Verbatim report of proceedings

Wednesday, 28 February 2024 - Strasbourg

26.3. Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2023 (A9-0389/2023 - David McAllister)

Dichiarazioni di voto orali

  Chris MacManus (The Left). – Mr President, it’s difficult to vote for a report such as this without being conscious of comments by Ursula von der Leyen, which completely disregard Irish neutrality. Last week, President von der Leyen said that we need a Commissioner for defence. This is the European Union. If she’s interested in military alliances, there’s a job going at NATO. But keep Ireland out of your plans!

The texts voted today also undermine national vetoes when it comes to foreign policy issues. Unanimity must be protected. This is evidenced by the Commission President’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Her actions severely damaged the EU’s credibility as a partner for peace and an honest broker for any future negotiations. And her initial response in backing Israel unconditionally has emboldened their brutal strategy in Gaza. This is the background to texts like ones voted today. And that is why we must say no!