Activities of Lucia ANNUNZIATA
Plenary speeches (3)
War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East (debate)
Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon (debate)
Recent devastating floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina (debate)
Written questions (5)
Police searches of media outlets: the case of Il Corriere Fiorentino
Recent massacre in the Al-Mawasi ‘humanitarian zone’ in the Gaza Strip
Approval of the draft law on security and breach of EU principles
Urgent need for humanitarian corridors to Gaza for basic necessities and the case of the NGO Music for Peace
Compliance of the Italy-Albania protocol with EU law
Amendments (83)
Amendment 6 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 6 a (new)
Citation 6 a (new)
– having regard to the report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe of 9 May 2022,
Amendment 9 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 a (new)
Citation 7 a (new)
– having regard to its resolution of 9 October 2024 on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration,
Amendment 14 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Citation 7 b (new)
Citation 7 b (new)
– having regard to UN Resolution 70/1 entitled ‘Transforming our World – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ (Agenda 2030), adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit on 25 September 2015 in New York and establishing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
Amendment 58 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas the geopolitical context in which the EU is operating has accentuated the need for more ambitious, credible, decisive and unified EU action and a full- fledged European foreign policy on the world stage and has highlighted the necessity for Member States to demonstrate the required political will to redefine the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) into a fully fledged EU policy; whereas the EU should be guided in its external action by the values and principles enshrined in Article 2, Article 3 (5) and Article 21 TEU, which have inspired the EU’s own creation, development and enlargement; whereas the EU should correspondingly stand up for freedom and democratic standards worldwide, as well as the universality of human rights;
Amendment 78 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
D a. whereas all UN agencies embody the rules-based international order as they uphold and implement both the letter and the spirit of the UN Charter, to which all UN Member States must abide;
Amendment 82 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
D b. whereas the future of the Balkans and the countries in the Eastern Neighbourhood lies in the EU;
Amendment 85 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
D c. whereas Kosovo and the EU- facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue are facing threats of destabilisation;
Amendment 86 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D d (new)
Recital D d (new)
D d. whereas the report on “Safer Together – Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness”, presented by Sauli Niinistö, Special Adviser to the European Commission, provides strategic recommendations for enhancing Europe’s civilian and military preparedness in light of escalating and complex security threats;
Amendment 88 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Recital D e (new)
Recital D e (new)
D e. whereas the consequences of climate change will have an ever- increasing effect on the spheres of human life, including the geopolitical order and world stability; whereas it is of crucial importance that fighting climate change, necessitating climate action, and aiding those that are hardest hit by its repercussions becomes a cornerstone of that European foreign policy; underlines the fundamental role which the Commission and the Member States, in a joint approach, must play in the advancement of climate diplomacy globally;
Amendment 90 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to dedicate further financial and human resources to EEAS to ensure it can effectively conduct its role as the EU’s diplomatic service in light of the highly contested geopolitical context and the increased demands on its limited capacities in recent years;
Amendment 91 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Recognises the evolving nature of global security threats and recalls the crucial role that diplomacy and development play alongside military defence cooperation in ensuring long- term international security; underscores that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military measures, but requires comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of instability, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change; stresses that the EU’s Global Gateway initiative and other development programs should be aligned with CFSP objectives, by fostering EU resilience, inclusive economic growth, and human rights;
Amendment 92 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Underlines the critical importance of gender empowerment within the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) as a means to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development; stresses that the inclusion of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding efforts enhances the effectiveness and resilience of these processes; calls on the EU to prioritize gender equality in its external actions, support women-led initiatives in conflict- affected regions, and ensure women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in all aspects of the CFSP;
Amendment 93 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)
Paragraph 1 d (new)
1d. Welcomes the Niinistö Report and its recommendations for strengthening Europe’s civilian and military preparedness and resilience; supports the adoption of a whole-of-society approach to resilience, involving the active engagement of EU institutions, Member States, civil society, and individual citizens in strengthening the Union’s security framework; calls on Member States, the Commission and EEAS to closely examine the report’s conclusions and recommendations and dedicate the necessary political willingness and financial and human resources to implement the proposed actions which would enhance the Union’s role as a decisive security actor on the European and global stage;
