Activities of Wouter BEKE
Plenary speeches (7)
Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture(debate)
Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States (debate)
One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas (debate)
Preparation of the European Council of 17-18 October 2024 (debate)
The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe (debate)
Empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens (debate)
Establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine (debate)
Institutional motions (16)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION The deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the severe situation of political prisoners in Belarus
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the deteriorating situation of women in Afghanistan due to the recent adoption of the law on the “Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice”
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas
JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law
Written explanations (3)
The need for the EU's continuous support for Ukraine (B10-0007/2024)
Met deze allereerste resolutie geeft het nieuw verkozen Europees Parlement meteen een krachtig signaal: we blijven onversaagd aan de kant van Oekraïne staan in de verdediging tegen de niet‑geprovoceerde en niet‑gerechtvaardigde oorlog die Rusland tegen dit land is begonnen. Onze economische, financiële en militaire steun aan Oekraïne mag niet ter discussie staan. Tegelijk veroordelen we de zogenaamde “vredesmissie” van Viktor Orbán, die de rol van Hongarije als voorzitter van de Raad van de Europese Unie misbruikt om valselijk namens de Europese Unie te spreken in Rusland en China. Wat mij betreft moet dit bezoek – dat een schending is van de Verdragen van de Europese Unie – tot sancties leiden tegen Hongarije, bijvoorbeeld door het stemrecht van het land op te schorten in de Raad op basis van artikel 7 van het Verdrag betreffende de Europese Unie.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for carbendazim and thiophanate‐methyl
Het is goed dat de Europese Commissie voorstelt om de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van onder meer carbendazim in geïmporteerde voeding te verlagen wanneer wetenschappelijk onderzoek aantoont dat er mogelijk negatieve effecten kunnen zijn. Het voorstel van de Commissie dat voorligt is niet perfect, maar is op korte termijn wel een stap in de goede richting. Door de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van verschillende stoffen in heel wat producten te verlagen, beschermen we de volksgezondheid. Tegelijk versterken we het gelijk speelveld van onze landbouwers, die deze producten ook niet mogen gebruiken. Om die redenen stemde ik tegen het bezwaar dat voorlag in het Europees Parlement. Het voorstel van de Commissie is geen totaalverbod, maar wel een eerste belangrijke stap richting een gelijker speelveld voor onze landbouwers. Doordat het bezwaar toch een meerderheid haalde, blijven de hogere waarden momenteel behouden. Hierdoor worden onze landbouwers langer met een ongelijk speelveld geconfronteerd, zonder dat we enige garantie hebben van de Commissie dat ze snel met een nieuw voorstel komt. Hier wint niemand bij, niet de consument en niet de landbouwer.
Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3), and (4)(c): Maximum residue levels for cyproconazole
Het is goed dat de Europese Commissie voorstelt om de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van onder meer cyproconazool in geïmporteerde voeding te verlagen wanneer wetenschappelijk onderzoek aantoont dat er mogelijk negatieve effecten kunnen zijn. Het voorstel van de Commissie dat voorligt is niet perfect, maar is op korte termijn wel een stap in de goede richting. Door de toegelaten maximumgehalten aan residuen van verschillende stoffen in heel wat producten te verlagen, beschermen we de volksgezondheid. Tegelijk versterken we het gelijk speelveld van onze landbouwers, die deze producten ook niet mogen gebruiken. Om die redenen stemde ik tegen het bezwaar dat voorlag in het Europees Parlement. Het voorstel van de Commissie is geen totaalverbod, maar wel een eerste belangrijke stap richting een gelijker speelveld voor onze landbouwers. Doordat het bezwaar toch een meerderheid haalde, blijven de hogere waarden momenteel behouden. Hierdoor worden onze landbouwers langer met een ongelijk speelveld geconfronteerd, zonder dat we enige garantie hebben van de Commissie dat ze snel met een nieuw voorstel komt. Hier wint niemand bij, niet de consument en niet de landbouwer.
