Forsvarsudvalget 2019-20
FOU Alm.del Bilag 116
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17th Inter-Parliamentary Conference
for the Common Foreign and Security Policy
and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP)
4 September 2020
via video conference
Statement by the Co-Chairs
Preliminary remarks
The 17th Inter-parliamentary Conference (IPC) for the CFSP/CSDP was held in the context of
the parliamentary dimension of the German Council presidency on 4 September 2020. Due to
the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Conference was held
for the first time via video conference. It was attended by parliamentarians from the EU
Member States and the European Parliament. Also taking part were parliamentarians from
EU candidate and potential candidate countries.
We, the co-chairs of the 17th IPC:
Believe that the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has confirmed the need for a stronger and more
effective EU foreign and security policy. The pandemic revealed a weakened global system
where multilateralism is being attacked. In the changing geopolitical landscape the
EU’s
responsibility is to act as a global player and defender of multilateral rules based order,
with the United Nations at its core, strengthening international cooperation through the
system of multilateral organisations, engaging strategically with like-minded partners and
other global actors. Highlight, in that regard, the important role of national parliaments and
the European Parliament in the field of CFSP and CSDP.
Welcome the
“Global EU Response to the
COVID-19 crisis” directed at the most
vulnerable countries and recall that the
EU’s
geopolitical actions need to be underpinned
by adequate budgetary allocations through the upcoming MFF. Note that the COVID-19
pandemic reveals the need to reduce the dependency on third countries in certain sectors
and highlight the urgent need for the EU to strengthen its strategic autonomy.
Are very concerned by the dangerous tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean; call for urgent
de-escalation and the establishment of an environment conducive to dialogue and
negotiations; in this regard, support the mediation efforts by the German government;
emphasize the need to support Greece and Cyprus to resolve the tensions.
Take the view that the EU needs to urgently define an overall strategy for its mid- to long-
term relations with Turkey, considering the country's continued backsliding on democracy,
the rule of law and human rights, but also bearing in mind the continued shared interests in
areas such as trade, migration and security.
Support the demands of the Belarusian people for a new, free and fair presidential election
to be held in Belarus with the participation of international observers, including the OSCE.
Call on the Belarusian authorities to refrain from violence and intimidation against peaceful
 FOU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 116: Udtalelse fra CFSP/CSDP konferencen den 4. september 2020
protesters and to release all individuals detained for political reasons and those arbitrarily
detained. A peaceful solution must be found through dialogue involving all domestic
stakeholders in order to ensure a prosperous future for a sovereign Belarus.
Express concern at the particularly fragile situation in Lebanon. The terrible tragedy that
befell the people of Beirut demands our solidarity and the EU and its Member States have
immediately stepped in to assist Lebanon in its relief and reconstruction operations.
Underline the important need to ensure that Lebanon embarks on an ambitious process of
reforms that can confer on it political and economic stability and address the legitimate
concerns and democratic aspirations of its people. Welcome the unanimous adoption of the
UN Security Council Resolution 2539(2020) renewing the mandate of the UN Interim
Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and calling, inter alia, on the Government of Lebanon to
facilitate UNIFIL's prompt and full access to sites requested by UNIFIL for the purpose of
swift investigation.
Express concern at the situation in Libya and at the recent developments in Tripoli and the
state of fundamental rights throughout the country, as also attested to by the UN Mission
in Libya (UNSMIL). Recall the importance and urgency of a ceasefire negotiated by the
parties and an agreement between them on a demilitarized zone. Stress the centrality of the
Berlin process, in synergy with the UN mediation, to this effect and call on the parties to
commit to a full and inclusive political process that will meet the aspirations of the Libyan
people for representative government to achieve stability and security in Libya.
Underline that EU-China relations have entered into a new era, especially in the recent
context of the COVID-19 crisis. Recall that the past months have highlighted a lack of
global leadership in the multilateral fight against COVID-19, where China has shown, once
again, aspirations to strengthen its geopolitical position. Believe that recent actions by
China in Hong Kong and in the spread of disinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic are
even more regrettable because of some positive elements of the strategic partnership with
the EU. Are convinced that the EU can no longer ignore the scale of interference by China
into our internal affairs. Stress the need to prevent and counter such interference more
resolutely, together with our like-minded partners around the world.
Are greatly concerned about and condemn the attack on the life of Alexei Navalny, which,
like previous attacks on the lives of critics of the Russian government, is absolutely
unacceptable for the European Union and its Member States, and call upon the EU to
respond in a proportionate manner. In addition, call upon the Russian Federation to
investigate the circumstances of the poisoning comprehensively and transparently.
Consider that the treaties’ provisions are a solid ground for advancing towards a
genuine
defence Union. Consider that the orientations developed under the current strategic revision
processes must pave the way for a more effective EU - NATO relationship. Consider that
Allies participating in relevant EU programmes such as the European Defence Fund
contribute to a new era of genuine interoperability, pooling, sharing, and integration of
capabilities development and deployment for the benefit of the Union and for the
Transatlantic Alliance.
Consider that where Member States together establish multinational forces as referred to in
Article 42 (3) TEU they should make those forces available to the common security and
defence policy, including a common Union defence. Consider that the Member States
should seek consistent cooperation of such multinational forces with NATO, as well.
 FOU, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 116: Udtalelse fra CFSP/CSDP konferencen den 4. september 2020
Call on the European Council and on its President to swiftly launch and to drive forward
the work towards the European Council decision referred to in Article 42 (2) TEU. Call on
the Commission, on the HR/VP and on all Parliaments in the European Union to take part
in the debate on the development of EU defence.
Note with satisfaction the calls from Members of National Parliaments and of the European
Parliament for a more ambitious MFF in the external action and defence area, including
increased allocations for the Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation
Instrument (NDICI), European Defence Fund, military mobility and for the European Peace
Facility.
Dietmar Nietan MdB
Chair of the German delegation
David McAllister MEP
Chair of the EP Foreign Affairs Committee, Chair of the EP delegation