David MCALLISTER

Policy topics David MCALLISTER is active on

What David MCALLISTER has said (76)

• 2026-06-15 “Thank you, mister Pocciobut. As this meeting is held in association with the delegation for relations with Belarus, I now give the floor first to its chair, our colleague, Malkorzlata Gozhevska. Please, the floor is yours.”
  EU-Belarus relations
• 2026-06-15 “Thank you very much, dear chairwoman Kuzievska, for your statement. Now I would like to invite colleagues to take the floor. We have roughly 45 minutes for this exchange of views. At the end, we will have closing remarks by Mr. Pocceboot. But who would like to take the floor? Please indicate. Shall we kick off with Helmut Brandstetter, who is the standing rapporteur for Belarus in the Foreign Affairs Committee?”
  EU-Belarus relations
• 2026-06-15 “So good evening, everyone. It's 07:00. Let's kick off a warm welcome to all of you. Also, on behalf of Isabelle and Munir, we are chairing this meeting together. Item number 1, adoption of our agenda. I guess there are no objections from your side so we can then adopt the agenda as it stands. Item number 2, our meeting today is as usual being web streamed. We have interpretation available in the following languages, English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Latvian, Polish, and Romanian. Item number 3, dear honored guests, dear colleagues, I would like to welcome you all to this joint meeting of the effort endeavor committees and Artois subcommittee, which I have the pleasure to cochair together with Isabelle Levine and Munya Sottori. First of all, we are very honored to welcome mister Andre Potchowood, one of the laureates of the 2025 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. A warm welcome, mister Potchowood. Dear mister Pochewood, we are particularly glad to have you here with us in Strasbourg tonight. After more than five years of imprisonment on politically motivated charges, it is truly heartening to see you free and able to take part in this exchange of views. Your resilience, your courage, and your commitment to freedom of expression continue to inspire many others across Europe and beyond. We very much look we are looking forward to hearing your reflections this evening. Dear colleagues, you all remember last year, the European parliament decided to award the Sakharov Prize to you, dear mister Potrubut, but also to Mzia Amloglobelli from Georgia in recognition of their steadfast commitment to democracy, human rights, and the freedom of expression and independence in her work as journalists despite the intimidation she's facing. We deeply regret that miss Amoglobele remains imprisoned in Georgia. Let me recall that the European Parliament continues to call for her immediate and unconditional release and stands in unwavering solidarity with all those unjustly detained. Before now giving the floor to Anjie Potchabut, I will first pass the floor to Isabelle Levin for her introductory remarks for the DAVID Committee.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• 2026-06-15 “Colleagues, I'm happy that Andrey Halitsky mentioned this because it's an amazing sight from here to see Polish colleagues from the S and D, Renu, ECR, EPP all sitting peacefully together. Are a real bridge builder. You're a real bridge builder. By the way, also, it's wonderful to have a meeting where we hear so much of the beautiful Polish language spoken in the European parliament. That's also something very special. Next is mister Kaminski.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• 2026-03-12 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 5.5.2026 Written question 1. Sugar imports of Harmonised System heading 1701 from Everything but Arms (EBA) beneficiaries have fluctuated significantly over the past five years, reflecting EU market demand. After rising from 81 000 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 190 000 tonnes in 2023 — due to low EU production — EBA imports fell sharply as EU output recovered, dropping to 60 000 tonnes in 2024 and just 11 000 tonnes in 2025. Regarding countries of origin, while their export volumes fluctuate significantly year on year, the primary suppliers are Cambodia, Mozambique, Laos, Malawi and Myanmar. 2. The Commission is not aware of possible circumvention of rules of origin for sugar imported under Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) EBA scheme. No past or ongoing investigations for potential circumvention of rules of origin in relation to sugar imports from EBA countries have been conducted. Member States can use risk-based checks — verifying unusual trade routes or proofs of origin via administrative cooperation with GSP countries competent authorities — to prevent misuse of preferential tariffs . The Commission monitors third countries benefiting from preferential EU tariffs under the GSP scheme — also from the perspective of compliance with the rules of origin — to ensure that the declared origin is established correctly. By 2026, 32 GSP countries (14 EBA) were monitored, with visits to 16 GSP (6 EBA) countries. No evidence has come to light of sugar exported under preference from an EBA beneficiary country having the origin of another country.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2026-02-11 “Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission 8.5.2026 Written question Simplification of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) was delivered by the Commission in 2024 [1] and 2025 [2] . The Commission’s proposal for the National and Regional Partnership (NRP) Plans [3] for 2028-2034, and the CAP proposal [4] reflect and build on that simplification. The proposals offer Member States flexibility to implement a tailored approach to address the needs of EU farming and rural communities, while also maximising complementarities across various funding instruments. The single rule book would reduce the need to navigate across different rules for similar types of support measures. Regarding the CAP, the proposed rules would translate into less burden for both farmers and Member States for example thanks to the abolishment of the entitlements’ system, a wider use of simplified form of payments for smaller farmers and of lump-sum payments, and an alignment of mandatory rules under the ‘Farm Stewardship’ system. The system of Good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAECs) has been removed. On the other hand, the proposal builds on what works well, for example the basic elements of the current administration and control system would be kept but simplified and streamlined, easing also reporting. Access to information and calls for proposals would be made easier through a single, user-friendly access portal (‘Single Gateway’), which would centralise funding information and data on recipients and supported operations. The Commission will closely work with Member States in the process of preparation and implementation of their national plans with the aim to maintain coherence of definitions and concepts and to minimise the administrative burden for farmers. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1468&qid=1739377050554. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32025R2649. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025PC0565&qid=1753801752960. [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025PC0560&qid=1753798247771.”
  Agricultural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• 2026-02-11 “Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 26.5.2026 Written question The EU Ports Strategy [1] sets out a coherent framework to strengthen the competitiveness of EU maritime and inland ports. Northern Germany’s sea and inland ports are vital gateways for international trade, facilitating the movement of goods across Europe and acting as crucial hubs for economic activities and regional development. 1. The strategy aims to boost the competitiveness, resilience, sustainability and security of European ports. It includes sustainability measures to increase port electrification, clean fuels and energy efficiency, alongside simplifying environmental permitting. In terms of EU support, the strategy outlines available instruments [2] , and points to support by the European Investment Bank. Depending on local needs and priorities Member States will also be able to make use of e.g. part of Emission Trading System revenues for maritime decarbonisation projects and funds available for implementing the future national and regional partnership plans. Furthermore, the review of the General Block Exemption Regulation [3] will assess the potential to clarify and simplify state aid rules. 2. The strategy recognises the importance of efficient port operations and hinterland connections. The future action plan on Inland Waterway Transport (IWT) will contribute to the integration of Northern Germany’s ports in the EU transport and logistics networks. 3. Among its actions, the strategy envisages promoting the upskilling and reskilling of port workers by supporting the establishment of a dedicated skills partnership for the ports sector and the development of a skilled next-generation workforce across all blue economy sector under the Blue Generational Renewal Strategy. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52026DC0112&qid=1772790216221 . [2] Such as the Connecting Europe Facility, the European Competitiveness Fund, the future Horizon Europe 2028-2034. [3] https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/state-aid/gber-review_en#:~:text=On%2025%20February%202026%20the,new%20General%20Block%20Exemption%20Regulation .”
  Decarbonisation of maritime transport · EU transport infrastructure integration · EU funding for transportation
• 2025-08-20 “E-3257/25 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has been in contact with the German authorities with regard to the Biomass Package amendments to the German Renewable Energy Law, EEG 2023. In December 2022, the Commission declared the EEG 2023 compatible with the internal market in line with the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy. It falls within the responsibility of Member States to ensure compliance with State aid rules and to notify new aid in line with the applicable legal requirements, and to ensure the timeliness and quality of information provided. Once a Member State notifies to the Commission a proposal for an aid scheme or its amendment, the Commission assesses whether the notification is in line with the State aid Guidelines and sectoral legislation. By ensuring compliance with these rules, the Commission ensures the legality of the act with the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and its legitimacy vis-à-vis other Member States. The Commission has two months to issue a decision since the lodging of a complete notification. Given the confidential nature of discussions between the Commission and the Member States, the Commission cannot comment on the details of any particular notification, nor predict the outcome or timing.”
