Activities of Helmut KUHNE
Plenary speeches (55)
Vote
Vote (continuation)
Motion of censure
2002 discharges (continuation)
Order of business
Follow-up to 2001 discharges (Commission)
Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report
Legislative and work programme for 2004 – Eurostat
Statute and financing of European political parties
2001 discharge procedure
Draft Commission and Council report on the future of pension systems / Modernisation of accounting
Debate on the annual report of the Court of Auditors – 2001
One-minute speeches on matters of political importance
Vote
Tribute
Vote
Vote
2000 discharges
Procurement
Presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report – 2000
VOTE
Discharges (continuation)
Fight against fraud
Vote
1998 discharge
Protecting the Communities’ financial interests and the fight against fraud
Vote
Vote
1998 discharge, budgetary control
Resumption of the session
VOTE
Protection under criminal law of the Union's financial interests
The state of transatlantic relations in the aftermath of the US elections (debate)
Annual Report (2007) on the main aspects and basic choices of the CFSP - European Security Strategy and ESDP - The role of NATO in the security architecture of the EU (debate)
2006 Annual report on the CFSP - Annual report on the implementation of the European Security Strategy and ESDP (debate)
2006 Annual report on the CFSP - Annual report on the implementation of the European Security Strategy and ESDP (continuation of debate)
EU-United States summit
Proposed hearing of the Commission on crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by totalitarian regimes (8 April 2008) (debate)
Situation in Iran (continuation of debate)
Common Foreign and Security Policy 2005 (debate)
Transatlantic relations (debate)
Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2006-2007 – The institutional aspects of the European Union’s capacity to integrate the new Member States (debate)
The implementation of the European Security Strategy in the context of the ESDP (vote)
The implementation of the European Security Strategy in the context of the ESDP (debate)
Progress report on the accession of Bulgaria and Romania (debate)
Criteria for EU peace-keeping operations, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (debate)
2005 enlargement strategy paper (debate)
Common foreign policy perspectives for 2006 – Common foreign and security policy – 2004
Arms exports
Progress towards accession by Bulgaria and Romania
EU–Russia Relations
European Security Strategy
Foreign policy / Security
Restructuring of the automobile sector
Reports (5)
Report on the decision of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States concerning the discharge to be granted to the Secretary-General of the Convention in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2002 - Committee on Budgetary Control PDF (174 KB) DOC (48 KB)
PDF (45 KB) DOC (78 KB)
PDF (91 KB) DOC (232 KB)
REPORT Annual report on the implementation of the European Security Strategy and ESDP PDF (200 KB) DOC (114 KB)
REPORT on the European Security Strategy PDF (270 KB) DOC (147 KB)
Written declarations (1)
Amendments (36)
Amendment 1 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)
Paragraph -1 a (new)
- 1a. Reaffirms the conclusions of Parliament’s previous resolutions concerning the ESS and ESDP and thus sees no need to repeat any of them;
Amendment 32 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 d (new)
Paragraph 4 d (new)
4d. Welcomes the launch of the ESDP ATALANTA mission against piracy off the Somali coast; reminds the Council, Commission and Member States, however, that the reasons for the problem of piracy in that region are deeper rooted, such as poverty in a failed state, and demands more profound European actions tackling these problems;
Amendment 59 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Takes note that the 2003 European Security Strategy highlights the main threats faced by the European Union (terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional conflicts, state failure and organised crime) and identifies strategic objectives, which have become the basis for substrategCongratulates the French EU presidency for its ambitions concerning the ESDP; takes note of the European Council Conclusions from 12 December 2008 for the ESDP and welcomes that many demands from Parliament’s previous reports on the ESS and the ESDP were taken up, particularly the - threats of cyber-attacks - security of European energy supply - unresolved regional disputes in the EU’s neighbourhood - challenges on the African continent - consequences of climate change projects to strengthen civilian and military capacities;
Amendment 62 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9 a (new)
Paragraph 9 a (new)
9a. Welcomes the Council’s commitment that Europe should actually be capable, in the years ahead, in the framework of the level of ambition established, inter alia of deploying 60 000 men in 60 days for a major operation, within the range of operations envisaged within the headline goal for 2010 and within the civilian headline goal for 2010, of planning and conducting simultaneously: – two major stabilisation and reconstruction operations, with a suitable civilian component, supported by a maximum of 10 000 men for at least two years; – two rapid response operations of limited duration using inter alia the EU's battle groups; – an emergency operation for the evacuation of European nationals (in less than ten days), bearing in mind the primary role of each Member State as regards its nationals and making use of the consular lead State concept; – a maritime or air surveillance/interdiction mission; – a civilian-military humanitarian assistance operation lasting up to 90 days; – around a dozen ESDP civilian missions (inter alia police, rule of law, civil administration, civil protection, security sector reform and observation missions) of varying formats, inter alia in a rapid reaction situation, including a major mission (possibly up to 3 000 experts), which could last several years;
Amendment 63 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is of the opinion that, although many elements of the strategy are still valid, others should be adapted; states this is the case in particular for the relationship between the European Union and Russia, EU engagement in Africa, but also its energy supply, climate change and cyber warfareDeplores, however, the unclear manner of presenting the conclusions concerning the ESS and ESDP (four documents instead of one); regrets the often vague wording failing to describe a real strategy; criticises that the Council did not meet the Parliament’s demand for a White Paper and that it is therefore unlikely that a fruitful wide public debate will be initiated; deplores further that demands from Parliament’s previous reports on the ESS and the ESDP were not considered by the Council, above all - the definition of common European security interests - the definition of criteria for the launching of ESDP missions - proposals for a new EU-NATO partnership tackling the issue of national “caveats”;
