69 Amendments of Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUȚĂ related to 2021/2182(INI)
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid attacks against the EU Member States by instrumentalizing migrants and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of Afghanistan, have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a changing role of the US on the global stage and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures ofin Afghanistan and subsequent takeover of the country by the Taliban, have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of Afghanistan, and Belarusian continuous breach of international law, have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
B a. whereas the detrimental impact of climate change on the security of the EU is becoming increasingly clear;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the EU needs to act on the global stage with a common strategic culture to develop its leadership role and to actively push for the revitalisation of multilateralism guided by its democratic values and freedoms, social fairness and its vision for a sustainable future;
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas a broad majority of EU citizens support a stronger role for the EU in matters of foreign and security policy and wish to see a more coherent and effective EU foreign policy; whereas one of the most widely endorsed and commented ideas currently on the COFEU digital platform is a proposal to create an EU army;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
Paragraph 1 – indent 2
- improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft powers, including by the introduction of qualified majority voting in foreign and security policy decision-making,
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Welcomes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promotinge global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform of key institutions and organisations and strengthen multilateralism by making better use of existing mechanisms and institutions for global governance as well as introducing necessary reforms in key international organisations;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to promote an alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to pool resources and exchange best practices between democracies, including as regards countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states and organisationhostile non-state actors; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should promote on the global stage a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter hybrid threats; expresses in this regard its full support to the Summits for Democracy to be hosted by the US, focussing on concrete actions to defend universal human rights, prevent democratic backsliding and fight corruption;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to promote alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to pool resources and exchange best practices between democracies, including as regards countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states, foreign malign actors and organisations; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should promote on the global stage a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter hybrid threats;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls for the EU to promote alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to pool resources and exchange best practices between democracies, including as regards countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states and organisationtheir proxies; believes that, for this to be successful, the EU should promote on the global stage a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to counter hybrid threats;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Emphasizes that the EU needs to increase the visibility of its actions if it aims to assume a global leadership role, including by ensuring a better, more strategic communication of its external actions, both towards its own citizens and beyond, and by countering false propaganda and disinformation spread by other major powers;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Encourages the EU to develop shared strategies with like-minded, democratic partners in order to counter rising authoritarian hybrid threats;
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to further develop its leadership role in the defence and promotion of human rights in multilateral forums, and in particular the UN; believes that the EU should ensure an effective use of the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), including the development of a complementary EU anti- corruption sanctions regimeby extending its scope to corruption-related offences, and better enforce the human rights provisions of the international agreements it has concluded;
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Calls for the EU’s role as an actor and mediator in conflict prevention and resolution to be enhanced following the adoption of the 2020 EU Peace Mediation Concepteffective implementation of the 2020 EU Peace Mediation Concept to enhance the EU’s role as a trusted and capable actor in conflict prevention and resolution; recalls the EU’s comparative advantage in the area of conflict prevention and resolution vis-à-vis individual member states; underscores the key role played by the European Parliament in this area through parliamentary diplomacy; highlights the significant contribution of conflict prevention and resolution activities towards making the EU a relevant geopolitical actor while advancing its security interests;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the EU’s efforts as a global frontrunner in the fight against climate change and urges the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to propose new initiatives such as the internationalisation of the European Green Deal; believeexpects that the implementation of the European Green Deal will have significant geopolitical consequences and will positively influence the EU’s relations with some of its partners;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the EU to develop global partnerships for the establishment of norms and standards on a rules-based, ethical use of technologies, in particular as regards artificial intelligence, and to ensure cooperation and coordination among democracies in this respect;
