unimelb-nlp/MultiEup-v2 huggingface dataset:
Debate: Article  of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation
Date: TUESDAY, 7 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Billy Kelleher
Political group: Renew
Country: Denmark
Language: EN

Madam President, I supported this well-written report and I very much welcome it. It’s very important that we have greater transparency in how quota is allocated within a country. Of course, it is also very important that we have greater transparency to assess how quotas are allocated between countries. And we do need to insist that in a formal review of the common fisheries policy that we take into account the migratory changes of fish in terms of their movement patterns in the seas around Europe. And from an Irish perspective, we have to take into account the environmental, the social and economic criteria to ensure that Ireland gets its fair share of allocation in the review of the common fisheries policy, bearing in mind we have been singularly most impacted because of Brexit, where we have had large cuts to quota. And this is going to have a profound impact on the viability of the fishing industry, on the viability of rural coastal communities around Ireland. So in the context of the motion regarding Article 17, I welcome the report. We need transparency, but we equally need transparency in the review of the common fisheries policy so that we can have a fair allocation of the fish in the seas that belong to all Europeans.
Debate: Article  of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation
Date: TUESDAY, 7 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Stanislav Polčák
Political group: PPE
Country: Czechia
Language: CS

Paní předsedající, rovněž tuto zprávu jsem podpořil, i když se vedla jistá debata i u nás na frakci, zdali takováto zpráva je příslušná k projednávání, rozhodování této sněmovny. Já jsem přesvědčen, že je to v naší kompetenci, byť zde je evidentní pravomoc členských států rozhodovat v této věci, tzn. přidělování povolenek pro lov ryb v našich mořích a oceánech. Jsem totiž přesvědčen, že Evropský parlament má právo v iniciativní zprávě poukázat na slabá místa, která jsou spatřována v činnosti členských států. A zde se my plně opíráme o to, že přidělování těchto rybolovných kvót by mělo probíhat na základě plné transparentnosti, předvídatelnosti a také rovnosti přidělování těchto kvót. To jsou myslím kritéria, pod která se můžeme vždycky podepsat, a proto jsem rovněž tuto zprávu s radostí podpořil.
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Roberta Metsola
Country: Poland
Language: EN

Good morning dear colleagues, this morning we have the pleasure of welcoming Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the Irish Prime Minister. Taoiseach, thank you for coming to address the European Parliament as part of our ‘This is Europe’ debates. This year is an important one for Ireland in Europe and an important one for Europe with Ireland. It marks 50 years since the Irish people voted overwhelmingly in favour of joining what was then called the European Economic Community. And 50 years on, we are pleased that Irish citizens’ support for the European project remains extremely high. The Irish Prime Minister being here with us in plenary is also an expression of Ireland’s commitment as Europe faces difficult times with an illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Over the years, the European single market has helped Ireland’s economy become highly competitive. But Ireland continues to give a lot back to Europe too: economically, politically and socially. Economically, Ireland’s success story has allowed it to move from net recipient to net contributor to the EU budget. And politically, Ireland plays a central role in shaping common policies, particularly on finance, on the environment and on providing vital aid to Ukraine. And here I must commend Ireland for being the first country in the European Union to waive visa requirements for Ukrainians and for welcoming nearly 30 000 displaced Ukrainians who have sought shelter. We are all painfully aware that Ireland is particularly affected by Brexit. And good relations with the United Kingdom remain in all our interests, especially in this new geopolitical context. On Northern Ireland, all the European Union institutions are aligned. Renegotiating the Protocol on Northern Ireland is not an option. The European Parliament has reiterated its unwavering support for the Protocol on several occasions and we remain fully committed to preserving the peace on the island of Ireland. Last night this Parliament officially took receipt of a gift from the Irish Government of a bust of former Member of the European Parliament and Nobel peace prize laureate, John Hume. His legacy is an inspiration with regard to conflict resolution and with regard to respecting differences. His work in brokering peace on the island of Ireland and in hammering out the Good Friday Agreement is highly respected and honoured in this House. This Parliament is attached to multilingualism. And, with the Irish language now a fully fledge officially EU language, let me say in Irish
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Frances Fitzgerald
Political group: PPE
Country: Germany
Language: EN