Amendment 72 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. DRenews its demands theo drawing up of up a White Paper on European Security and Defence as a tool to initiate a wide public debate and to ensure that the security strategy is implemented in an efficient way;
Amendment 79 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Regrets that Russia’s disproportionate response to the outbreak of violence in the Caucasus and the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent statConsiders that the violent escalation of the hitherto frozen conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the subsequent recognition of the independence of these provinces by Russia, underscores the urgent need to invest in durable political solutions for such conflicts in our neighbourhood; reiterates its view that there cannot be a military solution to the conflicts in the Caucasus and its firm condemnation of all those who resorted to violence during the conflict; emphasises thave plunged the West’s relationship with Russia into a crisis; notes with concern that this violation of international law has severely damaged the Euro-Atlantic partnership with Russiat the further development of Europe's strategic partnership with Russia needs to include a significant dialogue on security, based on the stated commitment of both parties to their shared values, respect for international law and territorial integrity, and commitment to and obligations under the Helsinki charter;
Amendment 83 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Stresses that the security dimension of EU-Russia relations and the role of the CFSP and ESDP, cannot be seen in isolation from the wider European security architecture, which includes NATO, the OSCE and international arrangements such as the ABM and CFE Treaties; considers relevant developments in this wider security structure should be addressed in dialogue with both Russia and the United States and asks the Council to take an open and constructive attitude towards possible talks between the EU, the United States, Russia and non- EU OSCE member states to renew cross- Atlantic consensus on security, taking the Helsinki agreements as a basis; believes that a moratorium on the deployment of any new weapons systems in Europe would be helpful in this respect;
Amendment 86 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Notes that the European Union took concerted action on the Russian challenge;to mediate between Russia and Georgia and points out that the rapid reaction and unity of the European Union, which led to the signing of a ceasefire agreement, has demonstrated its capacity for crisis management and common action; commends the EU Presidency for its positive role in maintaining a common European approach;
Amendment 96 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
Amendment 106 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that a dialogue should be re- established with Russia onstrengthened security dialogue with Russia should include regional security, energy, missile defence, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, limitation of armed forces and space policy;
Amendment 112 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
Amendment 123 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
Amendment 162 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
Amendment 169 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
Amendment 182 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
Amendment 199 #
2008/2202(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 c (new)
Citation 7 c (new)
– having regard to the European Council Conclusions concerning the ESDP on 12 December 2008,
Amendment 20 #
2008/2200(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
Amendment 12 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Invites the High Representative to assess in a White Paper the progress made, and any shortcomings, in the implementation of the ESS since 2003, including lessons learned from ESDP operations; the link between external and internal aspects of security (the fight against terrorism); the protection of borders and critical infrastructure including protection against cyber-attacks; the security of energy supply as a challenge facing civilian, economic, technical and diplomatic efforts; unsolved regional disputes in the EU's neighbourhood, e.g. in Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Nagorno- Karabakh; humanitarian and security challenges on the African continent; and the consequences of climate change and natural disasters for civil protection and human security; invites him further to evaluate whether those threats, risks and challenges are directly relevant to a broad understanding of European security or whether they merely possess a security dimension;
Amendment 26 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Welcomes the establishment within the Council secretariat of the CPCC, which will serve as the civilian equivalent of an EU Operational Headquarters and will provide assistance and support in the planning and implementation of civilian ESPD missions, thereby preventus ensuring EUa civilian missions from being under a military chain of command; calls for such a balance to be reflected in the role and administrative structure of the Civil- Military Cell;
Amendment 28 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Calls on the Commission to examine the possibilities for a more appropriate organisational setting, such as a specialised unit within the European External Action Service, so as to ensure a more coherent and comprehensive approach to civilian crisis management, bridging institutional divides and thus allowing for better coordination of internal EU instruments as well as cooperation between the EU and external organisations and non-governmental organisations;
