Maroš Šefčovič

Policy topics Maroš Šefčovič is active on

What Maroš Šefčovič has said (80)

• 2026-07-08 “(09:50:49 - 09:59:07): Thank you very much, madam president and honorable members. 1st and foremost, I would like, to tell you that, discussion this morning very much reflects also the debate, which took place among the the leaders, the head of states and government sitting together in, the European European Council. So it clearly reflects the mood and the sense of priorities among European citizens and US directly elected representatives are clearly, introducing these topics into the debate in this hemicycle and into the discussions which we have on these very crucial topics. I would start with the the references and remarks made on Ukraine. I think mister Kelleher, mister Lobo Zakilar rightly pointed out to the need of further support, for Ukrainians. And in my introduction, I was describing to you, all the aspects of the financial support, political support, but also moral support, I believe, we give to our Ukrainian, friends, to defend themselves. But I agree with mister Reutten and, also with, madam Chislo that further work clearly would be needed to do even better if it comes to our defense capacities. How can we be more efficient? How can we pull our strength together? What we can do as a a Europeans in spending every single euro on this very important priorities in the most, efficient manner. And, of course, especially, the people from, Central And Eastern Europe, feeling the heat from the conflict which is so close to the border, as Madame Cieslau brightly described, is are very preoccupied by the by the fact that the peace, which we believed and we've taken for granted for so many years, is under so much threat even within the border of the European Union. And therefore, they're rightly calling for making sure that the eastern flank and eastern border is better better protected. And I believe that you have seen that this is becoming more and more, I would say, 1 of the priority tasks, which, is done by the member states, by the European Union, and which is now being discussed in Ankara, as well. So all these are very concrete priorities, which will be followed through by the European Commission, by the European Union, and we, of course, will be working on all of them very closely with you. 2nd topic, which was kind of, appearing in several interventions and rightly so because it would be definitely the top priority for the Irish presidency. And for for that ambition, I really thank them in advance. And this is to deliver ambitious, multi annual financial framework for all of us. Because as you rightly pointed out against, mister Kelleher, mister Nordquist, this is the the the key topic for European future. That's a key prerequisite for, further progression of the of the enlargement, and, this is also 1 of the key components for making Europe clearly more, competitive. Therefore, we will be working very closely, with the with the Irish presidency and with you because this is very important complex, task to make sure that by the end of this year, we will deliver on, MFF, and, we would have that predictability and certainty what is the framework for all of us if it comes to, to budgetary boundaries for the next, next 7 years. And, as I said, I very much appreciate, that Irish president took this as a priority for themselves and want to devote all necessary, resources, time, and political focus on, these key issues. Of course, I fully understand and share the preoccupation of many honorable members who raised the the issue of heat wave. We are suffering it all, and and it's and it's the issue for all our member states. I never believed that in my country, we will have the temperatures which go over 40 degrees, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be in France, in Spain, in Southern Mediterranean countries, and this is becoming more and more common phenomenon. But I would like to reassure you that, for the European Commission, climate resilience and better preparedness, which we going to, to discuss in in a in a moment, especially for extreme weather events is a priority. And, therefore, later this year, we will present new European framework for climate resilience and risk management. And we believe that, through this measure, we can work even more closely with the member states, and with the regions, to better prevent and prepare for, this, very often dramatic dramatic, events. And, I would say on this, but it applies to other topics which you also raised in this morning debate. We also have to be fair to ourselves and to make sure that we will implement collectively, starting by the member states, of course, what we have already agreed and adopted as our laws. If you allow to conclude on 2 topics, madam Grappini was underscoring the importance of competitiveness and industrialization. And, I would like to, again, reassure this house that there is not 1 college session, not 1 discussion among the commissioners where these 2 very important topics are, not discussed. We are looking into really alternative ways how to protect Europe from unfair competition, how to lower energy prices, and how to increase the trade among, the member states within the European Union because we are still, trading by 10% less than the states in United States Of America. And this could be unbelievable source of income, of more jobs, or more prosperity, and more competitiveness if our member states among themselves, would trade even more. And for that, we need to improve how single market performance. We have to lower the barriers among our member states, and and and this is clearly 1 of the priorities we are taking on. And if you allow, madam president, the last point on free trade agreements addressed by, madam, Manon Obri. Here, I just would like to to underscore that almost half of our European GDP depends in 1 way or another on global trading. Despite what's what's happening and what's going on in the world, Europe is still number 1 global trader if it comes to goods and services. So we trade more than China. We trade more in US. We are best, in doing this, and I think that this is clearly the very important position we have to defend. Not only because we like to be on the podium, but because more than 700,000 companies is benefiting from, from trade. And more than 80% of them are SMEs, very often the small family companies which create more than 30,000,000 jobs in this regard. So I think that, all these have to be taken into account because, Europe is very good in what it's doing. Our economy for, for decades have been developing in in that regard, and, therefore, we are doing our utmost to open new opportunities and new market for our entrepreneurs. Madam, president, I would like to to thank all the honorable members for the intervention. And, as it was suggested, I will, of course, pass all the messages, not only to my colleagues in European Commission, but also to our colleagues from the from the council. Thank you very much, madam president.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• 2026-07-08 “04:08 - 09:10:11): Thank you very much, madam president, honorable members to follow-up on the council meetings on 18th and 19th of June. The 1st topic which was discussed by the leaders was Ukraine. And for the 1st time since December 2024, we had conclusions at 27. And this is an important step in restoring EU unity on our resolute and lasting support for Ukraine. We now continue our work, to help Ukrainians 1st through financial support with the 1st tranche of €3,200,000,000 from the €90,000,000,000 Ukrainian support loan having been disbursed. In the last week, we saw the 1st disbursement of the €6,000,000,000 defense package to support drone procurement. 2nd, through raising the costs for Russia. I welcome the Irish president's commitment to reaching an agreement on the 21st sanction package, by the next week. And, we are banning the entry of former Russian combatants into the European Union. Leaders were meeting just days after we opened the fundamentals clusters for both Ukraine and Moldova, and we will now look to open further clusters before summer. Moving to The Middle East where the interim agreement between The United States and Iran was seen as a meaningful opening towards regional stability to ensuring freedom of navigation, toll free in a Strait Of Hormuz, to making sure that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon while addressing concerns related to its ballistic program and regional activities, and ultimately to advancing peace and security across the region. But events overnight show that much more efforts are needed to ensure a long lasting peace and stability. This, just underscores why we see the need to develop other routes and corridors like the IMEC, the India, Middle East, Europe economic corridor. To that end, we will deepen our engagement, with our partners in The Gulf and beyond. We also welcome the trilateral agreement signed by The United States, Lebanon, and Israel, and the key next steps are the disarmament of nonstate groups and preserving Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU is providing support, including in terms of humanitarian aid. We are also working to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank. While the Palestine Donor Group, next week will be an occasion to take stock of the Palestinian authorities' reform progress and to advance discussions on Gaza's yearly recovery. Turning to internal matters, leaders also discussed the next multi annual financial framework, and it is critical that we put in place the means for us to meet our ambitions. The work now needs to move forward on 2 fronts. 1st, on sectoral files, I count on the Irish presidency to adopt the remaining partial general approaches this month. And on this house, that wants its work so that negotiations can be opened without delay. 2nd, we need a robust and stable system of new own resources, and I thank you, honorable members, for your contribution to this debate. On the topic of competitiveness and global economic challenges, leaders took stock of progress on the 1 Europe, 1 market road map. The overall picture is mixed. There has been real progress with provisional agreements on the omnibus proposals on defense readiness, chemicals, and small midcaps and digitization as well as, on the revised FDI screening regulation and amendment to the market stability reserve, but we need to further accelerate work on simplification, EU Inc, the Industrial Accelerator Act, and the Savings and Investment Union. On the international level, leaders had a productive discussion on the need to address structural overcapacities and global imbalances. Notably with China, the EU ran a trade deficit of billion euros a day in 2025, and this, will be even higher in 2026. There was a clear support for continuing on the path for for diversification and derisking of our relationships. Leaders also agreed on the need to strengthen the protection of our market from unfair trade practices, making more proactive and strategic use of our extensive economic security toolbox to defend European interest. And we have also started preparatory work for the new country neutral instrument that would act as a trade diversification tool. Having said that, dialogue remains crucial, and I had constructive exchanges with my Chinese counterpart, minister Wang Guenthau when he visited Brussels last week to launch trade and investment consultations. This is a dedicated platform to tackle in a structured way the issues we have identified together. The aim is to deliver 1st tangible results ahead of the October European Council. Last week, we also took vital steps towards ensuring the long term viability of Europe's strategically important steel industry. The regulation protecting the EU steel sector from the damaging impacts of global overcapacity entered into application on the July 1. Here, I would like to thank all members of the European Parliament for their strong support for this measure. Madam president, I would end my introductory remarks here, and thank you very much, for”
  EU-Ukraine relations