As we both know, membership of the European Union has been nothing short of life—changing for the people of Ireland over the last 50 years. That historic vote in May 1972 to join the European Communities changed the economic and social trajectory of the Irish State for the better. And as an Irish woman, I can unequivocally vouch for this positive change. The five decades have witnessed Ireland’s emergence as a modern, open economy and society, shaped by close, reciprocal cooperation with our European partners. We strongly endorse the European values of human rights, democracy, freedom of the press, and rule of law. The European Union is a beacon, a model, and an instrument for obtaining peace. Fittingly, last night, as the Taoiseach said, we paid tribute to a committed European, a peacemaker, and a former member of this parliament, John Hume. We remember his outstanding work for peace and his resolute, determined stance against the use of violence in Ireland. He believed in and personified this institution, describing the EU as the most successful peace project in history. He believed in extensive dialogue to bring about peace. That approach is a hallmark of the EU’s efforts to resolve outstanding concerns within the protocol in Northern Ireland. The European way is to negotiate in good faith and we expect the same in return from the UK, not bad faith. Taoiseach, you were right when you said it would be a historic low to break an international treaty. I also pay tribute to the commissioners Maroš Šefčovič, and before him Michel Barnier, for their efforts to resolve these issues. They have shown endless patience and resolve, and I want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow parliamentarians here in this House for their deep understanding of the consequences of Brexit and for their unwavering support for Ireland as a small Member State. The brutal Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine illustrates the scale of the threat to multilateralism, to human decency and to the international rule of law. All Member States have a role to play in the future of defence and security policy. We must support one another. I believe that the future of Ukraine and other Eastern partners is within the EU. But I ask, is it good enough to say that your future lies in Europe, but that could be a generation away? The issues facing Ireland today are mirrored across Europe. Ireland’s challenges are Europe’s challenges, and Europe’s opportunities are Ireland’s opportunities. Ireland and the EU must continue to defend democracy and the people of Ukraine. We must respond comprehensively to the current challenges of the cost of living crisis, the energy crisis, and work together as we have done during COVID. We are creating the future by the decisions made here today and through our engagement with our citizens. Ireland’s future is without doubt at the heart of Europe.
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Pedro Marques
Political group: S-D
Country: Czechia
Language: EN

This Parliament is very much concerned about the position of the UK Government on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and its impact on the Republic of Ireland, on Northern Ireland and on the UK and globally on the Good Friday Agreement. So I would like to ask you, can you elaborate further on your views on this matter? And let me take the opportunity of having you here to address also a very different but also complex topic: tax competition. It endangers the so critical collection of resources that you referred to, Taoiseach. Let me say clearly, we welcome resoundingly the fact that the Republic of Ireland joined the OECD tax agreement on minimum corporate taxation. Nevertheless, as we all know, many other practices may still be used to decrease real taxation. Taoiseach, do you agree that the EU and the Member States should cooperate more to level the playing field on these matters? Thank you so much for the opportunity. Welcome to the European Parliament.
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Stéphane Séjourné
Political group: Renew
Country: Slovakia
Language: FR

Comme nous pouvons compter sur l’Irlande pour défendre l’unité européenne, je voulais redire, cher Taoiseach, que les Irlandais peuvent compter sur Renew Europe et leurs députés, Barry Andrews et Billy Kelleher, pour défendre leurs intérêts, car, depuis quelque temps, les intérêts des Irlandais sont les intérêts de l’Europe. En effet, nous voilà à nouveau confrontés bien malgré nous aux conséquences du Brexit. Nous savons, à Renew Europe, les inquiétudes des citoyens irlandais et nord-irlandais. Inquiet, je le serais aussi si mon marché, ma sécurité alimentaire ou pharmaceutique dépendaient de la constance de Boris Johnson. Mais, je vais vous le dire très clairement, nous défendons le protocole nord-irlandais.  Les Irlandais ne s’y trompent pas, y compris les Nord-Irlandais, qui ont à 56 % voté pour des partis favorables à cet accord. Peut-être que des accommodements sont possibles, mais ce n’est pas unilatéralement à Westminster – en violation, d’ailleurs, avec le droit international – de définir ce qui arrange ou ce qui n’arrange pas les Irlandais et l’Europe. L’Europe, elle, n’a qu’une parole. Elle n’a qu’une parole auprès des Irlandais et auprès des Britanniques. Cher Taoiseach, je profite de notre échange pour vous interroger sur un sujet important pour notre groupe politique: les propositions des citoyens à l’issue de la conférence sur l’avenir de l’Europe. Nous appelons à une convention pour, si c’est nécessaire, faire évoluer nos traités. Cela nous semble essentiel pour enfin instaurer une initiative législative au Parlement et surtout pour mettre fin à un certain nombre d’éléments de décision, notamment l’unanimité sur certains points au Conseil. Un État ne peut plus bloquer les décisions qui affectent 450 millions d’Européens.  Alors une question: quelle est la position du gouvernement irlandais sur ces points-là et sur le lancement de cette conférence? Vous y avez un peu répondu, mais l’on souhaiterait – mon groupe politique, en tout cas – vous entendre un peu plus sur cette question. Merci beaucoup et, effectivement, vive l'Europe et vive l'Irlande!
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Philippe Lamberts
Political group: Verts/ALE
Country: Sweden
Language: EN

And we have none of that, none of that, I’m really struck every time. And you embody that, every time I meet the Irish colleagues that we find at the same time, gravitas but also a sense of optimism towards the future and humility. There’s no grandstanding, it seems, in your country, you don’t need to grandstand to be great. And this is what I love so much about the contribution that your people are making to the European Union. And being future-oriented, an optimist to me comes out of your speech as well. Again, not with big words, but let’s take one: ‘sovereignty’. Instead of looking at this concept, which means the ability to decide on your own, basically, instead of looking back towards the nation-state, you – and these are your words – said: ‘the European Union is an enabler of sovereignty’. It makes us more sovereign, contrary to what some in this House are saying. What I like also – and this is a change from your predecessor and successor, who was also humble enough to recognise four years ago that Ireland was a laggard when it comes to the climate transition. And it’s true, Ireland was a laggard, but you embraced the new government, and indeed thanks to the participation of the Greens. But your support, your personal support as Taoiseach has embraced the green transition. Now, I do see the great plans and the commitments. Last year Ireland’s emissions grew by 6%, so we are still not there. There are still massive efforts to be made. But you and I see that the future of Europe’s prosperity lies in leading the transition rather than following, being laggards. We need to be leaders here if we want Europe to be prosperous. A last point that I will make is to tell you that we will stand united and in solidarity with Ireland when it comes to preserving the Good Friday Agreement. We know that we are facing a British Government that we can’t trust, and I think that even his own party – well, many in his own party – recognise that he is not a trustworthy person. But we have to endure. We have to endure and find ways to keep peace in Ireland. And believe us, we are with you on this.
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Marco Zanni
Political group: ID
Country: Portugal
Language: IT

Prima di tutto, è importante un coordinamento e un dialogo per rafforzare un punto in cui, a mio avviso, le Istituzioni europee sono un po' mancate in questo periodo difficile, che è la credibilità. Quando si affronta una sfida geopolitica, una sfida importante come quella che stiamo affrontando di fronte all'aggressione russa, la credibilità e l'unità sono due fattori di fondamentale importanza. Purtroppo, a causa anche di errori strategici e di informazione che abbiamo commesso nel passato nel costruire la nostra Unione e il nostro modello, questa credibilità e questa unità le abbiamo viste pian piano mancare. Quindi è fondamentale che lavoriamo insieme, affinché non si creino blocchi distinti, come qualche volta stiamo vedendo nelle discussioni sulle emergenze. Riflettere sul perché e su come possiamo evitare questi errori nel futuro diventa fondamentale. Decenni di dipendenza energetica dalla Russia, che sono stati una scelta politica fatta dall'Unione europea in passato, ci hanno reso deboli. Proprio oggi, quando questo Parlamento dovrà votare uno dei provvedimenti più importanti della prossima legislatura, dobbiamo fare tesoro dei nostri errori passati, per non ripeterli nel futuro. La transizione energetica, su cui questa Commissione ha puntato molto in questa legislatura e su cui questo Parlamento sta lavorando da tempo, avrà successo se non sarà guidata dall'ideologia e se impareremo dai nostri errori del passato. In un momento in cui stiamo tentando di svincolarci dalla Russia, legarci mani e piedi a un'altra minaccia geopolitica, che è quella cinese, non è esattamente la strada giusta per rimodellare il futuro socioeconomico dell'Unione europea. Quindi invitiamo tutti a riflettere e a prendere una decisione strategica giusta sulla nostra autonomia, anche su questo pacchetto. Chiudo sull'ultimo punto, molto importante. Oggi noi stiamo cercando di sostenere l'Ucraina e la sua popolazione di fronte a questa aggressione, e i cittadini europei hanno fatto un grande sforzo e stanno sopportando un grande sforzo a tal fine, però noi da tempo chiediamo che le Istituzioni europee si muovano concretamente perché il peso di questa ennesima crisi non ricada sui cittadini europei e sulle nostre imprese. Di fronte alle sfide che stiamo affrontando – l'inflazione, l'aumento dei costi, la disoccupazionee la perdita di potere d'acquisto – è fondamentale che ci siano tre priorità per le Istituzioni europee: lavoro, lavoro, lavoro. Abbiamo una grande opportunità per plasmare il nostro nuovo modello futuro, che deve essere basato su un'autonomia che ci svincola dai regimi e che ci rende indipendenti nelle nostre scelte geopolitiche. Se non saremo in grado di plasmare questo sistema guardando agli errori del passato, purtroppo l'Unione europea rimarrà un attore geopolitico debole e che dipenderà sempre dagli altri. Grazie, contiamo su di voi.
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Charlie Weimers
Political group: ECR
Country: Luxembourg
Language: EN