Amendment 94 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 e (new)
Paragraph 1 e (new)
1e. Urges member states to establish a council of Defence Ministers;
Amendment 95 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 f (new)
Paragraph 1 f (new)
1f. Encourages, pending the full application of qualified majority voting to decisions without military or defence implications, the full use of all currently existing possibilities to enhance decisiveness in this regard including the use of constructive abstention in line with Article 31 (1) TEU;
Amendment 96 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 g (new)
Paragraph 1 g (new)
1g. Welcomes the proposal of the High Representative on anti-corruption sanctions regime, which would allow the EU to target serious acts of corruption worldwide; calls for its swift adoption by the Council;
Amendment 97 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 h (new)
Paragraph 1 h (new)
1h. Welcomes the resolve displayed by the Union and most Member States in the pursuit of full energy independence from the Russian Federation; reiterates its call for an immediate and full embargo on Russian imports of fossil fuels, including LNG, uranium, and products produced with crude Russian imports; urges the Commission and Council to enhance its monitoring capacity of fossil fuels, in order prevent re-export; highlights the essential nature and geopolitical importance in this regard of speeding up the green transition;
Amendment 98 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 i (new)
Paragraph 1 i (new)
1i. Reiterates its support for the European Political Community as a platform for discussion, dialogue and cooperation with European partners on the foreign policy and security challenges we are facing, with the aim of strengthening security and stability in Europe and pursuing political and security cooperation based on shared interests; calls for the close involvement of Parliament in the clarification of the scope and the future work of this Community; underlines that, for the future success and coherence of this format, some level of alignment on democratic values and principles is essential; reiterates that the European Political Community may under no circumstances become a pretext for delays to the EU accession of enlargement countries;
Amendment 99 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 j (new)
Paragraph 1 j (new)
1j. Strongly believes that the EU CFSP should contribute to the implementation and delivery of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are the core pillars in the construction of a stable and peaceful global order;
Amendment 112 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
Paragraph 2 – indent 1
– the successful finalisation of the screening process for Albania at the end of 2023; reiterates the call for entering into the next phase of negotiations without further delaywelcomes the opening of the accession negotiations on the first cluster; highlights the need to further intensify reforms to address deficiencies that persist regarding the ‘fundamentals’;
Amendment 163 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 2 – indent 7 a (new)
– welcomes the high levels of alignment with the CFSP by most of the countries of the Western Balkans, with the exception of Serbia;
Amendment 168 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
Paragraph 2 – indent 8
– the ongoing attempts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to normalise their relations; encourages them to sign a comprehensive peace agreement without delay; recalls in this context its position that any partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan – including on energy – must have strong conditions attached on the respect of international law, fundamental rights and international obligations, in particular on Azerbaijan making substantial progress towards a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement with Armenia;
Amendment 220 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 a (new)
– Russian gas laundering through Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani authorities’ facilitation of Russia’s circumvention of EU sanctions;
Amendment 221 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 3 b (new)
– the attack on Kosovan police officers by well-organised Serbian paramilitaries in Banjska/Banjskë in the north of Kosovo, which took place on 24 September 2023 and resulted in the murder of the Kosovan police officer Afrim Bunjaku and the injuring of two more Kosovan police officers; stresses that the perpetrators of this deplorable attack must be held accountable and face justice without delay;
Amendment 232 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
Paragraph 3 – indent 4
– the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks committed by Hamas across Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered a conflict in Gaza that has a disproportionate effect on civilians andand the disproportionate retaliatory action by the Israeli Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank, which caused a catastrophic humanitarian situation;
Amendment 238 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 a (new)
– the legislation approved by the Israeli Parliament, forbidding contact between Israeli state entities and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in disrespect to international law and fundamental humanitarian principles;
Amendment 245 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 b (new)
– the declaration by the Israeli government to consider U.N. Secretary- General Antonio Guterres as “persona non grata”;
Amendment 248 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 c (new)
– the actions taken by some members of the Israeli government to deny the West Bank access to financial resources, as stated on 25 October in a letter by the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, ministers from G7 countries and EU Commissioner for Financial Services addressed to Israeli PM Netanyahu;
Amendment 249 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 d (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 4 d (new)