  Biofuels (RED II) · Energy transition (state support)
• 2025-06-18 “E-002463/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recognises that climate action needs to go together with competitiveness and a just transition. Delivering on the EU’s climate targets requires a swift decrease in greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors. Improving management of peatlands offers significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring biodiversity. The Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation 1 sets up a voluntary certification framework for measuring, reporting, and verifying climate benefits and linked biodiversity benefits, including a peatland specific methodology planned for early 2026. The Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) 2 requires national restoration plans to aim at optimising the ecological, economic and social functions of ecosystems as well as their contribution to the sustainable development of the relevant regions and communities. In order to support the uptake of measures, it is crucial to engage with key stakeholders and take account of regional specificities. CRCF methodologies are being developed in close consultation with an Expert Group that ensures broad stakeholder representation. The NRR includes several provisions enabling Member States to promote support schemes for stakeholders such as landowners involved in restoration. The Commission is aware that fair climate action in sensitive landscapes requires flexibility and stakeholder engagement. The CRCF connects landowners with companies, investors, consumers and governments to support high quality climate action, while providing biodiversity co-benefits. Under the NRR, Member States are required to incentivise rewetting where appropriate and facilitate access to training and advice. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3012/oj/eng. 2 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• 2024-11-06 “E-002430/2024 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is aware that some Member States have observed movements of beneficiaries of international protection, travelling back to their country of origin and subsequently returning to the EU. 2. According to Directive 2011/95/EU 1 , in order to revoke international protection, a Member State must demonstrate on an individual basis that a person ceased to be a refugee. This can be the case, inter alia, when he or she has re-availed himself or herself of the protection of the country of nationality 2 . 3. The Commission will monitor developments and engage closely with the Member States and other key stakeholders to provide support by promoting information-sharing and cooperation. 1 Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted (OJ L 337, 20.12.2011, p. 9, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/95/oj), Article 14(2). 2 OJ L 337, 20.12.2011, p. 9, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/95/oj, Article 11(1)(a).”
  Asylum & border control
• 2024-08-21 “E-001536/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission While there is no specific EU legislation on cormorants, they are protected 1 under the Birds Directive 2 . The Commission is aware that a recent expansion of the cormorant population can make the balancing of conflicts between human interests and cormorants challenging. The Commission has published advice on managing such conflicts 3 , and points to the possibility to use derogations under Article 9 of the Birds Directive. Guidance on applying such derogations is under development. The current eel fishing closure established by the EU applies only to inland waters in the Mediterranean region 4 . This six-month ban stems from Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/1 5 of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean 6 , extended by Recommendations GFCM/45/2022/1 7 and GFCM/46/2023/1 8 , and most recently implemented into EU law through Regulation (EU) 2024/259 9 . The Water Framework Directive (WFD) 10 provides for the management of surface and groundwaters to ensure the good status of all waters. Article 14 requires Member States to ensure that all interested parties are actively involved in the implementation of the Directive, and that all draft planning documents are consulted publicly. This allows anglers and stakeholders 11 to contribute, e.g. on characterising and classifying water bodies, identifying pressures, and setting mitigation and restoration measures. The European Anglers Alliance is an active stakeholder in the Common Implementation Strategy for the WFD. Additionally, under the Common Fisheries Policy 12 , fisheries associations are members in Advisory Councils, which advice on conservation and socio-economic aspects of management, as well as on simplification of rules. 1 Phalacrocorax carbo carbo, like all naturally occurring birds in the wild state in the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies. 2 Council Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25. 3 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/birds-directive_en 4 Article 4 of Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259 of 10 January 2024 fixing for 2024 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, OJ L, 2024/259, 11.1.2024. 5 https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC201605/ 6 of which the EU is a member. 7 https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC220533/ 8 https://www.fao.org/gfcm/decisions/en/ 9 Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259 of 10 January 2024 fixing for 2024 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, OJ L, 2024/259, 11.1.2024. 10 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1–73. 11 with their data and their knowledge of rivers and lakes. 12 https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/policy/common-fisheries-policy-cfp_en”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU · Environmental regulation of fisheries · EU policy on water management
• 2024-08-21 “E-001538/2024 Answer given by Mr Schmit on behalf of the European Commission The Commission fully respects the responsibility of the Member States for the content of teaching and the organisation of education and training systems, in line with Articles 165 and 166 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission actively promotes vocational education and training (VET) as an attractive choice needed for an agile labour market. This is reflected in the Council Recommendations on VET 1 and on Europe on the Move 2 , the latter setting an ambitious target for VET learner mobility. With the European Vocational Skills Week 3 and the European Year of Skills 4 the Commission has actively promoted VET as an attractive career and learning pathway across Europe in the past years. Through programmes like the European Social Fund Plus, the Recovery and Resilience Facility and Erasmus+, the Commission funds projects that modernise VET systems notably in view of the green and digital transitions, enhance career guidance, and foster collaboration between education providers and employers to ensure high-quality vocational training, as for example with the Erasmus+ Centres of Vocational Excellence 5 . The Commission has adopted several initiatives to facilitate the immigration of skilled workers and to make the EU more attractive for non-EU citizens, such as the Skills and Talent package 6 from 2022, the Skills and Talent Mobility package 7 from 2023, and the recently adopted Action Plan to tackle Labour and Skills Shortages 8 . Once in place, the EU Talent Pool will help employers to attract skilled third country nationals when the talent they need cannot be found on the EU labour market. 1 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/08b9af27-3465-11eb-b27b-01aa75ed71a1/language-en 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202403364 3 https://vocationalskills.ec.europa.eu/index_en#:~:text=The%20European%20Vocational%20Skills%20Week%20%28EVSW%29 %20is%20a,VET%20opportunities%20and%20inspiring%20best%20practices%3A%20%23DiscoverYourTalen t%20%23EuropeanVocationalSkills 4 https://year-of-skills.europa.eu/index_en 5 https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1501 6 COM(2022) 657 final. 7 COM(2023) 715 final. 8 COM(2024) 131 final.”
  Youth employment & training · EU policy on brain drain · Funding for vocational training
• 2024-08-21 “E-001537/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager on behalf of the European Commission Reducing administrative burdens and simplifying implementation are key political priorities for the next mandate 1 . A new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and competitiveness check for new initiatives will help design them with small businesses in mind, avoiding unnecessary burdens and too complex legislation. The work on the reduction of burdens related to reporting obligations by 25% continues and will intensify to reduce burdens by at least 35% for SMEs. In line with the better regulation guidelines 2 , one-off and recurrent costs are compiled for Commission proposals 3 . The offsetting under the ‘one-in, one-out’ approach applies to administrative costs while adjustment costs are compensated for to the greatest extent. Your Europe 4 is the EU’s main digital tool providing information and access to digital procedures to SMEs seeking to complete EU and national level formalities. In 2023, the Commission launched a technical system 5 allowing national authorities to apply the once-only principle to a wide range of formalities. The Commission systematically involves SME organisations in policymaking. The network of SME Envoys 6 brings together EU and Member States’ officials and SME organisations to promote SME-friendly regulation and policies. Some SME organisations are members of the Fit for Future platform 7 . Collecting direct input from companies, including through SME panel consultations, is equally important for the Commission. The Regulatory Scrutiny Board has already been strengthened with two additional board members with the aim to allow an enhanced focus on competitiveness. 1 Political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf 2 https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/planning-and-proposing-law/better-regulation/betterregulation-guidelines-and-toolbox_en 3 Such costs are presented in Annex 3 of impact assessment reports accompanying Commission proposals. 4 Your Europe at https://europa.eu/youreurope/index.htm was the Commission’s most visited website in 2023. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/DIGITAL/Once+Only+Technical+System 6 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expertgroups/consult?lang=en&do=groupDetail.groupDetail&groupID=2666 7 https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-making-process/evaluating-and-improving-existing-laws/refit-makingeu-law-simpler-less-costly-and-future-proof/fit-future-platform-f4f/composition/fit-future-platform-stakeholdergroup-0_en”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU (free access) · Simplification measures (political compass)
• 2024-08-21 “E-001539/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is aware that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular in border regions, see the lack of rationalisation of national posting procedures in the EU as a burden in the single market. The Commission launched a project to simplify administrative compliance with national posting declaration obligations. For further detail, the Commission refers to its answer to question E-000639/2024 1 . 2. The Commission is working on a proposal on identity card-based digital travel documents, also known as digital travel credentials (DTCs). Once available, these DTCs will facilitate the exercise of the right to free movement while strengthening security standards. The European Digital Identity Wallets, to be provided by Member States by November 2026, are essential tools for securely storing and sharing attributes, such as, for example, those stored in DTCs. By harmonising electronic identification methods and reducing fragmentation, the overall framework aims i.a. to lower identity verification costs and enhance cross-border mobility and interoperability. 3. The EU supports access to debt and equity finance of European companies and SMEs through the InvestEU programme 2 . Its loan guarantee programmes support various EU policy priorities including SME competitiveness. InvestEU also provides equity intervention in cross-border equity funds that further invest into innovative companies with potential to scale in the single market and beyond. As addressed in the Political Guidelines 3 , the Commission will propose a European Competitiveness Fund as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027. Such a fund is aimed to strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s industry and increase the investment capacity in strategic sectors. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html 2 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/access-finance/investeu/investeu-fund-sme-window_en 3 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf”
  Energy (green transition)
• “So. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. We would like to begin with our meeting. The item number one is, as always, for adoption of our agenda. If there are no objections from your side. I propose to adopt the agenda as it stands. Item number two. My announcements and I can be brief. Our meeting today is, as usual, being web streamed. We have interpretation available in the full outfit language profile. I would also like to inform you that in following up on the presentation of the draft interim report, in view of the constant procedure on a broad package of agreements to consolidate, deepen and expand the bilateral relations with the Swiss Confederation, the European Parliament has now received the request for consent from the council. The rapporteur has prepared a draft recommendation for consent, and the deadline for amendments will be on the 16th of April at 12:00 noon. The Secretariat will circulate the information in writing before I move on to item number three. I would like to congratulate one of our colleagues to his birthday. That's why Marco Toquinho. Congratulations to your birthday. All the best. So item number three. That's why we are here. First of all, I would like to welcome the members of the Committee on Development and especially the Vice chair who is sitting next to me, a warm welcome, colleagues. We are having this joint meeting with our friends and colleagues from the diva, because we want to hear the presentation of the European Court of Auditors opinion on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing global Europe.”