Written questions (3)
The spread of bluetongue virus throughout the EU
Reactivation of the Iron Rhine
Security-related concerns regarding current EU customs scanning equipment and the Customs Control Equipment Instrument funds
Amendments (18)
Amendment 146 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises the absolute need for the EU to meet the challenges posed by the multiple and constantly evolving threats to its security, and for this purpose, to engage in new policies and actions that enable the EU and its Member States to collectively and coherently strengthen their defence in Europe and their ability to act at the global level, aiming to preserve peace and save lives;
Amendment 149 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)
Paragraph 2 a (new)
2 a. Recalls the importance of the European Union achieving greater strategic sovereignty to ensure that its missions and objectives are aligned with the collective interests of the Member States and the broader vision of European security and defence; emphasises that, in light of the evolving geopolitical paradigm, characterised by increasing militarisation, regional rivalries, and hybrid threats, the EU must strengthen its capacity for independent decision-making and operational autonomy; highlights the need for policies that enable the EU to act decisively and effectively, both within its borders and on the global stage, to safeguard its values, interests, and strategic objectives;
Amendment 346 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Highlights the need to overcome the fragmentation of the EU’s internal market for defence products, as it leads to unnecessary duplications and the multiplication of inefficiencies in defence spending; calls on the Commission to present proposals to complete the EU internal market for defence, based, in particular, on an assessment of EU rules for defence procurement and transfer of defence-related products, and on the identification and analysis of limitations and loopholes in the current legal framework; emphasizes the importance of using NATO standards for military equipment to enhance interoperability; calls on the Commission to present an action plan to increase the uptake of NATO standards and to consider EU secondary legislation to enforce this among Member States;
Amendment 357 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11
Paragraph 11
11. Stresses the importance of ensuring a balanced effort between strengthening existing EU armament industrial capabilities in the short and medium-term, and supporting research and development for new and innovative military equipment and armament tailored to the needs of the armed forces of the Member States; calls on the Member States and the Commission to aim for a further strengthening of joint procurement mechanisms and sufficient coordination in light of the interoperability by the European Defence Agency (EDA);
Amendment 371 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11 a. Encourages sustained investment in dual-use technologies, applicable in both civilian and military contexts, as a means to enhance the EU's resilience against hybrid and emerging threats; underlines the importance of ensuring the financial viability of companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), that invest in such innovation, ensuring that EU financial support and policies are directed towards creating a true European single defence market; advocates for the promotion of civilian commercialisation of these technologies as a way to expand market opportunities and strengthen the European industrial base, fostering synergies between military and civilian development;
Amendment 376 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11 b. Underlines the importance of including all Member States in security and defence strategies, particularly with regard to the development of the defence industry; calls for the creation of centres of excellence in different regions of the EU to promote innovation and the participation of all Member States, ensuring that the capabilities and specialised knowledge of each Member State contribute to a more cohesive and integrated defence industrial base;
Amendment 414 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Suggests that the Council review the institutional settings of its decision- making bodies competent for defence and security, and consider setting up a new permanent decision-making body made up of ministers of defence from Member States; calls on the Council to consider all possibilities to further strengthen and deepen the decision-making process, for example within the framework of Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO);
Amendment 450 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Welcomes the increased budgets and investment in defence by Member States and the increase, albeit modest, in the EU budget for CSDP in 2024; calls on the Member States that have not yet reached the minimum threshold of 2 % of their GDP devoted to defence expenditure to resolutely commit to gradually increasing their military budgets; recommends that, on the basis of continuous analysis of capability needs, Member States further increase this threshold, in particular for joint procurement of defence capabilities; emphasizes furthermore that public spending should be complemented by increased private funding; calls on the Member States and the Commission to encourage both the European Investment Bank (EIB) and national banks to relax their policies and provide the defence sector with essential access to loans; stresses that EIB loans should act as a catalyst for private investment in the European defence industry;