• 2026-07-07 “Thank you very much, madam president. If you allow me just for for the short duration just to react on the 1st, round of, speakers. Think mister Lange just reminded us what kind of turbulent times we are living right now and why in this times, especially in this period, we need close partnership with our like minded partners and also the strong solidarity. And I think, this agreement is kind of reflection and embodiment of, of these key ingredients, which been the parts and parts of our negotiations. Madam Pedro already highlighted, that already today, we have 45,000 European companies, which are exporting to Mexico. What And is also very important is the fact that, as you said, and I confirmed the figure, more than 80% of these, companies are SMEs. So for the small and medium sized enterprises to make the trade with a distant partner, it requires the simplicity. It has to be smooth. You have to have a good legal and trade framework in place. And I believe that with the modernization of this agreement, we're actually delivering on this goal. And therefore, believe that we will have even more SMEs and more companies investing and cooperating with Mexico. Madam, Halul Muro was highlighting that this agreement goes beyond traditional trade issues. She was, underscoring importance of economic security, strategic economy, strategic autonomy, but also the diversification opportunity which disagreement offers to Mexico, but also to the, to the European Union. And I think that, once we are entering into this new partnership with Mexico, it would help us, to address also the issues which we mentioned by madam Pedro and, madam Cavazzini as a as a true partners who are ready to cooperate together very, very closely on all issues. Mister Polato and mister Barena Arza, thank you very much for highlighting the complementarity of our economies because especially the topics which are very often with a big passion discussed also in this chamber linked with agriculture, with agri food business. In this particular case, what we've been focused on is to make sure that, our agri food exports to Mexico, will be done, at 0 duties. And all this would apply to almost all of the EU key exports interest either at the entry into force or within 7 to 10 years. And I have to underscore that this agreement will remove 99% of the currently very high Mexican tariffs, like 100% of poultry, 40 per 45% on cheese, 45% on pork, 20% on chocolate and pasta, for example. Despite these tariffs already in 2025, the EU agri food exports are worthy of 2,300,000,000. So I believe that if it comes, to the reduction of the tariffs as I just described, only for agri food business, we are reducing, tariffs for European exporters by more than €100,000,000. So absolutely convinced that also in this sector, it would be extremely beneficial for agri for our agri food sectors to have such a valuable partners as Mexico. Thank you very much, madam president.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “Thank you very much, Madam President. I would like to thank all the honourable members for their for their intervention and and very, very telegraphically. I would like to reassure honourable members that if it comes to the concerns concerning tuna, honey or SP standards that have been really carefully negotiating all these categories, and I can assure you that everything, everything will be okay under control and that this agreement will bring huge benefits to European economic operators. And as I mentioned earlier, especially to agri food sector. On the energy chapter, what I would like to do is that we made also a big progress in this regard, because we have been able to assess with certainty the domestic energy policy, which was related to the now finalised Mexican constitutional reforms in the economic sphere and the agreement we reached on energy issues ensures consistency of the modernisation with the Mexican reforms in the energy sector, while ensuring the overall balance of the negotiated outcome is rebalanced and that now we we are in a much better situation than before. And on top of it, we got the guarantee that the EU investors will be treated on equal footing with investors from other important third countries. Also, you rightly pointed out that we have agreed on review clause in order to rediscuss in the medium term, the the the changes, the calibration or removal of some of the energy commitments that have been agreed in the in the agreement. And we will definitely use that opportunities if you allow me. The last point concerns the issue, which was raised by Mr. Warborn, and this is linked with the pace of our free trade agreement negotiations.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “Dear President, Dear Taoiseach, Dear Minister, Honourable Members, My dear colleague Commissioner McGrath. I want to start by welcoming the incoming Irish Presidency. I am happy to note that Ireland's priorities for their Presidency are very much in line with the Commission's agenda. This starts with the closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing core themes, of competitiveness, values, and security. To consider them in turn. Europe must act urgently to enhance its competitiveness and productivity, in order to deliver a secure economic future which meets the needs and expectations of its people. To this end, the Irish Presidency will play a central role in delivering on the ‘One Europe, One Market' Roadmap, which the three institutions signed in April. We are on our way to fulfil our commitment to complete the Single Market by the end of next year. But we must move faster. During the Irish Presidency, we expect to come forward with important initiatives, including the Public Procurement Act, and the Circular Economy Act. But we also need to close existing files, including the Savings and Investments Union, the Industrial Accelerator Act and the EU Inc. Regulation. When it comes to simplification, we need to close the four remaining omnibus proposals – namely digital, environmental, automotive, and food and feed. In addition, last month we presented two more omnibuses, on energy and taxation, with another on citizens to follow still this year. We now count on the co-legislators to take the work on open files forward swiftly. Another key element of competitiveness is energy prices, where Europeans and European businesses alike expect action. We need to maintain our momentum if we are to meet the target of reaching political agreement on the European Grids Package, put forward by the Commission last December, by the third quarter of this year. Looking ahead, next week we will present an Energy Package with a proposal on grid charges and an electrification plan. As well as an ETS review and a proposal on benchmarks. I also welcome that our ambitious trade policy agenda will continue to gather pace under the Irish Presidency. We look forward to furthering our joint work with the Presidency and with you, Honourable Members, on issues including the implementation of the EU-U.S. Trade and Investment agenda. And the ongoing trade negotiations with Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. I am also counting on the Council to approve the signing of the agreements with India and Indonesia, and for the Parliament to proceed with its swift consent, so that they can enter into force, allowing for the full benefits to be enjoyed as quickly as possible. Dear Taoiseach. As I informed you last week in Cork at our coordination session, we work in a constructive way with our UK partners to further strengthen our relationship. And as I reassured you there, and I reassure you here, we will always keep Ireland and Northern Ireland on our minds. Turning to the second overarching priority, values. Our values remain the cornerstone of the European project, and we very much welcome that the Irish Presidency has placed them at the heart of its programme. Over the next six months, there will be a great deal of work to deliver on the European Democracy Shield, defend the rule of law, and advance citizens' rights, including online – and especially when it comes to children. Our values are also part of what makes joining the European Union so attractive, and the prospect of enlargement is once again very much on the table. I will never forget the day, in May 2004, when the EU took the historic step of admitting ten new Member States, Slovakia among them. Nor will I forget that it was in Phoenix Park in Dublin, with Ireland then holding the Presidency of the Council, where these ten Member States were officially welcomed into the Union. So we count on the experience, expertise, and knowhow of the current Irish Presidency to advance negotiations with today's candidate countries. And further afield, to contribute to our efforts on the global stage, including in our work to help secure a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Third, security and defence. The Irish Presidency will lead our continued support for Ukraine. This is also an investment in our own security. We must maintain our support to Ukraine across all fronts: militarily, economically, and politically. At the same time, we continue to put pressure on Russia. I welcome the work of the Presidency on the 21st sanctions package, including the commitment to reach an agreement by next week. On security and defence more widely, we count on the Irish Presidency to steer work on key files in this area, including our defence industry, military mobility, and drones. On migration, this is a European challenge which must be met with a European response. We should now focus our efforts on the prompt implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum as a priority. Madam President, dear Taoiseach, Honourable Members. Lastly, I want to briefly mention the future Multiannual Financial Framework. Our aim is to find an agreement by the end of the year, and while this is a complex and challenging topic, I am glad that the Irish Presidency has received a strong mandate from the European Council to continue the work on this. Thank you, and I look forward to the debate.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• 2026-07-07 “Are we accelerated it because the economic situation in the world and in Europe clearly demands it? We simply need to diversify our trade. We need to diversify the opportunities for our economic operators, who simply have to look for new markets beyond the traditional, traditional export destinations. And of course, if you want to be strategically autonomous, we have to have new access to the critical raw materials, to the sensitive technologies. And therefore, we are actually expanding the horizon and possibility for the European economy to thrive. Let us not forget that almost half of our GDP depends on how well we trade. Despite of what is happening right now, we are the biggest trader in the world. If we take together goods and services. So I think what we should focus on is how we can consolidate the position in the future. And with the pace of negotiations comes my request, Madam President, because I would like to kindly ask this House and great colleagues from Inter and other committees to support us in a smooth consent vote organization and the procedures. Today we discuss Mexico earlier with the Taoiseach, I was putting the accent on our agreements with India, Indonesia. We should get the consent of this House this year so we can really benefit from this agreement as of January of next year. And of course, we have on the table also the agreement with Australia. So I would just highlight this agreement where we need to coordinate very well between Parliament, the Council and the Commission. So we can really use this these opportunities as soon as possible. Thank you very much, Madam President.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “(12:10:52 - 12:12:46): Thank you very much, madam president. These are honorable members. I would like to thank all of you for your interventions and, indeed, a very rich debate. The Irish presidency has set out a clear and timely agenda, and today's discussion confirms broad alignment on the key priorities, be it on our values, cybercrime, and housing highlighted in the interventions by madam Garcia Perez and mister Weber, or the importance of competitiveness, simplification, boosting the position of the European Union on the global economic stage, or tackling heat waves and fires advocated by madam Aye and madam Reintke. Many members of the European parliament, mister Mureshan, madam Shidlow, madam Gal, mister Flanagan, reflected in these statements the importance and complexity of the negotiations over the next multi-annual financial framework. To get this done, it requires huge skills, focus, persistency, and the Irish presidency demonstrated the ability to deliver many times in the past. And I'm sure, mister Tischak, that you will do it again. To conclude, I would like to highlight that the commission remains fully committed to work hand in hand with the presidency, the European parliament, and the member states to deliver tangible results because we are entering indeed a decisive phase for Europe's future. It would require a European team spirit, inter-institutional coordination, and strong resolve. And I'm convinced that we will all rise to the challenges, Europeans, and make the European Union in the next 6 months under the Irish presidency stronger and with unity.”
