Great to meet
@TunduALissu
, last year’s winner of the IDU award on freedoms yesterday. We had a very good conversation on the situation in
#Tanzania
, especially as regards human rights and the shrinking of civic space.
I am deeply concerned over the human rights situation and the shrinking of civic space in 🇹🇿
#Tanzania
. Since 2015, the country has been sliding towards an authoritarian regime.
@EP_ForeignAff
will continue to closely follow the situation in Tanzania.
3: We have just learned that there will be no agreement today. Therefore, the European Parliament will not be in a position to grant consent to an agreement this year.
The
#EU
is playing a relevant role in both
#HongKong
and
#Macao
. The Chinese authorities are seriously undermining the “one country, two systems” principle. The
@Europarl_EN
wants to see the
#EU
further strengthening its role in achieving improvements of the situation.
The UK Coordination Group thanks
@MichelBarnier
for his remarkable work over the last four years. His perseverance and professionalism have preserved the unity and the interests of the EU 27 during the
#Brexit
negotiations. Good luck for the future & Bon vent!
4: I am convening an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament‘s UK Coordination Group tomorrow morning at 9:45 to assess the situation and discuss the next steps.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 A thread on the recent developments: The UK Coordination Group held a meeting today with
@MarosSefcovic
to assess the worrying situation created by the
#UK
Government’s announcement that it would adopt unilateral measures to extend certain grace periods. /1
Unser
@CDU
Bundesvorsitzender Friedrich Merz ist heute in Brüssel zu Besuch. Nach einer Sitzung der
@EPPGroup
habe ich ihn in die Parteizentrale der
@EPP
begleitet. Es ist ein gutes und wichtiges Zeichen, dass Friedrich Merz früh den engen Kontakt zur 🇪🇺 EU & zur EVP sucht.
Permanent flexibilities are not acceptable. The Protocol was painstakingly negotiated under high political pressure, ensuring to minimise disruption & to help local communities and businesses. It cannot be renegotiated - it is part of the solution of a problem and that is Brexit!
Today we reiterate our full support for the EU Chief Negotiator
@MichelBarnier
. He has a clear political mandate from the EU-Council and the overwhelming support of the Parliament to negotiate an ambitious agreement that covers all areas included in the Political Declaration. 1/2
🇪🇺🇬🇧 After the EU-UK trade and cooperation negotiations have been concluded, the
@Europarl_EN
is officially starting to scrutinise the provisionally applied agreement. The EP will take its time to examine the text properly in an inclusive process before giving its consent.
Good exchange today with
@TunduALissu
in the
@EPPGroup
External Affairs Working. His personal efforts for 🇹🇿
#Tanzania
are remarkable. We will continue to follow the situation in the country very closely.
2: The European Parliament‘s Conference of Presidents expressed its readiness to organise an extraordinary plenary session for Parliament's consent, provided that an agreement is reached by midnight on Sunday 20 Dec.
Tomorrow, Ecuador's parliament will vote on a motion to impeach the country's President. The grounds are controversial. To maintain a successful reform path & preserve institutional integrity, Ecuador needs strong leadership. Members of Parliament hold significant responsibility.
The conflict in 🇪🇹
#Ethiopia
spreads over the country, leads to a severe humanitarian crisis and has a huge impact on the region. I expresses my deep concern about the ongoing war & call for a return to peace in the country. The entire region should not sink into war.
Escalating the situation is not the solution. The EU has demonstrated time and time again a clear and unambiguous will to a pragmatic, solution-driven approach to facilitate everyday life in Northern Ireland. The unilateral decision by the UK undermines this approach. /4
This is unnecessary and untimely. The
#EU
side has offered to discuss the flexibilities allowed by the protocol framework, but the UK Government has again chosen the slippery slope of acting outside the framework of the protocol. /2
Congratulations to Alexei Navalny, this year’s winner of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. His unbroken commitment for a democratic Russia is representative of the many activists who are fighting for liberal rights.
#freenavalny
The EP has been and remains fully committed to the faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement, which is the only way to protect it in all its dimensions and avoid a hard border. /5
It has been an honour and real pleasure to have a conversation with Secretary Albright today on the future of the transatlantic relations. Europe is looking forward to a new start of transatlantic cooperation with the Biden administration.
#ESPAS20
With a resolution on the Chinese measures against EU citizens, the
@Europarl_EN
demonstrates its full solidarity for the 10 Europeans and 4 entities affected. As an independent institution, Parliament remains vocal when it comes to severe human rights violations around the world.
Many thanks to my colleagues for re-electing me as the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Our committee strongly supports efforts building the EU’s unity and to strengthen our Common Foreign, Security and Defence Policy. Let us continue to play an active role.
