Activities of Eleftherios SYNADINOS related to 2015/2343(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Constitutional, legal and institutional implications of a Common Security and Defence Policy: possibilities offered by the Lisbon Treaty (debate) EL
Amendments (39)
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Γ
Recital Γ
C. whereas the development of the CSDP requires shared values and common interests, and political will from the Member States, as well as the setting-up of robust institutional cooperation structures; whereas the CSDP should be a commonunanimously co-decided policy and not athe mere sum of the national policies of the Member States;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Δ
Recital Δ
D. whereas the EU now has competence to define and implement a common security and defence policy that includes the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy; whereas the Union should use this competence to coordinatemonitor, assist and supplement the actions of the Member States, on the basis of Article 42, paragraph 7, of the TFEU, without thereby prejudicing or superseding their competence in defence;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ε
Recital Ε
E. whereas EU citizens are calling for more European intervention in defence and security, with two thirds wishing to see greater EU engagement in matters of security and defence policy, due to the upsurge in extremist Islamist terrorist attacks;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ζ
Recital Ζ
G. whereas Parliament activeconditionally supports the European Defence Union and will continue to make appropriate and realistic proposals to that end; whereas the interparliamentary conference on the CFSP and CSDP should become the forum for the implementation of effective and regular interparliamentary cooperation on the CSDP and the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy, mainly on issues of targeting, delimitation of competences and organisation;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Η
Recital Η
H. whereas the VP/HR regularly consults Parliament, as it should, pursuant to Article 36 TFEU, on the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy, ensures that the views of Parliament are duly taken into consideration in that process, and informs Parliament on the progress made towards the European Defence Union;
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Θ
Recital Θ
I. whereas the VP/HR, in her statement at the Gymnich informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers of 2 September 2016, referred to the ‘window of opportunity’ for solid progress to be made among Member States in the field of defence,security and addressing domestic and regional threats;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital Ι
Recital Ι
J. whereas the Commissionuncil and the Commission through the HR ensures the application of the Treaties, and of measures adopted by the institutions pursuant to them, including in the area of CSDP;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital ΙΑ
Recital ΙΑ
K. whereas the Union’s future annual and multiannual programming should include the defence policyand security policy, based on the strategic interests, objectives and general orientations as identified by the Council; whereas the Commission should initiate the work on appropriate interinstitutional agreements, including an EU Defence White Book, for awhich should be first implementaed experimentally until final adoption, under the next multiannual financial and political framework of the EU;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital ΙΒ
Recital ΙΒ
L. whereas the European Parliament represents the European citizens and exercises legislative and budgetary functions as well as political control and consultation functions and has the opportunity to ask questions or make recommendations to the Council and the High Representative of the Union;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital ΙΓ
Recital ΙΓ
M. whereas framing a common Union defence policy and establishing common defence without the European Parliament’s political and institutional support would undermine the representative and democratic foundations of the Union and affect the application of the procedures and the corresponding scope of the competences of the institutions provided for by the Treaties regarding the exercise of the Union competences;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital ΙΔ
Recital ΙΔ
N. whereas the EU Global Strategy, as clearly defined in Articles 3 and 6 of the TFEU, with emphasis on the promotion of peace and prosperity for its peoples, should serve as a very clear and valuable strategic framework for the future development of the CSDP;
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Recalls that the CSDP, as provided for in the Treaty on European Union (TEU), includes the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy that will lead to a future common defence when the European Council, acting unanimously, so decides, and providing there is consistency between the different areas of its external action and between these and the Union's other policies; calls on the Member States to commit as a matter of priority to the provisions of the Treaty on the CSDP, and to ensure tangible progress in the achievement of the objectives as defined in those provisions;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Notes that the reform and innovation that the Lisbon Treaty brings to the CSDP constitute a sufficient and coherent framework and should set the path for the promotion of multilateral solutions to joint problems and a truly common policy, based on shared resources and capabilities as well as on coordinated planning at Union level; stresses that the progress of the CSDP within the current institutional and legal framework is dependent more on the political will of Member States than on legal considerations;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Calls, therefore, on the VP/HR, the Council and the Member States to use all the possibilities provided for in the Treaty, especially the mechanisms contained in Article 42(6) TEU and Article 46 TEU on Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), and in Article 44 TEU on the implementation of a CSDP task by a group of Member States, in order to achieve a faster, assignment of missions and a more efficient and more flexible deployment of missions and operations;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that where the TEU provides that the Council acts by a qualified majority to adopt decisions under the CSDP, in particular those under Articles 45(2) and 46(2) TEU, all expenditure to which the implementation of such decisions gives rise should be charged to the Union budget; considers that, to that end, there is a need for additional funding or proportionate co- funding from Member States providing their budgetary resources allow it;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Considers, therefore, that the European Defence Agency (EDA) and PESCO should be treated as Union institutions sui generis, with a purely advisory and supportive role, as is the case with the European External Action Service (EEAS); considers that this requires amending the Financial Regulation in order to include EDA and PESCO in Article 2(b) thereof, with a specific section in the Union budget;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Is resolved to exercise effective political parliamentary scrutiny and budgetary control over EDA and PESCO as provided for by the treaties;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Is convinced that the Union’s security and defence will be stronger as we stand united; takes the view that the EU needs to develop an effective system for European burden-sharing for its own security and defence, which is not yet the case and recognises that only the forces of Member States, excluding forces from non-EU third countries, may take part in the CSDP and particularly in world-wide missions under the auspices of the EU;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Emphasises that security and defence constitute an area where European added value can be easily demonstrated, in terms of economic and efficiency gains, by giving Member States increased and more cost-effective capacity, through an increase in co-funding for the procurement and development of defence equipment, greater coherence, coordination and interoperability in security and defence, as well as in terms of contributing to consolidating solidarity and cohesion within the Union;
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Underlines that the reinforcement of the CSDP in line with the Treaties will not impingeexcludes any surrender onf national sovereignty as this policy is driven by the Member States; is convinced that there is no greater respect for sovereignty than defending the territorial integrity of the European Union through a common defence policy;
Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Welcomes the projected increase in national defence expenditure to 2 % of EU GDP; highlights that this would mean extra expenditure of nearly EUR 100 billion on defence by the end of the coming decade; considers that this boost should be used to launch more strategic cooperative programmes within and through the Union, by better structuring the demand and supply sides and making both sides more efficient and more effective and stresses that Member States which are also members of NATO are already required to set aside part of their budgets (2%) for the development of military capabilities within the framework of NATO;
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Is convinced that the Union’s investment in defence should ensure that all Member States can participate in a balanced, coherent and synchronised improvement of their military capabilities, always bearing in mind their respective financial capabilities; considers that this constitutes a strategic opportunity for the Union to improve its security and defence;
Amendment 272 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Highlights the continued need for the establishment of a Council format of Defence Ministers, which would operate in an auxiliary capacity vis-à-vis the Council and the European Council in order to provide sustained political leadership and coordinate the implementation of the CSDP;
Amendment 284 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Considers that the Steering Board of the EDA, made up of the representatives of Member States’ defence ministries, is the body that is suitable to exercise the advisory and supervisory functions required to implement Articles 42, 45 and 46 TEU, particularly in the context of permanent structured cooperation;
Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that Article 4(4) of Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1835 defining the statute, seat and operational rules of the European Defence Agency provides a necessary and powerful basis for the EDA steering board to act as the Union’s third permanent representatives’ committee, the Defence Steering Board; considers that this committee should also exercise the advisory and supervisory functions required to implement permanent structured cooperation once it is established clearly and adopted by all the Member States;
Amendment 299 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21
Paragraph 21
21. Emphasises the underused potential of the EDA in supporting the development ofprocedure for designing the CSDP; calls on the Member States to define and commit topursue a common level of ambition within a reformed EDA; calls for the reinforcement of the EDA’s political backing, funding, and resources, as well as of its coordination with the actions of the Commission and other actors, especially in the areas of capability development, defence procurement and researchsetting the targets for the military capabilities of the Member States, the harmonisation of operational needs and adoption of effective, compatible methods of defence procurement and the management of special cooperation and support programmes for research in the field of defence technology;
