Activities of Alexander SELL
Plenary speeches (10)
Statement by the candidate for President of the Commission (debate)
The future of European competitiveness (debate)
Situation in Venezuela (debate)
The case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
The case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon (debate)
Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration (debate)
Protecting the EU budget and ensuring that EU funds do not benefit entities or individuals linked to terrorist or Islamist movement (debate)
Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (debate)
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Written explanations (7)
The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine (B10-0007/2024)
Die Entschließung, die Orbáns diplomatische Friedensinitiative verurteilt, fordert eine deutliche Erhöhung und Beschleunigung der militärischen Unterstützung für die Ukraine durch die EU-Mitgliedstaaten. Sie verlangt außerdem langfristige finanzielle Hilfe, um den Beitrittsprozess der Ukraine zur Europäischen Union zu erleichtern und die Wiederaufbaumaßnahmen nach dem Krieg zu unterstützen.Wir können diese Entschließung nicht unterstützen, weil wir nicht glauben, dass die Anheizung des Konflikts durch militärische Hilfe der richtige Weg ist, und vor allem wollen wir nicht, dass der deutsche Steuerzahler die Kosten tragen muss, die nach diesem Vorschlag der Fraktionen der CDU/CSU, der Sozialisten, der Liberalen und der Grünen 10 Milliarden Euro allein für Deutschland pro Jahr an Militärhilfen betragen würden.Wir stehen auch einem Verhandlungsprozess für den EU-Beitritt der Ukraine, der aus emotionalen Gründen und angeblicher Dringlichkeit heraus gestartet wurde, sehr kritisch gegenüber. Auch in diesem Fall wollen wir nicht, dass Deutschland, die größte Volkswirtschaft der EU, den höchsten Preis für die langfristige finanzielle Unterstützung des Wiederaufbaus der Ukraine zahlen muss.Aus diesen Gründen habe ich dagegen gestimmt.
Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
Die Entschließung fordert die Mitgliedstaaten auf, finanzielle und militärische Unterstützung „auf jede mögliche Weise bis zum Sieg der Ukraine“ bereitzustellen. Deutschland wird aufgefordert, nicht weniger als 0,25 % des jährlichen BIP für den Krieg in der Ukraine zu zahlen.Wir setzen uns jedoch für eine diplomatische Lösung des Krieges in der Ukraine ein. Deshalb habe ich dagegen gestimmt.
Situation in Venezuela
Ich habe für diese Entschließung gestimmt, obwohl im Text einige der üblichen Spinnereien der Linken enthalten sind, weil zum ersten Mal im Europäischen Parlament alle konservativen Parteien gemeinsam abgestimmt haben und gezeigt haben, dass es möglich ist, die alte und destruktive Mehrheit von EVP und S&D zu brechen, um eine neue rechte Mehrheit zu schaffen.
Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of presidential elections, EU integration referendum
Diese Resolution versucht, Russland für angebliche Einmischungen in die moldauischen Präsidentschaftswahlen und in das EU-Beitrittsreferendum 2024 zu verurteilen.Moldawien muss das Recht haben, selbstständig und ohne äußeren Druck seinen eigenen Kurs zu bestimmen, einschließlich der Entscheidung, ob es sich für oder gegen eine EU-Mitgliedschaft entscheidet.Aber Wahlbeeinflussung und Stimmenkauf sind schwerwiegende Vorwürfe, die klare Beweise und eine unabhängige, unvoreingenommene Untersuchung erfordern.Aus diesem Grund habe ich gegen die Resolution gestimmt.
The democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
In dieser Resolution wird versucht, Georgien für Gesetze zu verurteilen, die die nationalen Interessen des georgischen Volkes betreffen.Die Europäische Union sollte sich nicht in die demokratischen Entscheidungen eines souveränen Staates einmischen.Georgien hat das Recht, seine Souveränität und traditionellen Werte zu verteidigen.Aus diesem Grund habe ich gegen die Resolution gestimmt.
Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia
Obwohl wir mehrere der in der gemeinsamen Entschließung zur Lage in Aserbaidschan vorgebrachten Argumente nachvollziehen können, sind wir der Ansicht, dass die EU eine zurückhaltendere Rolle in außenpolitischen Angelegenheiten einnehmen sollte und setzen uns für die friedliche Beilegung von Konflikten ein.Aus diesem Grund haben wir uns bei der gemeinsamen Entschließung enthalten.
People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan
Mit dieser Resolution will man China für seine Einmischung in Taiwan kritisieren und gleichzeitig die Einmischung der EU in die Angelegenheiten Taiwans unterstützen. Der Aufruf zur Zusammenarbeit der EU mit Taiwanesische Partnern oder die Aufforderung an die Kommission, Verhandlungen über bilaterale Abkommen mit Taiwan aufzunehmen, sind nur zwei Beispiele.Im Gegensatz zu dem, was in dieser gemeinsame Entschließung vorgeschlagen wird, sind wir für die Beibehaltung des Status quo in der Taiwanstraße und unterstützen die Zurückhaltung von Initiativen, die zu einer unnötigen Eskalation führen könnten. Aus diesem Grund haben wir gegen die gemeinsame Entschließung gestimmt und unterstützen unseren eigenen, ausgewogeneren Vorschlag.
Amendments (33)
Amendment 125 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Stresses the seriousness of the threats to the security of the European continent, which have reached a level unprecedented since the Second World War; expresses deep concern at the rise of geopolitical fractures, new imperialist ambitions for domination by authoritarian powers, systemic rivalry of great powers, nationalist unilateralism and the primary and growing use of force and violence by certain states and non-state actors to promote their political objectives and interests or to resolve disputes; believes that this trend amounts to a paradigm shift, as it reverses the logic of building international security on the basis of respect for international law, a rules-based international order and multilateralism; stresses the importance of a diplomatic approach in addressing security challenges, prioritizing peaceful resolutions over military engagement wherever possible;
Amendment 138 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the absolute need for the EU to meet the challenges posed by the multiple and constantly evolving threats to its security, and for this purpose, to engage in new policies and actions that enable the EU and its Member States to collectively and coherently strengthen their defence in Europe and their ability to act at the global leveldiplomatic measures and defence policies, respecting the sovereignty of nations and refraining from entanglement in conflicts that do not directly impact EU territory;
Amendment 162 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Welcomes, in this regard, the objective of the Commission President to usher in a new era for European defence and security, by building a true European defence union; welcomfostering collaboration among Member States on shared defence and security goals; notes the designation on 17 September 2024 of the first-ever Commissioner for Defence and Space, tasked with working jointly with the Vice- President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) on a white paper on the future of European defence within the first hundred days of their mandate;
Amendment 173 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Calls for the EU and its Member States to accelerate their commitments made in the Versailles Declaration, adopted on 11 March 2022, to assume greater responsibility for their defence and security, including by achieving greater strategic autonomy; stresses that NATO and the transatlantic partnership with the United States remain the cornerstones of European collective defence; stresses the need for EU Member States to step up their efforts by increasing their spending and procuring more joint capabilities, thereby strengthening their armed forces whether for national, NATO or EU operational purposerationalizing spending to avoid unnecessary burdens on European taxpayers and focusing on diplomatic solutions rather than extensive military investments;
Amendment 194 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Concurs with the ambition of building a European pillar within NATO and stresses that the development of a European defence uncooperation can go hand-in- hand with the deepening of EU- NATO cooperation, preventing unnecessary duplication and avoiding additional financial burdens;
Amendment 215 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Reaffirms its unwavering support for the EU and its Member States to stand in solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression and to provide it with the necessary military means to defend itselfsupport for diplomatic negotiations to end hostilities in Ukraine and encourages peace talks as opposed to further military involvement, end the conflict and restore its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; welcomes the joint security commitments between the EU and Ukraine, and the bilateral security agreements concluded by Ukraine with several Member States; reiteencouratges its call for Member States to acceleratrevoke their delivery of weapons, air defence systems and ammunition to Ukraine, including air- launched cruise missiles; calls for Member States not to lift all restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against military targets within Russia, as allowed by international law;
