Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE

Policy topics Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE is active on

What Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE has said (10)

• 2026-07-07 “(13:33:31 - 13:35:01): The European Union needs to strengthen its ties with strategic allies, and Mexico is 1 of them, not only because of the economic ties, but because we share history, shared interests, also a responsibility to defend a rules based international order. And it's precisely, well, because we do want this kind of alliance, we cannot only talk about this in economic terms. It's we can't focus only on the economic relations. We have to if we want the agreement to stand the test of time, we have to be able to, also look at what we defend, legal certainty, solid institutions, independence of the judiciary, and full respect of democratic principles and human rights. Trust between partners, does not come from silence but, from, reciprocal resilience. And this is what we have with Mexico. Governments negotiate agreements, but it's the parliaments that confer the legitimate democracy on these agreements, and confer their continuity. And this is why, as, chair of the parliament, joint parliamentary delegation for the EU and Mexico, I'd like to thank both of the reporters, Javier Lopez and Borje Jimenez Laraf, for the excellent work that they've done on their reports and also, the ambassadors of Mexico and, the European Union because they have helped us for the 1st time to make sure that the European Parliament was present, when an agreement was”
  EU relations with left-wing Latin America
• 2026-07-07 “What the European Union needs to strengthen its ties with strategic allies and Mexico is one of them, not only because of the economic ties. But because we share history, shared interests, and also a responsibility to defend a rules based international order, and is precisely. Well, because we do want this kind of alliance, we cannot only talk about this in economic terms. It's we can't focus only on the economic relations that we have to. If we want the agreement to stand the test of time, we have to be able to also look at what we defend legal certainty, solid institutions, the independence of the judiciary, and full respect of democratic principles and human rights. Trust between partners does not come from silence, but from reciprocal resilience. And this is what we have with Mexico. Governments negotiate agreements, but it's the parliaments that can further legitimate democracy on these agreements and confer their continuity. And this is why, as chair of the Parliament, joint parliamentary delegation for the EU and Mexico. I'd like to thank both the rapporteurs, Gaby Lopez and Borge Gimenez, for the excellent work that they've done on their reports and also the ambassadors of Mexico and the European Union, because they have helped us for the first time to make sure that the European Parliament was present when an agreement was signed. And I would also like to thank the bosses in the Commission and Council.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-06-16 “31:55 – 10:33:23): Thank you very much, madam president, madam vice president. The markets are happy. Oil industry is happy, but supporters of the Iranian regime are the happiest. Let me tell you in business language that is now so fashioned what is really happening. We are confronted with a classical negative business model. I create the problem. I give you the solution. Well, I have news for you all. The problem is there. In this case, this ceasefire is a patch. It's not the solution. The theocratic regime in Iran is alive and kicking. In classical economical terms, this is unfinished business. Not only they survive, but they have learned how to use the Strait Of Hormuz as a hostage. And now as Internet and communications are open between Tehran and its proxies, a campaign of terrorist attacks is to be expected in Israel, Gulf countries, and ladies and gentlemen, here in Europe. For the Muller regime, timing was essential. They don't have midterm elections. They don't care about markets, and they don't care about human loss. Yes. They have sustained heavy losses, but remember, the real Iranian army is not in Iran. It's with their proxies. Believe me because I have experience in the fight against terrorism, democratic fight against terrorism in my country, Spain. In the fight against terrorism or you finish the job or the job will try to finish you and your democracy.”
  EU-Iran relations
• 2025-01-23 “E-000309/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) is aware that Venezuela cooperates with Russia on defence matters, conducting joint military exercises and receiving military training. Iran has maintained oil deals with Caracas in order to circumvent sanctions and obtain financial resources. The EU monitors those developments closely. The rapprochement between Caracas, Moscow and Teheran is of concern due to potential impact on democratic stability in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region and on the EU-LAC partnership. As the HR/VP said at the Munich Security Conference 1 , the EU has to keep united and work with allies, including the United States, to counter the attempts of Russia, Iran and others to team up against the EU. For this reason, it is crucial to continue supporting the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people, to promote an enabling environment for civil society and to uphold human rights. Working together with key international and regional partners is essential to foster a Venezuelan-led democratic resolution to the crisis. In doing so, the EU will pursue targeted engagement to address concerns and facilitate meaningful dialogue on human rights and the transition to democracy. The EU will continue to protect shared values and mutual interests in Latin America. The EU has mobilised all its foreign policy instruments to foster democracy in Venezuela, including targeted sanctions against those responsible for undermining democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and by putting in place an embargo on arms and equipment used for repression. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/munich-security-conference-press-remarks-high-representativevicepresident-kaja-kallas-upon-arrival_en?channel=eeas_press_alerts&date=2025-0214&newsid=0&langid=en&source=mail”
  EU-Venezuela relations · EU-Iran relations
