Activities of Timothy Charles Ayrton TANNOCK related to 2016/2036(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (Article 36 TEU) (debate)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy PDF (465 KB) DOC (87 KB)
Amendments (59)
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 5
Citation 5
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 8
Citation 8
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
- having regard to the outcome of the informal EU defence ministers' meeting in Bratislava of 27 September 2016,
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
- having regard to the EU-NATO joint declaration of July 2016,
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A a (new)
Recital A a (new)
Aa. whereas Russia today is more autocratic internally, and more aggressive towards its neighbours than at any time since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991; whereas official Russian propaganda paints the West as an enemy and actively tries to undermine unity in the European Union and coherence in the Transatlantic alliance;
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the recent terrorist acts in European cities committed by radical jihadists linked to ISIS are part of that group’s comprehensive strategy, complementing a land war in Syria and Iraq, an economic war aimed at the tourism industry in North Africa, as well as online propaganda and cyber-attacks; whereas the thousands of EU citizens who have joined such terrorist groups are an increasing threat to our security at home, as well as elsewhere in the world;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas information and cyber warfare targeted at European Union Member States and other Western countries, individuals, and organisations is a deliberate attempt at state and non- state level to destabilise and discredit political, economic, and social structures;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls what many seem to have forgotten, namely that the European Union is one of the greatest achievements in European history and that the transformative power of the EU has brought peace, stability and prosperity to itsthe decades of peace, stability and prosperity enjoyed by European Union Member States and their citizens; emphasisnotes that the EU remains the largestan economic power, the mosta generous donor of humanitarian and development assistance, and a frontrunnplayer in global diplomacy on issues such as climate change, non-proliferation and human rights;
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. ConsiderBelieves that the current crisis is also an opportunity for the EU if it is used to make the EU work betterhas exposed weaknesses in the EU and its structures and calls on Member States to cooperate more effectively to address common challenges; recalls that some European citizens see an effective common foreign and security policy as a priority area of action for the EU and that this is one of the areas where European cooperation can yield most value added; emphasises, therefore, that; emphasises that it is a defining characteristic of a Member State's must change their mentality since nowadays thinking about foreign policy and security in a narrow minded national perspective is obsolete; is convinced that no single Member State alone is able to tackle any of the challenges we face today; foreign and security policy to be able to operate unilaterally in their own national interest when they so choose; recognises that the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU can only operate effectively when there is unanimity; encourages Member States to finally show sufficient levels of political will and trust in one another to make it possible to use the tools at hand in a concerted manner in order to pursue ourcommon interests and values; reiterates that the EU can only be a strong global player on an equal footing with other major powers if all Member States speak with one voice and act together in the framework of a strong EU foreign policy;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2a. Believes that the European Union and its Member States must develop effective foreign, security and defence policy which respects national interests but also seeks to work with international partners, the United Nations, NGOs, human rights defenders, and others on issues of shared concern and in order to promote peace, prosperity, and stability around the world;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Stresses that an effective implementation of the EU Global Strategy presented by the VP/HR in June 2016 is not possible without strong commitment, ownership, political will and leadership from the Member States; highlights that the appropriate resources need to be allocated to the implementation of this strategy, in particular in the crucial area of security and defence from the Member States;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Recognises that the EU's foreign and security policy ambitions must not adopt a one size fits all approach and must therefore be more flexible and responsive to changing situations in its eastern and southern neighbourhoods; further encourages consideration of the policy of less for less with regard to those countries which go into reverse in terms of governance, democracy, and human rights;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 b (new)
3b. Welcomes the EU Global Strategy's commitment to NATO as the cornerstone of Europe's collective security, and to strengthening the United Nations as the bedrock of international order;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. WelcomNotes the intention of devising an implementation plan on security and defence; underlines thatnotes that it is recommended this implementation plan should be complemented by a White Book process, which would specify the level of ambition, tasks, requirements and capability priorities for European defence; calls on the VP/HR, in close cooperation with Member States and the Commission, to start working on such a White Book as a matter of priority in order to deliver first results in the first semester of 2017;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. WelcomNotes the proposal for a yearly reflection on the state of play of the strategy’'s implementation; believes that this reflection should take place in the framework of an annual debate in the European Parliament and on the basis of an implementation report drawn up by the VP/HR;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Is of the opinion that the Global Strategy should be revised regularly, in synchrony with the electoral cycle and the entry into office of each new Commission, in order to check if its objectives and priorities still fit with the challenges and threats; believes that the revision of the Global Strategy's objectives should be driven by consensus between governments, and not by any EU institution;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Highlights that EU external action needs to be based on the