Amendment 37 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to increase their cooperation in the area of ESDP civilian missions and EU border missions where the division of competences between the two institutions is blurred; is of the view that the European External Action Service envisaged in the Lisbon Treaty should facilitate this task; believes, however, that conflicts in respect of competences could still occur even under the Lisbon Treaty, thus necessitating decisions by the High Representative;
Amendment 41 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Calls on the Commission and the Council to establish an EU Civil Peace Corps for crisis management and conflict prevention as requested by Parliament;
Amendment 42 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Welcomes the revision of the Council's Decision of 8 November 2007 and the Commission Communication of 5 March 2008 aimed at establishing a Community Civil Protection Mechanism and the new civil protection Financial Instrument, which is designed to improve the mobilisation and coordination of civil protection assistance in the event of major emergencies inside or outside the EU;
Amendment 53 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Recalls the importance of human rights and gender mainstreaming, and calls for the nomination of more female candidates for CFSP/ESDP senior management positions, including for EU Special Representatives as well as for ESDP operations in general; asks for national action plans to be adopted for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) concerning the representation of women in mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict;
Amendment 61 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Calls on the Council to examine options for the setting-up of an integrated civil-military "Human Security Response Force" to carry out human security operations, composed of about 15 000 personnel, of whom at least one third would be civilian specialists (such as police officers, human rights monitors, development and humanitarian specialists and administrators); considers that the Force, building on already existing ESDP structures, could be drawn from dedicated troops and civilian capabilities already made available by Member States (such as the capabilities made available under the military and civilian Headline Goals, the Battle Groups and the Civilian Response Teams) and could also include a "Humanitarian Security Volunteer Service" that would combine a Civil Peace Corps as proposed by Parliament and the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps envisaged in the Lisbon Treaty;
Amendment 66 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Title and Paragraph 20
Title and Paragraph 20
Amendment 77 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Welcomes the British proposal that information about the availability of helicopters for EU missions be shared, with a view to better coordinating fleets;
Amendment 80 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Welcomes the Franco-German heavy transport helicopter project, but is also aware of the complex reasons for the shortage of available and operational helicopters, mostly related to the high costs of flight hours and maintenance; thereforeinvites the Council to explore possibilities designed to bridge the gap for the near future, either by a joint action or by supporting Member States in the refurbishing and upgrading of Russian-built helicopters as well as establishing a helicopter training centre; urges the Member States to envisage an increase in defence expenditure for the purpose of being able to make efficient use of acquired helicopters;
Amendment 88 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. CIs aware of the fact that force generation is primarily a question of political will and joint assessment; calls on the Council to examine options to improve force generation, for example through the further development of the Battle Group concept, leading to a larger permanent joint EU Task Force, or through a more extensive catalogue of available capabilities within the framework of the Headline Goal, so as to be in a position to swiftly generate a force adequate to a mission’s circumstances;
Amendment 93 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32a. Recalls that the success of ESDP operations depends on military personnel being adequately equipped and provided for; calls on the Council to develop common standards in medical care and operational welfare; is of the opinion that such common standards and a regular exchange of best practices, coordinated for example by the EU Military Staff, would support the individual Member States in their capability development work and thus help them to provide capable forces over time;
Amendment 101 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Invites the Council and the Commission to develop proposals enabling flexible procurement procedures appropriate for ESDP civilian missions – which very often require rapid decisions – to be examined and agreed upon by Parliament, the Council and the Commission; welcomes the fact that the Commission has recently opened its training on procurement and financial procedures to staff from ESDP missions;
Amendment 110 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Stresses that Parliament should continue to adopt a recommendation or resolution prior to the launch of any ESDP operation (including the launch of a Battle Group), in close consultation with national parliaments, in order to impart democratic legitimacy to the operation in question; is of the opinion that, in order to ensure flexibility when Parliament is not in plenary session or rapid deployment is deemed necessary, its Rules should be adapted with a view to authorising its responsible committee to adopt that recommendation or resolution on its behalf;
Amendment 121 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital C – point c
Recital C – point c
c. an imbalance in the contributions from Member States, especially as regards the staffing of civilian ESDP missions, thus limiting EU crisis management capabilities;
Amendment 129 #
2008/2003(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 9 a (new)
Citation 9 a (new)
– having regard to the EU-Africa joint strategy adopted in Lisbon on 9 December 2007 and the appointment of General Pierre-Michel Joana as Special Advisor for African peacekeeping capabilities as from 1 March 2008,
Amendment 168 #
2007/2268(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable thalls on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to consolidate this exceptional situation should end, and calls one progress made until now in order to allow the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those[...] negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations [...];