– the military escalation in Lebanon, and the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, the forced displacement caused by the escalating violence and the persistent use of military force;
Amendment 254 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 5
Paragraph 3 – indent 5
– Iran’s persistent non-compliance with its legal safeguard obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the advancement of its nuclear programme beyond all credible civilian justification; the attacks perpetrated or attempted within the European Union by terrorist organisations and networks affiliated to Iran;
Amendment 262 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 6 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 6 a (new)
– the signature of the memorandum of understanding on a strategic and global partnership between the European Union and Tunisia, without proper democratic oversight of the European Parliament; further deplores the whole process of the European Commission to disburse the €105 million financial support for Tunisia on migration, which final aim is to outsource the EU migration policy without proper human rights guarantees for migrants;
Amendment 271 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 a (new)
– the continued PRC’s violations of human rights in mainland China, against people in Tibet, Hong Kong and Macau and the transnational repression of Chinese dissidents as well as the persistent presence of Chinese police office on the EU territory;
Amendment 273 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 7 b (new)
– the PRC for not implementing the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); calls on the PRC to allow the OHCHR independent access to XUAR and invites the OHCHR to issue a comprehensive situational update and an action plan for holding the PRC accountable;
Amendment 281 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 8
Paragraph 3 – indent 8
– the increasing breadth and intensity of operations of Chinese Government vessels and aircraft intimidating China’s neighbours; denounces the government- led system of forced labour and China’s crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and more particularly Taiwan; recalls in this last respect the necessity to preserve the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, to oppose any unilateral actions by force or coercion and to call all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any actions that may further escalate cross-strait tensions;
Amendment 297 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 9
Paragraph 3 – indent 9
– the coups in Burkina Faso and in Niger with President Bazoum being detained and the constitution suspended; further condemns the decision of the central Sahel military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), thus plunging ECOWAS into a deep political crisis; takes note of the de facto closure of the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Niger (EUCAP Sahel Niger) and the non-renewal of the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM); deplores that the French troops and UN peacekeepers have departed and been replaced by Wagner Group mercenaries, Russian and Turkish military, whose industries supply arms to Sahelian capitals;
Amendment 301 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 a (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 a (new)
– the civil war in Sudan between the military government of Sudan, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the devastating consequences for the civil population and the atrocities committed against them; emphasises that the EU should urgently review its regional strategy for the Sahel;
Amendment 304 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 b (new)
Paragraph 3 – indent 9 b (new)
– the last minute tactical and technical constraints put by the authorities of RDC which prevented the EU EOM to monitor the presidential elections; condemns the continuing severe clashes between the military and the M23 rebel movement destabilising the eastern DRC; calls on the review of the EU strategy for the Great Lakes Region;
Amendment 337 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 1
Paragraph 4 – indent 1
– the need to improve relations with Türkiye; welcomes the partial de- escalation of tensions in the east Mediterranean and the Aegean; reiterates its concern that Türkiye’s foreign policy continues to be at oddsnot aligned with EU priorities under the CFSP;
Amendment 402 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 6
Paragraph 4 – indent 6
– the concern about Russian and Chinese pressure exerted in Central Asia and stresses the need to scale up the EU’s presence in Central Asia in response, given its geostrategic importance; underlines the EU’s interest in increasing economic relations and intensifying political ties with the countries of Central Asia, in part to address the circumvention of sanctions against Russia and Belarus;
Amendment 414 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 – indent 7 a (new)
Paragraph 4 – indent 7 a (new)
– the need to fight impunity and strengthen accountability efforts globally, including through the International Criminal Court (ICC), and to stand up for International Law and International Humanitarian Law; remains strongly concerned regarding the trend of undermining the decisions of international institutions and their employees by state officials; regrets the failure of some ICC Member States to execute ICC arrest warrants, thereby undermining the Courts work;
Amendment 510 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Deplores the “no limits” partnership between Russia and China; expresses grave concern about the renewed Chinese and Russian commitment to further strengthen their military ties; expresses deep and increasing concern at China’s support to Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine, in particular through exportation of dual-use goods and through the deployment of its own soldiers to Russia, as well as China-based companies’ continued involvement in sanctions evasion and circumvention; welcome the Council’s decision to impose sanctions on Chinese companies for their support to Russia's war in Ukraine;
Amendment 512 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)
Paragraph 11 b (new)