three pillars that could be defined as the ‘'three Ds’': Defence, Development and Diplomacy; and insists that while there are areas in which the EU can act together in the international arena foreign and defence policy should remain the competence of Member States;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Emphasises that the EU must strengthen its securityNotes that since power politics is again dominating international relations, defence and defterrence capabilities, as re crit ican only use its full potential as a global power if it combines its unrivalled soft power with hard power; recalls that stronger civilian and military capacities are key elements for the EU to fully respond to crises, build the resilience of partners and protect Europe; notes that since power politics is again dol for the EU's leverage in diplomatic talks; further notes that the EU's objectives for successful soft power - diplomacy, state institution building, security, and development aid - are increasingly taking place in conflict zones, and thereby further underminating international relations, defence and deterrence capabilities are critical for our leverage in diplomatic talkthe opportunities for success; iIn this regard, reiterates that the Common Security and Defence Policy needs to be strengthened, as the only realistic waymust require European countries to cooperate more, especially through NATO, in order to strengthen our defence capabilities in a time of budgetary constraints is to increase synergies by stepping up defence cooperation;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Is convinced that in view of an already underfinanced EU budget,Notes that additional efforts for operations, administrative costs, preparatory actions and pilot projects under the Common Security and Defence Policy, additional funding from the Member States is also neededshould be considered on a case-by-case basis; believes that Member States should seize the opportunityassess this as part of the current revision/review of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) to that end; takes the view that in order to achieve greater capabilities and better capacity to deal with the current crises and future threats Member States must increase their defence expenditure;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Encourages a review of the EU's approach to civilian CSDP missions from the nature of interventions to their objectives and the people involved, in order to ensure they are properly devised, implemented, and supported;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – introductory part
Paragraph 10 – introductory part
10. Takes the view that it is of crucial importance thatNotes the instruments provided by the Treaty of Lisbon be finally implementedrelating to security and defence policy, notably Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO); welcomnotes the joint paper by the defence ministers of France and Germany on the ‘'renewal of the CSDP’', and fully supportnotes its aim of taking a positive decision on the establishment of PESCO at the November 2016 Foreign Affairs and Defence Council; calls on the VP/HR to take the lead onconsider this initiative, as well as on other recent proposals for strengthenrelating theo CSDP with a view to paving the way for further ambitious decisions on the CSDP to be taken at the November Foreign Affairs and Defence Council and the December European Council, including thhile taking into account that despite the views of the EU institutions, there is a lack of political will from Member States and this should be respected in future considerations regarding EU defence fpollowingicy:
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – indent 1
Paragraph 10 – indent 1
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – indent 2
Paragraph 10 – indent 2
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 – indent 3
Paragraph 10 – indent 3
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that the Lisbon Summit of November 2010 underlined the determination to improve the NATO-EU strategic partnership, a fact reinforced by NATO's 2010 Strategic Concept which commits the Alliance to prevent crises, manage conflicts and stabilise post- conflict situations, including by working more closely with NATO's international partners, including the EU;
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Insists that any decision to move towards European Defence Union, including the development of greater permanent structured cooperation and the creation of common defence instruments, must be made on the basis of unanimity among EU Member States;
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. WelcomNotes the Roadmap and the commitments of the Bratislava summit;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. WelcomNotes the ongoing work on the European Defence Action Plan and the Commission’'s efforts to maximise defence cooperation, including through incentives in areas such as research, transport, space, cyber, energy and industrial policies; notes the proposal by the French President for a European Security and Defence Fund, and supports the development of new and innovativ; notes the European Defence Agency's role financ fostering and investment concepts, including through the European Investment Bank; supports the proposals for a ‘European Semester for Defence’ and calls on the VP/HR to present concrete proposals to this effect; commendscoordinating capability development; believes that the key to sustaining the European Ddefence Agency’s role in fostering and coordinating capability development, and calls for its strengthening, notably by increasing its budgetindustry is an increase in defence spending by Member States, as well as insuring that the industry remains globally competitive;
Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. WelcomeStrongly supports the Warsaw Summit Declaration, particularly the Joint Declaration on NATO-EU cooperation; fully supports deepened cooperation between NATO and the EU in the areas of cybersecurity, migration, and the response to hybrid threats; invites the VP/HR to present specific proposals for the follow-up to the Warsaw Joint Declaration by the end of 2016; is convinced that NATO is crucial for the collective security of Europe;
Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Believes that by ensuring the EU's defence and security ambitions are more closely and effectively aligned with those of NATO, those aspirations - as well as those of individual Member States - can still be met; further believes the EU and its Member States must work more closely with NATO to ensure the Alliance's Smart Defence and the EU's Pooling and Sharing initiatives are complementary and mutually reinforcing;
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Notes that the European Union has struggled to find a unified position on dealing with the migration crisis;
Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises that the security of EU Member States is undividable and that in line with Article 42(7) TEU all Member States must enjoy the same level of security; believes it is crucial to strengthenfurther notes that this Article also states that it shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain member states; believes that the European security architecture, which is based on the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and which has been severely damaged by Russia’'s illegal military interventions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Emphasises that the security of EU Member States who are also members of NATO is guaranteed under Article 5 of the Alliance;
Amendment 298 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Takes the view that it is time to define a new, more realistic strategy for the EU’'s relations with Russia, based on credible deterrence but also on dialogue in areas of common interest; stresses that sanctions have proven to be the most effective means for deterring Russian aggression; recalls that the full implementation of the Minsk agreement is a prerequisite for the suspension of sanctions; fully supports the EU's imposition of restrictive measures against individuals and entities in Russia in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and deliberate destabilisation of Ukraine, and insists that the EU should consider imposing further sanctions in case Russia continues to violate international law; believes it is in the common interest of the EU and Russia to achieve a better relationship, provided international law is applied;
Amendment 304 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Condemns unreservedly Russian aggression in Ukraine, including the illegal annexation of Crimea and the Russian-sponsored conflict in eastern Ukraine, and calls on EU Member States and the international community to speak with one voice in sending a clear message to the Russian Government that its actions will have costs and consequences; further demands a de-escalation of the current crisis and insists that the EU and its Member States work with international partners to put diplomatic, political, economic and other pressures on the Russian Government to end its aggression;
Amendment 306 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)
Paragraph 16 b (new)
16b. Strongly supports all efforts for a lasting peaceful solution respecting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and which ensures a stable, prosperous and democratic future for all its citizens;
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Believes it is important to engage in dialogue with Russia in order to identify measures aimed at reducing the risk of dangerous misunderstandings and miscalculations; underlines the importance of increased transparency in military activities in order to avoid air and maritime incidents with Russia and the need to develop common standards for the management of possible accidents and incidents; further believes cooperation with Russia over the recent Iran nuclear deal holds out hope for improved relations in other areas, including with NATO, in order to defuse tensions such as in the Baltic, Syria and Ukraine;
Amendment 316 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17a. Condemns the repeated use by Russia of its veto powers on the United Nations Security Council and considers it to undermine international efforts for peace and conflict resolution in Syria and the European Union's southern neighbourhood more widely;
Amendment 322 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Urges the EU to step up its cooperation with its Eastern partners in order to strengthen their resilience and independence; further supports the EU aspirations of those countries and the reform agenda in areas such as the rule of law, the economy, public administration and the fight against corruption;
Amendment 341 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Believes that a deepening of the relationship with the US and Canada is of strategic interest to the EU, while at the same time it is important for the EU to strengthen its relationship with Central and South America; recognises that the EU is by far the most important economic partner for the United States and vice versa, while both are key international allies both bilaterally and through NATO, and on areas such as the Iran nuclear deal, Syria and Ukraine; encourages, in this regard, the EU and its Member States to ensure a continuation of such a relationship following November's US presidential elections;
Amendment 355 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Emphasises that ensuring peace and stability on our continent, in our neighbourhood and in Africa must now be at the heart of Europe’'s action; takes the view that it is necessary to tackle the root causes of instability and forced and irregular migration, namely poverty, the lack of economic opportunities, armed conflict, bad governance, climate change, human rights abuses, inequality, and mistaken trade policies; believes that security, economic and social development and trade are parts of the same comprehensive strategy; calls for European and international action (UN/G20) against illegal financial transfers out of Africa;
Amendment 359 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20a. Recognises that the EU's role in tackling migration and humanitarian crises has become intertwined with broader regional conflicts and that the EU's provision of aid to the victims of disasters, refugees and others in need has delivered mixed results;
Amendment 360 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 b (new)
Paragraph 20 b (new)
20b. Encourages the development of a coherent, robust strategy for the Sahel region aimed at improving governance and the accountability and legitimacy of state and regional institutions, boosting security, tackling radicalization, the trafficking of people, arms and drugs, and strengthening economic and development policies;
Amendment 365 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the EU must pay particular attention to improving the living conditions in its neighbourhood, using all available policy tools, including trade, development aid, environment policy, and diplomacy, as well as crisis management capabilities; welcomes in this regard the EU’'s new migration partnerships and the External Investment Plan; underlines the need to develop a new approach towards Africa, providing better opportunities for trade, investment and economic growth and supporting African countries in building democratic, transparent and effective institutions, and measures to mitigate the impact of climate change; is convinced that the EU should review its development and trade policies to make sure that they contribute to these goals; calls on the EU, and in particular the Member States, to significantly increase their financial commitments to the region, including through the Africa Trust Fund and the European Development Fund;