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Urges the EU to develop global partnerships for the establishment of norms and standards on a rules-based, ethical and human-centric use of technologies, in particular as regards artificial intelligence;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that the EU should develop a global connectivity strategy as an extension of the current EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy and as a strategic response to overcome its diminishing influence in many regions of the world; stresses that the Commission should make connectivity projects with third countries conditional upon the ethical use of technology and the respect for human rights and liberties, both domestically and abroad; welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new connectivity strategy called the ‘Global Gateway’;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Reiterates that the EU should develop a global connectivity strategy as an extension of the current EU-Asia Connectivity Strategy and as a strategic response to overcome its diminishingstrengthen its influence in many regions of the world; stresses that the Commission should make connectivity projects with third countries conditional upon the ethical use of technology both domestically and abroad; welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new connectivity strategy called the ‘Global Gateway’;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Welcomes the G7 global initiative ‘Build Back Better World’ and urges the EU to play an active role in developing it further, including by identifying linkages with its “Global Gateway” strategy;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Improving EU visibility, decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft powers
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates that the EU needs first and foremost a stronger and genuine political will and commitment from of its Member States to jointly agree on and promote common EU foreign policy goals and, notably through greater EU security and defence cooperation;
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes the ongoing Strategic Compass process as the starting point for making process towards a European Defence Union and for the strategic autonomy of the EU as regards its security and defence, as well as for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and to shape the EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes the ongoing Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revisformed version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Highlights the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and to shape the EU’stake timely and effective action in response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes the ongoing Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the developmentemergence of a common strategic culture and expects that it will help shape a shared vision for EU security and defence; stresses that the outcome should be reflected in a revised version of the 2016 EU Global Strategy;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recalls that the Treaties provide for the possibility to improve decision-making procedures for the CFSP; stresses that unanimity hampers the EU’s ability to act and therefore calls forurges the Member States to use qualified majority voting for specific aspects of the CFSPCFSP decision making; in particular, reiterates its call for the introduction of qualified majority voting for the adoption of sanctions; stresses that the use of Article 44 TEU could improve the EU’s flexibility and capacity to act;
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates its call for the establishment of new formats of cooperation such as the European Security Council; underscores the importance of creating a fully-fledged “Security and defence” committee in the European Parliament, highlights that such proposal would allow to better define the current subcommittee’s competencies and grant it the necessary powers for the European Parliament to fully exercise its mandate of oversight and scrutiny in the realm of security and defence policy; recalls that the ongoing Conference on the Future of Europe provides a relevant framework to shape innovative proposals in this respect;
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Stresses that a holistic approach to the CFSP requires the synergy of all available EU assets in the field of external action; in this respect, highlights the key role and comparative advantage of the European Parliament in the EU’s diplomacy notably through interparliamentary relations and the Parliament’s extensive engagement with civil society at large; calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States to recognise Parliament as an integral part of ‘Team Europe’ and to reflect this in the operational structures;
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Calls for the EU to ensure its strategic sovereignty in specific areas that are fundamental to the Union’s existence on the globinternational scentage, such as economics, security and technology, and to establish a European Defence Union; reiterates its call for the creation of a European Defence Union, which will allow the EU to act autonomously to safeguard its security interests when necessary, as well as contribute to making Europeans more capable and credible strategic partners for their allies, including NATO and the United States; calls in this respect for the establishment, as proposed by 14 Member States at the May 6, 2021 Foreign Affairs Council, of a European first entry force under single command as the first step towards a European integrated military force;
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that EU sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development, coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities required for effective crisis management, protection of the EU and its citizens, and training of key partners, an efficient division of labour between the Member States and other international organisations such as the UN and NATO and the EU’s ability to decide and act autonomously, in line with its own interests, principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners, in particular within the framework of NATO; welcomes in this regard the Commission President’s announcement of a Summit on European Defence under the French Presidency and that the EU and NATO will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the VP/HR;
