Activities of Urmas PAET related to 2021/2182(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2021 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2021 (debate)
Amendments (50)
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 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 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 112 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3 a. Expresses concern at information manipulation and interference by foreign state actors, which have an adverse impact on societies across the globe; calls on EEAS and HRVP to further invest in countering information manipulation by foreign state actors and strengthen relevant structures, specifically the work of EEAS Strategic Communication division; and further engage with likeminded international partners and stakeholders from civil society and private sector;
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 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 246 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)
Paragraph 17 a (new)
17 a. Emphasises that the external dimension of the Union budget must be appropriately funded and prepared to respond without delay to current, emerging as well as future challenges; insists that the budget for the external action should focus on priority areas, both geographically and thematically, and on areas where EU action can bring the most added value;
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 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 312 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 20 a (new)
Paragraph 20 a (new)
20 a. Underlines that common cyber defence policy and substantial cyber defence capabilities are core elements for the development of a deepened and enhanced European Defence Union; stresses the urgent need to develop and strengthen both common and Member State military cyber defence capabilities;
Amendment 325 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Reiterates its call for acceleratingCalls to strengthen efforts to build on the new methodology as regards the enlargement process, with a strong and continuous focus on strengthening democracy, the rule of law, fight against corruption and human rights, as well as fostering reconciliation in the Western Balkans, as prerequisites for durable stability and prosperity;
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 340 #
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 results; welcomes stronger conditionality related to democracy, human rights and rule of law under the modernised IPA III;
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 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 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 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 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 455 #
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; highlights that the prospect of Arctic militarisation carries substantial security risks in and beyond the region; notes that the Arctic plays a crucial role in the security of Europe as whole; stresses that the EU must have a clear vision of its role in the security matters in the Arctic and a good cooperation with NATO; highlights the importance of respecting international laws and agreements in place to keep the Arctic a low-tension area; the EU must also continue to strive for the official observer status of the Arctic Council for a stronger geopolitical influence; 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 468 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32 a (new)
Paragraph 32 a (new)
32 a. Notes with serious concern the recent display of force and escalating tensions in the regional hotspots such as South and East China Sea and Taiwan Strait; underlines that the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific regions is of great importance for the EU and its Member States; expresses grave concern over China’s continued military manoeuvers in the Taiwan Strait, including those aimed at Taiwan or taking place in Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone; calls on the PRC to stop such military sabre-rattling that pose serious threats to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo- Pacific region; reiterates that the relationship between China and Taiwan should be developed constructively through dialogues, without coercion or destabilizing tactics by either side; stresses the opposition to any unilateral action that may undermine the status quo of the Taiwan Strait and that any change to cross-strait relations must not be made against the will of Taiwan’s citizens;
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 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;