Amendment 394 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Underlines also the need to intensify the fight against Islamist terrorism, which affects ever larger parts of the Middle East and North Africa and has also been creeping into Europe; urges the EU to undertake concerted diplomatic efforts, together with the US and other international allies, to convince partners in the region, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran, of the need for a common strategy towards this global challenge; further encourages efforts to co-operate and co-ordinate with other countries in this fight, including via cooperation on counter-terrorism and in helping building individual countries' capacity on counter- terrorism;
Amendment 397 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Encourages greater cooperation between EU Member States and communities within Member States to prevent the radicalisation of individuals who could pose a security threat; Further encourages a review and/or the introduction of more effective counter- extremism strategies to tackle the whole spectrum of extremism and extremist ideology, including via information sharing, and by working with individuals, communities, the internet industry, and law enforcement agencies;
Amendment 407 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Highlights the importance of finding a sustainable solution to the conflict in Syria; supports the UN-led efforts to facilitate negotiations between all parties to the Syrian conflict on an inclusive political settlement; calls on the EU to use its leverage over key actors such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia to ensure that they take a constructive position; emphasises that the use of sanctions should be considered in case some of the actors involved do not deliver on their commitments; continues, in this regard, to urge all members of the UN Security Council to honour their responsibilities with regard to the crisis and urges all countries active in promoting a solution to the crisis to support these efforts;
Amendment 417 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Encourages the expansion of the EU sanctions regime to cover more people and organisations responsible for human rights violations in Syria;
Amendment 430 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recognises Turkey’'s role as an important partner in solving the Syrian conflict and the fight against Da’'esh, and the migration crisis; strongly condemns the attempted military coup against the democratically elected government of Turkey; encourages the Turkish government to protect the constitutional order, while underlining the importance of respect for the rule of law, human rights, and independence of the judiciary in the aftermath of the coup, in cooperation with the Council of Europe;
Amendment 439 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Believes that the fight against human traffickers is only possible where there is a cooperation with countries on the other side of the Mediterranean and in Africa as a whole; Further believes, in this regard, that the European Union and its Member States must cooperate with international partners to address the push factors which lead to migration;
Amendment 446 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25a. Encourages the European Union and its Member States to distinguish more clearly between migrants fleeing persecution and conflict, and those doing so for purely economic reasons;
Amendment 449 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 b (new)
Paragraph 25 b (new)
25b. Does not support a compulsory system of reallocation of asylum seekers, and instead believes that the best way to deal with the current crisis is to make the system of processing asylum seekers and returning those who do not qualify more efficient through building cooperation and trust between Member States and increasing resources in specific areas;
Amendment 450 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 c (new)
Paragraph 25 c (new)
25c. Strongly supports the strengthening of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) as an important governing principle in the European Union and its Member States' work across the conflict spectrum, as well as on human rights and development;
Amendment 451 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 d (new)
Paragraph 25 d (new)
25d. Recognises that climate change could have a serious effect on regional and global stability, as global warming affects disputes over territory, food, water and other resources, weakens economies, threatens regional security, and is a source of migratory flows; further encourages the EU and Member States to consider how national and EU military planning can include climate change adaption strategies and what would be considered an appropriate capability, priority, and response;
Amendment 454 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Highlights the EU’s immenseNotes the EU's potential as a diplomatic superpower, which is based on the wide range of instruments at ourits disposal and ourits normative power as a champion of democracy, freedom and human rights;
Amendment 471 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Takes the view that the EU should upgrade and intensify its diplomatic efforts in Asia in order to contribute to greater stability and security in conflict areas with renewed tensions, working closely with partners in the region and upholding international law, including in the South China sea; notes the positive references in the Commission’s Joint Communication of June 2016 entitled Elements for a new EU Strategy on China which calls for the EU to continue supporting the constructive development of cross-strait relations between China and Taiwan; To this aim notes the need for the EU to support Taiwan's participation in international organisations and forums such as Interpol and ICAO;
Amendment 472 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Takes the view that the EU should upgrade and intensify its diplomatic efforts in Asia in order to contribute to greater stability and security in conflict areas with renewed tensions, working closely with partners in the region and upholding international law, including in the South China sea, and in order to address issues relating to the protection of human rights and the rule of law;
Amendment 493 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Highlights the role of parliamentary diplomacy and the need for a strengthened role of parliaments in the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, including through intensified cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments on matters of EU foreign and security policy, while respecting the competence of Member States in these areas;
Amendment 501 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses thatNotes the financial means available for the EU’'s external action are not commensurate to the challenges we are facing; calls in this regard for a substantial increase in the resources available under heading IV of the MFF in the context of the upcoming mid-term review;