Amendment 285 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that EU sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development, coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities, an efficient division of labour, of development and of production capabilities between the Member States and the EU’s ability to decide and act autonomously, in line with its own interests, principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners, in particular within the framework of NATO; welcomes in this regard the Commission President’s announcement that the EU and NATO will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the VP/HR;
Amendment 289 #
19. Stresses that EU sovereignty in the field of security and defence means the development, coordination and deployment of strategic capabilities, an efficient division of labournhanced interoperability between the Member States and the EU’s ability to decide and act autonomously, in line with its own interests, principles and values; stresses that this approach reinforces cooperation with partners, in particular within the framework of NATO; welcomes in this regard the Commission President’s announcement that the EU and NATO will present a joint declaration on cooperation by the end of 2021; welcomes the discussion on an ‘initial entry force’ as presented by the VP/HR;
Amendment 290 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Believes that regarding new threats facing Europe, such as economic coercion, the rise of disinformation and elections interference, Europe is better positioned and equipped to deal with them; underlines that this not only requires a strengthened European pillar within NATO, but also new and innovative solutions from the EU; calls upon Member States to together develop a new possibility for Member States to execute, on a voluntary basis, collective countermeasures as part of the Strategic Compass;
Amendment 300 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the need for the Union to develop its technological sovereignty through the enhancedevelopment of industrial defence capabilitiesa strong European defence industry, in particular in emerging disruptive technologies (EDTs), and the protection and resilience of critical infrastructures; recalls the opportunities offered in this respect by existing instruments and mechanisms such as PESCO, EDF and CARD; calls on the Member States to use such instruments and mechanisms to their full extent;
Amendment 306 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the need for the Union to develop its technological and digital sovereignty through the enhancement of industrial defence capabilities, in particular in emerging disruptive technologies (EDTs), and the protection and resilience of critical infrastructures;
Amendment 310 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Stresses the need to secure the undersea telecommunications infrastructure, especially submarine optic fibre cables;
Amendment 332 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call for accelerating the enlargement process, with a focus on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as prerequisites for durable stability and prosperity; underscores that progress along the enlargement process remains firmly conditioned upon the implementation of further reforms by candidate countries to comply with the accession criteria defined by the European Council; highlights, in light of a possible future enlargement, the need for more efficient decision-making at EU level;
Amendment 335 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call for accelerating the enlargement process, with a focus on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, as well as fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as prerequisites for durable stability and prosperity; calls for the EU to support civil society in the Western Balkans in promoting and disseminating European values;
Amendment 348 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders as well as the respect for the will of the people; condemns Russia’s direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
Amendment 349 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders; condemns Russia’s direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts as well as hybrid attacks, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
Amendment 351 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders; condemns Russia’s direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; supports the strengthening of cooperation between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries in the field of security and defence, in particular the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts, addressing hybrid threats, cyber-attacks, disinformation and propaganda campaigns, third-party interference in democratic processes and increasing societal resilience; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
Amendment 355 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within their internationally recognised borders; condemns Russia’s direct and indirect involvement in armed conflicts, occupations and military build-ups inside the region or on its borders with the region; underlines that the continuous threat in our proximity requires the physical presence of both the EU and NATO in the region; urges the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular those that have chosen to pursue the path of European integration, to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld and to continue implementing the necessary reforms; reiterates that the EU’s support is conditional upon concrete progress on those reforms;
Amendment 358 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Acknowledges the convergence of the three associated partners, Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, with the Common Foreign and Security Policy and supports enhanced cooperation in the area of Common Security and Defence Policy, including participation in PESCO once the issue of participation of third countries is resolved;
Amendment 359 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Reiterates its non-recognition of Aliaksandr Lukashenka as president of Belarus and highlights the importance of increased engagement with representatives of Belarusian civil society and democratic opposition; calls for more determined and effective sanctions against the Lukashenka regime; underscores the importance of the European Parliament’s Platform on the fight against impunity in Belarus and encourages the use of all available legal means to bring Lukashenka and members of his regime to justice; strongly condemns the Lukashenka regime’s hybrid attack against the EU Member States by instrumentalising migrants for political purposes and urges for further development of the preparedness of the EU and Member States to respond in accordance with EU law and international obligations;
Amendment 368 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 d (new)