Amendment 305 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Notes the EDA’s decision to review the Capability Development Plan (CDP) in line with the EU Global Strategy, and looks forward to a future CDP which reflects EU and Member States’ priorities and needs in a more relevant way as part of assistance to the Council in assessing the improvement in military capabilities;
Amendment 315 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23
Paragraph 23
23. RegretConsiders that Member States have not yet developed a common European armaments and capabilities policy (EACP) within the EDA, on the basis of the targets so far determined by the Council, as foreseen by Article 42(3) TEU; calls on the VP/HR to inform Parliament of the results achieved by the existing working relationship between the EDA and the Commission and of both with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR);
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Encourages the Member States to establish and join PESCO within the Union framework, provided they so wish and assume the commitments regarding military capabilities set out in the Protocol on Permanent Structured Cooperation,with a view to sustaining and improving their military capabilities through doctrine and leadership development, personnel development and training, defence material and infrastructure development, and interoperability and certification;
Amendment 342 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Considers that the Union should make provision, in agreement with the Member States concerned, for participation in capability programmes undertaken by them, especially in cases where Member States together establish multinational forces; considers that the Union’s financial contribution to such programmes should not exceed the contributions made by the participating Member States;
Amendment 355 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26
Paragraph 26
26. Takes the view that the EU Battlegroup system should be brought under PESCO, providing those Member States which have operational command of the Battlegroups agree, alongside the creation of a European-level headquarters; considers that other European multinational structures such as the European Air Transport Command, Eurocorps and OCCAR should also be brought under PESCO; considers that the EU’s privileges and immunities should apply to those multinational structures being part of PESCO;
Amendment 363 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Considers that during the development, stand-up, standby and stand- down phases the Union should cover all EU Battlegroup costs;
Amendment 373 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 28
Paragraph 28
28. Stresses that the European Parliament should play a prominent role in the development, the supervision of implementation and in the evaluation of the CSDP; insists that Parliament must be consulted on major decisions in the area of the CSDP, including regarding military and non-military missions and strategic defence operations;
Amendment 381 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 30
Paragraph 30
30. Calls for reinforced cooperation between the European Parliament and national parliaments, as a crucial element for developing concrete results in the area of the CSDP and for its legitimation; notes that such cooperation should not underminewill supplement the implementation of the CSDP and the achievement of its objectives as a Union policy;
Amendment 392 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Reiterates that the relationship between the CSDP and NATO offers a political opportunity for collaboration, assistance, cooperation and complementarity at every level; recalls that, within the current international context and in view of the deterioration of security, a comprehensive and wider partnership is needed, with the aim of developing joint capabilities and avoiding duplication of actions, additional financial burdens for Member States that are members of both organisations and / or any demand for the organisation and development of new military structures;
Amendment 398 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Reiterates that the Union's policy is without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of some Member States and respects the obligations of those Member States that are members of both organisations, whose common defence is achieved within the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), especially in the fields of application of common policy concerning the supply of military and non-military capabilities;
Amendment 406 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Calls on the VP/HR and the Secretary-General of NATO to provide a detailed analysis of the legal and , political and possible geopolitical consequences of the possible triggering by the United Kingdom of Article 50 TEU for the development of the EU/NATO partnership;
Amendment 422 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Calls on the Council and the VP/HR to elaborate a EU White Book on Security and Defence that will include a roadmap with clear phases and a calendar for progressive steps to be taken towards the establishment of a European Defence Union and a common defence policy; believes that such a White Book should be as comprehensive as possible and should integrate the different measures foreseen by the Union, the phases, implementation times, strategic objectives, legal requirements, assigned tasks and projects;
Amendment 435 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Notes the European Defence Action Plan put forward by the Commission in November 2016; calls in this regard on the Commission to further clarify the governance, structure and financing of the possible European Defence Fund; considers that the effective implementation of that plan requires strong support and political commitment from the Member States and the EU institutions; regrets in this regardnotes that the Commission, the EDA and the Member States have not yet delivered on all the tasks resulting from the European Council meetings on defence of 2013 and 2015;