  EU political integration
• 2026-07-07 “(13:14:16 - 13:19:21): You. Thank you very much, mister president, honorable members, dear rapporteur. Trade is a fundamental to the European Union economy, and, we just heard eloquent statement in this regard, by Tisha, who is heading Irish, presidency in the earlier debate. Why? Because more than 700,000 EU companies export beyond our borders, and they support more than 30,000,000 jobs across the union contributing in 1 way or another to almost half of our European GDP. Not least, thanks to our 45 free trade agreements with 81 countries, covering more than half of our trade. Yet the context for the EU trade policy has become increasingly unpredictable and volatile. We are witnessing deliberate disruptions of global trade and the weaponization of dependencies. And in such turbulent times, we need to work even more closely with our partners and keep markets open as well as new markets for our exports and diversify sources of the imports for the European, Union producers. During this commission's mandate, we have struck landmark deals with Mexico, Mercosur, Indonesia, India, Australia, and Eastern and South African so called ESA countries. We are also continuing to negotiate with Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and The United Arab Emirates. And against this background, let me turn now to the subject of today's debate, EU Mexico trade relations. The commercial ties between the EU and Mexico are already strong. We have been trading on preferential terms since the year 2000 when the trade pillar of EU Mexico global agreement entered into force. That has seen the bilateral trade in goods increase by 330% in the last 25 years, while the trade in services has also expanded significantly, and the EU has become the 2nd most important investor in Mexico. But in the past 2 decades, the world has changed, which is why we needed a modernized agreement that takes EU Mexico relations to a new level, establishing a modern and ambitious framework for bilateral trade and investment. It will take, it will make almost all EU Mexico trading goods tariff free. And this is especially important for the EU agri food exporters as duties will be removed on nearly all key products. While Europe's flagship food and drink products are protected under 569, geographical indications, the agreement will also support growth in EU services exports in sectors such as financial services, transport, and ecommerce. It will reduce non tariff barriers and help ensure a level playing field, including through stronger provisions on intellectual property rights. It will strengthen cooperation on critical raw materials and support the competitiveness of the European industry. It will promote the digital transition on both sides through the dedicated chapter on digital trade, and it will make it easier for small and medium sized enterprises to trade and invest. It will expand opportunities for EU firms in Mexico's public procurement market, and it will help address practical difficulties faced by our investors in Mexico. As you have underlined in the interim report accompanying this debate, the EU and Mexico are like minded, long standing partners. This agreement will deepen that partnership and strengthen our ability to work together on global challenges. It also underlies our commitment to fair trade, shared prosperity, sustainability, and rules based cooperation, and it promotes sustainable development through legally binding commitments on labor rights, environmental protection, climate change, and responsible business conducts in the TSD chapter, as well as on trade and gender equality and women's economic empowerment. With the modernized agreement, we are better equipped to seize new opportunities and address common challenges, both bilaterally and at the multilateral level. So, honorable members, this debate is an opportunity to send a clear message to Europeans and to our partners that Europe believes in fair trade, strong alliances, and strategic openness. And that when it comes to Mexico, which is partnership and mutual benefit. So I would, kindly ask for your support to back this agreement, and I would conclude, by thanking all of you for attending this debate and our 2 reporters for great cooperation. Thank you”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “Thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. president, honourable members, dear rapporteurs. Trade is a fundamental to the European Union economy. And we just heard eloquent statement in this regard by Taoiseach who is heading Irish Presidency in the earlier debate. Why? Because more than 700 southern EU companies export beyond our borders, and they support more than 30 million jobs across the Union, contributing in one way or another to almost half of our European GDP, not least thanks to our 45 free trade agreements with 81 countries covering more than half of our trade. Yet the context for EU trade policy has become increasingly unpredictable and volatile. We are witnessing deliberate disruptions of global trade and the weaponisation of dependencies. And in such turbulent times, we need to work even more closely with our partners and keep markets open, as well as new markets for our exports and diversify sources of imports for the European Union producers. During this Commission's mandate, we have struck landmark deals with Mexico, Mercosur, Indonesia, India, Australia and Eastern and South Africa and so-called Asia countries. We are also continuing to negotiate with the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. And against this background, let me turn now to the subject of today's debate EU Mexico trade relations. The commercial ties between the EU and Mexico are already strong.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “It will expand opportunities for EU firms in Mexico's public procurement market, and it will help address practical difficulties faced by our investors in Mexico. As you have underlined in the interim report accompanying this debate, the EU and Mexico are like minded, long standing partners. This agreement will deepen that partnership and strengthen our ability to work together on global challenges. It also underlines our commitment to fair trade, shared prosperity, sustainability and rules based cooperation. And it promotes sustainable development through legally binding commitments on labour rights, environmental protection, climate change and responsible business conduct in the TSD chapter, as well as on trade and gender equality and women's economic empowerment. With the modernised agreement, we are better equipped to seize new opportunities and address common challenges both bilaterally and at the multilateral level. So honourable members, this debate is an opportunity to send a clear message to Europeans and to our partners that Europe believes in fair trade, strong alliances and strategic openness, and that when it comes to Mexico, we choose partnership and mutual benefit. So I would kindly ask for your support to back this agreement, and I would conclude by thanking all of you for attending this debate and our two rapporteurs for great cooperation. Thank you very much, Mr. President.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “We have been trading on preferential terms since the year 2000, when the trade pillar of EU Mexico Global Agreement entered into force. That has seen the bilateral trade in goods increased by 330% in the last 25 years, while the trade in services has also expanded significantly, and the EU has become the second most important investor in Mexico. But in the past two decades, the world has changed, which is why we needed a modernized agreement that takes EU Mexico relations to a new level, establishing a modern and ambitious framework for bilateral trade and investment. It will take. It will take almost all EU Mexico trade in goods tariff free. And this is especially important for the EU agri food exporters, as duties will be removed on nearly all key products, while Europe's flagship food and drink products are protected under 569 geographical indications. The agreement will also support growth in EU services exports in in sectors such as financial services, transport and e-commerce. It will reduce non-tariff barriers and help ensure a level playing field, including through stronger provisions on intellectual property rights. It will strengthen cooperation on critical raw materials and support the competitiveness of the European industry. It will promote the digital transition on both sides through the dedicated chapter on digital trade, and it will make it easier for small and medium sized enterprises to trade and invest.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “Dear President, Honorable Members. Trade is fundamental to the European Union economy. More than 700,000 EU companies export beyond our borders, supporting over 30 million jobs across the Union. Not least, thanks to our 45 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 81 countries, covering more than half of our trade. Yet the context for EU trade policy has become increasingly unpredictable and volatile. We are witnessing deliberate disruptions of global trade and the weaponisation of dependencies. In such turbulent times, we need to work even more closely with our partners, and keep markets open – as well as open new markets – for our exports, and diversify sources of imports. During this Commission's mandate, we have struck landmark deals with Mexico, Mercosur, Indonesia, India, Australia, and Eastern and Southern African (ESA) countries. We are also continuing to negotiate with the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. Against this background, let me turn now to the subject of today's debate: EU-Mexico trade relations. The commercial ties between the EU and Mexico are already strong. We have been trading on preferential terms since 2000, when the trade pillar of the EU-Mexico Global Agreement entered into force. That has seen bilateral trade in goods increase by 330% in the last 25 years, while trade in services has expanded significantly - the EU is now Mexico's third largest trading partner. And the EU has become a major investor in Mexico - the second largest after the U.S. But in the past two decades, the world has changed. Which is why we needed a modernised agreement that takes EU-Mexico relations to a new level. Establishing a modern and ambitious framework for bilateral trade and investment. It will make almost all EU-Mexico trade in goods tariff-free. This is especially important for EU agri-food exporters, as duties will be removed on nearly all key products. While Europe's flagship food and drink products are protected under 569 Geographical Indications. The agreement will support growth in EU services exports in sectors such as financial services, transport, and e-commerce. It will reduce non-tariff barriers and help ensure a level playing field, including through stronger provisions on intellectual property rights. It will strengthen cooperation on critical raw materials, and support the competitiveness of European industry. It will promote the digital transition on both sides through a dedicated chapter on digital trade. It will make it easier for small- and medium-sized enterprises to trade and invest. It will expand opportunities for EU firms in Mexico's public procurement market. And it will help address practical difficulties faced by our investors in Mexico. As you have underlined in the Interim Report accompanying this debate, the EU and Mexico are like-minded, long-standing partners. This agreement will deepen that partnership and strengthen our ability to work together on global challenges. It also underlines our commitment to fair trade, shared prosperity, sustainability, and rules-based cooperation. And it promotes sustainable development through legally binding commitments on labour rights, environmental protection, climate change and responsible business conduct (TSD Chapter). As well as on trade and gender equality and women's economic empowerment. With the modernised agreement, we are better equipped to seize new opportunities and address common challenges. Both bilaterally and at the multilateral level. Honorable Members. This debate is an opportunity to send a clear message — to Europeans and to our partners – that Europe believes in fair trade, strong alliances, and strategic openness. And that when it comes to Mexico, we choose partnership and mutal benefits. So let us back this agreement. Thank you.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “Thank you very much, madam president. I would like to thank all honorable members for the intervention. And very, very telegraphically, would like to reassure honorable members that, if it comes to the concerns concerning tuna, honey, or SPA standards, that we've been really carefully negotiating all these categories. I can assure you that everything will be okay, under control, and that this agreement will bring huge benefits to European economic operators and, as I mentioned earlier, especially to the agri-food sector. On the energy sector, what I would like to do is say that we made also big progress in this regard because we have been able to assess with certainty the domestic energy policy, which was related to the now finalized Mexican constitutional reforms in the economic sphere. The agreement we reached on energy issues ensures consistency of the modernization with Mexican reforms in the energy sector while ensuring the overall balance of the negotiated outcome is rebalanced, and that now we are in a much better situation than before. On top of it, we got the guarantee that the EU investors will be treated on equal footing with investors from other important third countries. Also, you rightly pointed out that we have agreed on a review clause in order to rediscuss in the medium term the changes, recalibration, or removal of some of the energy commitments that have been agreed in the agreement, and we will definitely use that opportunity. If you allow me, the last point concerns the issue which was raised by Mister Varbourn, and this is linked with the pace of our free trade agreement negotiations. We accelerated it because the economic situation in the world and in Europe clearly demands it. We simply need to diversify our trade. We need to diversify the opportunities for our economic operators who simply have to look for new markets beyond the traditional export destinations. Of course, if you want to be strategically autonomous, we have to have new access to the critical raw minerals and the sensitive technologies. Therefore, we are actually expanding the horizon and possibility for the European economy to strive. Let's not forget that almost half of our GDP depends on how well we trade. Despite what is happening right now, we are the biggest trader in the world if you take together goods and services. So I think what we should focus on is how we can consolidate the position in the future. And with the pace of negotiation comes my request, madam president, because I would like to kindly ask this house and the great colleagues from INTA and other committees to support us in a smooth consent vote organization and the procedures. Today, we discussed Mexico earlier with the TEASHA guy putting the accent on our agreements with India, Indonesia. We should get the consent vote of this house this year so we can really benefit from this agreement as of January 1 next year. Of course, we have on the table also the agreement with Australia. So I would just highlight these agreements where we need to coordinate very well between the parliament, the council, and the commission so we can really use these opportunities as soon as possible. Thank you very much, madam president.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “(11:01:20 - 11:08:40): Dear madam president, dear Taoiseach, dear minister, honorable members, my dear colleague, commissioner Meggra. 1st, I would like, to start by welcoming the Irish president presidency and wishing you best of luck in this very demanding 6 magnets because, you just ran through the program, which is very extensive, and we really rely on always competent and delivering Irish presidency to make success on all the points you mentioned. I also would like to highlight that how happy we are in the European Commission that Ireland's priorities for the presidency are very much in line with the commission's agenda. And this starts with a closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing core elements of competitiveness, values, and security. To consider them in turn, Europe must act urgently to enhance its competitiveness and productivity in order to deliver a secure economic future which meets the needs and expectation of its people. To this end, the Irish presidency will play a central role in delivering on the 1 Europe, 1 market road map, which the 3 institutions signed in April. They're also on our way to fulfill our commitment to complete the single market by the end of the next year, but it's clear we must move faster. During the Irish presidency, we expect to come forward with important initiatives including the public procurement act and the Circular Economy Act. But we also need to close existing files, including the savings and investments union, the industrial accelerator act, and EU Inc. Regulation. When it comes to simplification, we need to close the 4 remaining omnibus proposals, namely digital, environmental, automotive, and food and feed. In addition, last month, we presented 2 more omnibuses on energy and taxation with another on citizens to follow still this year. We now count on the co legislators to take the work on open files forward swiftly. Another key element on competitiveness is energy prices where Europeans and European businesses alike expect action. We need to maintain our momentum EVR to meet the target of reaching political agreement on the European grids package put forward by commission last December by the 3rd quarter of this year. Looking ahead next week, we will present the energy package with a proposal on grid charges and an electrification plan as well as an ETS review and a proposal on benchmarks. I also welcome that our ambitious trade policy agenda will continue to gather pace under the Irish presidency, and thank you very much, Shadir Tischak, for highlighting this priority. We look forward to furthering our joint work with the presidency and with you, honorable members, on issues including the implementation of the EU, US trade and investment agenda, but also on the ongoing trade negotiations with Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and The United Arab Emirates. I'm also counting on the council to approve the signing of agreements with India and Indonesia and for the parliament to proceed with its swift consent so that they can enter into force allowing for the full benefits to be enjoyed as quickly as possible. Dear Tischak, honorable members, as I informed you last week in Cork at our coordination session, we work in a constructive way with our UK partners to further strengthen our relationship. And as I assure you there, I would reassure you here, we'll always keep Ireland and Northern Ireland on our minds. Turning to the 2nd overarching priorities, values. Our values remain the cornerstone of European project, and we very much welcome that the Irish presidency has placed them at the heart of its program. Over the next 6 months, there will be a great deal of work to deliver on European democracy shield, defend the rule of law, and advance citizens' rights, including online, especially when it comes to children. My dear colleague, commissioner Michael McGrath, who is here with me, is doing outstanding job on all these files, and I'm sure that together with the Irish presidency, there will be clear progress achieved very, very soon. As we all agree, our values are also part of what makes joining the European Union so attractive. The prospect of enlargement is once again very much on the table. I will never forget the day in May 2004 when the EU took the historic step of admitting 10 new member states, including my own, Slovakia among them. Nor I will never forget that, it was in Phoenix Park in Dublin with Ireland and holding the presidency of the council where these 10 members were officially welcomed into the union. It was very memorable, and it was very emotional for all of us. So we count on the experience, expertise, and know how of the current Irish presidency to advance negotiations with today's candidate countries. And further afield to contribute to our efforts on the global stage, including in our work to help secure a just and lasting peace in The Middle East. 3rd, security and defense. The Irish presidency will lead our continued support for Ukraine. This is also an investment in our own security, and we must maintain our support to Ukraine across all fronts, militarily, economically, and politically. At the same time, we continue to put pressure on Russia, and I welcome the work of the presidency on the 21st sanction package, including the commitment to reach an agreement by next week. On security and defense more widely, we count on Irish presidency to steer work on key files in this area, including our defense industry, military mobility, and drones. On migration, this is a European challenge which must be met with a European response. We should now focus our efforts on the prompt implementation of the pact on migration and asylum as the priority. So honorable members, Dev Tishak, madam president, lastly, I want to briefly mention the future multi annual financial framework. Our aim is to find an agreement by the end of the year. And while this is a complex and challenging topic, I'm glad that the Irish presidency has received a strong mandate from the European Council to continue the work on this. So once again, best of luck to the Irish presidency. Thank you very much, dear Tischak, for coming to share your priorities with us. I would like to thank, madam president, and you honorable members for your attention, and I believe that we are all looking forward to the debate. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• 2026-07-07 “Mr. Parlato and Mr. Barina. Thank you very much for highlighting the complementarity of our economies, because especially the topics which are very often the big passion discussed also in this chamber are linked with agriculture, with agri food business. In this particular case, what we've been focused on is to make sure that our agri food exports to Mexico will be done at zero duties, and all this would apply to almost all of the EU key exports interests, either at the entry into force or within 7 to 10 years. And I have to underscore that this agreement will remove Percent of the currently very high Mexican tariffs, like 100% of poultry. 4,045% on cheese, 45% on pork, 20% on chocolate and pasta, for example. Despite these tariffs already in 2025, the EU agri food exports are worthy of 2.3 billion. So I believe that if it comes to the reduction of tariffs, as I just described, only for agri food business, we are reducing tariffs for European exporters by more than €100 million. So I am absolutely convinced that also in this sector, it would be extremely beneficial for agriculture, for our agri food sectors to have such a valuable partners as Mexico. Thank you very much, Madam President.”