Paragraph 24 d (new)
24 d. Welcomes engagement of the President of the European Council in alleviating political crisis in Georgia; sees it as an act of EU leadership and calls for similar approach to crisis and conflict situations in the Eastern Partnership region and beyond; reiterates its call for a lasting settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh;
Amendment 369 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Reiterates its condemnation of Russia’s aggressive policies vis-à-vis Ukraine, notably continuous financial and military support for armed formations in Donbas, illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol, blockade of the Azov Sea and military build-up at the eastern border of Ukraine and on the Crimean peninsula; welcomes the establishment of the International Crimean Platform; supports continuous assistance to Ukraine in its security sector and military reforms, including consideration to provide military training for Ukrainian officers; acknowledges the first meeting of the EU- Ukraine Cyber Dialogue;
Amendment 380 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Stresses that the underlying conditions for conflict between the Israeli and Palestinian persist and that only a political solution addressing those conditions will bring lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians; recalls in this respect the EU's support for the two-state solution; calls on the EU to increase its engagement to revive the peace process between Israeli and Palestinians, including through confidence building measures, regional dialogue and increased transatlantic cooperation in the region as well as by making better use of its leverage towards both parties;
Amendment 381 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25 a (new)
Paragraph 25 a (new)
25 a. Reiterates its call to the Commission to present an EU action plan on impunity, with a specific chapter on Syria; stresses that this action plan should seek to better coordinate and harmonise Member States’ resources and efforts to prosecute war criminals in the EU;
Amendment 387 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. IRemains concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and, its individual Member States and with countries in its neighbourhood; deplores the long-deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey; recalls, however, that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continuebe intensified in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, keeping the country as closely anchored to the EU as possiblewith a special focus on certain policy areas such as on climate change, anti-terrorism, migration, security and economy; concludes that momentarily the prospect of Turkey joining the EU is unrealistic; reiterates therefore its call on the Commission to recommend the formal suspension of accession negotiations with Turkey, in order for both sides to review in a realistic manner and through a structured and high-level dialogue, the appropriateness of the current framework and its ability to function, or to explore possible new and alternative comprehensive models for future relations;
Amendment 392 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Is concerned by the Turkish Government’s increasingly assertive foreign policy, which is repeatedly putting the country at odds with the EU and individual Member States; deplores the long-deteriorating situation regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey; recalls, however,acknowledges that Turkey will continue to be a country of key strategic interest for the EU and that engagement needs to continue in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, keeping the country as closely anchored to the EU as possible;
Amendment 399 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of the full implementation of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement; welcomes steps towards the establishment of a Parliamentary Partnership Assembly for Members of the European Parliament and Members of the UK Parliament, as provided for by the agreement; hopes that foreign policy and security cooperation will beremains open to further developeding and strengthened in areas of commoning cooperation on foreign and security issues of shared concern;
Amendment 407 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the need to strengthen EU-US transatlantic cooperation on the basis of an equal partnership; welcomes in this context the statement ‘Towards a renewed Transatlantic partnership’ from the EU-US summit 2021, which provides a good basis for an ambitious transatlantic agenda; fully supports and commits to pursuing synergies and shared foreign and security objectives by further deepening cooperation in the framework of the EU- US transatlantic dialogue; highlights that the EU should be prepe necessity to swiftly adapt to the changing role of the US on the global stage in order to safeguared to reflect on how to adapt to the changing role of the US on the global stageits vital interests, notably by becoming a credible geopolitical actor on the international stage, acting in cooperation with likeminded partners and allies first and foremost, yet also able and willing to do so autonomously when necessary;
Amendment 409 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Underlines the need to strengthen EU-US transatlantic cooperation on the basis of an equal partnership; welcomes in this context the statement ‘Towards a renewed Transatlantic partnership’ from the EU-US summit 2021, which provides a good basis for an ambitious transatlantic agenda; fully supports and commits to pursuing synergies and shared foreign and security objectives by further deepening cooperation in the framework of the EU- US transatlantic dialogue; highlights that the EU should be prepared to reflect on how to adapt to the changing role of the US on the global stage;
Amendment 427 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Emphasises that the EU’s relations with Africa are of utmost importance; welcomes the joint communication of the Commission and the VP/HR entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’3 ; insists on the need, in this perspective, to update the EU strategy in an integrated approach that can ensure security and development for achieving stability in the worrying situation in the Sahel, taking into account the developments observed during the year 2021; calls on the Commission and the VP/HR to deepen discussions with the EU’s African partners in order to prepare for a successful EU-African Union Summit; _________________ 3 JOIN(2020)0004.