Amendment 243 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 272 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Stresses the importance of the European Peace Facility (EPF), which has been instrumental in supporting the provision of military capabilities and training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, while providing coordination for all stakeholders through the clearing house mechanism hosted by the EU Military Staff ; welcomes the setting up of the dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund under the EPF and calls for financial resources for military assistance to Ukraine to be increased through this instrument; urges Hungary to lift its veto on EPF military support to Ukraine, including the agreed reimbursements to Member Stwithin the European Peace Facility to be used responsibly and transparently, ensuring taxpayer money is not allocatesd that delivered military aid to Ukraineoward conflict escalation;
Amendment 340 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the need to overcome the fragmentation of the EU’s internal market for defence products, as it leads to unnecessary duplications and the multiplication of inefficiencies in defence spending; calls on the Commission to present proposals to complete the EU internal market for defence, based, in particular, on an assessment of EU rules for defence procurement and transfer of defence-related products, and on the identification and analysis of limitations and loopholeensure that EU defence initiatives complement national defence efforts without imposing additional financial burdens ion the current legal frameworkaxpayers;
Amendment 448 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the increased budgets and investment in defence by Member States and the increase, albeit modest, in the EU budget for CSDP in 2024; calls on the Member States that have not yet reached the minimum threshold of 2 % of their GDP devoted to defence expenditure to resolutely commit to gradually increasing their military budgets; recommends that, on the basis of continuous analysis of capability needs, Member States further increase this threshold, in particular for joint procurement of defence capabilitieprioritize budget efficiency in security policies, ensuring that expenditures focus on defensive measures strictly within EU borders and avoid engagement in non-EU conflicts;
Amendment 500 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls on the Chinese authorities to put an end to all aggressive actions, in particular air and maritime rsue diplomatic engagement and cooperations in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, that endanger theo maintain regional stability in the Indo- Pacific region and thereby underminguarantee international security, the sovereignty of regional countries, the safety of life at sea and freedom of navigation;
Amendment 655 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of enhanced intelligence sharing and information exchange among Member States and EU institutions, including Parliament, to improve situational awareness and to be able to better anticipate and counter threats to collective security and define common lines of actions under the CSDP, particularly in the area of crisis management;
Amendment 135 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Reasserts the universality and indivisibility of human rights and the inherent dignity of every human being; reaffirms the duty of the EU and its Member States to promote and protect democracy and the universality of human rights around the worldemphasizes that the promotion of democracy and human rights globally should not be used as a means to impose European standards on other nations;
Amendment 160 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. StressEmphasizes that the EU must be fully prepared to counter the rise of authoritarianism, illiberalism and populism, as well as the increasing attacks on the universality of human rights, democracy and international humanitarian law, while countering the attacks on the universality of human rights, democracy and international humanitarian law, should respect the right of other States to choose their own models of governance and social organization;
Amendment 209 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Notes with concern the increasing divide worldwide; stresses the responsibility of the EU to continue defendingrecognizes the importance of democratic values and principles and human rights, peace and dignity around the world, which are even more important to defend in the current volatile state of global politics; calls upon the EU to keep communication channels open with different stakeholders and to continue to develop a comprehensive toolbox to strengthen human rights and democracy globallysupport the internal policies of individual Member States and strengthening bilateral cooperation;
Amendment 221 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Fully supports the work of the EUSR for Human Rights in contributing to the visibility and coherence of the EU’s human rights actions in its external relations; upholds the EUSR’s central role in the EU’s promotion and protection of human rights by engaging with non-EU countries and like-minded partners; underlines the need for close cooperation between the EUSR for Human Rights and other EUSRs and Special Envoys in order to further improve this coherence, and calls for greater visibility for the role of the EUSR for Human Rights; calls for the EUSR to be supported in his work with increased resourcesopposes increasing resources for new positions such as the Special Representative for Human Rights to avoid waste and duplication;