Now, I understand that your government is pushing through a mass amnesty. For how many? No one seems to know. Taoiseach, have you looked at migration prognosis for the future? Ipsos tells us that 1.5 billion people would like to migrate if given the opportunity. The French Government estimates that 35—40% of those would choose Europe. That’s 500 million that would like to go to our continent if given the opportunity. The same as the whole EU population, Taoiseach. Africa’s population is set to grow from 1.4 billion today to 4 billion at the end of this century, and there aren’t enough jobs. Taoiseach Martin, do you think that mass amnesties for illegal migrants by EU Member States is going to alleviate or worsen migration pressure on Europe?
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Chris MacManus
Political group: The Left
Country: Austria
Language: EN

We are no closer to that vision, but it is worth holding on to. And I echo these sentiments in the hope that a similar approach underpins Ireland’s Council of Europe Presidency assumed recently. For, as we know, human rights are the core of the Council of Europe. Sometimes in this institution we let economic considerations blind us to human rights violations. I refer specifically to the British Government, which daily shows its contempt for the rule of law and, in particular, international human rights law. They are renouncing the European Convention on Human Rights and actively undermining the Good Friday Agreement. Not only are they unilaterally rewriting the protocol, but also imposing one-sided legislation on the legacy of the conflict, providing an amnesty for crimes committed by state forces. The international community has and needs to continue to defend the Good Friday Agreement. Finally, Taoiseach, could I remind you that human rights are often intertwined with social and economic rights? The rights of ordinary people to a home must trump the supposed rights of those who are pricing people out of the housing market or charging extortionate rents.
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Clara Ponsatí Obiols
Political group: NI
Country: Slovakia
Language: EN

Madam President, I would like to thank the Taoiseach for being here and for his remarks.  The fundamental rights of any European must be the concern of every European, and in 1976, Ireland led by example. You took the UK to court for torturing detainees in Northern Ireland. It was an uphill fight, but time has shown that you were right. Yet decades later, we still see judges using evidence extracted by mistreating detainees. A recent ruling of the European Court of Human Rights ruled that a conviction of 17 years based on a confession extracted in isolation and without counsel was not a fair trial. The man was set free, but last week the Spanish Supreme Court disobeyed and sent him back to jail.  Spain’s disregard for the Strasbourg Court is astonishing. Eleven times they have been condemned for not investigating torture. But guess what? The judge that was blind to abuse and torture in six of these cases, the delinquent judge, Mr Grande-Marlaska, is now Security Minister in Spain.  Taoiseach, the tolerance of the EU authorities to Spanish human rights violation is alarming. We urge you to make your voice and speak clearly about that. We need to hear Ireland’s voice again. Please defend human rights for all Europeans.
Debate: This is Europe - Debate with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Roberta Metsola
Country: Poland
Language: EN

Thank you so much dear Taoiseach Micheál Martin for those comprehensive replies. I see the reaction from the room is testament to the engagement of this Parliament in the ongoing discussion that we can have with you and your country. That concludes the debate.
Debate: Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Roberta Metsola
Country: Poland
Language: EN

In relation to the decisions by the ITRE and ECON committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations pursuant to Rule 71(1) announced at the opening of the session on Monday 6 June, I have received no request for a vote in Parliament by Members or political groups reaching at least the medium threshold. The committees may therefore start the negotiations.
Debate: Conclusions of the special European Council meeting of - May
Date: WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022
Speaker: Roberta Metsola
Country: Poland
Language: EN

The next item is the debate on the European Council and Commission statements on the conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 30—31 May 2022 ( Dear colleagues I remind you that the free seating is applied with the exception of the first two rows that are allocated to Group leaders. You will be able to request catch-the-eye and blue cards via your voting machine after having inserted your voting card, and therefore this is a reminder to have your voting card whenever you come into the Hemicycle. Should you wish to register for catch-the-eye I invite you to do so starting from now, without waiting for the end of the debate. Also, blue cards can be raised for a short intervention which would allow a short follow-up question. The interventions will continue to be made from the central lectern, with the exception of catch-the-eye, blue cards and points of order.