Amendment 433 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 a (new)
Paragraph 29 a (new)
29 a. Is deeply concerned by the growing instability in Sahel that affects the security and living conditions of countless civilians and has direct consequences on the European Union and its Member States;
Amendment 434 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29 b (new)
Paragraph 29 b (new)
29 b. Condemns the presence in Africa of private military militias such as Wagner Company acting in support of non-democratic states interests;
Amendment 440 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is gravely concerned by the developments in Russia and reiterates the EU’s interest in maintaining freedom, stability and peace on the European continent and beyond; believes that the EU should deter Russia from carrying out destabilising and subversive actions in Europe and from repressing its own citizens; deplores Russia’s use of energy resources, in particular supply of gas to the EU Member States via Ukraine, as a geopolitical tool of pressure; underlines that closer coordination, cooperation and unity among the EU Member States are necessary in order to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities based on the five guiding principles, which is only possible if both parties are genuinely interested in it; urges the EU to engage more closely with the people of Russia, including by developing a clearly defined ‘engagement’ objective, which should focus not only on traditional selective engagement with the Kremlin, but also on ‘strategic’ engagement with Russian civil society; reiterates that full implementation of the Minsk agreements remains the key condition for any substantial change in the EU’s stance in its relations with Russia;
Amendment 444 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is gravely concerned by the developments in Russia and reiterates the EU’s interest in maintaining freedom, stability and peace on the European continent and beyond; believes that the EU should deter Russia from carrying out destabilising and subversive actions in Europe and from repressing its own citizens; underlines that closer coordination, cooperation and unity among the EU Member States are necessary in order to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities based on the five guiding principles, which is only possible if both parties are genuinely interested in it; urges the EU to engage more closely with the people of Russia, including by developing a clearly defined ‘engagement’ objective, which should focus not only on traditional selective engagement with the Kremlin, but also on ‘strategic’ engagement with Russian civil society; calls on the Commission to closer coordinate its Russia strategy with Member States so that the EU presents a united front in the face of Russian threats;
Amendment 445 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Is gravely concerned by the developments in Russia and reiterates the EU’s interest in maintaining freedom, stability and peace on the European continent and beyond; believes that the EU should deter Russia from carrying out destabilising and subversive actions in Europe, notably the Baltic States and Eastern Europe, and from repressing its own citizens; underlines that closer coordination, cooperation and unity among the EU Member States are necessary in order to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Russian authorities based on the five guiding principles, which is only possible if both parties are genuinely interested in it; urges the EU to engage more closely with the people of Russia, including by developing a clearly defined ‘engagement’ objective, which should focus not only on traditional selective engagement with the Kremlin, but also on ‘strategic’ engagement with Russian civil society;
Amendment 451 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Stresses that the Arctic is of strategic and political importance to the EU and underlines the EU’s commitment to be a responsible actor, seeking the long-term sustainable and peaceful development of the region; is concerned, however, by the progressive and substantial Russian military build-up in the Arctic as well as by the impact of far-reaching Chinese projects and initiatives in the region; calls in this respect for closer attention to the first Arctic fibre cable, part of the nervous system of the internet, which has increasingly been the subject of international spying operations; calls on all stakeholders to respond to the very alarming effects and consequences of climate change in the Arctic;
Amendment 453 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Stresses that the Arctic is of strategic and geopolitical importance to the EU and underlines the EU’s commitment to be a responsible actor, seeking the long- term sustainable and peaceful development of the region; is concerned, however, by the progressive and substantial Russian military build-up in the Arctic as well as by the impact of far-reaching Chinese development and infrastructure projects and initiatives in the region; calls on all stakeholders to respond to the very alarming effects and consequences of climate change in the Arctic;
Amendment 461 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates, as underlined in its resolution of 16 September 2021 on a new EU-China strategy4 , its call for the EU to develop a more assertive, comprehensive, and consistherent EU-China strategy that unites all Member States and shapes relations with China in the interest of the EU as a wholean increasingly assertive and interventionist China in the interest of the EU as a whole; highlights in this respect the growing number of aggressive actions taken by China towards Taiwan, including repeated violations of Taiwanese airspace, China’s crackdown on Hong Kong’s freedoms, including through the imposition of a draconian national security law in 2020, as well as China’s encroachments on the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea; emphasises that this strategy should promote a rules-based multilateral order, have the defence of EU values at its core and should be based on the three principles of cooperating where possible, competing where needed, and confronting where necessary; strongly advocates for Taiwan’s full participation as an observer in meetings, mechanisms and activities of international organisations; _________________ 4 Texts adopted, P9_TA(2021)0382.