Amendment 464 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to initiate an open discussion based on the recommendations presented in Mr Draghi’s report on the future of European competiveness, including increasing the resources allocated to security and defence in the next multiannual financial framework and exploring all funding options to this end; underlines furthermore the importance of a adapted legal framework in light of the needs of upscaling the military and armament capabilities and the development, manufacturing and implementing those capabilities within the internal market; further calls on Member States to amend the EPF financing process to ensure adequate and sustainable support for partners and allies, while also aligning with CSDP missions and operations;
Amendment 472 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16 a. Proposes that the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) includes a substantial increase in the budget for defence and security programmes, with an emphasis on technological innovation and dual-use projects; highlights that this support is essential to boost the competitiveness of the European defence industry, promoting advancements that contribute both to security and to sustainable economic growth;
Amendment 659 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Stresses the importance of enhanced intelligence sharing and information exchange among Member States and EU institutions, including Parliament, to improve situational awareness and to be able to better anticipate and counter threats to collective security and define common lines of actions under the CSDP, particularly in the area of crisis management; recommends the inclusion of regular intelligence updates to relevant parliamentary committees; this would enable clear and informed proactive parliamentary oversight in defence of the EU citizens' security interests in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape;
Amendment 678 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23 a. Highlights the importance of intensifying efforts to combat disinformation promoted by foreign actors aiming to undermine the credibility of the EU, particularly in regions where civilian and military missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy are underway; recommends that the European Defence Agency and the European External Action Service develop coordinated strategies to identify, counter, and neutralise disinformation campaigns, thereby strengthening the positive perception and legitimacy of EU operations among local populations and international partners;
Amendment 705 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 a (new)
Paragraph 24 a (new)
24 a. Recalls the importance of the dual- use nature of space and its support for CSDP Missions and Operations; highlights that, beyond satellite communications (SATCOM), sectors such as positioning, navigation, timing, as well as earth observation, are essential for strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy and resilience; stresses that the development of these capabilities directly contributes to effective crisis response and the protection of critical infrastructure;
Amendment 707 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 b (new)
Paragraph 24 b (new)
24 b. Recognises the insufficiency of launch vehicle capabilities and satellite communications (SATCOM) within the EU; underlines the strategic importance of advancing and enhancing these capabilities to enable the EU to effectively support Member States and CSDP Missions and Operations, while maintaining a resilient and autonomous posture; stresses that the development of EU-led solutions in this domain is essential for the protection of critical infrastructure and to ensure a secure and competitive presence in the space sector;
Amendment 709 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24 c (new)
Paragraph 24 c (new)
24 c. Underlines the importance of improving the relations between the European Commission and ESA to avoid redundancies of efforts and ensure more efficient use of resources; also highlights the significance of fostering synergies with NATO to ensure effective coordination in the development of space and defence capabilities;
Amendment 754 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 26 a (new)
Paragraph 26 a (new)
26 a. Proposes the creation of a European exchange programme for military personnel from Member States, aimed at providing training opportunities and experiences in different European military environments and structures; this programme should enable military personnel to participate in training and adaptation periods within units of other countries, fostering mutual understanding, cohesion, and interoperability, as well as strengthening professional networks and the sharing of best practices among the EU's armed forces;
Amendment 762 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27 a (new)
Paragraph 27 a (new)
27 a. Underlines the need for the EU to strengthen its efforts to ensure that countries which were once strategic partners, and with which some Member States maintain strong cultural ties, are not drawn into the sphere of influence of systemic rivals; recalls that economic diplomacy plays a crucial role in this endeavour, serving as an essential tool to reinforce cooperative ties, promote mutual prosperity, and consolidate the Union's presence and influence, contributing to the resilience of these regions against external pressures;
Amendment 852 #
2024/2082(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Stresses that the strengthening of the CSDP as a political priority under the tenth legislative term and the increase in spending on defence policies and programmes at EU level and among the Member States requires full parliamentary scrutiny and accountability; highlights the importance of other Committees within the European Parliament to uphold a holistic approach towards the implementation of the CSDP;