Moreover, this happens at a moment where the
@Europarl_EN
is examining the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and has yet to decide when the vote on the consent will take place. These developments are unhelpful, to say the least. /3
🇪🇺🇬🇧 At our extraordinary meeting of the UK Coordination Group, we thoroughly analysed the current situation and discussed possible scenarios with the European Parliament's legal service. /1
The
@Europarl_EN
adopted today with an overwhelming majority its recommendations on the negotiations of the future relationship with the
#UK
.
We proved how united Parliament is and that we stand firmly behind EU’s Chief Negotiatior
@MichelBarnier
. 1/2
It was a pleasure to see and to listen to you in plenary today,
@MichelBarnier
. I would like to thank our former Chief negotiator and his team for their outstanding work and for the very good cooperation with Parliament’s UK Coordination Group.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 Parliament’s UK Coordination Group just met again this morning with EU negotiator
@MichelBarnier
for an urgent update on the state of play of the ongoing negotiations. 👇
Flying to Kyiv for taking part in the
@EP_ForeignAff
/
@EP_Defence
fact-finding mission to
#Ukraine
. This visit is part of large-scale diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. We want to listen and show solidarity with Ukrainian citizens in these hours of uncertainty.
The
@Europarl_EN
has done its utmost to be in a position to grant consent before the end of the transition period and is committed to take any step that minimises disruptions for our citizens and businesses. Later, I will meet
@EP_President
to discuss the next possible steps. /2
Following the latest developments in
#Afghanistan
, I decided to call for an extraordinary joint meeting of
@EP_ForeignAff
and
@EP_Development
committees and the Delegation for Afghanistan to discuss the situation in the country
@Europarl_EN
.
It will take place on Thursday 9:00.
As part of a European Parliament's delegation, I am in
#WashingtonDC
this week. I am looking forward to interesting debates inter alia with representatives from the
#House
and
#Senate
in light of our renewed transatlantic partnership.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 The UK Coordination Group
@Europarl_EN
will meet today at 9am for a stock-taking with the EU Chief negotiator
@MichelBarnier
on the current state of play of EU-UK negotiations.
Unfortunately, EU-
#Turkey
relations are currently at a low point. Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean have the potential to deteriorate the relationship further. EU needs to reflect about a new long-term strategy. In parallel, we need to continue talks & try to re-build trust.
I thank
@MichelBarnier
for his dedication, hard work & patience during this long Brexit journey. Over four years, he has well preserved the interests and the unity of the EU 27. I always appreciated the trustful & reliable cooperation with him and his team!
More than 4 years of hard work. 2 incredible teams.
Mission accomplished: ensure orderly Brexit, defend 🇪🇺, new relations w/ 🇬🇧. Each and every person was outstanding. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Today is the 1st day of the rest of our lives. Many challenges ahead!
In today’s debate on the new EU Global Human Rights Sanction Regime (EU Magnitsky Act), I have called for applying this instrument decisively, wherever and whenever serious human rights abuses appear.
@EP_ForeignAff
@EP_HumanRights
I trust the
#UK
government to implement the withdrawal agreement, an obligation under int. law & prerequisite for any future partnership.
The protocol on
#Ireland
/Northern Ireland is essential to protect peace & stability on the island & the integrity of the single market.
For the upcoming negotiations in London, I would like to express my full support to Michel Barnier and the UK Task Force. It is in our interest, and that of the UK to have a deal. All the best for the talks!
#Brexit
We, the Chairs of the Foreign Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the European Parliament and the House of Representatives of the United States of America condemn in the strongest terms the Turkish military offensive in northeastern Syria
@Europarl_EN
has just adopted my report on the security challenges in the
#IndoPacific
. A peaceful, stable and rule-based Indo-Pacific is a vital 🇪🇺 interest. We have numerous opportunities to strengthen our engagement with the region in a pragmatic, flexible & inclusive manner.
Congratulations,
@RobertaMetsola
, on your election as President of the European Parliament. I wish you all the best for leading our Parliament in challenging times.
Tomorrow afternoon, the UK Contact Group will meet to assess the consequences of the
#UK
government’s ‘command paper’. The
@Europarl_EN
will continue to engage constructively in order to find solutions, within the framework of the Protocol.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 The
#EU
has continuously demonstrated a clear and unambiguous will to a pragmatic, solution-driven approach in Northern Ireland. But this is subject to the UK respecting its obligations under the Protocol. We need to solve existing problems within the framework of the WA.
Der Ausschuss für auswärtige Angelegenheiten (AFET) hat mich heute erneut zum Vorsitzenden gewählt. Vielen Dank für das Vertrauen! In den kommenden Jahren gilt es, die Gemeinsame Außen- und Sicherheitspolitilk der EU überparteilich zu stärken.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 This afternoon,
@MichelBarnier
will give the UK Coordination Group an update after intensive days in London and Brussels. I am looking forward to this important exchange at this crucial moment in the negotiations.