• “Our last plenary session three weeks ago. So the launching by Israel of the Operation Rising Lion aim to contain Iran's nuclear threat. We have to recognize that three weeks later, Israeli citizens, Arab, moderate people in the region And as Europeans, we feel safer. Thank you to Israel and thank you for the United States for this, that we feel safer. Although the Europeans, we are a little bit hypocritical because we celebrate this in private, but we don't do it in public. It was about time to end with this nuclear threat, not only to Israel, but also to ourselves. Because, as I always have stated in disciplinary, we are the next target. Make no mistake, the plans of the ayatollahs to threat and blackmail us are continuing. Terrorist organizations continue to plan how to destroy our democracies and our freedoms. We have in this House to be alert to this fact. The future of the Middle East is in the Abraham Accords against terrorism, theocratic regimes working with the opposition, Democratic opposition to these regimes, whatever is called Tehran or Caracas in Venezuela or Moscow in Russia. This is what has to unite us in our common struggle. Thank you very much.”
  EU-Iran relations
• “Dear Commissioner and friends. Some days ago we received good news. The first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in 40 years. The fact that the Lebanese government has shown willingness to start negotiations with Israel cannot be overlooked. Lebanon is heading for elections next year and looking forward to starting a new chapter. After decades of political assassinations, of complete destruction of the country's institution of structural impunity. Let us not forget the victims of the 2020 Beirut port blast. The Lebanese people start to regain hope. Unfortunately, there are those who will do everything they can to deny the Lebanese people of their fresh new start. Hezbollah is trying to rebuild its strength. Iranian money is again flowing through Turkey to this territory, to this terrorist organization, jeopardizing the efforts of the militarization of southern Lebanon and putting the fragile existing ceasefire at risk. Our mission as European Union is clear we cannot allow Iran to sabotage the recent positive steps achieved between Lebanon and Israel. We must support the efforts to make peace between these two countries, and allow the upcoming elections in Lebanon to become the beginning of a new phase of reconstruction, peace and prosperity, especially for the Lebanese people. That should be our duty. Thank you very much.”
  EU-Iran relations
• “European democracies are not being attacked by missiles or tanks, but it's one click at a time, one with algorithms. Today we are being ruled by platforms where we can't control the content, and the algorithms are polarising opinion, amplifying disinformation and opening the door to foreign interference. We know very well in Spain what the consequences can be with regard to young people and Russian interference in the attempted coups by separatists in Catalonia, which has been investigated only very recently. This is mass manipulation. Defending freedom isn't about accepting algorithms. It's, uh, we need. Our democracy is not some experiment. Our elections are not just data sets and our elections are not experiment experimental sites. So if these platforms are going to be as powerful as they are, they must be held to account. Because when democracy stands to lose.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• “I believe we should avoid over politicising the text and smoothen the tone in order to reach the broadest possible consensus. In this context, a number of amendments will be tabled by us in a constructive effort to put more emphasis on some areas of cooperation. We should look into with special attention. For instance, we want to stress the need to build on Saudi Arabia's active and effective diplomatic role and support its function as an integral part of a new regional security architecture for the whole of the Mena region. Moreover, we should acknowledge Saudi Arabia's relevance in countering radicalisation and extremism promoted by the Muslim Brotherhood. Iran and its proxies, which represent a huge threat to our European citizens. To conclude, I would like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs. Hanna, for the great work. It shows that we have a similar perspective regarding the potential of EU Saudi Arabia relations. And that we should build upon this consensus to seize the opportunities that the deepening of this relation can bring to our European interests in several areas. Thank you very much.”
  EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood
• “Thank you very much, chairman. First of all, I would like to thank the rapporteur for this excellent first draft. Overall, the draft is balanced and offers a comprehensive and exhaustive outlook of the current state of EU Saudi relations. It reflects precisely the priorities and challenges which have emerged over the past years and months. The report rightly acknowledges Saudi Arabia's growing role as a contributor to regional stability in the Middle East and beyond, which makes it an important partner for the European Union. On this account, I agree with the approach proposed, which supports efforts to step up EU Saudi coordination in key areas like energy, Sustainable development and infrastructure, not only on a bilateral level, but also regarding Saudi Arabia's expanding footprint in its neighbourhood. This will not only help protect EU interests, but also serve as an instrument to balance Russia's and China's activities in the Middle East, on the African continent and elsewhere. Hence, I believe the report offers a valuable framework for further improving our relations and a useful blueprint for addressing the multiple challenges challenges at hand. Having said that, I do have to mention that some of the paragraphs addressing the conflict in Gaza and recent developments in the region stand out as maybe explicit, risking sometimes to partly undermine the scope of the report.”
  EU-Saudi Arabia relations
• “Thank you. President. Look, I was listening to the Spanish spokesperson shouting at the president of my group. When I hear right and left wing extremist members shouting at the president of the commission, etc.. Well, the old Spanish saying comes to mind. I mean, everyone's shouting. That means everything's fine. But it seems to me that we're talking ideology when we're rather than acting. I mean, we need to defend our citizens. And it's not these kinds of, uh, raging speeches and wasted energy that we're going to help them. We need to produce solutions such as the Abraham Accords, where Arab countries recognize Israel, and we can have economic development in the region. I mean, that's why the Iranian regime attacked Israel on the 7th of October, because they couldn't allow that to happen. But that's what the Europeans should be doing. They should be focusing on economic progress in the region and trying to help, as we did in Europe after the Second World War. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine