What Bert-Jan spoke about.

19 Oct

2021

NL Speech

EU-Taiwan political relations and cooperation (debate)

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Mr President, Commissioner, a milestone: I would like to mention Mr Weimers' report before us. For the first time in its history, the European Union has adopted a report on EU-Taiwan relations. As a democratic rule of law with respect for human rights, as an important trading partner in a strategic, important region and with an innovative society, Taiwan is a shining example for the region. But th…

18 Oct

2021

NL Speech

Farm to Fork Strategy (debate)

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Mr President, tomorrow we will all have to confess colour: do we embrace the overambitious ‘Farm to Fork’ targets, while there is no impact assessment at all and while more and more signs of green are jumping on orange? Indeed, several studies warn of a sharp drop in production, an increase in consumer prices, increasing dependence on imports and only very limited environmental gains. Or do we, as…

7 Oct

2021

NL Speech

Human rights situation in Myanmar, including the situation of religious and ethnic groups

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Mr President, what is currently happening in Myanmar is terrible and unacceptable. The opposition is being eliminated. Christian leaders are murdered or disappear behind bars. Churches are set on fire. Rohingyas have to flee for their lives. Today, our resolution sends a strong signal. The government in Myanmar must be stopped. In this context, I call on the Council to make even more active use of…

14 Sep

2021

NL Speech

A new EU-China strategy (debate)

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Mr President, I would also like to thank the rapporteur, Mrs Vautmans, for her excellent report. I agree with her that we need to be very clear tonight. As long as China continues to violate human rights, imprison Uyghurs, persecute Christians and destroy democracy in Hong Kong, there can be no question of an investment agreement with the EU. China should also not think that the problems can be so…

8 Jul

2021

NL Speech

Hong Kong, notably the case of Apple Daily

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Mr President, Commissioner, with the raid on Apple Daily, China has reached a new low in the breakdown of democracy in Hong Kong. The opposition had already been silenced, and now also the last free active newspaper. All this must not be left without consequences. As long as China continues to violate human rights in Hong Kong, in Xinjiang, anywhere, there can be no sign of the investment agreemen…

7 Jul

2021

NL Speech

Establishment of Antarctic Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the conservation of Southern Ocean biodiversity (debate)

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Mr President, Commissioner, disruptions to the natural balance in the waters around Antarctica cannot possibly leave us cold. As the EU, we share responsibility for the proper management of international waters, including those around the South Pole, also in the light of the Madrid Protocol. Measures are needed to protect vulnerable species such as penguins and whales, based on the best available …

6 Jul

2021

NL Speech

EU global human rights sanctions regime (EU Magnitsky Act) (debate)

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Mr President, Minister, it is clear that we must work together to denounce human rights violations worldwide. Whether it is the persecution of faith, modern slavery or the erosion of democracy, we cannot and must not look away! The Magnitsky Act is an important addition to our toolbox in this regard. However, the abolition of the unanimity rule advocated by many in this House is not the right way …