11b. Expresses deep concern over the increasing cooperation between Russian Federation and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), particularly in the areas of military and defence; condemns any support that DPRK provides Russia in its war against Ukraine, including arms supplies or other military assistance; calls on the EU and international partners to closely monitor and respond to these developments to uphold international security and stability;
Amendment 513 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 c (new)
Paragraph 11 c (new)
11c. Shows growing concern at the continuing attempts of Russia to destabilize neighbouring countries like Georgia and Moldova; condemns with the strongest terms the use of weaponized migration, FIMI, political assassination, terror’s acts and territorial occupation; underlines the need for reinforcing capacities of the EU to defend and develop democratic and value-based societies in the neighbouring countries;
Amendment 514 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 d (new)
Paragraph 11 d (new)
11d. Urges the Council to impose restrictive measures on third countries enabling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, whether through the facilitation of sanctions circumvention or through the provision of direct military assistance; calls, in particular, on the Council to impose similar measures on the Islamic Republic of Iran, DPRK and other countries in view of its delivery among other strategic military goods, unmanned aerial vehicles and provision of surface- to-surface missiles to the Russian Federation for use against Ukraine, notably against civilian targets;
Amendment 515 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 e (new)
Paragraph 11 e (new)
11e. Calls on all third countries, and in particular EU candidate countries to show unambiguous commitment to international law and EU values and to align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia;
Amendment 516 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 f (new)
Paragraph 11 f (new)
11f. Notes the effect the Russian war of aggression is having on the Southern Caucasus and Central Asian states; welcomes the Union’s enhanced engagement with these countries and encourages an enhanced mission capacity to help foster a more stable and peaceful environment in these regions; highlights the hesitation of Central Asian states to lend support to Russia's war of aggression of Ukraine as a sign of Russia’s decreasing regional influence; notes that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has encouraged Central Asia to pursue cooperation with other actors, and that these actors have stepped up their cooperation with Central Asia; expresses deep concern about Central Asian states’ circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia, which are intended to stop the war in Ukraine; calls on the authorities of the Central Asian states, particularly Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, to cooperate closely with the EU, in particular its Sanctions Envoy; encourages the EU to continue promoting political and economic reforms that strengthen the rule of law, democracy, good governance and respect for human rights;
Amendment 517 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 g (new)
Paragraph 11 g (new)
11g. Emphasises the urgent need for the mirroring of all sanctions between Belarus and Russia, with Lukashenka's regime being fully complicit to the war of aggression against Ukraine and war crimes such as the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children;
Amendment 518 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 h (new)
Paragraph 11 h (new)
11h. Reiterates its support for the Belarusian democratic opposition, all political prisoners and the brave activists and journalists in Belarus who continue to defy the illegitimate Belarusian regime in spite of ongoing crackdowns and nasty bullying tactics, notably the refusal of passport prolongation for Belarussians abroad; recognises the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus;
Amendment 519 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 i (new)
Paragraph 11 i (new)
11i. Invites to use the lessons learned in the Union’s support for Ukraine to enhance its readiness for future scenarios; calls for a swift and fundamental reform of the EU treaties establishing a full-fledged, decisive, effective and coherent EU CFSP;
Amendment 544 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Strongly condemns constant and coordinated attempts by the Russian Federation, pro-Russian oligarchs and Russian-sponsored local proxies to destabilise the Republic of Moldova, sow divisions within Moldovan society and derail the country’s pro-European direction through hybrid attacks, the weaponisation of energy supplies, disinformation, bomb threats and staged protests as well as the threat or use of violence; welcomes the outcomes of the EU referendum and the Moldovan citizen’s historic choice to anchor their future within the EU despite massive interference and hybrid attacks by Russia and its proxies to undermine the democratic vote in Moldova; commends the establishment and operations of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova) which have enhanced the Moldovan authorities’ capabilities to address Russian interference; calls on the Council, Commission and EEAS to provide additional resources, including human and financial, equipment and civilian experts necessary to continue implementing the mission’s mandate beyond May 2025; further calls on the Member States to examine how similar missions can be created in other candidate countries, if necessary, and in close cooperation with their national authorities;
Amendment 553 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Praises the Moldovan people for running the presidential election professionally and with an extraordinary sense of duty and dedication, despite the continued massive interference from Russia and its proxies; encourages the authorities to continue these efforts in view of next year‘s parliamentary elections; reiterates its support to Moldova in defending its democracy;
