49 Amendments of Charlie WEIMERS related to 2021/2182(INI)
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Parliament has a duty and responsibility to exercise its democratic oversight overoversight and hold the Commission to account over its conduct in carrying out the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the common security and defence policy and should have the necessary and effective means to fulfil this role;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas recent international developments and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, and the recent rapid collapse of the state structures of Afghanistan, have accelerated existing trends affecting key aspects of the EU’s CFSP;
Amendment 31 #
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, social fairness and its vision for a sustainable fulacks a common strategic culture;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereasquestions whether 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;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – introductory part
Paragraph 1 – introductory part
1. To achieve the strategic objective of developing its global leadership role,further shared interests of Member States the EU should shape its CFSP on the basis of the following five actions:
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
Paragraph 1 – indent 1
- taking the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global prioritito further shared interests of Member States,
Amendment 57 #
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 powersby extending the use of unanimity in CFSP decision making,
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
Paragraph 1 – indent 3
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
Paragraph 1 – indent 4
- further developing regional strategies, including on security cooperation and management of migration,
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
Paragraph 1 – indent 5
- strengthenafeguarding democratic oversight and the parliamentary dimension of the EU’s CFSPchecks and balances by retaining decision making in the field of foreign policy within the Council;
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 1
Subheading 1
Taking the lead in strengthening multilateral partnerships on global prioritito further shared interests of Member States
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. WelcomNotes the EU’s growing ambition and initiatives to take the lead in promoting global partnerships on key priorities and in strengthening the multilateral order through a reform of key institutions and organisations;
Amendment 100 #
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 regardsioritize safeguarding democratic principles at home, including at EU- level, while promoting alliances of democracies worldwide; insists on the need to examine the effectiveness of EU actions to countering malign interference and disinformation by authoritarian states 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 approachcompliment its actions with measures to strengthen freedom of expression and speech in the EU, considers this approach to be the most efficient in strengthening resilience and Member States' ability to counter hybrid threats;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Encourages the EU to develop its leadership role in the defence and promotion of human rights in multilateral forums, and in particular the UNpursue meaningful reform of the UN, including the way the UNHRC is composed; 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 regime, and better enforce the human rights provisions of the international agreements it has concluded;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. WelcomNotes 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; believes that the implementation of the European Green Deal will have significant geopolitical consequences and will influence the EU’s relations with some of its partners negatively;
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. WelcomNotes the EU’s efforts asto be 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 Dealnonetheless focus on their core tasks; believes that the implementation of the European Green Deal will have significant geopolitical consequences and will influence the EU’s relations with some of its partners;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. CRejects calls for the EU to develop a robust global health strategy, including global and EU efforts to ensure preparedness and an effective response to upcoming crises and to secure fair and equitable access to vaccines around the world;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. UrgesNotes the ambition of 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;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 2
Subheading 2
Improving EU decision-making and making full use of the EU’s hard and soft powersby extending the use of unanimity in CFSP decision making
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Reiterates that the EU needs first and foremost a stronger and genuine politicalwithout a genuine will of itsthe Member States to jointly agree on and promotehere is no EU foreign policy goals andor EU security and defence cooperation;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. HighlightQuestions the need for the EU to strengthen its ability to act efficiently and to shape theautonomously and reiterates that any common EU’s response to ongoing and upcoming challenges; therefore welcomes must be jointly agreed by all Member States; therefore questions the added value of the ongoing Strategic Compass process as the starting point for the development ofEU lacks a common strategic culture and thus 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 Strategynot result in a coherent and realistic vision for EU security and defence;
Amendment 214 #
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 for the Member States to use qualified majority voting for specific aspects of the CFSP; in particular, reiterates itsis a prerequisite for any common action to further the shared interests of Member States, therefore calls 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 actMember States to only revise the Treaties in order to expand unanimity voting to all aspects of the CFSP;
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Reiterates itsQuestions the call for the establishment of new formats of cooperation such as the European Security Council; recallnotes that the ongoing taxpayer funded Conference on the Future of Europe provides a platform for EU-funded activists and proponents of more integration, considers therefore the Conference to not be a relevant framework to shape innovative proposals relating this respecto the CFSP;
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. StressRecognizes that a holistic approach to the CFSP requirescould benefit from the synergy of all available EU assets in the field of external action; in this respect, highlightnotes the key role of the European Parliament in the EU’s diplomacy; 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 structurfurthering shared interests of Member States;
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. WelcomeQuestions the Commission’s effortsability to boost EU foresight capacities, including as regards the CFSP; proposes that interinstitutional foresight activities be undertaken at political level in order to embed foresight in policy-making and to improve the EU’sonly be guided by the promotion of Member States' shared interests in order to improve Member States' joint preparedness for upcoming challenges;
Amendment 247 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 3
Subheading 3
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
Amendment 276 #
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 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 regardWelcomes 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 296 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20
Paragraph 20
20. Underlines the need for the Union to develop its technological sovereignty through the enhancement of industrial defence capabilities, in particular in emerging disruptive technologies (EDTs), and the protection and resilience of critical infrastructuresNotes the possibility to achieve added value and increase resilience by way of industrial defence cooperation;
Amendment 314 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Stresses that the European space sector is an enabler for achieving EU sovereignty; underlines that space is rapidly becoming a political arena that might reflect geopolitical competition on Earth; supports initiatives aimed at boosting EU space policy, including the ambitious new EU space programmehas flourished while the ESA has remained an intergovernmental institution; supports initiatives aimed at boosting Member States' capabilities in space by way of intergovernmental cooperation;
Amendment 320 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 4
Subheading 4
Further developing regional strategies, including on security cooperation and migration management
Amendment 323 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates ijects calls 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;
Amendment 338 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. Underlines that the newly adopted Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance 2021-2027 (IPA III) should support a long-term investment in the European future of the region and that the improved conditionality of the instrument should be used effectively to deliver the expected resultbenefits the Erdogan- regime which is increasingly acting to destabilize the region, including by conducting hybrid warfare operations against Member States;
Amendment 345 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Reaffirms its unwavering support to the Eastern Partnership countries, and in particular as regards theirfor the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership countries 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; 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 to ensure that fundamental freedoms are upheld;
Amendment 371 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. WelcomNotes the joint communication of the Commission and the VP/HR on the renewed partnership with the southern neighbourhood2 ; reiterates, however, its calls for a bold review and cost benefit analysis of the entire European neighbourhood policy (ENP) to ensure that neighbourhood partners advance with the reforms and commit to close dialogue and cooperation with the EU; _________________ 2 JOIN(2021)0002.