It was an honour to address the
#Kalinowski
Forum today, organised by the Seimas of the Republic of
#Lithuania
. It is key to hold
#Belarus
at the top of the European political agenda. The
@Europarl_EN
is a steady supporter of the democratic opposition in Belarus.
@Tsihanouskaya
This morning, we debate on the future relations with the United Kingdom. We will vote on a resolution tomorrow. This outlines the European Parliament's position on the upcoming negotiations. By leaving the European Union, the UK has lost the advantages of EU membership.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 The talks between the EU & UK on a new partnership after the end of the transition period continue. An ambitious and balanced agreement would be in the best interest of both sides as well as of citizens and businesses.
Granting
#Ukraine
and the Republic of
#Moldova
EU candidate status is a timely message. Both countries are welcome in our European family. Today marks the beginning of a challenging, merit-based process, requiring the effective implementation of necessary reforms.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 Monday, 9:30: The UK Coordination Group
@europarl_en
will have an exchange of views with EU chief negotiator
@MichelBarnier
following the decision by Commission President
@vonderleyen
and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to continue the talks.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 I welcome that the negotiation teams have finally reached an agreement on the future EU-UK partnership. This provides clarity and certainty for citizens and businesses on both sides. This prevents the negative consequences of a no-deal scenario. /1
The
@Europarl_EN
sends a strong and united message to the Kremlin that we stand with
#Ukraine
in full solidarity. Ukrainians are not only bravely defending their country, they are fighting for our European values, for freedom, democracy and the right for self-determination.
Met w/
@MichelBarnier
, Chief EU-Negotiator for the relations with the UK. The Task Force of the
@EU_Commission
and the UK Coordination Group of the
@Europarl_EN
will continue the good and transparent cooperation to achieve the best result in the upcoming negotiations.
🆕 Starting at around 16.45 CET: MEPs in
@EP_ForeignAff
will discuss the situation in Montenegro 🇲🇪 and Serbia 🇷🇸 with the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement
@OliverVarhelyi
🇪🇺
🔴 📽️ FOLLOW LIVE ➡️
I have set up an extraordinary meeting of the
@EP_ForeignAff
on 25 August to discuss the situation in
#Belarus
.
@Europarl_EN
The violence and state repressions need to end immediately. The Belarusian people are right to protest and publicly express their anger. /1
I condemn in the strongest possible terms the crackdown on the peaceful protests taking place in 🇨🇺
#Cuba
& I am alarmed by the escalation of repression and by the human rights situation in the country.
🆕 The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs,
@davidmcallister
, condemns the latest escalation in the repression of protests in Cuba 🇨🇺.
Full statement: 👇
The death of President David Sassoli is a great loss to all of us. He was a proud European, leading the European Parliament through very challenging times. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends.
Vladimir Putin's place is before an international criminal court.
As Chairs of Foreign Affairs Committees of our respective Parliaments, we advocate the establishment of a dedicated international tribunal. 🇱🇹🇱🇻🇪🇪🇵🇱🇨🇿🇪🇺🇧🇬🇩🇪🇬🇧🇺🇦🇪🇸🇸🇪🇸🇮 🇳🇴🇳🇱🇮🇪🇫🇮🇩🇰🇭🇷🇧🇪
🇪🇺🇬🇧
@MichelBarnier
will be briefing this afternoon the European Parliament’s UK Coordination Group on the state of play of the future EU-UK agreement. Barely one month ahead of the end of the transitional period, hopes are still high to reach the best possible deal.
Instead of putting the Protocol into question, it is about finding solutions for the outstanding issues. The implementation of the Protocol relies on joint action. It should not be undermined by unilateral measures.
In today’s
@EP_ForeignAff
, I expressed my deepest concern at the case of Alexei
#Navalnyi
. Russian authorities are urged to initiate an independent and transparent investigation. On several cases, the Russian authorities have failed to shed light which burden our relations.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 The
@Europarl_EN
stands ready to debate the outcome of the EU-UK negotiations intensively as soon as possible & thoroughly scrutinise the final text before the end of the year.
However, this would be a unique scenario and will not serve as precedent for future agreements.
I congratulate our
@EPP
friend
#MaiaSandu
for winning the presidential elections in🇲🇩
#Moldova
. She is an experienced and dedicated politician, who has Moldova’s best interests at heart. EU-Moldova cooperation should be intensified on the basis of the Association Agreement.
Happy that Svetlana
#Tikhanovskaya
followed the invitation to give a statement
@EP_ForeignAff
tomorrow. Extraordinary meeting on
#Belarus
is important and timely to signal our solidarity with the Belarusian people. Also, looking forward to have an EoV with
@HelgaSchmid_EU
.
.