  Export of EU agri-food products
• 2026-07-07 “Thank you very much, Madam President. If you allow me just for for the short intervention, just to react on the first round of speakers, I think Mr. Lang just reminded us what kind of turbulent times we are living right now and why in these times, especially in this period, we need close partnership with our like minded partners and also the strong solidarity. And I think this agreement is kind of a reflection and embodiment of, of these key ingredients, which have been part and parcel of our negotiations. Madam Pedro already highlighted that already today we have 45000 European companies which are exporting to Mexico. And what is also very important is the fact that, as she said, and I confirm the figure, more than 80% of these companies are SMEs. So for the small and medium sized enterprises to make the trade with distant partners, it requires the simplicity. It has to be smooth. You have to have a good legal and trade framework in place. And I believe that with the modernisation of this agreement, we are clearly delivering on this goal and therefore I believe that we will have even more SMEs and more companies investing and cooperating with Mexico. Madam Mauro was highlighting the disagreement goes beyond traditional trade issues. She was underscoring the importance of economic security, strategic economy, strategic autonomy, but also the diversification opportunity which this agreement offers to Mexico, but also to the to the European Union. And I think that once we are entering into this new partnership with Mexico, it would help us to address also the issues which have been mentioned by Madam Pedro Joe and Madame Cavassini as true partners who are ready to cooperate together very, very closely on all issues.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “Thank you very much, mister president, honorable members, dear rapporteur. Trade is a fundamental to the European Union economy, and, we just heard eloquent statement in this regard, by Tischak, who is heading Irish, presidency in the earlier debate. Why? Because more than 700,000 EU companies export beyond our borders, and they support more than 30,000,000 jobs across the union contributing in 1 way or another to almost half of our European GDP. Not least, thanks to our 45 free trade agreements with 81 countries, covering more than half of our trade. Yet the context for the EU trade policy has become increasingly unpredictable and volatile. We are witnessing deliberate disruptions of global trade and the weaponization of dependencies. And in such turbulent times, we need to work even more closely with our partners and keep markets open as well as new markets for our exports and diversify sources of the imports for the European, Union producers. During this commission's mandate, we have struck landmark deals with Mexico, Mercosur, Indonesia, India, Australia, and Eastern and South African so called ESA countries. We are also continuing to negotiate with Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and The United Arab Emirates. And against this background, let me turn now to the subject of today's debate, EU Mexico trade relations. The commercial ties between the EU and Mexico are already strong. We have been trading on preferential terms since the year 2000 when the trade pillar of EU Mexico global agreement entered into force. That has seen the bilateral trade in goods increase by 330% in the last 25 years, while the trade in services has also expanded significantly, and the EU has become the 2nd most important investor in Mexico. But in the past 2 decades, the world has changed, which is why we needed a modernized agreement that takes EU Mexico relations to a new level, establishing a modern and ambitious framework for bilateral trade and investment. It will take, it will make almost all EU Mexico trading goods tariff free. And this is especially important for the EU agri food exporters as duties will be removed on nearly all key products. While Europe's flagship food and drink products are protected under 569, geographical indications, the agreement will also support growth in EU services exports in sectors such as financial services, transport, and ecommerce. It will reduce non tariff barriers and help ensure a level playing field, including through stronger provisions on intellectual property rights. It will strengthen cooperation on critical raw materials and support the competitiveness of the European industry. It will promote the digital transition on both sides through the dedicated chapter on digital trade, and it will make it easier for small and medium sized enterprises to trade and invest. It will expand opportunities for EU firms in Mexico's public procurement market, and it will help address practical difficulties faced by our investors in Mexico. As you have underlined in the interim report accompanying this debate, the EU and Mexico are like minded, long standing partners. This agreement will deepen that partnership and strengthen our ability to work together on global challenges. It also underlies our commitment to fair trade, shared prosperity, sustainability, and rules based cooperation, and it promotes sustainable development through legally binding commitments on labor rights, environmental protection, climate change, and responsible business conducts in the TSD chapter, as well as on trade and gender equality and women's economic empowerment. With the modernized agreement, we are better equipped to seize new opportunities and address common challenges, both bilaterally and at the multilateral level. So, honorable members, this debate is an opportunity to send a clear message to Europeans and to our partners that Europe believes in fair trade, strong alliances, and strategic openness. And that when it comes to Mexico, which is partnership and mutual benefit. So I would, kindly ask for your support to back this agreement, and I would conclude, by thanking all of you for attending this debate and our 2 reporters for great cooperation. Thank you very much, mister president.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “(13:36:31 - 13:40:15): Thank you very much, madam president. If you allow me just for for the short duration just to react on the 1st, round of, speakers. Think mister Lange just reminded us what kind of turbulent times we are living right now and why in this times, especially in this period, we need close partnership with our like minded partners and also the strong solidarity. And I think, this agreement is kind of reflection and embodiment of, of these key ingredients, which been the parts and parts of our negotiations. Madam Pedro already highlighted, that already today, we have 45,000 European companies, which are exporting to Mexico. What And is also very important is the fact that, as you said, and I confirmed the figure, more than 80% of these, companies are SMEs. So for the small and medium sized enterprises to make the trade with a distant partner, it requires the simplicity. It has to be smooth. You have to have a good legal and trade framework in place. And I believe that with the modernization of this agreement, we're actually delivering on this goal. And therefore, believe that we will have even more SMEs and more companies investing and cooperating with Mexico. Madam, Halul Muro was highlighting that this agreement goes beyond traditional trade issues. She was, underscoring importance of economic security, strategic economy, strategic autonomy, but also the diversification opportunity which disagreement offers to Mexico, but also to the, to the European Union. And I think that, once we are entering into this new partnership with Mexico, it would help us, to address also the issues which we mentioned by madam Pedro and, madam Cavazzini as a as a true partners who are ready to cooperate together very, very closely on all issues. Mister Polato and mister Barena Arza, thank you very much for highlighting the complementarity of our economies because especially the topics which are very often with a big passion discussed also in this chamber linked with agriculture, with agri food business. In this particular case, what we've been focused on is to make sure that, our agri food exports to Mexico, will be done, at 0 duties. And all this would apply to almost all of the EU key exports interest either at the entry into force or within 7 to 10 years. And I have to underscore that this agreement will remove 99% of the currently very high Mexican tariffs, like 100% of poultry, 40 per 45% on cheese, 45% on pork, 20% on chocolate and pasta, for example. Despite these tariffs already in 2025, the EU agri food exports are worthy of 2,300,000,000. So I believe that if it comes, to the reduction of the tariffs as I just described, only for agri food business, we are reducing, tariffs for European exporters by more than €100,000,000. So absolutely convinced that also in this sector, it would be extremely beneficial for agri for our agri food sectors to have”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-07-07 “(14:22:23 - 14:26:03): Thank you very much, madam president. I would like to thank all honorable members for the intervention. And very, very telegraphically, would like to reassure honorable members that, if it comes to the concerns concerning tuna, honey, or SPA standards, that we've been really carefully negotiating all these categories. I can assure you that everything will be okay, under control, and that this agreement will bring huge benefits to European economic operators and, as I mentioned earlier, especially to the agri-food sector. On the energy sector, what I would like to do is say that we made also big progress in this regard because we have been able to assess with certainty the domestic energy policy, which was related to the now finalized Mexican constitutional reforms in the economic sphere. The agreement we reached on energy issues ensures consistency of the modernization with Mexican reforms in the energy sector while ensuring the overall balance of the negotiated outcome is rebalanced. Now we are in a much better situation than before. On top of it, we got the guarantee that the EU investors will be treated on equal footing with investors from other important third countries. Also, you rightly pointed out that we have agreed on a review clause in order to rediscuss in the medium term the changes, recalibration, or removal of some of the energy commitments that have been agreed in the agreement, and we will definitely use that opportunity. If you allow me, the last point concerns the issue which was raised by Mister Varbourn, and this is linked with the pace of our free trade agreement negotiations. We accelerated it because the economic situation in the world and in Europe clearly demands it. We simply need to diversify our trade. We need to diversify the opportunities for our economic operators who simply have to look for new markets beyond the traditional export destinations. Of course, if you want to be strategically autonomous, we have to have new access to the critical raw minerals and the sensitive technologies. Therefore, we are actually expanding the horizon and possibility for the European economy to strive. Let's not forget that almost half of our GDP depends on how well we trade. Despite what is happening right now, we are the biggest trader in the world if you take together goods and services. So I think what we should focus on is how we can consolidate the position in the future. And with the pace of negotiation comes my request, madam president, because I would like to kindly ask this house and the great colleagues from INTA and other committees to support us in a smooth consent vote organization and the procedures. Today, we discussed Mexico earlier with the TEASHA guy putting the accent on our agreements with India, Indonesia. We should get the consent vote of this house this year so we can really benefit from this agreement as of January 1 next year. Of course, we have on the table also the agreement with Australia. So I would just highlight these agreements where we need to coordinate very well between the parliament, the council, and”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-06-29 “Good afternoon. Today, I have the opportunity to host my counterpart from China, Minister Wang Wentao. We held a series of substantive talks as of this morning and will continue later today. This is my fourth meeting with the Minister, building on our previous engagements. My team also travelled to Beijing to help prepare this visit. Today's discussions were intensive, focused and constructive. My objective from the outset has been clear: to begin balancing the trade relationship between the European Union and China. The gap is widening. China's exports to the EU keep rising, while our market share in China keeps shrinking. This trend is not sustainable. The status quo is not an option. The EU remains open for business. But we need to defend our industrial base and keep pushing for a level playing field globally, so our industries get a fair shot at competing. That is why today's talks – and the ones to follow – matter. They help us avoid unnecessary tension. I believe we are starting to understand each other better on the structural issues that need fixing in our trade relationship. This is also reflected in the joint press statement that Minister Wang Wentao and I are issuing, capturing the key takeaways. So, we are today launching Trade and Investment Consultations – a dedicated platform to tackle, in a structured way, the issues we have identified together, along four strands: • Trade and investment balancing • Export controls • Intellectual property rights • and WTO reform. Under the first working group on trade and investment balancing, we have agreed to immediately set up a joint monitoring mechanism of trade flows, as a tool to help balance our trade. In the context of the second working group, I welcome the Minister's reassurance that existing export controls on rare earths and permanent magnets will not disrupt EU supply chains. But I have also proposed ways to further ease the licensing process for EU firms. Progress is built one conversation at a time. Our teams will now intensify their work – and I will travel to Beijing this autumn to assess progress. They have a clear mandate and an ambitious timeline to deliver tangible results by October. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with China