Amendment 562 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Affirms the right of Israel to defend itself as enshrined in and constrained by international law; express its strongest concern for the disproportionate military action by the Israeli Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip and in the West Bank; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and a subsequently imminent and permeant ceasefire to address the risk of mass starvation and the outbreak of a health epidemic in Gaza; recalls that Israel also has the obligation to protect the civilian population and that military operations must be proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law; expresses its gravest concern over the legislation approved by the Israeli Parliament forbidding contact between Israeli state entities and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), highlights that the legislation goes against international law and breaches fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, and will only exacerbate an already severe humanitarian crisis, potentially halting essential services such as food, shelter, education and healthcare for millions of Palestinian refugees in these territories; urgently calls on EU institutions and Member States to remain committed to supporting UNRWA and its mission;
Amendment 591 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Reiterates its unwavering support for a negotiated two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 borders, with two sovereign, democratic states as peaceful neighbours and with Jerusalem as their shared capital; condemns the acceleration of the illegal Israeli settlement of Palestinian land, which constitutes a violation of international law; expresses concern over the rising violence committed by Israeli forces and extremist settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalemalls on the EU to continue its strong support to the Palestinian state building and institutions and their capacity in preparation for future statehood, as a vital tool to restore a political horizon towards a two-state solution; recalls that on 28 May 2024, Norway, Ireland and Spain recognized the State of Palestine, followed on 4 June 2024 by the decision of Slovenia’s parliament; calls on the High Representative to continue its efforts in creating the conditions for the recognition of the Palestinian State by all EU Member States; condemns the acceleration of the illegal Israeli settlement of Palestinian land, which constitutes a violation of international law; expresses concern over the rising violence committed by Israeli forces and extremist settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; supports the procedure initiated by the High Representative to ask Member States to include in the list of sanctions those Israeli ministers who have expressed hate messages and declarations against international law and threatening the status quo over Temple Mount/Haram al- Sharif; considers that following the disproportionate military reaction and the continuous violations of humanitarian and international law the EU should immediately review the EU-Israel Association Agreement and consider its suspension in case of non-compliance with human rights obligations; expresses support for US President Biden’s three- phase Peace Plan and regrets the lack of will on both sides to ensure its implementation; regrets, further, that the latest rounds of peace talks did not bring any tangible results; expresses its utmost concern regarding the military escalation in Lebanon, and deplores the unacceptable number of civilian casualties, the forced displacement caused by the escalating violence and the persistent use of military force; calls for an immediate ceasefire across the Blue Line and for a full and symmetrical implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701; expresses particularly grave concern regarding the attacks by the Israeli Defence Forces against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL); recalls that attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute a grave violation of international law and are totally unacceptable;
Amendment 703 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22
Paragraph 22
22. Highlights that the world is becoming more multipolar and less multilateral; emphasises that multilateral forums, chief among them the United Nations and its agencies, should be considered the EU’s format of cooperation of choice; expresses concern, in this respect, about the increasing relevance of exclusive formats of cooperation, which experience increasing competition; observes, at the same time, that international institutions and norms are increasingly being instrumentalised; stresses that this trend puts the EU in a delicate position, which balances the need to appeal for a broad and inclusive concept of multilateralism while prioritisreinforcing cooperation with selected, like-minded partners at the same time;
Amendment 707 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 a (new)
Paragraph 22 a (new)
22a. Emphasises that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine destabilises and threatens the security and stability of the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans, which in turn jeopardises the security of the EU itself; welcomes the fact that the EU enlargement policy has been reprioritised following the Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; considers that the EU should therefore also prioritise the reform of its neighbourhood policy and accelerate the enlargement process in parallel with the institutional and decision-making reforms necessary to safeguard the Union’s integration capacity; calls to ensure that pending reform of the treaties will not be used as an excuse to delay accession process;
Amendment 712 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 b (new)
Paragraph 22 b (new)
22b. Welcomes recent signals regarding the accelerated timeline for candidate countries; calls for it to be ensured that ongoing and future accession negotiations will not be delayed because of particular national interests or the need to reform the Treaties; reaffirms that the pace of the enlargement process remains linked to the individual countries’ capacity to meet the criteria for accession, but that it also depends on the commitment of the political leaders in Western Balkan countries and the EU Member States;
Amendment 713 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 c (new)