@EP_ForeignAff
MEPs will discuss the recent developments in Belarus 🇧🇾 after the 9 August presidential election with opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and
@HelgaSchmid_EU
tomorrow at 11.00, opening statement by
@davidmcallister
.
Read more ➡️
Unilateral action would only make our work on possible landing zones more difficult. The EU takes a unified stance: we want sustainable solutions in the framework of the Protocol. Renegotiations won't serve the purpose. The Protocol is part of the solution, it is not the problem.
The 🇪🇺 EU Foreign Ministers must send a clear message today: We are united and determined in close cooperation with our transatlantic partners to defend our security in Europe.
Extremely concerned that, despite national and international calls, urging to wait for an opinion of the Venice Commission, the vote for changes to the
#Albania
's Electoral Code have been scheduled for tomorrow.
The EU’s efforts for strategic autonomy is not about turning our back to our allies and partners. I am convinced that our partnership can only benefit from a stronger and more autonomous EU on the world stage.
#StrategicForesight
The path taken by the
#UK
government is deeply regrettable. Violating the obligations of the Withdrawal Agreement will only lead to uncertainty. The EU will respond in a firm and calm manner with all available legal & political means.
I decided to add
#Taiwan
to the
@EP_ForeignAff
agenda due to the worsening situation following China’s aggressive military manoeuvres.
The EU opposes unilateral attempts to modify the status quo, and even less so by resorting to force.
The debate will take place at 09:30.
The
@Europarl_EN
remains fully committed to the faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement. It is the only way to preserve peace, stability and prosperity on the island of Ireland.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 The UKCG is deeply concerned by the latest developments around the future relationship between the
#EU
and the UK, in particular the tabling of the UK
#InternalMarketBill
. Pacta sunt servanda is the basis for a trustful relationship.
The
@Europarl_EN
is ready and willing to endorse an ambitious, balanced partnership with the UK but it needs to protect the integrity of the EU's single market and our common standards.
The
@Europarl_EN
supports the demands of the Belarusian people for new and fair elections to take place as soon as possible and under international supervision.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, we will continue to stand by you and the people’s struggle for a free and democratic Belarus!
The UKCG will discuss with
@MarosSefcovic
, this afternoon, the next steps to actually implement the Protocol on IE/NI, ahead of his trip to London. Practical solutions on the island of Ireland are required, while protecting the integrity of the EU single market and customs union.
Es sind schockierende Bilder für die Demokratie, die uns heute aus
#WashingtonDC
erreichen. Ich bin entsetzt! Das Wahlergebnis ist eindeutig und die Machtübergabe muss friedlich verlaufen.
Today, the UK Coordination Group discussed per videoconference with Deputy Chief Negotiator, Clara Martinez Alberola and the UK Task Force the latest developments in UK EU negotiations.
#EP
remains fully committed to reaching a broad agreement with
#UK
. 1/3
🇪🇺🇬🇧This morning, the UK Coordination Group is meeting with all contributing parliamentary committees. This is an unprecedented level of involvement for finalising the recommendations on the consent and defining the content of our resolution on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
Am heutigen Tag der Solidarität mit Belarus gilt es nachdrücklich zu zeigen, dass wir als
#EU
hinter den Menschen stehen, die seit Monaten für Freiheit, Demokratie und Rechtstaatlichkeit auf die Straßen gehen.
#StandWithBelarus
🇪🇺🇺🇸 Zur Amtseinführung von
@JoeBiden
wünsche ich mir, dass wir unser gegenseitiges Vertrauen erneuern können. Es ist das Herzstück unserer Allianz.
#InaugurationDay
Great honor to hold a lecture at the
@collegeofeurope
on the role of the European Parliament in external relations. Parliamentary diplomacy is an essential feature of the EU foreign policy to express & demonstrate a unified European position.
The determination of 🇬🇭 Ghana’s president
@NAkufoAddo
to protect democratic values and institutions in his country is remarkable. I am looking forward to his speech in the
@Europarl_EN
now.
#Ghana
#EPlenary
🇪🇺🇰🇼 Today I met His Excellency Marzouq Al-Ghanim, the Speaker of the Kuwait National Assembly.
#Kuwait
is a partner of the EU promoting security, stability and development in the Gulf region and in the Middle East as a whole.
The clock is ticking: the EU is eager to discuss UK plans to put into practice its agreement with the EU & the concrete details of a future EU-UK partnership. EP stands united behind EU negotiators to make tangible progress by June.
Honoured to met with H.E. Mr Abdulla Shahid, the Foreign Minister of Maldives today. The new government’s subsequent commitment to promote democracy, good governance and respect of human rights is encouraging. I welcome these positive developments.
The report reflects our position:
1. Tangible progress is needed in all areas in parallel.
2. The implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement remains key.
3. Citizens and businesses want clarity on what to expect on 1/01/2021. The EP will not agree to a deal at any cost. 2/2