Amendment 227 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Recalls the fundamental role of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, including its thematic programme on human rights and democracy, as a flagship EU instrument in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy around the world; highlights the need to engage with civil society in all the EU’s relevant externalcalls for a stricter management of funds allocated to civil society, ensuring they are not used for political activities and avoiding the financing of organizations linked to criminal or terrorist activities; reiterates the importance of streamlining a human- rights based approach in the EU’s external action instruments; underlines Parliament’s role in the instrument’s programming process and calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to share all relevant information in a timely manner in order to enable Parliament to play its role accordingly, in particular during high-level geopolitical dialogues with the Commission;
Amendment 275 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the increasing use of the EU GHRSR as a key political tool in the EU’s defence of human rights and democracy across the world; notes, however, the challenges that the requirement of unanimity poses in the adoption of sanctions and reiterates its call for the, however firmly rejects any attempt to reduce the sovereign power of Member States by introduction ofing qualified majority voting for decisions on the GHRSRfundamental foreign policy decisions; fully supports the possibility of imposing targeted anti- corruption sanctions within the EU framework in this regard, which has been a long-standing priority of Parliament, whether through its inclusion in the GHRSR or under a different regime; highlights the need for the complete enforcement of sanctions and calls for circumventions to be tackled;
Amendment 286 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its concern regarding the increasing attacks by authoritarian and illiberal regimes on democratic principles and values; stresses that the defence and support of democracy around the world is increasingly becoming of geopolitical and strategic interest; emphasises the importance of Parliament’s efforts in capacity-building for partner parliaments, promoting mediation and encouraging a culture of dialogue and compromise, especially among young political leaders, and empowering women parliamentarians, HRDs and representatives from civil society and independent media; reiterates its call on the Commission to continue and expand its activities in these areas bywithout increasing funding and support for EU bodies, agencies and other grant-based organisations; stresses the critical importance of directly supporting civil society and persons expressing dissenting views, particularly in the current climate of growing global tensions and repression in increasing numbers of countries; reiterates the importance of EU election observation missions and Parliament’s contribution to developing and enhancing their methodology; calls for enhanced collaboration between Parliament’s Democracy Support and Election Coordination Group, the relevant Commission directorates-general and the EEAS;
Amendment 311 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Underlines that both impunity and corruption enable and aggravate human rights violations and abuses and the erosion of democratic principles; reminds that the corruption cases within the EU institutions have shown that they also are not immune to committing crimes and abuses; welcomes the anti-corruption actions in EU external policies in the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 3 May 2023 on the fight against corruption (JOIN(2023)0012); supports the anti- corruption provisions included in the EU trade agreements with non-EU countries; stresses the important role of civil society in non-EU countries in the oversight of the fight against impunity and corruption;
Amendment 318 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Reaffirms that promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights around the world requires strong international cooperation at a multilateral level; underlines the particularly important role of the UN and its bodies as the main forum which must be able to effectively advance efforts for peace and security, sustainable development and respect for human rights and international law; calls for the EU and its Member States to continue supporting the work of the UN, both politically and financially; reiterates the need for the EU and its Member States to speak with one voice at the UN and in other multilateral forums; calls for EU delegations to play a stronger role in multilateral forums, for which they should have appropriate resources available; calls for the EU not to duplicate the role of the UN in international fora;
Amendment 428 #
2024/2081(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls that the right to food, including having physical and economic access to adequate food or the means to its procurement, is a human right; is extremely concerned about the challenges to the right to food worldwide, especially in situations of war and conflicts; notes with concern the increasing reports of the weaponisation of food in situations of armed conflict; calls for the EU and its Member States to promote mandatory guidelines on the right to food without discrimination within the UN systememphasizes that policymaking regarding the right to food is the responsibility of Member States and international organizations like the United Nations, and that the EU should limit itself to a supportive role without imposing binding guidelines;