  EU competences on foreign affairs
• “Mr. Braun, thank you. You are now one minute over time, but I was very tolerant. Just one comment, dear colleague: I cannot accept this. You just described Israel as the Jewish state located in Palestine. The name of the country is Israel. That's the term we use here, and I will not discuss this with you. Davor Stier.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “34:21 – 14:36:14): So ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, if I may ask you now to be seated. We should begin on time since we're expecting the High Representative Vice President at three o'clock. Before I begin with item number ten, I would like to welcome a special visitors group which I just had the honor to meet. I would like to welcome the forty-ninth executive seminar for international diplomats organized by the German Foreign Ministry. These diplomats are learning a very difficult German language, so warm welcome to you. Enjoy today's meeting. We then come to item number ten, the 2025 Commission report on Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will be presented by our rapporteur Andre Koller. From my side, just a few introductory remarks. In 2024, the European Council gave the green light to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, conditional of course upon a series of reforms and steps. Unfortunately, a renewed political crisis and continued attempts by the leadership of the Republika Srpske entity to undermine the country's constitutional legal order and hence also its accession path have stalled the country's dynamic. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the meantime has adopted some of the key laws and submitted its reform agenda after delays. Now the implementation needs to urgently start and additional reforms need to be enacted. All political actors should renew their focus on the EU integration path with a view to meeting the requirements for holding the first intergovernmental conference. That's all from my side and I hand over to Andre Koller. Andre, your floor is yours for five minutes.”
  EU relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina
• “49:31 – 14:49:46): Thank you, Mister Froelich. From the ESN group is not present, then I will now give the floor to the chairman of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Kosovo, Davos Stier.”
  EU relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina
• “Mister Braun, the agendas of our meetings are discussed within the coordinators. Of course, we can change the agenda, but you as an individual MEP, as I'm informed, don't even have the right to ask for the agenda to be changed. There was a discussion about the situation Moldova at the last plenary session with President Maia Sandu. We've discussed Moldova so many times and it's very interesting to hear that all of a sudden you're interested in the democracy in Moldova. That's good for you. But I would really propose now that we continue our meeting. You've had your fine five minutes as usual. I think it's good. Item number two, chairs announcements. Our meeting today is as usual being web streamed. We have interpretation available on the full AFET language profile: English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, Swedish, Czech, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak, Bulgarian, Romanian and Croatian. We also have a staff related announcement. We would like to welcome Miss Eva Kaniewska who has joined the AFFORD secretariat on the sixteenth of September. Well welcome. The next announcements concerns the resolution adopted by Parliament on the ninth of September on the twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four commission reports on Ukraine. My attention has been drawn to an error that occurred during the voting process in plenary on that report. After consulting effort coordinators, I therefore have asked Parliament's President to launch the corrigendum procedure pursuant to rule two hundred and fifty one in conjunction with rule two hundred nine of Parliament's rules of procedure. Let me remind you that in line with rule two hundred and fifty one of the rules of procedure, Parliament's President must consult the competent committee before transmitting the corrigendum to plenary. If there are no objections, the corrigendum will be considered approved by consensus and transmitted accordingly. With that in mind, a deadline is set out today at eight pm for any objection to that corrigendum whose text will be immediately forwarded by the ATHER secretariat to all our members. Item number three, the current state of EU Canada relations. That is the first item on our agenda. This discussion will also provide us now with an opportunity to reflect on the key outcomes of the G Seven leaders summit in June, the EU Canada summit also in June and finally the NATO summit in The Hague on the twenty fourth and twenty fifth of June. Last week a delegation of our committee visited Ottawa and Toronto. We held very productive meetings with members of the House of Commons and the Senate as well as representatives of the new Canadian government and think tanks and also representatives of the regional government of Ontario, Canada. We all know that is a vital strategic partner and important NATO ally. We are particularly grateful for the excellent cooperation with Canada in our response of the war of aggression in Ukraine bilaterally and in the G Seven. Canada plays an essential role in defending the rules based international order. Its presidency of the G Seven this year is central to that effort and Canadian leadership was clearly shown at the fifty first G Seven summit held in Alberta on the sixteenth and seventeenth of June. With that, for any further ado, I'm now pleased to give the floor to Miss Charlotte Bue, Head of Division for the United States and Canada at the European External Action Service to give us an update on the latest developments. Once again, a warm welcome. You're a regular guest in AFET. Thanks for coming. The floor is yours, madam.”
  EU competences on foreign affairs
• “Dear Oleksandr Murashko and dear colleagues from the Verkhovna Rada, thank you. Thank you for joining us today and for your insightful contributions. I think this was really valuable for our political work. To conclude our exchange of views, let me once again reiterate our unequivocal support for Ukraine and its people and express our solidarity also with the members of the Verkhovna Rada. Despite the challenges of wartime, you continue to fulfill your responsibilities with a remarkable sense of duty, ensuring steady progress on Ukraine's path towards EU membership. Dear colleagues, we look forward to the next opportunity to exchange views with you on matters of mutual interest and to further strengthen the partnership between the European Parliament and your Parliament, the Rada. Once again, thank you very much, dear colleagues. We will continue our meeting at 1130. It will be a joint meeting with the Committee on Development, so I will now adjourn this committee meeting for 25 minutes. See you all back at 1130. Thank you.”
  EU-Ukraine relations
• “Mister Valet for the ECR. Would somebody like to take the floor? That is not the case for the Renew group. Mikhail Kubosko please. Thank you Chair. I will speak in Polish.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “48:31 – 15:49:08): Well dear Commission, let me thank you for this fruitful debate on the Commission work program. I think that was very insightful. Thank you for being so patient and answering as many as possible questions. I would like to thank all colleagues for their good contributions. We can now say farewell to the team of Commissioner Zuitsa. It was once again a pleasure to have you here and we will continue in one minute with item number sixteen. Because you were sitting here, this was my problem. Yeah, yeah. I want to know. I got it. We will be Commissioner. ***Countering transnational repression – towards an EU strategy to protect Europe’s sovereignty and democratic values”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, the European Union has achieved decisive progress towards taking more responsibility for its own security over the last decade. We have created some necessary tools to do so. Initiatives such as PESCO, the European Defence Fund or just to name a few have put us in a stronger position to develop and strengthen our own security and defence capabilities. In addition, we have developed a complementary strategy outlined in the White Paper for European Defence and the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030. So from my point of view, Commissioner, you are on the right track. But dear colleagues, these tools and strategy alone are of course, not enough. The time for Zantac, as we call it in German sunshine speeches, is simply over. Now is the time to deliver on the promises we have made to our citizens and to our partners. The Member States must now close their capability gaps, improve their coordination, and significantly increase their defence investments. This requires political will, sustained commitment, and a sense of urgency. We can no longer wait. If Europe fails to meet this challenge, we will continue to be caught unprepared. As recent weeks, months and years have clearly shown, preparing for what comes next means strengthening Europe's defence capabilities, protecting our sovereignty and preserving our independence. Now, thank you very much.”
  Defence spending
• “23:01 – 17:23:15): Right thank you we had a debate on Bosnia and Herzegovina this morning and once again was underlined Bosnia and Herzegovina has three constituent peoples with three very different interests and we need to indeed reflect this Mister Biedron is next.”
  EU relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina
• “35:47 – 14:37:51): Once again, may I ask you to now be seated. Welcome back to the afternoon session of our Foreign Affairs Committee meeting. I would like to welcome Commissioner Dubravka Suica once again. Warm welcome to our Committee on Foreign Affairs. Today we have the structured dialogue on the Commission Work Program. I would like to remind all of you of the scope of this dialogue as foreseen in Annex Six of the Commission Framework Agreement with the European Parliament. During the first semester, the committee should hold exchange of views with the relevant commissioners on the state of implementation of the current Commission Work Program as well as on the priorities to be reflected in next year's work program. Therefore, let me kindly ask you to focus your questions on the current and forthcoming Commission Work Programs. Let me start by saying that we welcome the Commission's goal to continue to support and actively contribute to consolidating durable stability in the Middle East. The rising tensions in the region over the last few years have been so worrying, and the European Parliament has consistently supported conflict resolution and peace in the region, as highlighted for example in the resolution on the implementation of our Common Foreign Security Policy we adopted in April last year. I was therefore pleased to see that the European Parliament's call to develop a comprehensive EU Middle East strategy has now been answered in the Commission Work Program for 2026. We hope that this strategy will aim to increase the EU's effective presence in the region, promote long-term stability and peace, and strengthen partnerships with key regional stakeholders. That's all from my side. I will now give the floor to the commissioner for a maximum of fifteen minutes, and then we will have first the coordinators and then other colleagues ready to take the floor. Dear commissioner, once again warm welcome, Dubravka. The floor is yours.”
  EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood
• “11:33 – 16:11:49): Thank you. The left shadow rapporteur is Fernando Barena. Is he present? That is not the case for the ESN. Would somebody like to take the floor for the ESN group? Mister Volgin, please.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you. Any further questions or comments? That is not the case then. Mr. Whiteley, thank you for your availability to come to the European Parliament this morning, and we can move forward to item number 21. We're about 30 minutes ahead of our schedule this morning, but I think if everyone's on board, we can simply continue. Okay. Item number 21. We now move to the discussion on the draft report on the 2025 Commission Report on Albania, presented by the rapporteur, Andreas Schieder. While Albania has opened all negotiating clusters and is currently awaiting the interim benchmark assessment report, there is no time for complacency. Albania needs to continue working even harder as the country enters a more demanding phase of the accession negotiations. The enlargement process is a strictly merit based. Each candidate country is assessed individually on its progress in meeting the Copenhagen criteria. Adopting legislation alone is not sufficient. Real change for citizens can only be seen if the adopted reforms are effectively implemented. We appreciate that all political forces in Albania see EU membership as the most important strategic priority, but we are worried about the political polarization in the country. We encourage political stability and dialogue. It would be important that the ruling majority creates space for engagement with the opposition, and that the opposition becomes more cooperative. Violent protests are not an acceptable means in a democratic society. Our committee travelled to Montenegro and Albania just last week, and we were able to assess the progress on the ground. Some members who participated are welcome to use this opportunity also for their reflections from this visit to Albania. I would now like to give the floor to our rapporteur to present his draft report. Dear Al-Qaeda, the floor is yours for five minutes.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you, Mr. President. Madam Commissioner. It is indeed now, three weeks ago that the European Commission presented the joint communication on a new strategic eu-india agenda. It entails more than 60 concrete deliverables. This is welcome. I can underline what the commissioner said. India is indispensable for Europe's global reach and resilience. However, dear colleagues, let us be cautious. The European Union sometimes tends to overpromise. It is not the scale of our commitments, but our capacity to see them through that will, in the end define our credibility. India is in some ways a strategic litmus test for the European Union. It does not fit neatly into our categories of like minded partner. The world's most populous country is not has never been willing to be bound by traditional alliances. Instead, India pursues cooperation a la carte guided by its own national interests. This poses a challenge, but also an opportunity for the European Union. If we act pragmatically, we can build real progress in three key areas first, trade and technology, where a free trade agreement could open vast opportunities. Second, connectivity and clean energy, where India's growth and our global gateway align. And third, security and defence, where our joint maritime operation in the Indian Ocean already points the way forward. So, dear Commission, less rhetoric, more delivery. Only then can the Eu-india partnership live up to its striving potential. Thank you.”
  EU-India relations
• “Thank you Hannah for the Patriots. Nobody is present. Renew. Who would like to take the floor. For the Greens. The left. Yes. And is not appointed a shadow rapporteur. Would any else in the room like to take the floor? Then please show your hands, but is not the case, then is the representative of the eeaS, Miss Ana Isabel Sanchez-ruiz present? The floor is yours, madam.”
  EU engagement with citizens
• “Thank you. President. Europe needs to have affordable energy supply. The summit on the 26th of January in Hamburg was an important step forward. This will build a build up better cross-border planning of North Sea power in order to facilitate common projects, to create planning certainty, reduce costs and supply energy. Secondly, the European Union needs to protect against attacks against our infrastructure. That's important at national and European level. And thirdly, we can't just have announcements. We need to see a specific, tangible reaction plan which has a clear timeline and clear monitoring framework. The North Sea summit set out a clear signal for clean, secure energy in Europe. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “So we are running late, so why don't we now continue? We move on to item number 19, the presentation of the draft recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like minded partners in the region. Our rapporteur is Adam Thielen. This recommendation comes at a time when middle powers such as the European Union, but also our close partners like Japan and South Korea, need to recalibrate their foreign policy to a new world order. We already have an intense cooperation with the security and defence partnership with both countries, as well as the strategic partnership agreement with Japan and a framework agreement with the Republic of Korea. But there is scope for more cooperation. And this is what this report aims to formulate. Colleagues, our committee will visit South Korea and Japan in the week before Easter to also engage directly with our counterparts there. These exchanges can still feed into this report, as the deadline for amendments has been set for the 14th of April. Please also be informed that Inter requested to provide an opinion, which of course from my point of view is totally okay. I would now like to invite Adam Bielen to present his draft report. Adam, the floor is yours for five minutes.”
  Asia-Pacific
• “Right. Thank you very much. Director general time is limited today. So let us jump right into the exchange. We start as usual with coordinators followed by other members. Exceptionally, I will have to limit speaking time to 1.5 minutes, as we also wish to have some time for Mr. Copeman's answers. Can I just remind you once again, all questions related to the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans should be raised at the next session at 3:45, together with budge. I now give the floor to Mikhail Gahler for the EPP.”
  EU enlargement
• “51:48 – 15:53:37): So I think we better continue. It is now item number sixteen. Obviously, a number of colleagues still have the urge to have bilateral conversations with the Commissioner. Dubravka, you can continue your conversations outside. So we now move to the consideration of the draft report on countering transnational repression towards an EU strategy to protect Europe's sovereignty and democratic values. Transnational repression is a serious and under-addressed threat to democracy, human rights, state sovereignty, and security within our European Union. It has unfortunately become a normal and institutionalized practice for many countries seeking to control their citizens abroad. As a cross-border phenomenon, it requires coordinated EU action. Therefore, I welcome the work we are doing on this subject, which complements the earlier Doi own initiative report focusing more specifically on transnational repression against human rights defenders. Let me now invite the rapporteur Hannah Neumann to present her draft report. The floor is yours, dear Hannah.”
  Foreign interference in Europe
• “Right. This concludes our discussion on the next MFF. Thank you very much. This was just the first one, of course, of many, many to follow as sound financing of the European Union's external action will be of utmost importance. The vote on the opinion will take place at a committee meeting in February. With nine minutes running late, I now would like to move on to item number ten, the dialogue on the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. I would like to welcome the members of the Budget Committee, and I'm delighted to share this session together.”
  EU enlargement
• “And now, is there anyone else who would like to take the floor? Then I have been tasked by our colleague Liliana to read out her contribution. She can't be with us. It will be the following one. Dear colleagues, I would like to thank the rapporteur, Michael, for this very good draft report on the Eu-us political relations. As the EPP Group Standing Rapporteur for trade relations with the US, I have been consistently advocating for an open dialogue with the US on all policy areas. This is all the more important given the announcement last Saturday of 30% US tariffs. The EU and the US constitute the largest trade and investment partnership globally, and these tariffs would significantly harm both sides of the Atlantic. Therefore, the only possible path is that of continued dialogue and negotiations. Deepening our channels of communication is also essential as regards other policy areas, taking into account our shared interests and values, as well as ever changing threats. The draft report positively calls for close cooperation in the field of security and calls for the US to continue supporting the European security, including with military presence. This element is crucial, as we have to bear in mind that the symphony of the European pillar of NATO can become robust within some years, but it will become much stronger with cooperation with the US. The transatlantic partnership remains the cornerstone of European collective defence. The report also positively mentions the need to enhance cooperation in the field of energy security and technological innovation. In order to strengthen our communication channels with the US, all levels must be mobilized, including parliamentary diplomacy. That is key in the Eu-us cooperation, as illustrated by the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue. That was the statement I have read out on behalf of our colleague Misako. And now I will give the floor to the European Union External Action Service to comment. I am pleased that we have with us Miss Charlotte Buie, who is the head of Division for the United States and Canada. The floor is yours, madam. **SEAE/EEAS: Thank you. Chair. Honourable members, thank you very much for the report. And as always, we welcome the European Parliament's engagement in Eu-us relations. I would just maybe pick up on one point, which is the importance of outreach, to emphasize and highlight the importance of US relations and the contribution of the transatlantic partnership, be it when it comes to trade and investment, security and defence support to Ukraine. I could go on. In this context, I would highlight the role, the very important role of the EU delegation to the United States and the work it is doing. We also support the point in the report about engaging through all the channels possible, of course. Engagement with the administration is paramount and building those relationships is key and it is a top priority. Engagement is constant. We also have a very extensive network on the Hill, both in the House and in the Senate. And there I can only emphasize the importance of inter-parliamentary diplomacy, notably for the transatlantic legislative dialogue. We have also recently relaunched the EU caucus on the Hill, which was very successful and also support the idea of engaging with businesses thinktanks thereto. We have a very wide network and intense engagement. I would also highlight a message that we hear a lot, which is the need to engage beyond the Beltway. For instance, our ambassador, EU ambassador, has traveled to 20 states engaging with governors, with state legislators. This is also where you can emphasize the importance of the Eu-us partnership. And finally, also people to people link, which are still very intense. And we have many important programs in that area. And all those ties are very important in maintaining the Eu-us partnership. Thank you very much.”
  Relations with NATO
• “Okay. That's done. Well, then let me first of all, thank you for attending today's meeting. And thank you for the valuable work of the European Court of Auditors. The closing remarks will be made by the first vice chair of DEVE. Isabella Lovin.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “So we come to item number eleven. It is a pleasure to welcome you, dear Kaja Kallas, dear High Representative Vice President, to our committee today for the structured dialogue on the Commission work program. Colleagues, at the beginning, let me remind you of the scope of this dialogue as foreseen in Annex Four of the European Parliament Commission Framework Agreement. During the first semester, the committee should hold exchanges of views with the relevant commissioners on the state of implementation of the current Commission work program as well as on the priorities to be reflected in next year's work program. Therefore, colleagues, I would kindly ask you to focus your questions on the current and forthcoming Commission work programs. Dear Kaja, let me start by welcoming the external action priorities outlined in the Commission work program for 2026. Certainly, in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, it is essential that the European Union continues to project stability and remains firmly committed to the rules-based international order. We note in particular the continued focus on supporting Ukraine, including through sustained political, financial, and military assistance as well as support for reconstruction and Ukraine's progress on its European path. We welcome the continued commitment to maintain and expand sanctions aimed at weakening the Russian war machine. We also, dear Kaja Kallas, welcome the planned initiatives concerning the EU's neighborhood, including the rollout of the Pact for the Mediterranean and the forthcoming EU strategy for the Middle East. This European Parliament has repeatedly called for a more coherent EU approach to the region aimed at promoting stability, addressing humanitarian needs, and supporting democratic governance. Finally, we note that these initiatives come at a time of increasing geopolitical volatility with ongoing instability in several regions and increasing risks of spillovers. In this context, we also welcome the initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic resilience and addressing challenges such as disinformation, cyberattacks, and foreign interference. So having said that, we now look forward to hearing more about how these priorities will be taken forward in the coming year. I now give you the floor for fifteen minutes and once again a warm welcome to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament. The floor is yours.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “So good morning everyone. Warm welcome to today's meeting. Dear colleagues, if there are no objections, I propose to adopt the agenda as it stands under item number one. We can do that. Uh, my announcements are brief. Our meeting today is, as usual, being web streamed. We have interpretation available in more or less all languages. Then my announcements concerning the coordinators decisions, the record of decisions of the coordinators meeting, which took place on the 1st of December, has been uploaded on the intranet. It will be attached to the minutes of our meeting. Item number three is the presentation of the study on how to use the maximum of potential of the EU Taiwan Corporation. What can the European Union learn from the United States and other actors. Taiwan. Dear colleagues, as we all know, is a like minded partner of the EU and the Indo-Pacific. The EU and Taiwan share fundamental values freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This is why peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea are not merely issues of regional security concern. They carry global significance directly impacting worldwide stability. The rules based international order and free trade.”
  Relations with Taiwan
• “No, sorry. I chair this committee, not you. And I don't think you would find a majority to chair this committee. So please.”
  EU political integration
• “So those who would like to leave the room are invited to actually do so. And we welcome. Possibly new colleagues. Item number ten and 11 are is a joint debate. This is the draft recommendation on the proposal for the Council. Decision on the conclusion of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Andorra, as well as San Marino respectively, and also a corresponding interim report. We will discuss these two items jointly, and we have 30 minutes for these two items. Colleagues in light of the current challenging geopolitical realities. This agreement aims at strengthening our political and economic ties with our close like minded partners and neighbours. It is the most comprehensive agreement that the EU has concluded with any third country. While the examination of the agreement continues in the council, Parliament is advancing preparatory steps in view of the expected request for consent. I would now like to invite our rapporteur, Juliana Zovko, to present her draft recommendation and draft report. Juliana, you have the floor for amazing. Five minutes.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you. For the left. The two shadow rapporteurs are Ursula and Isabel Sanchez who would like to take the floor. Are they present but is not the case. And for the ESM the two shadows are Alexander Zelle and Marc Jongen. Mr. Jongen, would you like to take the floor, please? Yes.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “01:42 – 16:02:20): That was the most important sentence for the records. The High Representative Vice President has announced that the European Parliament will be consulted and involved. Dear colleagues, this is a long list of colleagues who will take the floor. We will do the following in a very transparent manner. This is by the way a dehunt list and Marty has noted the names. We will go through the list until twenty past four because the High Representative has to leave at half past and she needs at least ten minutes. So let's see how far we get. The first is and it's one minute and in our committee one minute is sixty seconds. One minute Miss Sofko is first.”
  EU competences on foreign affairs
• “Thank you Hannah for the Patriots. Nobody is present. Renew. Who would like to take the floor. For the Greens. The left. Yes. And is not appointed a shadow rapporteur. Would any else in the room like to take the floor? Then please show your hands, but is not the case, then is the representative of the eeaS, Miss Ana Isabel Sanchez-ruiz present? The floor is yours, madam.”
  EU engagement with citizens
• “Thank you. Any further questions or comments? That is not the case then. Mr. Whiteley, thank you for your availability to come to the European Parliament this morning, and we can move forward to item number 21. We're about 30 minutes ahead of our schedule this morning, but I think if everyone's on board, we can simply continue. Okay. Item number 21. We now move to the discussion on the draft report on the 2025 Commission Report on Albania, presented by the rapporteur, Andreas Schieder. While Albania has opened all negotiating clusters and is currently awaiting the interim benchmark assessment report, there is no time for complacency. Albania needs to continue working even harder as the country enters a more demanding phase of the accession negotiations. The enlargement process is a strictly merit based. Each candidate country is assessed individually on its progress in meeting the Copenhagen criteria. Adopting legislation alone is not sufficient. Real change for citizens can only be seen if the adopted reforms are effectively implemented. We appreciate that all political forces in Albania see EU membership as the most important strategic priority, but we are worried about the political polarization in the country. We encourage political stability and dialogue. It would be important that the ruling majority creates space for engagement with the opposition, and that the opposition becomes more cooperative. Violent protests are not an acceptable means in a democratic society. Our committee travelled to Montenegro and Albania just last week, and we were able to assess the progress on the ground. Some members who participated are welcome to use this opportunity also for their reflections from this visit to Albania. I would now like to give the floor to our rapporteur to present his draft report. Dear Al-Qaeda, the floor is yours for five minutes.”
  EU enlargement
• “So, dear colleagues, if I may now ask you to be seated. I would like to welcome you, and I would also like to welcome our friends and colleagues from Ukraine. We are very pleased to have an exchange of views now with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Interparliamentary Cooperation of the Rada of Ukraine. We can today discuss the current situation in Ukraine and Ukraine's progress towards EU accession. Please note that for this item we will have Ukrainian interpretation. I'm very pleased to see our Ukrainian friends and colleagues joining us online. We sincerely appreciate your commitment to be with us today from Ukraine, especially given the additional challenges posed by the war and the continued Russian attacks across the country, including the capital, Kyiv. I would like to once again express our firm and unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and its people in their fight for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union will continue to stand by Ukraine, providing the necessary humanitarian, military, political and economic support for as long as necessary to secure a just and lasting peace in accordance with the will of the people of Ukraine. Although Russia continues to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine, the European Union and Ukraine continue to move forward. This morning's meeting takes place in a somewhat. If I could say so. Positive context. Notably, the disbursement of the long awaited €90 billion Ukraine loan can now finally start.”
  EU-Ukraine relations
• “Thank you, Petrus, for the Greens who would like to take the floor. Billy Shindle, please. **Villy SØVNDALThank you very much for this opportunity to speak to you in a situation where there's a lot of promising development, not only by the front line, but also after the Hungarian election where all the blockades are lifted on loans. Also in the 20th sanctions package, but also on membership negotiations. But also as the Russian seems to be into increasing problems, both economically but also recruiting soldiers. So how do we seize this moment to help you? The best, the best way. I think European and EU should step up in this situation and use this chance Were you in a good situation and in a not so good situation, to make the progress which might define the coming time? But what are the limits for you? When I visited Ukraine, the limit was more finance than weapon delivery, because there's Ukraine capacity for producing weapons, which is not used. Is that still the case? What should we push our member countries for economic aid or military aid? Could you say a bit about that? Uh, and another question also, just a wish for you to keep up the speed on reforms, but also on the fight against corruption. These are very important to be able to see you as a members of this Parliament, which would be our big wish. So when you think us, I think we should thank you. You are dependent on us. But Europe is also very dependent on what you do. Thank you very much.”
  EU-Ukraine relations
• “So we are running late, so why don't we now continue? We move on to item number 19, the presentation of the draft recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like minded partners in the region. Our rapporteur is Adam Thielen. This recommendation comes at a time when middle powers such as the European Union, but also our close partners like Japan and South Korea, need to recalibrate their foreign policy to a new world order. We already have an intense cooperation with the security and defence partnership with both countries, as well as the strategic partnership agreement with Japan and a framework agreement with the Republic of Korea. But there is scope for more cooperation. And this is what this report aims to formulate. Colleagues, our committee will visit South Korea and Japan in the week before Easter to also engage directly with our counterparts there. These exchanges can still feed into this report, as the deadline for amendments has been set for the 14th of April. Please also be informed that Inter requested to provide an opinion, which of course from my point of view is totally okay. I would now like to invite Adam Bielen to present his draft report. Adam, the floor is yours for five minutes.”