• 2026-06-29 “On 29th June 2026, Mr Maros Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security and Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, and Mr Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, held the first meeting of the EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations (TIC) in Brussels. The EU and China as key trade partners, agree that the main objective of the TIC is to strengthen dialogue at ministerial level on trade and investment policies with the view to stabilise and make our bilateral relationship more balanced. During the first meeting of the TIC, the EU and China noted the importance of addressing the challenges affecting the bilateral trade relationship and agreed to seek practical solutions. Four initial workstreams under the TIC were identified: • Trade and investment balancing • Export controls • IPR • WTO reform Commissioner Šefčovič and Minister Wang mandated officials to engage in the four workstreams and agreed to meet again at ministerial level in Autumn 2026. During the meeting, they also agreed to establish a joint monitoring mechanism to exchange relevant data, monitor trade flows and support technical work with a view to improving transparency, enhancing mutual trust and managing trade frictions. Both sides also agreed that increased market access measures and initiatives can contribute to the balancing of the trade relationship. Their discussion focussed on possible tariff or non-tariff initiatives to that effect, exchanged lists of market access issues and agreed to continue consultations within the trade and investment balancing work stream with a view to making progress on specific concerns. Both sides took note of the positive results to date of the EU-China Export Control Dialogue regarding rare earth elements and other critical materials and minerals, and intend to strengthen dialogue in this field. The two sides discussed the value of continued exchanges of information on their respective regulatory frameworks and licensing policies. They acknowledged the need to strengthen the EU-China Export Control Dialogue and agreed on the need for further facilitation efforts aimed at maintaining the stability of global industrial supply chains. The EU and China underline the necessity of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the WTO, advancing substantive progress on WTO reform, and improving the authority and effectiveness of the WTO. Both sides agree to further strengthen communication and cooperation in the WTO moving forward. The two sides acknowledged the constructive exchanges in the EU-China Intellectual Property Working Group as the main channel for EU-China intellectual property related discussions at technical level. They discussed and agreed to address a number of systemic intellectual property issues, to enhance the efficiency, fairness and transparency of IP protection and enforcement.”
  Trade relations with China
• 2026-06-17 “39:40 – 09:42:25): Thank you very much, mister president. I will, of course, respect the time allocated to me, and I will be very, very brief. But I will touch up on the topics which are most frequently mentioned by the parliamentary leaders, mister Weber, Procaccini, madam Rehnke, and madam Ayyet. I mean, referring to our forthcoming discussions and the need to reset, rebalance our relationship with China. And I want to reassure you this is exactly the proposal commission is undertaking, and we would like to base it there on a couple of principles. First, we want to have much more regular engagement with our Chinese counterparts to make sure that we will find the solutions on how to reverse what we described also to them as the unsustainable growing trade deficit between the European Union and China. We want to rebalance our trade. We'll push for more reciprocity. And, of course, we will work very hard with our member states and our stakeholders to put more emphasis on diversification because we know that all dependencies are very expensive and we paid a very high price, especially in the field of energy. What would be very important and what I appreciate in the interventions from all political leaders is the call for unity because unity is our most precious currency. You heard me saying this when I was discussing other strategic relationships with our partners, but I would say in this particular case, this is even more important. If you allow me to respond to madam Garcia Perez and madam Manon Aubrey, I just would like to underline once again and very, very clearly, that we all agree that the EU remains strongly opposed to Israel settlement policies and activities. They are illegal under international law. They constitute an obstacle to peace, and they undermine the viability of the two-state solution. And as both madam Aubrey and madam Garcia Perez recalled, we already tabled very concrete proposals in this regard to suspend the trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel association agreement. And we had the discussion on this topic again on Monday among the foreign ministers where we called for the council to work on the necessary qualified majority. And I believe that there are the best endeavors from the Cypriot presidency to achieve that result. If you allow, mister president, because the debate is rather long, so I would reserve the remaining time for the end of the discussion. Thank you very much.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · Trade relations with China
• 2026-06-17 “59:03 – 11:01:29): Thank you very much, madam minister, madam president, madam minister, honorable members. 1st, let me start by, appreciating the way how the plenary is running under the new, pilot rules. I find the debates more lively. I I find the attendance higher, and think I it's good for European democracy. And I will, of course, consult, my colleagues before sending commission's observation on this new scheme under the revised framework agreement in my capacity as commissioner for inter institutional relations and transparency. But thank you. Thank you very much for this new way. I also would like to reassure you that listen carefully to all your remarks, suggestions, and propositions, on Middle East, on migration, on agriculture issues, and, of course, on China. And we'll come back, to this important issue after discussion of the leaders, in the European Council and, of course, after my meetings with my Chinese counterparts, which should take place in the in the in the coming weeks. In the 2nd part of our discussion, most integration, we've also focusing on MFF, multi annual financial framework. And I'd like to highlight that the, Cypriot presidency, NEGOBOX, preserves the modernization that has guided the commission in our MFF proposals. We need to preserve a high level of ambition for our next budget, and I and I know that we share this ambition together with his house. The key issue would be how we would finance our policies. And for that, we need new own resources. And and I know that also on these very crucial issues, we can count on the support of this parliament. And if you allow me, madam president, to conclude, by thanking Cypriot's presidency, to minister Aona, dear Marena, but also to your outstanding team for excellent results brought by your positive, I would say, sunny Cypriot energy, but also by outstanding, personal relations you built across all the institutions because, this is how we managed to get across the finishing line. A lot of very important pieces of legislation and achieve the progress which is, so important, for the European Union. So I would wish you good luck for the next, 2 weeks, and thank you very much on behalf of the European Commission. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, commissioner. And now I will give the floor to the council and deputy minister for European affairs, miss Rona, please.”
  Own EU resources
• 2026-06-17 “13:04 – 09:17:50): Thank you very much, chairman, Marilena, honorable members, good morning. It is a pleasure to discuss, with, all of you the preparation of the upcoming European Council meeting. So to start with the external affairs, the leaders will discuss the EU's continued support for Ukraine. Notably, the work on implementing the Ukraine support loan with the 1st tranche of €3,200,000,000 expected, to be disbursed already next week. This follows the 21st package of sanctions and the recent positive developments regarding the accession process for both Ukraine and Moldova. Leaders will also address the latest developments in The Middle East, including with regard to, Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine. On Armenia, the leaders will discuss the EU support package under preparation in face of the political and economic pressure on the country from Russia. The package will include immediate financial assistance worth over €50,000,000 with further measures under preparation. Leaders will also follow-up on the 8th EU Western Balkans summit on the June 5. The Western Balkans belong in the EU, and enlargement is both a geostrategic imperative and long term investment in our stability and security. Finally, leaders will discuss the need for EU wide cooperation in our response to the Ebola outbreak, following commissioner Slabib's visit, to the Democratic Republic Of Congo last week where she announced, €16,500,000 in additional EU support. Closer to home, the leaders will have an exchange of views on the next multi annual financial framework with a view to achieving the concrete results before the end of 20 26. This will be an opportunity to set the conditions for an agreement by the end of the year and to provide the political steer on key issues, particularly the questions of financial equation and the new owner resources. Leaders will take stock of our shared commitment to strengthening competitiveness across our union, in particular, on the 1 Europe, 1 market road map. Work on the union's competitiveness starts at home, in particular by lowering energy costs. And to this end, the commission will present the review of the ETS in July following our orientation debate in the college last week. But it is also imperative that we tackle the external challenges to Europe's competitiveness such as those caused by global macroeconomic imbalances. Leaders will discuss European defense and security with the recent drone incidents in the Baltics and in Romania, further underscoring the importance of our efforts, in, this domain. Work is advancing along different strengths, including on safe and the defense readiness omnibus. Leaders will take stock of progress on migration with the pact on migration and asylum being fully applicable as of 5 days ago. Overall, irregular arrivals towards Europe are decreasing. But work should continue to fill any gaps in our procedures to enhance, migration diplomacy. And finally, from, this part, leaders will call for the effective implementation of the EU drug strategy of essential importance given the increased negative impact of drugs in European health and security. On China, let me say that the commission's overarching approach remains de risking as decoupling is neither desirable nor realistic. China remains a critical partner, and engagement and dialogue should intensify, with a clear purpose of rebalancing. Ultimately, our trade and investment relationship must be reciprocal, fairer, and underpinned by level playing field. The EU should also continue its work on increasing effectiveness of its trade defense policy as well as strengthening diversification, by making use of the numerous free trade agreements. This is essential for strengthening the resilience of our economy and enhancing the competitiveness of of our industry. Mister president, if you allow, I will stop here, and I look forward into our discussion and exchanges this morning. Thank you very much.”