Paragraph 22 c (new)
22c. Underlines the importance of financial instruments, such as the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance III, in order to strengthen the partnership between the EU and candidate countries; calls for the development of a coherent strategy for the gradual integration of all candidate countries, including into sectoral policies and as observers in the various institutions of the Union;
Amendment 714 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 d (new)
Paragraph 22 d (new)
22d. Welcomes the 2024 enlargement package, despite the delay, and the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which includes a facility of EUR 6 billion in grants and loans to accelerate socio- economic convergence with the EU between 2024 and 2027; calls on the Council to demonstrate genuine political commitment to the EU membership perspective of the countries in Western Balkans; notes that this should include advancing accession negotiations with Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia; supports efforts to achieve, as a matter of priority, the relevant constitutional changes in North Macedonia and calls on all political forces to play a constructive role in this regard; asks, in particular, the governments of the Member States that set this additional requirement for North Macedonia to do their utmost to support these efforts; regrets the unjustified delays in the accession process of North Macedonia and recalls that candidate countries should be assessed on the basis of their own merit in complying with the objective criteria for accession, including their implementation of EU-related reforms and their policy alignment with the CFSP, such as the positions and restrictive measures adopted in response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; welcomes the fact that the majority of countries in the Western Balkans are aligned with the CFSP, while calling on Belgrade to urgently do the same, particularly considering that Serbia is one of the very few European countries not yet in line with the sanctions adopted in response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine; recalls that accession can only proceed once the country in question aligns with EU sanctions against Russia and makes significant progress on EU-related reforms; remains very concerned about the destabilising influence on the whole region of the Serbian authorities;
Amendment 715 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 e (new)
Paragraph 22 e (new)
22e. Deplores the fact that the Serbian parliamentary elections held on 17 December 2023 and local elections held on 2 June 2024 deviated from international standards and Serbia’s commitments to free and fair elections, owing to the dominance of the ruling party and the fragmentation of the opposition reduced their competitiveness, and concerns remained about pressure on public sector employees and misuse of public resources; considers that these elections cannot be deemed to have been held in just conditions; is alarmed by reports of the widespread and systematic scale of fraud that compromised the integrity of the elections in Serbia; expresses its serious concern over these irregularities and the overall election environment, which fell below the standards expected of an EU candidate country; reminds the Serbian authorities that the proper functioning of Serbia’s democratic institutions is at the core of Serbia’s EU accession process and the EU accession methodology calls on the competent authorities to investigate properly and follow up on the I-EOM’s recommendations; encourages Serbia’s political leadership to ensure constructive, inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum and to deliver on the necessary reforms for Serbia to progress on the path to EU accession;
Amendment 716 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 f (new)
Paragraph 22 f (new)
22f. Supports the normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia and the development of the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina; calls on Kosovo and Serbia to engage in the Dialogue in good faith and in the spirit of compromise to achieve a comprehensive, legally binding agreement on the normalisation of their relations, based on mutual recognition, in accordance with international law and without further delay; recalls that failure to advance on the normalisation of relations would negatively impact the EU integration of both countries; regrets the restrictive measures imposed by the Council against Kosovo and calls for their immediate lifting, as proposed by HR/VP; calls for the EU to adopt a balanced approach to the mediation between the parties in order to overcome the current stalemate; recalls that the failure of the Dialogue would also have consequences for the EU’s role as a credible foreign policy player;
Amendment 717 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 g (new)
Paragraph 22 g (new)
22g. Welcomes Kosovo’s application for EU membership and asks the Commission to respond to it; recalls that Kosovo’s bid to be considered a candidate country will be assessed on the basis of its own merits and of its success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership; welcomes, however, the lifting of visa requirements for Kosovo citizens;
Amendment 718 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 h (new)
Paragraph 22 h (new)
22h. Regrets the fact that high political tensions and polarisation in Montenegro have delayed progress on EU-related reforms; welcomes the formation of a stable and pro-EU majority; stresses the importance of the new government being able and committed to take forward the EU-related reforms and keep Montenegro firmly on the EU strategic path; expects the country to start closing chapters/clusters in the accession negotiations and to be ready to join the EU by 2028;
Amendment 719 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 i (new)
Paragraph 22 i (new)
22i. Calls on the Commission to explore possible formats for a mutually appealing framework with Türkiye through a comprehensive and inclusive process, such as a modernised association agreement; remains concerned by the fact that Türkiye’s foreign policy continues to clash in many aspects with EU interests;