  EU policy on the Indo-Pacific region
• “We continue with the next item in one minute. You very much dear Kaya. Let's continue today's meeting it's been a long long day nonetheless I'm now happy to welcome our good friend Yerji Pomyanovsky the executive director of the European Endowment for Democracy. It's a good established tradition that once a year the executive director presents the EED's report in our committee and this will allow us to reflect on the state of democracy in our neighborhood and beyond. Colleagues since we're running late I will just say one more sentence the European Endowment for Democracy has demonstrated the importance of flexible support for democratic actors across the neighborhood and this at a time when funding is shrinking and geopolitical challenges are intensifying its role has become more critical than ever. And now Yaji you're ready you were just at the PSC ambassadors now you're here in the AFET committee please let us know more about the ED's achievements and activities in the year twenty twenty five.”
  Funding for EU Neighbourhood
• “22:51 – 16:25:18): Thank you, colleagues. The deadline for amendments is set on the fourth of March at four in the afternoon. The vote in AFET is planned on the fifth of May and with that we move on to our final item on today's agenda. This is item number fifteen. It is for consideration six one seventeen, so it's number seventeen as I've been informed. Anyhow, it is for consideration of the draft recommendation on promoting transnational governance on water in the interest of conflict prevention and peace. Access to safe water, I don't have to tell you, is a fundamental human right yet scarcity is escalating due to societal overuse and pollution and climate change exacerbating instability worldwide. More than a hundred and fifty countries share transboundary river basins, many of which are in fragile regions where poor management and weak policies fuel conflicts, displacement, and humanitarian crisis. In armed conflicts, water access is increasingly restricted and also used as a weapon against civilian population and critical infrastructure is deliberately destroyed for tactical advantage. The European Union already employs tools like ENDICHI, Global Europe, and water diplomacy but these efforts require better focused coordination and collaboration with river and states to foster effective regional cooperation to prevent conflicts. European Union must deepen its engagement through political dialogue, mediation, and capacity building prioritizing inclusive governance and support for vulnerable communities. Recognizing transnational water governance as a strategic priority in our foreign policy is essential for long-term stability, security, and also sustainable development. Dear colleagues, let me inform you that the DAVA committee will provide an opinion. Now I invite the rapporteur Mister Leo Luka Orlando to present the draft report. Mister Orlando, the floor is yours for five minutes. Thank you.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Once again, anyone else who would like to take the floor? That is not the case. Well, Miss Bue, I would just like to really underline two observations which colleagues who traveled to Canada last week have already presented. The first one is we did get a number of questions why ten of our member states still haven't ratified the agreement and I think the member states can do better. It's very difficult to explain, although on the one hand we praise Canada for being such a close, reliable partner and ally, and on the other hand ten member states have not found the time or the opportunity to ratify. The European Parliament has been outspoken on this but I think we should be more outspoken. We need to get it done. This is not sustainable. And the second point, what Javier Sanchez Moreno mentioned, CETA is a success story. The numbers are going up but it's also fair to say that a lot of small and medium sized businesses in Canada don't know much about CETA. And I think that we all have some work to do in making this agreement and especially the opportunities also for Canadian businesses in the European Union. We need to make that more, we need to be more vocal and we need to be more visible on this. These were two takeaways I had from our three days in Ottawa and Toronto. So back to you, I would say if you can sum up in ten minutes because the next item will be at four, please.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “Regretfully, in recent years, we have observed cross-strait dynamics becoming increasingly tense, with the People's Republic of China adopting ever more assertive postures towards Taiwan. The European Union, from my point of view, should pursue closer cooperation with Taiwan, in line with its One China policy, to expand partnerships in areas of common interest and share expertise in countering hybrid threats. Challenge faced by both our regions. Now. I look forward to hearing from the authors of this study about lessons we can draw from other international actors to deepen our engagement with Taiwan. I therefore welcome any sitting exactly next to me. Mr. Julio Pugliese from the European University Institute in Florence and King's College London, and Mr. Aurelio Incisa from the Istituto Affari Internazionali in Rome. The authors of his in-depth analysis. So, gentlemen, a warm welcome to both of you. And we will now kick off with the presentation of Mr. Pugliese. And afterwards I will give the floor to Mr. Incisa for this entire item. Dear colleagues, we have time until 10:00. So roughly 35, 40 minutes before we then continue with our public hearing on the illegal settlements in the West Bank. Mr. Pugliese, please.”
  Relations with Taiwan
• “And it's very special for me, and I would like to really warmly welcome Miss Lima, Lucia and Regina from the European Court of Auditors. Dear Lima, you have been a member of this House for many years. So a warm welcome back to you personally. We will hear the court's presentation of its recently published opinion on the proposal establishing the Global Europe instrument. This instrument will shape the EU's external financing under the next MFF. It introduces important changes, notably greater flexibility in how funds are allocated. In this context, the opinion of the Court of Auditors is particularly valuable for us in Parliament. A number of points raised by the court resonate with concerns that we have repeatedly expressed in our discussions on EU internal financing. This includes the need to maintain a proper balance between flexibility and predictability to ensure transparency in the allocation of resources, and to safeguard our role as Parliament in overseeing the use of these funds. So the court's assessment will therefore provide important guidance for our work as we begin examining this proposal. Now, before giving Lima Andrikiene of the floor, I would now like to invite my colleague, the first Vice Chair of the Committee on Development, to add a few words, please. Isabelle.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you. Let me just confirm what Barry Andrews just said. I'm glad that there is a deal now, which we hope to vote on in a few weeks time and then conclude the file in the March plenary. This file was rather technical in nature, but the impact on EU external action will be real, and there will be close to €500 million in funds freed up to be used in the instrument. My Co-rapporteur Charles Goerens and myself together with our teams. We try to work very hard and overall, I'm glad to say that Parliament was very forthcoming in what we did not challenge the basic premise at all, and made no amendments to the enacting terms and articles. However, we did make amendments to the recitals to ensure this technical adjustment serves clear political goals and improves the effectiveness of the EU's external action. The geopolitical context between the time when Nike Global Europe was adopted in 2021 and today obviously has clearly changed. We simply operate in a different world today and this has certain consequences for our external action. I believe it was important to highlight these overall. With this codecision file, Parliament and Council agreed to cut red tape and unlock additional resources for external action at a time when this is highly necessary. Now, I don't see and hear my co-chair from diva, but I'm very sure that he would have simply agreed with my words because we had an excellent cooperation.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• “51:48 – 15:53:37): So I think we better continue. It is now item number sixteen. Obviously, a number of colleagues still have the urge to have bilateral conversations with the Commissioner. Dubravka, you can continue your conversations outside. So we now move to the consideration of the draft report on countering transnational repression towards an EU strategy to protect Europe's sovereignty and democratic values. Transnational repression is a serious and under-addressed threat to democracy, human rights, state sovereignty, and security within our European Union. It has unfortunately become a normal and institutionalized practice for many countries seeking to control their citizens abroad. As a cross-border phenomenon, it requires coordinated EU action. Therefore, I welcome the work we are doing on this subject, which complements the earlier Doi own initiative report focusing more specifically on transnational repression against human rights defenders. Let me now invite the rapporteur Hannah Neumann to present her draft report. The floor is yours, dear Hannah.”
  Foreign interference in Europe
• “Thank you. Andreas. Colleagues, the deadline for amendments for Andrea's report is set on the 12th of March at 12:00. We hope to vote on the report in our committee on the 5th of May. Thank you for all your contributions. And without any further ado, I suggest that we move on to the final report. We are dealing with today. This is the discussion on the draft report on the 2025 Commission Report on North Macedonia, presented by our rapporteur, Thomas White. A few introductory remarks from my side. North Macedonia is a candidate country since 2005, and has successfully completed the so-called screening process in December 2023. Unfortunately, the process did not advance since as constitutional changes which have been made conditional by the Council have not yet been implemented. North Macedonia is, however, advancing in other areas, such as the implementation of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans or the integration into the Single Euro Payments Area. Sepa substantial work still lies ahead of North Macedonia's path to EU membership, but with political dedication, the current deadlock could be overcome. I would now like to give the floor to our rapporteur to present his draft report. Dear Tomas, the floor is yours.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you. Thanks to our Head of Division from the EEA Ms Bue. We were in Canada last week. A number of colleagues are present. They will take the floor and can also share their impressions but a lot of what you just presented more or less was also reflected during our meetings. By the way crossbench, not only meeting the ruling party but also the opposition. I now get the floor first to the Chair for delegation to Canada Javier Moreno Sanchez. Welcome. **Javier MORENO SÁNCHEZ (Spain, S&D): Thank you Chair. Good afternoon everybody. Thank you very much for that presentation. I just wanted to say that the Canadians and most European citizens outside of Europe, I was able to participate with Chair McAllister and other colleagues in the mission and I certainly had that sensation confirmed as well as the need to gain closer ties in a complicated socioeconomic situation. Their view is that they have to have a relation with their neighbors in the south. They can't change who their neighbors are and although it's complicated they have to focus on that as well as closing ties with us.”
  EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood
• “14:51 – 17:15:13): Thank you Mister Lazo you could also reach out to the Hungarian representative who sits on the board of governors so now just saying that next time you're in Budapest you can reach out to your own government also Adam Bilen for the ECR is not present then Bernard Getter for Renew.”
  Rule of law in Hungary
• “44:15 – 15:45:15): Right, that concludes the first round. First the coordinators and then the Chair of our Subcommittee. Colleagues, we have noted more than twenty-five colleagues who want to take the floor on the second round but before I hand over to Kaya Kallas, perhaps I can just ask one very simple question. As Chairman of AFET, I was curious about the new security strategy that has been announced. I would like to know from you how will this new security strategy relate to existing strategies like the economic security strategy, the Global Gateway initiative or the Strategic Compass? And more importantly for our colleagues, how will the European Parliament be consulted in accordance with the treaty rules and will the EAS commit to structured consultations with AFET before the strategy is finalized? And now I hand over to you for the first round. Perhaps you can try to do it in ten minutes so we have sufficient time but it's up to you. But lots of colleagues want to ask also questions.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for giving me the floor and for inviting me. And I would, first of all, like to underline what a number of colleagues had said. This is a positive step forward. The Mercosur agreement is not only an economic opportunity, but also a political necessity. And I am very sure that on the parliamentary side, the Trade Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee will work closely together. I would like to inform colleagues that the coordinators have decided that in the end of May, we will be sending a delegation of Foreign Affairs members to two of the four Mercosur countries, Uruguay and Argentina. My question is for following Ivekovic, and I know that some of our colleagues have already raised this question, but I would like to have a bit more information. Can you tell us more about the legal architecture of the agreement. In December 2024, the Commission declared that, quote, the legal basis of the final Eu-mercosur agreement will be determined after an assessment of the outcome of the negotiations, and this will then be reflected in the Commission's proposal when it submits the agreement for ratification to the Council and to us in the European Parliament. So when can we expect this, and have you conclude your assessment of the outcome of the negotiations? Because, of course, this will then have an impact on the ratification scenarios, and we will have to, in the end, decide whether we want to have a solution, like with the Canada agreement, with the Chile agreement or with the Singapore agreement. And then a final point, you, as a commission already in 2019, published the chapters of the Trade Pillar. But in preparing for this meeting, I was looking at the External Action Service in charge of the negotiations on the Political Dialogue and Cooperation pillar. They have not published their text yet. At least to my knowledge. Although the corresponding negotiations already concluded in July 2020. So, do you have by any chance, any idea when we could expect this pillar also to be published?”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you, Michael, for your contribution. Thanks, colleague, for your participation in this lively debate. Eu, US relations will certainly be discussed in this committee in the upcoming months. We are looking forward to Michael Sheba's own initiative report, and the Afet Committee will also be visiting the United States in July. Coordinators have agreed on this, so I'm looking forward to a number of exchanges of views with representatives of the new administration and members of Congress. What I heard from all three speakers today was parliamentary diplomacy. We need to reach out. I have said for many years, way before the last US elections, we need to make the effort to reach out to both sides of the aisle, not only Democrats. We need to meet Republicans, even though sometimes these meetings might be slightly more challenging for us. But the Republicans are in power, and we need to find ways of communication also with the Republicans. And the second thing is, if we reach out, please let us not only spend 100% of our time in Washington, get out of DC, go to the 50 states. And I think particularly important was your advice that especially the swing states are of interest for US effort. For instance, on our last mission to the US, we didn't only go to DC, we went to Wisconsin. And I think we learned a lot in Wisconsin. Also, how Republicans and Democrats deal with each other at a state level. So I would like to thank our guest speakers in Washington and Mr. Valesky here in Brussels, and we can now immediately move on to the next item that will be then items number ten and 11. Thank you. ***10. Conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement establishing an association between the European Union and the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino respectively; ***11. Interim report in view of the consent procedure on the Agreement establishing an association between the EU and the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino”
  EU-US relations
• “So we are running late, so why don't we now continue? We move on to item number 19, the presentation of the draft recommendation on the changing geopolitical situation in East Asia and the need for closer cooperation with like minded partners in the region. Our rapporteur is Adam Thielen. This recommendation comes at a time when middle powers such as the European Union, but also our close partners like Japan and South Korea, need to recalibrate their foreign policy to a new world order. We already have an intense cooperation with the security and defence partnership with both countries, as well as the strategic partnership agreement with Japan and a framework agreement with the Republic of Korea. But there is scope for more cooperation. And this is what this report aims to formulate. Colleagues, our committee will visit South Korea and Japan in the week before Easter to also engage directly with our counterparts there. These exchanges can still feed into this report, as the deadline for amendments has been set for the 14th of April. Please also be informed that Inter requested to provide an opinion, which of course from my point of view is totally okay. I would now like to invite Adam Bielen to present his draft report. Adam, the floor is yours for five minutes.”
  EU policy on the Indo-Pacific region
• “So we're running late, colleagues. Let me thank Director General Kaufman. It was very helpful to receive an update on where things stand in your vast portfolio, and I look forward to continuing our regular exchanges of views very soon. And welcome you again to our committee. Before I come to the next point, can I just welcome at least for longer serving colleagues and staff members will remember him. Somebody very special to our committee sitting next to the director general. It's an old acquaintance of all people. Gillian Cramp is back. A warm welcome to the Foreign Affairs Committee. Hardly any of you will still remember him. But he used to be the young man working in the Afet Secretariat. And now he's an even younger man back in the commission. So I now come to the next item that is the dialogue on the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. I would like to hand over the chair now to our new vice chair, Hana Jalloul Muro, who will chair the meeting together with Janusz Lewandowski for budge. Please.”
  EU competences on foreign affairs
• “Mister Braun, it might have missed your attention the name of Canada is Canada and not the name you used. By the way, Canada is a member of the Commonwealth realm. It's not a republic. And now I give the floor to Mister Di Rupo. **Elio Di Rupo (Belgium, S&D): Thank you chair, unlike the previous colleague to speak, my image of Karen and Canada is a positive one and I believe that we need to enhance our cooperation for the reasons you're familiar with. Just one question: when we were working with CETA or working on the CETA, and this is back in 2016 October, the European Council allowed the provisional application of all of the exclusive authorities of the EU in trade with Canada as regards the settlement of disputes. We are, however, still awaiting for nine countries to adopt the treaty and two countries, France and Cyprus, have voted against in their parliament. So the question is, how are disputes currently settled? We had a system which the Commission wanted to change with sitting judges which is applied in treaties with Vietnam and Singapore. But the fact that this hasn't come into effect due to nine countries not yet approving it means that we're in a bit of a limbo. So what is happening there?”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “59:08 – 14:59:27): Thank you for the patriots. I don't see a representative present for the ECR. Adam Bilan is on my list, not present for Renew. Who would like to take the floor? Helmut Braun Stetter, please.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you Michel for the S&D Nacho Sanchez Amor. **Nacho Sánchez Amor (Spain, S&D): Thank you I will speak Spanish this is an agreement which I think is of great importance and is very broad and which is going to actually bring commercial agreements as well through the agreement and I think because of the volume of interest here I think that we can compare this with we cannot compare this with other agreements with countries which are smaller perhaps than than this huge elephant sized country. This is a perfect reflection of our new foreign policy because I because of what's included and what's missing so we're looking at the the the issue of concern that Europe has looking around the world for agreements at an international in an initial climate which is very difficult and to say that many of our partners know that we're we're really anxious to get agreements and they use this actually to their benefit in many areas. So this is an agreement I think which perfectly reflects the way in which we are shaping our foreign policy which has nothing to do with article two article three of the of the treaty on human rights so I think that the the we're looking at connectivity security and defense and and technology now what are we talking about we're talking about things that we used to talk about with countries that are less important or less large even though we weren't very interested in them but we need to look at human rights and the way in which they deal with religious and minorities questions related to how there is financial extortion carried out against NGOs like the human rights issues where people are held without a judgment over five six years they're imprisoned all of these issues that we we quote I don't need people to tell me that there are four or five different references to human rights in the in the in the declaration there are references to human rights in areas which are linked to digital the digital scope to the candidacy of India for a member of the council of national human rights at the UN so but what you've got to look at is what the United Nations is saying on human rights record in in India there's no real insistence on our principles and values and I think that that is something that the Parliament should actually question because we have got to at least some of my colleagues I think have got to those of us who continue thinking that our foreign policy should actually be based on on on on a on on principles for so if it's a commercial agreement if it's a trade agreement are we really going to have the are we really going to be able to defend the rights of workers and the rights of these trade unions or are we going to actually just ignore that too thank you.”