  EU-Ukraine relations · EU enlargement
• 2026-06-15 “Thank you very much, mister president, honorable members of the European parliament. 1st and foremost, I want to thank, my good colleague, executive vice president, kindly stepping in because I was delayed in a foreign affairs council in in in Luxembourg. But, what I heard from the discussion and what, my close collaborator, Sofia, was explaining to me, from the previous discussion, I would like to thank you 1st and foremost for what I feel will be broad support, tomorrow for the proposals we we put on the table. And I very much, appreciate also very close collaboration which, brought us to this point. I want to thank chairman Langhe. We spent a lot of hours together, sometimes in very lively atmosphere, sometimes in calm atmosphere, but what is very important that we find very important compromise, and I also want to thank, to all shadows, most of them been interviewing, intervening here today, madam Zhovko, mister Varbon, madam Kalzeboro, madam Cavazini, mister Benifei. And if I can underline just 2, 3 points in the remaining minute, I have, 1st and foremost, this step tomorrow is, very important for signaling how important we take this biggest, trade relationship, in in this world. And despite of all turbulence we went through the last year, let's not forget that our trade actually increased. Now it's more than $2,000,000,000,000, for our mutual trade. And, also, investment went up. So now we are talking about 6,000,000,000,000 of mutual investment on the both sides of Atlantics and millions of jobs, and businesses which depend on making sure that we would work, with our American partners in the best possible way despite of all the volatilities. All of you been highlighting, the the the measures, the safeguards, and all the instruments which are built in in the proposals as you as you propose them. Of course, we all know that we have to be vigilant, and I want to promise you that we will be. Thank you very much, mister president.”
  EU-US trade relations
• 2026-06-08 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 8.6.2026 Written question The existing anti-dumping measures on citric acid from China are in force since 2008. They are currently subject to an expiry review investigation initiated on 14 April 2026 [1] . The scope of an expiry review is to assess if there is a likelihood of continuation and/or recurrence of dumping and injury and therefore, if the measures need to be renewed for further five years. No amendment of the level and form of the measures is possible in this proceeding. Therefore, imports quotas or minimum import prices will not be considered in the proceeding. The Commission has no immediate plans to impose minimum content requirements for citric acid. Nonetheless, the Commission is exploring whether minimum content requirements for bio-based products, including citric acid, should be part of the ‘Biotech Act 2’ proposal, which is scheduled for publication by the end of 2026. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202602120.”
  Trade relations with China
• 2026-05-22 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 22.5.2026 Written question The Commission agrees that the proper functioning of crossing points at the EU’s external borders is of crucial importance. While the organisation of customs controls and the overall performance of the border crossing points are a responsibility of EU Member States, the Commission is open to considering leveraging existing monitoring tools (such as diagnostic studies carried out by its operational customs expert teams) to collect further information. Cooperation at all levels within the EU is very important and the Commission is in regular contact with all EU Customs Administrations, including Greek Customs, to ensure a strong and performing Customs Union. The recently agreed reform of the EU Customs Union should also contribute to this goal. There are several EU programmes under the current Multiannual Financial Framework offering funding opportunities to Member States seeking to reinforce their capabilities at border crossing points. These include the Integrated Border Management Fund, which is made of two components, i.e. i) the Border Management and Visa Instrument [1] (within its specific scope of border management and visa policy), and ii) the Customs Control Equipment Instrument [2] providing financial support for purchasing and upgrading customs tools; as well as the Customs Programme [3] supporting the development and operation of the central digital systems for customs, and the cooperation between customs authorities. Additional support is provided by the Internal Security Fund [4] , the Technical Support Instrument [5] , the Union Anti-Fraud Programme [6] and the Connecting Europe Facility [7] . Potential beneficiaries are regularly informed of upcoming funding opportunities. [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 48. [2] Regulation (EU) 2021/1077 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment, OJ L 234, 2.7.2021, p. 1. [3] Regulation (EU) 2021/444 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2021 establishing the Customs programme for cooperation in the field of customs and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1294/2013, OJ L 87, 15.3.2021, p. 1. [4] Regulation (EU) 2021/1149 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Internal Security Fund, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 94. [5] Regulation (EU) 2021/240 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 February 2021 establishing a Technical Support Instrument, OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 1. [6] Regulation (EU) 2021/785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing the Union Anti-Fraud Programme and repealing Regulation (EU) No 250/2014, OJ L 172, 17.5.2021, p. 110. [7] Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L 249, 14.7.2021, pp. 38.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports · Asylum & border control
• 2026-05-13 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 13.5.2026 Written question In the case at hand, the initiation of the investigation that resulted in the increase of the applicable duties was announced on 19 December 2024 . T he Commission informed all interested parties on 26 November 2025 of the findings The regulation amending the duties was published on 6 February 2026 [1] and entered into force on the following day . This allowed for more than two months until the publication of the increased measures and more than 13 months after the initiation of the investigation. Moreover, since the initiation of the investigation, that is, for more than one year before the increase actually took effect, the interested parties, including importers, had been aware that the anti-dumping duties in question might change. The investigation was limited to the re-examination of dumping, as informed in the notice of initiation of the investigation published on 19 December 2024 [2] . The examination of EU interest is not covered as such. In all cases, a t initiation, the Commission contacts all known exporters, importers and representative associations, as well as representatives of the exporting country and the complainants and invites them to be registered in the investigation. Member States are also informed in advance of the initiation. As part of the procedure, during the investigations, the Commission informs all parties that come forward about the findings in advance of any decision and invites them to comment. Since recently, specifically to increase the outreach and contact the largest number of potential interested parties to the investigation, the Commission is requesting at initiation, to all the exporting producers in the country under investigation, the contact details of their customers in the EU. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202600274. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202407456.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2026-05-13 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 13.5.2026 Written question Regulation (EU) 2018/1672 establishes a system of controls on cash movements of a value of EUR 10,000 or more when entering or leaving the EU, enabling their traceability. It complements the EU legal framework for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. Therefore, it does not apply to movements of cash within the EU, but to movement of cash with third countries even though they are part of the Schengen area. In Regulation (EU) 2018/1672, the threshold of EUR 10,000 applies per carrier, defined as a natural person, rather than per group or family. The regulation does not prevent Member States from introducing, under their national law, additional national controls on movements of cash within the EU, provided that such controls comply with the EU’s fundamental freedoms, in particular Articles 63 and 65 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The Italian law seems to have introduced declaration requirements for movement of cash between Italy and other EU Member States which would be similar to the ones contained under Regulation (EU) 2018/1672 to cash movements entering or leaving the EU. The Treaty rules on free movement of capital do not preclude the export of banknotes from being made conditional on a prior declaration [1] . In that context, Member States may in principle also issue guidelines seeking to address the circumvention to such declaration requirements, as well as take other appropriate measures if circumvention is established. It is for the Member State, however, to demonstrate that any such national measures comply with the requirements set out in Article 65 TFEU, and in particular that they observe the principle of proportionality [2] . [1] Judgments of 23 February 1995, Bordessa and Others, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=ecli:ECLI%3AEU%3AC%3A1995%3A54&locale=en, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/redirect/?urn=ecli:ECLI%3AEU%3AC%3A1995%3A54&lang=EN&format=pdf&target=CourtTab, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/redirect/?urn=ecli:ECLI%3AEU%3AC%3A1995%3A54&lang=EN&format=html&target=CourtTab&anchor=#point31, and of 14 December 1995, Sanz de Lera and Others, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/AUTO/?uri=ecli:ECLI%3AEU%3AC%3A1995%3A451&locale=en, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/redirect/?urn=ecli:ECLI%3AEU%3AC%3A1995%3A451&lang=EN&format=pdf&target=CourtTab, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/redirect/?urn=ecli:ECLI%3AEU%3AC%3A1995%3A451&lang=EN&format=html&target=CourtTab&anchor=#point10. [2] Judgment of the Court of 31 May 2018. Lu Zheng v Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, C-190/17, EU:C:2018:357, paragraph 37.”
  Anti-money laundering regulation
• 2026-05-13 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 13.5.2026 Written question There has been a significant increase in the demand for trade defence action to tackle unfair trade practices across many sectors. The Commission makes every effort within its resource constraints to meet this demand by adopting contingency measures and has managed to open almost three times the historical average number of new cases since January 2024. The Commission is aware of the challenges facing not only the net-zero technology industry sector but many strategic sectors in the EU and ensures that access to the trade defence instruments is open to all sectors that are facing unfair competition from imports. The Commission aims to initiate investigations as quickly as possible on the basis of complaints which meet the necessary legal standard. In this context, all potential complainants are advised on the process and all complaints received must be assessed in light of strict legal requirements, given that each step in an investigation, from initiation to the imposition of measures, can be subject to judicial review . The Trade Defence services have met with potential complainants from the net-zero technologies sector swiftly and continue to actively engage with them to provide full support in using the trade defence instruments. As regards tenders, this presents technical complexities in investigations and is addressed on a case-by-case basis examining the specifics of each proceeding.”
  EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure · "Buy European" provisions · Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• 2026-05-11 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 11.5.2026 Written question While the Commission has not conducted a specific assessment on the risks of organised crime on EU-Mexico trade, it has taken measures to address threats related to organised crime, including illegal trafficking of drugs and other goods, as part of its broader strategy to enhance security. It has also strengthened cooperation on law enforcement and judicial matters with Mexico. The EU-Mexico Modernised Global Agreement [1] aims at providing a state-of-the-art legal framework for bilateral relations between the two parties. The modernised agreement includes a Protocol on the prevention of and fight against corruption in trade and investment which reaffirms the commitments under the United Nations Convention against Corruption and other relevant international agreements , including with regard to combatting bribery and money-laundering. Within the framework of EU-Mexico cooperation, the Commission recognises Mexico’s engagement in regional security programmes such as COPOLAD III [2] and EL PACCTO 2.0 [3] , as well as in platforms including the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Coordination and Cooperation Mechanism on Drugs, la Comunidad de Policías de América (AMERIPOL) [4] and the Latin American Committee on Internal Security CLASI [5] . This reflects a shared commitment between the EU and Mexico to strengthening the rule of law, justice and security, and to addressing transnational organised crime, illicit financial flows and drug-related challenges through evidence-based approaches and operational cooperation. [1] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2025)809&lang=en. [2] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/programming/programmes/copolad-iii_en. [3] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/programming/programmes/el-paccto-20_en. [4] https://ameripol.org/. [5] https://elpaccto.eu/en/el-clasi-y-sus-implicaciones-a-nivel-politico-estrategico-y-operacional/.”
  EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure
• 2026-05-08 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 8.5.2026 Written question The EU takes robust action to protect its industries from unfairly traded imports and at present has over 230 measures in place, with almost half of those tackling unfair trade from China. Since June 2025, the Commission’s import surveillance task force [1] has been actively monitoring trade flows to identify import pressure and inform decisions and actions to protect the EU internal market. The Commission’s analysis covers all imports, including textiles, and has identified several textile codes as being potentially at risk of harmful import increases. The Commission calls on EU producers and associations to review the results and, where warranted, provide further market intelligence and data on the economic situation facing industry that will help assess whether certain products need protection through targeted, proportionate and timely action, while avoiding any unintended effects on other producers downstream. In that context, recently the Commission shared the results [2] of the Import Surveillance Task Force with the European apparel and textile confederation and is in contact with them regarding relevant market information to discuss the issues. As regards dumped or subsidised imports, the Commission takes action to defend EU industry where it receives complaints with evidence that such imports harm the particular industry in Europe. The Complaints Office of Trade Defence Services can be contacted to discuss the procedure [3] and obtain guidance on how to proceed with tackling unfair competition from imports. There is also comprehensive information regarding trade defence proceedings on the trade defence website [4] including guides on how to proceed, the evidence and information required as well as the time frame for investigations. [1] https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/enforcement-and-protection/trade-defence/monitoring-trade-diversion_en. [2] https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/2e3865ad-3886-4131-92bb-a71754fffec6/library/e4b4b9cd-1485-491d-b5e9-aeb5e62002e1/details?open=true. [3] trade-defence-complaints@ec.europa.eu. [4] https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/enforcement-and-protection/trade-defence_en.”
  Trade relations with China · Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• 2026-05-05 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 5.5.2026 Written question 1. Sugar imports of Harmonised System heading 1701 from Everything but Arms (EBA) beneficiaries have fluctuated significantly over the past five years, reflecting EU market demand. After rising from 81 000 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 190 000 tonnes in 2023 — due to low EU production — EBA imports fell sharply as EU output recovered, dropping to 60 000 tonnes in 2024 and just 11 000 tonnes in 2025. Regarding countries of origin, while their export volumes fluctuate significantly year on year, the primary suppliers are Cambodia, Mozambique, Laos, Malawi and Myanmar. 2. The Commission is not aware of possible circumvention of rules of origin for sugar imported under Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) EBA scheme. No past or ongoing investigations for potential circumvention of rules of origin in relation to sugar imports from EBA countries have been conducted. Member States can use risk-based checks — verifying unusual trade routes or proofs of origin via administrative cooperation with GSP countries competent authorities — to prevent misuse of preferential tariffs . The Commission monitors third countries benefiting from preferential EU tariffs under the GSP scheme — also from the perspective of compliance with the rules of origin — to ensure that the declared origin is established correctly. By 2026, 32 GSP countries (14 EBA) were monitored, with visits to 16 GSP (6 EBA) countries. No evidence has come to light of sugar exported under preference from an EBA beneficiary country having the origin of another country.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2026-05-04 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 4.5.2026 Written question The information portal of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) [1] is based on data transmitted by the EU Member States to the Commission via the Customs Surveillance system [2] . The data in the Customs Surveillance system are generated in real time once transmitted by the national customs authorities. Official European statistics on imports of all goods are published by Eurostat [3] . These statistics are published with a delay of 1.5 months after the reference month. The Commission has opened infringement cases against Member States that have failed to comply with the reporting obligations related to the Customs Surveillance system [4] . In addition, the Commission is working together with the authorities of the Member States to ensure that missing datasets are completed and transmitted to the Commission as soon as possible. It should be noted that this technical issue is not related to the international framework of the EU-Morocco Association Agreement. Through an analysis of official data made available by relevant national authorities, the Commission regularly monitors the market of fruit and vegetables. The Commission also conducts consultations of experts in the dedicated tomatoes market observatory, including on the import of products into the EU market. [1] https://agridata.ec.europa.eu/extensions/DashboardTaxud/TaxudWeeklyImport.html. [2] https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/online-services/online-services-and-databases-customs/surveillance-system_en. [3] https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/bookmark/6929f9ba-01b4-4dd2-b03e-f14b4a9ee3dc?lang=en&createdAt=2026-04-13T13:21:25Z. [4] https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringement-decisions/?langCode=EN: List of cases opened in relation to SURV 3: INFR(2025)2059; INFR(2025)2058; INFR(2025)2058; INFR(2025)2057; INFR(2025)2056; INFR(2025)2055; INFR(2025)2054; INFR(2025)2014; INFR(2025)2013; INFR(2025)2012; INFR(2025)2011; INFR(2025)2010; INFR(2025)2009; INFR(2025)2007.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2026-05-04 “Answer given by Commissioner Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 4.5.2026 Written question The Commission attaches great importance to respect for fundamental rights, including freedom of association, the right of collective bargaining and action, and fair and just working conditions. At the same time, the Commission applies strict transparency rules concerning its contacts and interactions with stakeholders on issues relating to EU decision-making and policy implementation. Members of the Commission, members of their Cabinet, and Commission staff holding management functions shall only meet interest representatives that are registered in the Transparency Register [1] . Information and minutes of all such meetings are published in accordance with Commission Decisions (EU) 2024/3081 [2] and 2024/3082 [3] . Amazon Europe is registered in the Transparency Register. Its registration [4] includes information on meetings held with the Commission in an interest representation context. All registrants commit to operate in line with the rules and principles set out in the code of conduct annexed to the applicable Interinstitutional Agreement [5] . The register’s Secretariat is tasked with evaluating registrants’ ongoing eligibility and observance of the code of conduct. To that end, it may carry out investigations and apply measures of an administrative nature. Any natural or legal person may lodge a complaint with the Secretariat concerning a registrant’s alleged non-observance of the code. Amazon Europe’s registration is currently not subject to any administrative measure by the Secretariat. [1] https://transparency-register.europa.eu/index_en. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202403081. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202403082. [4] https://transparency-register.europa.eu/search-register-or-update/organisation-detail_en?id=366117914426-10. [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2021.207.01.0001.01.ENG.”
  Transparency requirements for interest groups · EU engagement with civil society · Sustainable corporate governance
• 2026-04-29 “E-000966/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Since the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1233/2011 1 , the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has been an integral part of EU law. The Commission conducts an annual review for the European Parliament on the basis of the Annual Activity Reports submitted by Member States on compliance with EU standards. Starting with the 2023 reporting year, this annual review includes detailed information on Export Credit Agencies climate policies and justifications provided by Member States for any remaining fossil fuel transactions. Additionally, the Commission led efforts to create a new transparency report with other participants to the Arrangement, providing exhaustive data on all energy sector transactions since 2015. The first report was published in November 2025 2 . Collectively, these initiatives ensure robust public scrutiny regarding Member States’ intentions to phase out export credits for fossil fuel energy projects 3 . Regarding the specific project mentioned, primary responsibility for due diligence lies with the individual Member State that must assess alignment with national, EU and international obligations, including the OECD Recommendation on Common Approaches for Officially Supported Export Credits and Environmental and Social Due Diligence, which is the benchmark for assessing human rights and environmental impacts. While the Commission does not intervene in individual project approvals, it pays attention to these issues when reviewing Member State reports under the Regulation, with a view to ensuring continued alignment with EU objectives. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1233/oj/eng. 2 Export Finance for Future, Transparency Report 2025, Annex II; https://www.exportkreditgarantien.de/_Resources/Persistent/b/7/1/5/b715c13f8a6fc669f97c8313d277319089595 7d8/e3f-annual-transparency-report-2025.pdf. 3 Council conclusion on export credits, 15 March 2022; https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pressreleases/2022/03/15/the-council-adopted-conclusions-on-export-credits/pdf.”
  EU policy on social & environmental impact of foreign investments · Climate efforts
• 2026-04-29 “E-001061/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission In response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has adopted a wide range of restrictive measures, including far-reaching trade restrictions which have played a significant role in reducing imports of strategic commodities from Russia. The measures in place reflect a careful balance between the EU’s determination to impact Russia’s ability to finance its war of aggression and to limit to the extent possible negative impacts on Member States and industry, taking into account shortages of certain critical raw materials. As regards aluminium, the 16th sanctions package 1 expanded the restrictions already in place to cover also primary aluminium, resulting in a ban on imports of primary aluminium from Russia as of 26 February 2026 with a remaining small quota of 50 000 metric tonnes to allow imports for contracts concluded before 25 February 2025 (i.e. one-year old contracts) still to be delivered only until the end of 2026. The Commission closely monitors the aluminium market situation, including EU imports of processed aluminium and is ready to consider appropriate actions, if necessary. EU sanctions are kept under regular review. Any decision to amend any of the existing sanctions in place or to add new sanctions is for the Council to take by unanimity. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202500394.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022) · Trade relations with Turkey
• 2026-04-24 “E-000737/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Following the Australian elections in May 2025, the President of the Commission and the Prime Minister of Australia agreed to resume stock taking discussions on the EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement. Further to series of technical meetings and political level engagement in Brussels, the negotiations were finally concluded on 24 March 2026 on the occasion of the President of the Commission’s visit to Australia 1 . The Commission has been clear with Australia that the EU’s agricultural sensitivities not only remain but have heightened compared to 2023. On the other hand, the red meat sector, namely beef and sheep meat, has been Australia’s top offensive interest in agriculture, and overall in the negotiations, which has required a very careful handling. A very limited and controlled opening of the EU’s agricultural market, including sustainability requirements, combined with new export opportunities by eliminating tariffs on EU exports to Australia and by protecting geographical indications, represents a balanced outcome for the EU’s agricultural sector. For the most sensitive products the full volume of opening is very small, accounting for only a fraction of EU consumption (e.g. a quota of 30 600 tonnes for beef, representing around 0.5% of EU consumption; a quota of 25 000 tonnes for sheep meat, representing around 4% of EU consumption) and will be phased in over 10 and 7 years, respectively. The Commission has also secured a bilateral safeguard clause covering the most sensitive agricultural products to address any unexpected disturbances. The possible impact of the agreement was addressed in the context of the 2024 update of the study on the cumulative economic impact of trade agreements on EU agriculture 2 . 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ac_26_762. 2 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135540.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2026-04-23 “P-000943/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The decline of the EU’s sugar market is largely due to high production domestically, while imports have dropped drastically. In 2025, the EU also reinstated import quotas for Ukrainian sugar under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and suspended General Scheme of Preference Plus preferences for Pakistani ethanol. The agreement with Mercosur offers limited concessions on sugar, subject to strict safeguards, and is yet to be applied. As for the recently concluded EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), negotiations were carried out in full transparency with text proposals and reports having been made publicly available. The Commission maintained regular exchanges with the Council and the European Parliament, as well as with interested stakeholders including the representatives of sugar industry. To mitigate possible market pressure, the Commission has ensured that the most sensitive agricultural products, including sugar, will only have a limited and controlled access to the EU market and will be subject to sustainability conditionalities. Under the EU-Australia FTA, the EU will open a tariff rate quota of 35 000 tonnes of raw sugar cane for refining to be imported duty-free. It is important to note that this represents less than 0.3% of EU sugar consumption. In addition, the EU can impose safeguard measures in case of a surge in EU agri-food imports from Australia if it causes or threatens to cause a serious injury to EU industry. As an additional layer of protection for farmers, a bilateral safeguard mechanism will be operationalised in a self-standing EU regulation that will ensure swift and effective protections, in the unlikely event of an unforeseen and harmful surge in imports or an undue decrease in prices for EU producers.