Amendment 2 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas the growing instability and the rise of unprecedented challenges in the immediate European neighbourhood and the international environment increases the demands on the Union to act with a budget fit for that purpose and to significantly strengthen its security and defence capabilitinecessitate a careful and prudent allocation of resources, ensuring that the Union does not overextend its budgetary commitments or unduly prioritize security and defence capabilities which fall under the remit of individual EU Member States;
Amendment 7 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas that sufficient funding is key toe judicious use of funding is essential for the EU’s credibility, as a stronger, more assertive, and morevoiding unnecessary budget increases while maintaining a balanced approach as a strategic actor on the world stage;
Amendment 16 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Calls to doublefor a thorough review of the budget allocated to the development of capabilities under the Common Security and Defence Policy in order to ensure the safety of its citizens, and maintain stability both within Europe and globally, ensuring that any increase is justified by clear and measurable outcomes, and avoiding unnecessary financial burdens on the Union;
Amendment 28 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Points out that the unprecedented challenges in the global environment, along with the threats the EU is facing must be met by a substantial EU reaction, matched by appropriate and sufficient budgetary means for the EU to protect itself and the citizens and live up to the geopolitical challenges; welcomes the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) earlier this year which led to an increase in Heading 6; furthermore welcomes the adoption of two new instruments, namely the Ukraine Facility and the Western Balkans Facility, which will provide additional targeted support to Ukraine and the six Western Balkans countrieshould be met with caution, ensuring that the EU’s reaction is proportional and budgetary means are allocated efficiently without overextending financial commitments;
Amendment 42 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Is particularly concerned about the approach taken in the MFF revision to only have a net increase of Heading 6 ofby EUR 3,1 billion whereas the other EUR 4,5 billion shall be covered through redeployments within this heading; is not convinced that these redeployments will actually materialise to that extent, emphasizing the need for greater scrutiny and justification of any budget increases;
Amendment 49 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Notes with concern that the Commission presented a budget proposal of EUR 16 258 million, close toapproaching the MFF ceiling in Heading 6 with a remaining available margin of EUR 44,8 million; notes furthermore that Council increased the budget for humanitarian aid by EUR 30 million, believes however that this amount will not be sufficient to be able to resp, and stresses the importance of maintaining a more substantial margin to ensure financial flexibility and avoid unnecessary strain ond to emerging criseshe Union’s budget;
Amendment 57 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Notes with concern the reductions for the Neighbourhood East in NDICI which is underfunded by EUR 150 million for the remainder of this MFF; considers it therefore necessary for the 2025 Union budget to increase this budget line by EUR 50 million; emphasizes the need to carefully assess and justify any increases to the 2025 Union budget, ensuring that resources are allocated based on clear priorities and not solely to address underfunding;
Amendment 67 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Believes that any further targeted reinforcements are needed in areas such as the fight against disinformation, capacity development, enlargement, election observation, nuclear safety, support for civil society organisations, even if this will require the use of flexibility instrumentsshould be carefully evaluated, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and effectively;
Amendment 82 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
Amendment 102 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Believes that the European External Action Service is structurally underfunded and should not be treated like the other institutions regarding the approach to the administrative budget; notes that the requirements for an institution with 145 diplomatic missions and offices around the world is fundamentally different to institutions operating at a single locationshould operate within its current budgetary constraints, emphasizing the need for efficient use of resources rather than increasing its budget unnecessarily;
Amendment 115 #
2024/0176(BUD)
Draft opinion
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Strongly believes that a considerable reinforcement of humanitarian aid, accompaniewhile humanitarian aid is essential, any reinforcement should bye clear objectives arefully calibrated, ensuring terms of the rule of law and governance, is needed for the Union to be able to respond to emerging crihat the Union’s response to emerging crises is financially sustainable and aligned with long-term strategic goals, rather than driven by immediate budgetary increases.