  EU-India relations
• “So good morning everyone. A second time. Let's continue our meeting. We now move on to the next item on our agenda. This is the public hearing on EU, US relations. This is of course a very timely hearing as we can all experience on a daily basis when reading the news. It is furthermore timely as Afet is preparing an own initiative report on the same subject, and this hearing is meant to feed into the process. Since the new US administration took office on the 20th of January, hardly a day has passed without news from Washington, which many on this side of the Atlantic might have found worrying, be it regarding the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the Paris Agreement, the International Criminal Court or trade tariffs, just to name a few examples. People on this side of the Atlantic are quite often puzzled about comments made by US officials regarding democracy or the freedom of speech in Europe, where we obviously have a very different approach on what is needed for a defence of democracy. Still, the United States and the European Union remain close partners, be it in the framework of NATO cooperation or regarding international security. The promotion of Western values around the globe or research cooperation. The US and the EU are also closely linked through economic relations between our two large markets. So regardless of different points of views on certain policies, our strong relationship is there to stay, and we should try to do the utmost to overcome differences and work hard to pursue our common interests. I would now like to give the floor for his introductory remarks to our standing rapporteur, in effort for the relations with the US. Michal. Szczerba, please. Michal.”
  EU-US relations
• “I don't have to tell you that since the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the security situation in Europe has changed dramatically. This requires an urgent rethink of the EU's neighbourhood and enlargement policy. You are all aware of the developments since then, and we must continue to support our friends in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe in their EU aspirations. On the positive side, we have seen the opening of two negotiation clusters with Albania in the second half of last year and a further one last month, and we are expecting more in the months to come. On the negative side, unfortunately Bosnia and Herzegovina has still not managed to adopt a reform agenda in the framework of the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. We expect the Commission to support those countries that face difficulties in implementing reforms and to accelerate accession negotiations with those countries who are ready. So having said this, and without any further ado, I will now give the floor to our Commissioner for ten minutes, and then we will have the exchange of views as we do this always in this committee. And this will then be chaired by our vice chair, Hanna Murru. Please. The floor is yours for ten minutes.”
  EU enlargement
• “There is no need to tell you that we are facing accelerating authoritarian pressure, a weakened multilateral system, and rising global competition. We believe as Parliament, the European Union must respond with greater union unity, with greater resilience and capacity to act. Our report is, of course, a response to your Council report concerning the main aspects and basic choices of a CFSP and CSDp. The vote in plenary is always combined with a plenary debate with you under the article 36 debate. We are looking forward to it. And now I would like to give you the floor without any further ado. Colleagues, we have the following structure for today. The High Representative Vice President will speak for 15 minutes. Then we will have a first round of coordinators taking the floor. Then the High Representative Vice President will respond. And if time then allows, I will give the floor to further members according to the catch the eye procedure. And we have to conclude today's meeting on time at 12:00. So without any further ado, I give the floor to you. Once again, a warm welcome to the Foreign Affairs Committee.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Thank you. Any further questions or comments? That is not the case then. Mr. Whiteley, thank you for your availability to come to the European Parliament this morning, and we can move forward to item number 21. We're about 30 minutes ahead of our schedule this morning, but I think if everyone's on board, we can simply continue. Okay. Item number 21. We now move to the discussion on the draft report on the 2025 Commission Report on Albania, presented by the rapporteur, Andreas Schieder. While Albania has opened all negotiating clusters and is currently awaiting the interim benchmark assessment report, there is no time for complacency. Albania needs to continue working even harder as the country enters a more demanding phase of the accession negotiations. The enlargement process is a strictly merit based. Each candidate country is assessed individually on its progress in meeting the Copenhagen criteria. Adopting legislation alone is not sufficient. Real change for citizens can only be seen if the adopted reforms are effectively implemented. We appreciate that all political forces in Albania see EU membership as the most important strategic priority, but we are worried about the political polarization in the country. We encourage political stability and dialogue. It would be important that the ruling majority creates space for engagement with the opposition, and that the opposition becomes more cooperative. Violent protests are not an acceptable means in a democratic society. Our committee travelled to Montenegro and Albania just last week, and we were able to assess the progress on the ground. Some members who participated are welcome to use this opportunity also for their reflections from this visit to Albania. I would now like to give the floor to our rapporteur to present his draft report. Dear Al-Qaeda, the floor is yours for five minutes.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you. So I don't hear any other requests. See any other requests to take the floor so we can give the floor back to our rapporteur. Let me just add that I had the honour of visiting Andorra and San Marino in 2023, and I'm very happy that I think nobody this morning used the word the forbidden word of microstate, because that's a pardon. Exactly. Because that's what I learned, that they hate that we use this kind of word. So they are small states. And the second thing is Mr. von Lingen speaking. I remember having a wonderful evening with the Foreign Minister of San Marino and also representatives in Andorra. We should always bear in mind that our administrative capacities as EU Commission are slightly larger than theirs, and that sometimes they have the impression that they are so overwhelmed by the huge administrative capacities we have that somebody actually said that sometimes it's like negotiating with a bulldozer. So I think we should always be very cautious and always addressing the extreme challenges they have with their tiny administrative capacities to really implement all the regulations coming from the EU. And now, Julianna.”
  EU enlargement
• “Please be seated. We come to our last item of a long, long committee day. This is the presentation of the study commissioned by our committee titled Addressing the Nature and Impact of Organized Crime on the International Scene Understanding and Legislating for the Role of Organized Crime Groups as Geopolitical Actors. This study looks at how organized crime groups have evolved into transnational geopolitical actors, and offers policy recommendations on how to hold them to account. This concerns both international, legal and EU levels. The paper was commissioned by Parliament Services to Icarus, Poland, that hired the experts working at the Royal United Services Institute in the UK. Rusi in short. Which was has nothing to do with Russia. No, indeed. It's RUSI joining us in the room today. We have who's sitting next to me, Mr. Mark Williams, a research fellow and programme manager in the organised crime and policing team at RUSI, who is the lead author of the study, and doctor Joanna de Dios Perera, who is a senior research fellow at RUSI specialising on counter-terrorism and the prevention and countering violent extremism. We welcome you to our committee. We thank you for being with us today. Before we start, allow me to mention, as usual, that the views of the experts expressed today and in the study do not necessarily represent official European Parliament positions. I suggest that we first give the floor to Mr. Williams for about ten minutes, and then we'll have a brief exchange of views. We're good in time. So, dear Mr. Williams. Welcome.”
  EU policy on criminal justice
• “11:33 – 16:11:49): Thank you. The left shadow rapporteur is Fernando Barena. Is he present? That is not the case for the ESN. Would somebody like to take the floor for the ESN group? Mister Volgin, please.”
  EU political integration
• “22:40 – 16:22:58): Thank you Mister Brown. I just want to say because you're always seeking for attention I know you by now but on behalf of this committee I completely reject your antisemitic remarks you've just said. You will not repeat this in this committee. Could you please elaborate to the High Representative?”
  Jewish culture and antisemitism
• “04:05 – 15:09:27): Thank you for your concluding remarks, dear colleagues. The deadline for amendments for this report is set on the twenty-first of April at four o'clock in the afternoon and we hope to vote on the report in our committee in June. That leads us to item number eleven. Is the High Representative Vice President anywhere near the committee room? She's on her way, very close, so why don't we just adjourn this meeting for one or two minutes? She'll be with us any moment. So ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you now to be seated and may I ask our guests to now pay attention. ***Structured Dialogue on the Commission Work Programme: Exchange of views with Kaja Kallas, High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy”
  EU competences on foreign affairs
• “The 20th sanctions package has been adopted. And most importantly, we expect member states to finally open the accession negotiation clusters with Ukraine. I'm also pleased to inform you that last week, in an emergency procedure, Parliament gave its consent for the EU to accede to the convention on the International Claims Commission for Ukraine. Coming back to the topic of this morning's discussion, we recognise and we commend the pivotal role of the Verkhovna Rada in Ukraine's accession process. We look forward to hearing the challenges you are facing, as well as your assessment of the current situation on the ground. Dear colleagues from the Rada, your work on accession related reforms is bringing your country closer to EU membership. This represents a tremendous effort, particularly in the context of war, on which I would like to congratulate. With that in mind, let me encourage you to build on the positive momentum to accelerate Ukraine's accession process. Further progress on the remaining reforms and the prevention of backsliding, particularly with regard to the rule of law and the fight against corruption, is and remains crucial. Without any further ado, I would now give the floor to Mr. Alexander Murashko, the chair of the committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, on foreign policy and interparliamentary cooperation, for his introductory remarks. I hope you are connected, and I give you the floor for three minutes. Voila.”
  EU enlargement
• “So good morning everyone. Please be seated now. We would like to commence today's effort meeting. Item number one is the adoption of the agenda. If there are no objections from your side, then I propose to adopt the agenda. As it stands. Item number two. Our meeting today is as usually being web streamed. Be aware of that. And we have interpretation available in the following languages English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak and Bulgarian. No. Estonian, at least according to my speaking notes. Then, item number three, I would like to very warmly welcome to our extraordinary meeting today, the High Representative and Vice President, Kaja Kallas. Warm welcome to you, dear Kaja, to your committee in the European Parliament. Thank you for being with us today to share with us how you see the current priorities of the upcoming months in the field of the Common Foreign Security and Policy. As you may know, on the 2nd of December, we adopted in our committee the annual report on the implementation of the EU CFSP for 2025. The report, from my point of view, sets out a clear and strategic orientation for the European Union's foreign policy at a time of rapidly growing instability.”
  EU foreign policy approach