Amendment 477 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Welcomes the Commission President’s announcement of plans to present a new joint communication on a partnership with the Gulf region; calls for the EU to present a coherent strategy for balanced EU engagement in the region, with the promotion of regional security and cooperation as awell as human rights as key strategic objectives; reiterates that the EU’s priority is to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a matter of security for Europe and the region and the only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activities; ; recalls that the JCPOA remains the most effective instrument to stop Iran’s nuclear programme and stabilise the region; calls on the United States and Iran to pursue meaningful negotiations with a view of returning to compliance with the JCPOA; calls however, in the case of continued non-engagement and stalling by Iran in the JCPOA negotiations, on the EU and its Member States to consider reimposing sanctions, in coordination with the US, UK and others;
Amendment 486 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Underlines that the situation in Afghanistan is a wakeup call for the EU to deploy its external actions and means; is concerned by the dramatic humanitarian, political, economic and security situation in Afghanistan, particularly as 1 in 3 Afghans face severe hunger; stresses the need for those in power across Afghanistan to bear responsibility and accountability for the protection of human life and property and for the restoration of security and civil order and public services; reiterates that Afghan women and girls, like all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity, to have a full access to education and public life, and welcomes the broad international support for their rights and freedoms; calls for further evacuation of Afghans at risk, notably women judges, human rights defenders, journalists, local staff and other persons at risk due to their activities in promoting democracy and fundamental freedoms; calls for the EU to preserve the achievements of the last 20 years and to ensure that Afghanistan does not descend into a safe haven for terrorist groups; calls for the immediate development of a comprehensive lessons-based EU strategy for Afghanistan and the surrounding countries; emphasises the importance of cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries to ensure global security and regional stability;
Amendment 488 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Underlines that the situation in Afghanistan is a wakeup call for the EU to deploy its external actions and meansseek greater autonomy and sovereignty in its foreign and security policy; is concerned by the dramatic humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan; stresses the need for those in power across Afghanistane Taliban regime to bear responsibility and accountability for the protection of human life and property and for the restoration of security and civil order; reiterates that Afghan women and girls, like all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity and welcomes the broad international support for their rights and freedoms; calls for the EU to preserve the achievements of the last 20 years and to ensure that Afghanistan does not descend intobecome once more a safe haven for terrorist groups; emphasises the importance of cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries to ensure global security and regional stability; calls on the EU to draw lessons from its 20-year engagement in Afghanistan;
Amendment 499 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 35
Paragraph 35
35. Welcomes the EU’s renewed commitment to the Indo-Pacific region and recognition of its growing importance for EU interests; acknowledges the intense geopolitical competition in the region spurred largely by China’s growing assertiveness with its neighbours, and calls for the EU to strengthen its strategic focus, presence and actions with the aim of contributing to the stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development of the region; underlines the need for a strategic long-term engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and for establishing comprehensive bilateral and multilateral dialogue mechanisms with Indo-Pacific countries and their societies;
Amendment 511 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Calls for special attention to be paid to enhancing cooperation with our partners in Latin America; believes that a strengthened relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is centralhighly important to the EU’s geopolitical strategy in the world; stresses the need for the Union to strengthen the ties that unite the EU with LAC countries, particularly in defending the rules-based multilateral order; calls for the EU to use all available tools to deepen its cooperation with LAC partners, ensure the swift ratification of the EU-Mexico agreement, deliver on the sustainable and environmental protocol with Mercosur so that the EU association agreement with Mercosur can be ratified, and conclude the negotiations for updating the EU association agreement with Chile; urges the EU to recover its position as the preferred partner of Latin American countries in view of other geopolitical actors occupying increasing space in the region, especially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine diplomacy;
Amendment 523 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. Welcomes the increased involvement of the European Parliament in the programming of Global Europe and IPA III as well as the introduction of a biannual High-Level Geopolitical Dialogue; urges to reflect the lessons learned from the rapid collapse of state institutions in Afghanistan in the EU state-building activities around the globe;