Amendment 384 #
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 with regarding human rights and democracy in Turkey; recall to migration and Turkeys successful extortion of the EU; deplores, however, that engagement with 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 possiblebased on the payment of tribute until Member States secure the shared external border;
Amendment 396 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Underlines the importance of the fullneed for flexibility in the 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 be further developed and strengthened in areas of common concerninterest;
Amendment 406 #
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 422 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Emphasises that the EU’s relations with Africa are of utmost importance; welcomes, especially in the area of migration management; welcomes the adoption of the act amending the Aliens Act and the Return Act passed with bipartisan support in the Danish Parliament on 3 June 2021 which seeks to establish asylum reception in third countries; regrets that the joint communication of the Commission and the VP/HR entitled ‘Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa’3 did not reflect the vision of the Danish government; 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 Summitre- launch of the EU migration pact incorporating the main elements of the Danish plan; _________________ 3 JOIN(2020)0004.
Amendment 458 #
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 consistent EU-China strategy that unites all Member States and shapes relations with China in the interest of the EUMember States as a whole; emphasises that this strategy should promote a rules-based multilateral order, have the defence of EUuropean values at its core and should be based on the three principles of cooperating where possible when in the interest of Member States, 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 473 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. WelcomNotes 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 coherentpect the interests of Member States in any strategy for balanced EU engagement in the region, with the promotion of regional security and cooperation asin migration management as key strategic objectives; reiterates that the EU’s priority isjects outright the EU’s expressed intent to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and condemns attempts to frame the revival of the JCPOA as a matter of security for Europe and the region and as the only way to stop Iran’s worrying nuclear activities;
Amendment 485 #
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 and security situation in Afghanistan; 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; reiterates thatproponents of ODI and nation building; considers that the two decade war is over and that the security situation in Afghanistan warrants a resumption of returns of rejected asylum seekers and deportees; stresses that the only ones who bear responsibility and accountability for the protection of human life and property and for the restoration of security and civil order in Afghanistan is the Afghan people themselves; reiterates that it is time for afghan migrants in Europe to return home and rebuild their country, creating safety and security for Afghan women and girls, who like all Afghan people, deserve to live in safety, security and dignity and welcomes the broad international support for their rights and freedoms; calls foron the EU to preserve thealise that not all achievements of the last 20 years cand to ensure be realistically preserved, regardless of the amount of aid funnelled to Afghans; considers it the top priority of EU Member States that Afghanistan does not descend into a safe haven for terrorist groups; emphasises the importance of cooperating with neighbouring and regional countries to ensure global security and regional stabilityregional stability and thus minimizing the risk for mass migratory outflows from Afghanistan;
Amendment 500 #
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 EUMember States' interests; acknowledges the intense geopolitical competition in the region 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 514 #
Motion for a resolution
Subheading 5
Subheading 5
Strengthenafeguarding democratic oversight and the parliamentary dimension of the EU’s CFSPchecks and balances by retaining decision making in the field of foreign policy within the Council
Amendment 515 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 38
Paragraph 38
38. Highlights the specific contribution ofneed for the European Parliament to examine how the EU’s foreign and security policy through itsbest could be complemented by parliamentary diplomacy assets, for example its dense network of standing interparliamentary bodies, its political dialogue with office-holders across the world and its democracy support, mediation and election observation activitiesincluding those of national parliaments in the EU;
Amendment 518 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 39
Paragraph 39
39. Underlines that political and technical dialogue between parliaments is crucial and must be well coordinated with the executive’s actions; accordingly, stresses the importance of a smooth exchange of all pertinent information between institutions in the area of the CFSP, including the exchange of relevant confidential information, in the interest of the effectiveness of EU external action as a whole and a more accountable CFSP;
Amendment 520 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40
Paragraph 40
40. WelcomNotes 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;