonou, comme en avril dernier à Strasbourg, notamment, lors de la 41ᵉ session de l’Assemblée parlementaire ACP-UE. Alors comment expliquer que cet accord soit encore bloqué au Conseil? Comment expliquer que le veto hongrois n’ait toujours pas été surmonté? La Hongrie de Viktor Orbán ne peut, à elle seule et sous de faux prétextes, prendre en otage nos relations avec ceux qui font l’avenir de l’Union européenne. Cette situation n’a que trop duré, l’Union européenne doit envoyer un signal fort. Nos partenaires comptent sur nous et nous devons nous montrer dignes de cette confiance – pour nous, pour eux, pour tous.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Tineke Strik
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Poland
Language: EN

So these goals all serve the interests of the citizens of ACP countries, except one element that the EU insisted upon, which is the readmission clauses. If an ACP country does not comply with return and readmission of their citizens, EU Member States can suspend the benefits of the Agreement. But if the EU does not deliver in making remittances cheaper or in promoting legal migration, the ACP countries are left with empty hands because that is limited to good intentions. This does not reflect the principle of equal partnership. We need mutual and equally strong commitments. So I urge the Member States to keep their promise to strengthen legal mobility of persons, solidarity in hosting refugees, facilitate remittances: these are all key to cooperation and development.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Beata Kempa
Political group: ECR
Country: Czechia
Language: PL

Ponadto projekt umowy post-Kotonu jest niezgodny z Traktatem o Unii Europejskiej, Traktatem o funkcjonowaniu Unii Europejskiej czy Kartą Praw Podstawowych w zakresie, w jakim zastępuje wyrażoną w tych traktatach zasadę równości między kobietami a mężczyznami, która jest oczywista, poprzez używanie pozatraktatowego wyrażenia „gender equality”. Zamiast narzucać tę ideologię krajom Afryki, Karaibów i Pacyfiku, powinniśmy skupić się na współpracy z tym regionem, który ma olbrzymi potencjał rozwoju, m.in. w zakresie sektora rolno-spożywczego, budowy infrastruktury i ochrony zdrowia.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: João Pimenta Lopes
Political group: The Left
Country: Romania
Language: PT

Nele vemos a exportação de modelos de governação estatal e económica, visando criar um quadro normativo e institucional que promova a liberalização dos mercados e escancare as portas ao grande capital europeu. Nele vemos a perpetuação de relações de dominação, aplicando medidas de condicionalidade que mais não são do que instrumentos de chantagem e subjugação. Nele vemos a desumanidade de uma política de migração que externaliza fronteiras, que ignora causas de fundo, com responsabilidades da União Europeia na desestabilização e agressão a países soberanos, violando direitos humanos e afrontando o direito internacional. A União Europeia insiste num Acordo Pós-Cotonu que mantenha esse recorte neocolonial em favor dos interesses das suas principais potências e grupos económicos, sem contribuir verdadeiramente para o desenvolvimento soberano dos países ACP. O desenvolvimento destes países será facilitado pelo cancelamento das suas dívidas estruturais, pela transferência de tecnologia, por serviços públicos universais, pela melhoria das infraestruturas e por apoio técnico e formação, alicerçando as estratégias soberanas destes países.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Hildegard Bentele
Political group: PPE
Country: Germany
Language: DE

Herr Präsident, sehr geehrte Damen und Herren! Dass wir heute darüber sprechen, dass die Verabschiedung des Post-Cotonou-Abkommens zum dritten Mal um abermals ein Jahr verschoben werden muss, ist ein absolutes Armutszeugnis für die EU. Ich bin nie ein großer Fan davon gewesen, das AKP-Format fortzuführen, weil die drei Regionen sehr unterschiedliche Beziehungen zur EU haben und wir vor allem für Afrika besser eine eigene, sich am besten auf ganz Afrika beziehende echte Governance brauchen. Aber dieser Zirkus um ein gemischtes oder ein reines EU-Abkommen, den der Rat und hier besonders ein Mitgliedstaat aufführt, setzt dem Ganzen wirklich die Krone auf. Wir dürfen uns angesichts einer Energie- und Hungerkrise doch nicht verzetteln. Alles was zählt, sind Existenzsicherung, Schaffung von Jobs, Infrastrukturprojekte und Klima- und Energiepartnerschaften. Mit diesem neuesten Manöver, meine Damen und Herren, wird Europa keine Geopolitik und vor allem keine glaubwürdige Afrikapolitik machen. Ich appelliere eindringlich an die Ratspräsidentschaft, an den Hohen Vertreter und an die Kommissionspräsidentin: Schalten Sie sich auf höchster Ebene ein, bereiten Sie diesem unwürdigen Spiel ein Ende und arbeiten Sie an Europas Handlungsfähigkeit.
Debate: The Post-Cotonou Agreement
Date: WEDNESDAY, 6 JULY 2022
Speaker: Hannes Heide
Political group: S-D
Country: Slovakia
Language: DE

Herr Präsident, Herr Kommissar, geschätzter Vertreter der Ratspräsidentschaft! Dass das Post-Cotonou-Abkommen bis heute nicht unterzeichnet ist, ist die berechtigte Ursache für einen massiven Vertrauensverlust in den Beziehungen zwischen den Ländern Afrikas, der Karibik und des Pazifiks und der Europäischen Union. Dieser Zustand ist zum Schaden der Europäischen Union und spielt Putins Russland in die Hände. Und gleich vorweg: Es geht nicht um eine ungehinderte Einwanderung, sondern vielmehr darum, dass jungen Menschen, allen Menschen in diesen Ländern eine Zukunft und Perspektive geboten wird. Es geht auch nicht um Geben und Nehmen, sondern um die Umsetzung gemeinsamer Ziele, um das Miteinander und auch darum, gegenseitig profitieren zu können. Die Verantwortlichen, die das Inkrafttreten des Abkommens verzögern, sind zu nennen, denn sie schaden der Europäischen Union und ihren Bürgerinnen und Bürgern. Ein für mich besonders bedeutender Aspekt: Der Bildungsbereich muss oberste Priorität haben. Er ist Schlüssel zu Beschäftigung, Stabilität und einer nachhaltigen Perspektive für das Leben der Menschen in ihren Heimatländern. Überlassen wir die Länder Afrikas, der Karibik und des Pazifiks nicht dem Einfluss Putins und Chinas. Lassen wir Worten Taten folgen!