Amendment 720 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 j (new)
Paragraph 22 j (new)
22j. Regrets recent developments in Republika Srpska hampering the positive momentum on EU enlargement, notably the adoption of separate entity laws on election, referenda and immunity, the continued non-recognition of the Constitutional Court’s authority and decisions, as well as continued secessionist rhetoric; Reiterates its call for targeted EU sanctions against destabilising political actors in BiH, including those threatening its sovereignty and territorial integrity, notably Milorad Dodik and his allies;
Amendment 721 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 22 k (new)
Paragraph 22 k (new)
22k. Welcomes Albania’s ambition of closing accession negotiations by the end of 2027; calls in this regard for increased efforts to accelerate reforms, especially on rule of law, fighting corruption and organised crime, and promotion of fundamental rights including media freedom; welcomes the progress Albania has achieved in the implementation of the justice reform; cautions against undermining the work of independent institutions such as the Special Anti- Corruption and Organised Crime Structure (SPAK); encourages a return to orderly parliamentary conduct, emphasizing that constructive political debate is essential for democratic governance;
Amendment 728 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 23 a (new)
Paragraph 23 a (new)
23a. Calls for the promotion of comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions to enhance their effectiveness, transparency, and democratic representation, ensuring equitable participation for all regions, particularly underrepresented countries from the Global South; stresses that such reforms are essential to strengthen multilateralism, improve global governance, value-based decision-making and address international challenges more inclusively and responsively;
Amendment 730 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 24
Paragraph 24
24. Recalls the importance of a strong and constructive partnership with the UK; welcomes the renewed impetus from the new UK Government to reflect with the EU on possibilities for closer foreign policy and security cooperation, which would be of added value for both the EU and the UK; calls to explore avenues for more permanent forms of coordination with UK in regard to foreign and security policy and our shared interests and collective responsibilities in regions such as the Western Balkans; demands that Parliament be duly involved and informed in such reflections;
Amendment 758 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 27
Paragraph 27
27. Reiterates that a peaceful, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific is of vital European interest; encourages, to this end, closerIs of the view that the centre of gravity in the global order is shifting towards the Indo-Pacific and that the EU must strengthen its active role and presence in this region to safeguard its interests, promote stability and uphold a rules-based international order; encourages closer diplomatic and economic cooperation with the countries in this region; calls for enhanced foreign, security and defence policy ties with like- minded partners and increased cooperation with others in the region in line with the EU strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific; encourages the VP/HR to promote the visibility and effect of the EU’s external action together with our Indo-Pacific partners, particularly Australia, India, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan;
Amendment 785 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Considers that the rise of China remains one of the primary geopolitical challenges of the 21st century and requires a multi-dimensional response through which the EU maintains its engagement with China on a number of key issues; calls on the VP/HR and the Member States to review its strategy towards China while maintaining diplomatic engagement whileand increasing the EU’s assertiveness towards China in order for it to assume its responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council;
Amendment 805 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 31
Paragraph 31
31. Reiterates that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a crucial partner in reinforcing rules-based multilateralism; supports ASEAN’s efforts to finalise negotiations with China on an effective and substantive code of conduct in the South China Sea; encourages enhanced EU political engagement and cooperation with ASEAN and working towards a comprehensive strategic partnership, not only economical, but also with regards to human rights, democracy and sustainable growth; calls for increased support to the Myanmar’s National Unity Government and to put pressure on ASEAN countries to align on international sanctions against Myanmar’s military junta;
Amendment 812 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Notes that geopolitical challenges have strengthened the shared interest of the EU and India in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development; considers India an important democratic partner and encourages the EU to strictly engage with the Indian Government on the respect of human rights and rule of law, both internally and worldwide; calls for an India-EU summit to keep bilateral relations high on the agenda;
Amendment 821 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 33
Paragraph 33
33. Urges the VP/HR and the Member States to focus on bilateral relations with like-minded partners in Africa, among others Ghana, Kenya and Senegal, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real and balanced partnerships; believes that the ‘more for more’ principle should be integrated fully into relations with non-EU countries, whereby the EU develops stronger partnerships with those countries that uphold the principles of the CFSP and the common security and defence policy (CSDP), and the fundamental values of the EU; calls for the EU to respond to partner countries’ expectations and to deliver quickly on political agreements with them in order to show that the EU is a key and strategic partner and demonstrate that the international rules-based system can meet contemporary challenges; stresses the importance of establishing these political agreements with third countries, based on common European values and fundamental rights;
Amendment 843 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 34
Paragraph 34
34. Emphasises the need to continue stepping up the EU’s engagement with like-minded countries in Latin America, particularly given the growing influence of China and Russia in Latin America and the Caribbean; calls on the Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to pursue proactive diplomacy in the region, with a strong emphasis on defending the multilateral global order, international law and respect for democracy and human rights; urges to promote a multilateral initiative to address the political instability in Haiti and the uncontrolled violence against the local population;
Amendment 865 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Believes simultaneously in the significance of building new alliances, inter alia with the countries in our neighbourhood as well as in the ‘Global South’, based on the respect for human rights, taking into account mutual needs and interests in order to foster real and balanced partnerships;
Amendment 870 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36 a (new)
Paragraph 36 a (new)
36a. Calls on the DPRK to abandon its weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner; urges the DPRK authorities to cease their ongoing crimes against humanity and to undertake a process of reform whereby all human rights are respected and protected;
Amendment 892 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Stresses the need for the EU to foster the visibility and effectiveness of its external action and development cooperation efforts, also to counteract the post-colonial narrative of a North-South divide; emphasizes, however, that one of the primary challenges to the EU’s credibility and influence abroad is a lack of unity and consistency within its external policies, which frequently leads to perceived double standards; calls on the EU and its Member States to foster greater coherence and alignment in their international actions to project a more reliable and principled stance globally;
Amendment 953 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42
Paragraph 42
42. Reaffirms the role of the EU Special Representatives, who promote the EU’s policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an important role in the development of a stronger and more effective CFSP by providing the EU with an active political presence in key countries and regions, acting as a ‘voice’ and ‘face’ for the EU and its policies; insists that the appointment of new EUSRs should take place only after a hearing in the European Parliament;
Amendment 991 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 a (new)
Paragraph 44 a (new)
44a. Calls on the European Commission and EEAS to pursue a feminist foreign and security policy with our partners, in accordance with the European Parliament report on the EU Gender Action Plan III;
Amendment 993 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 b (new)
Paragraph 44 b (new)
44b. Recognizes that the Arctic region carries significant strategic and geopolitical importance due to its emerging maritime routes, rich natural resources and opportunities for economic development unlocked by global warming, while being increasingly contested; considers alarming the growing activities and interest by authoritarian regimes, including Russia and China, in the Arctic; Underlines the importance of preserving security, stability and cooperation in the Arctic; stresses that the region must remain free from military tensions and natural resource exploitation, while respecting the rights of indigenous peoples; reiterates the need to include the Union’s Arctic policy in the CFSP and engage in effective cooperation with NATO; calls for the Arctic to be addressed regularly within the Political and Security Committee and Council meetings;
Amendment 995 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 c (new)
Paragraph 44 c (new)
44c. Welcomes the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council summit held on 16 October 2024; regrets however, that the human rights issues were only lightly covered in the joint statement of the summit; calls on the EU and the Member States to continue to emphasise the respect for human rights and gender equality as well as the progressive alignment of values, in particular for countering Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences;
Amendment 997 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 d (new)
Paragraph 44 d (new)
44d. Calls on the EU to step up its support of civil society and human rights defenders in our partner countries in light of shrinking space for civil society around the world;
Amendment 998 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 44 e (new)
Paragraph 44 e (new)
44e. Expresses its serious concern about the increasing attacks on LGBTIQ rights worldwide, as LGBTIQ persons continue to suffer discrimination and violence, including in countries where despite some progress, these hard fought rights now face backsliding, such as hostile rhetoric from elected politicians, surges in homophobic violence and the proclamation of so-called LGBTIQ-free zones;
Amendment 1018 #
2024/2080(INI)
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 51
Paragraph 51
51. Underlines that each matter raised above requires an appropriate response by the executive; calls on the VP/HR to respond to Parliament’s calls, requests and concerns swiftly and in writing; considers that oral statements in committee or plenary can only constitute a sufficient response in exceptional or urgent cases; stresses that in the current challenging geopolitical context, close cooperation and partnership between the European Parliament and the VP/HR are of strategic importance; expects more systematic exchanges prior to the adoption of mandates and CFSP strategies and an improved flow of information on negotiations and the implementation of international agreements, as well as memoranda of understanding; expects, in addition, Parliament to be effectively incorporated throughout EU external policies and action as an integral player of ‘Team Europe’, thereby mobilising parliamentary diplomacy in support of the VP/HR’s efforts;