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2026-04-22 “E-000817/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia, Ecuador and Peru 1 entered into force on 1 November 2024. The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that it would now be appropriate to initiate a reflection on how the Agreement fits with the current geopolitical and economic environment. Regarding the transformation into a modern strategic partnership, the Commission committed in the 2022 Joint Communication ‘A New Agenda for EU-Latin America and Caribbean Relations’ 2 to discuss the possible upgrade of the Agreement's provisions on sustainable development. To this end, the EU and the Andean countries have established a Working Group under the relevant Committee where discussions are still ongoing. A broader modernisation of the agreement could be considered. The Commission is exploring with various partners to extend the trade and economic cooperation to new fields. Any formal request for a negotiating mandate to the Council would require further scoping to ensure alignment with the EU’s strategic priorities. The conclusions of any deliberations in this regard will be fully reported to the European Parliament. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/eu-trade-agreement-with-colombia-peru-andecuador.html. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52023JC0017.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-04-16 “P-001065/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission considers that business-to-consumer consignments that are artificially grouped and declared as business-to-business imports in the EU, constitute distance sales of imported goods, which shall be, from 1 July 2026, subject to the EUR 3 customs duty. This position is based on the interpretation by the European Court of Justice 1 who has ruled that in the case of consignments which group individual orders, each consignment is to be considered separately. 2. The Commission is currently working on the amendment of the Union Customs Code implementing regulation 2 . It would introduce new EU provisions providing Member States’ customs authorities a harmonised and common legal tool to identify these business-toconsumer consignments artificially classified as business-to-business goods. 3. An anti-abuse clause was included in this amendment of the Union Customs Code implementing regulation. This provision empowers and incentivises the national customs authorities to apply all the measures related to distance sales, e.g. the EUR 3 customs duty, where they verify during a control that a consignment is merely a grouping of individual orders which constitute distance sales. 1 Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 2 July 2009, Har Vaessen Douane Service BV v Staatssecretaris van Financiën https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:62008CJ0007. 2 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2026-04-15 “E-000652/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the challenging situation of Tubos Reunidos, including the impact on its exports of the 50% duty applied by the US. In this respect, the Commission is engaging with the US on ring-fencing the EU and US markets from overcapacity and ensuring secure supply chains, including through tariff-rate quotas to improve access for EU steelmakers into the US market 1 . Under the Steel and Metals Action Plan (SMAP) 2 , the Commission focuses on six pillars addressing energy costs, carbon leakage, industrial capacity, circularity, jobs and investment. The Commission put forward a proposal to address the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity in October 2025 3 , that is currently in co-decision and expected to be effective as of 1 July 2026. This measure will provide an effective level of protection against the negative trade-related of global overcapacity in the EU market, improving the economic performance of EU steelmakers. In March 2026, the proposal for the Industrial Accelerator Act 4 was adopted, creating lead markets for clean industrial products, like steel used in construction and cars under the CO₂ emissions performance standards framework. Finally, the SMAP places strong emphasis on protecting quality industrial jobs and supporting workers and regions in transition. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) 5 provides support when restructuring is unavoidable. The Fund co-finances active labour market measures designed to help displaced workers re-enter employment. On 26 February 2026, the European Parliament and EU Member States reached a political agreement to enhance the EGF, introducing anticipatory support for workers at risk of redundancy. 1 Joint Statement on a United States-European Union framework on an agreement on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade - Trade and Economic Security: https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-statement-unitedstates-european-union-framework-agreement-reciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade-2025-08-21_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0125. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2025)726&lang=en. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52026PC0100. 5 Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) and repealing Regulation (EU) 1309/2013 (OJ L 153, 3.5.2021, p. 48–70: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2021.153.01.0048.01.ENG).”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market · EU-US trade relations
• 2026-04-14 “E-000577/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission An anti-dumping (AD) investigation on cold rolled flat steel products originating, inter alia, in Taiwan, but not from South Korea has been ongoing since 18 September 2025. No measures have been imposed in that investigation. However, a 25% import duty is applicable to imports of the product category (HS code 72112900) from Taiwan under the EU’s steel safeguard measure as the duty-free quota for Taiwan was fully utilised for the first quarter of 2026. For South Korea, the duty-free quota for the first quarter of 2026 has not yet been fully utilised. Only imports above the quota attract a duty. In safeguard investigations, users’ interests are taken into account, and measures in the form of a tariff rate quota allow a certain volume to be imported duty free so that downstream users are not unduly penalised. Data on the quota usage is publicly available on the website of Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union 1 . The order numbers for the product category are given in the updated version of the Safeguard Regulation 2 . In AD investigations, the Commission also conducts an EU interest test to see if measures would be against the EU interest, including the impact on downstream users. The decision on EU interest relies on information submitted by interested parties, including users. The procedures are set out in Section 5.5 of the Notice of Initiation 3 . For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Commission reaches out to increase awareness through regular engagement with the SME community. Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security (DG TRADE) also has a dedicated webpage 4 for SMEs regarding trade defence. Finally, DG TRADE’s information page on each ongoing investigation 5 indicates the timetable for the steps in a proceeding. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/quota_consultation.jsp?Lang=en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/159/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202505025. 4 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/enforcement-and-protection/trade-defence/help-smes_en. 5 https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/investigations/ongoing.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2026-04-14 “E-000570/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission In line with the overall EU approach to trade and investment agreements, also in the ongoing negotiations with Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia. Philippines, Thailand), the Commission aims at reaching comprehensive deals that can bring growth opportunities for the EU economy and employment as a whole. The EU negotiating proposals are intended to address a wide range of issues. Notably, the EU pursues the establishment of effective rules underpinning a more level playing field across the board, robust and enforceable disciplines on trade and sustainable development, including with respect to fisheries-related issues, and meaningful market access for EU operators. As in all free trade agreement negotiations, for economically sensitive products, such as certain fisheries or agricultural products, the EU pursues carefully designed specific modalities for market access which aim at preventing any market disturbances.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-04-13 “E-000346/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Countervailing measures were imposed in October 2024 on imports of battery electric vehicles from China following an investigation conducted in line with the EU’s anti-subsidy legislation. That investigation did not cover imports of hybrid vehicles. Trade defence measures are limited by the scope of the relevant investigation and cannot be imposed on or extended to imports of products which were not investigated. The Commission takes action to defend EU industry from unfairly traded imports where it receives a complaint from industry with evidence supporting allegations of injurious dumping/subsidisation. There is no ongoing investigation concerning imports of hybrid vehicles from China and the Commission cannot comment nor provide information as to potential complaints seeking the initiation of an investigation. The Complaints Office of Trade Defence Services can be contacted to discuss the procedure 1 . 1 trade-defence-complaints@ec.europa.eu.”
• 2026-04-13 “E-000878/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Exemptions of the measures in the form of price undertakings are a statutory alternative to collection of countervailing duties, provided that the legal conditions are met. This includes that the proposed minimum import prices fully offset the effect of Chinese subsidisation in comparison to the countervailing duties, and that it is practicable and sufficiently mitigates the risk of cross compensation. Price undertakings are subject to regular monitoring, covering export and resale of each individual vehicle in the EU, and to on-site inspections. Such inspections may occur even after the end of the undertaking implementation period. Non-compliance with the terms of a price undertaking may result in the reinstatement of duties, potentially with retroactive effect, thereby imposing a significant deterrent effect. Additionally, imports from all countries are subject to both regular monitoring by the Commission and customs checks by Member States’ authorities to identify potential circumvention practices and incorrect declarations of product origin. To date, due to the complexity of the product and the diverse range of distribution channels, the Commission has only accepted a single price undertaking offer. This price undertaking includes a satisfactory minimum import price level, as well as effective measures to mitigate the risk of cross-compensation. Any price undertaking offer will be subject to the same thorough assessment and will need to meet identical legal criteria in order to be considered acceptable and practicable.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market · EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2026-04-13 “E-000751/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The anti-dumping procedure follows the standard time schedule. Since October 2025 imports are registered 1 , and provisional anti-dumping measures, ranging from 57,7% to 90,1% were imposed on 28 March 2026 2 . Definitive measures, if warranted, will be published by 25 September 2026, at the latest. The impact of anti-dumping measures on the downstream industries is analysed in the context of EU interest analysis. However, this requires cooperation of the users of polyamide yarns. Upon initiation, 140 users of polyamide yarns identified in the complaint were invited to cooperate. Only three users and one user’s association, registered themselves as interested parties. None of them filled in the user questionnaire. Only one provided comments concerning the product scope and not on the impact of measures on the downstream industry. Two other users (not registered as interested parties) provided general comments on the possible negative impact of the measures on the downstream industry, but these were not supported by any evidence or data. The trade defence instruments used by the Commission are designed for restoring the level playing field on the EU market when it is disrupted by unfair practices of dumped imports. Following the imposition of provisional measures, the Commission will further assess the effect of the measures on the EU producers and users of polyamide yarns. In case the downstream industry faces pressure from cheap imports, it can also submit a complaint and request an anti-dumping investigation. 1 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1984 of 3 October 2025 making imports of yarns of polyamide originating in the People’s Republic of China subject to registration (OJ L 2025/1984, 6.10.2025: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2025/1984/oj/eng). 2 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/734 of 26 March 2026 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of yarns of polyamide originating in the People’s Republic of China (OJ L 2026/734, 27.03.2026: ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/734/oj).”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports · Trade relations with China
• 2026-04-10 “E-000930/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the critical situation faced by European silicon metal producers and understands their concerns. The Commission opened a safeguard investigation on six manganese- and silicon-based alloys, including silicon metal, in December 2024 1 . However, the conditions for safeguard measures for silicon metal were not met, as there was no increase in imports. In fact, imports of silicon decreased during the most recent period assessed. Therefore, silicon was not included in the scope of the safeguard measure imposed in November 2025 2 . Nevertheless, the Commission remains attentive to the industry's challenges. Although the current safeguard measure in force for other ferro-alloys cannot be altered to include silicon, the Commission is committed to exploring all viable options to help the industry, including through trade defence instruments. The Commission would like to stress that it takes the difficulties of EU silicon metal producers seriously and is continuously engaging with the industry with a view to identifying the most effective way forward. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202407541. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202502351.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• 2026-04-10 “E-000495/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the significance of the concerns relating to the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, including false accusations that have led to violence and serious human rights violations. While criminal prosecutions fall under Pakistan’s sovereign responsibility, the EU expects the authorities to ensure accountability for abuses of these laws, including action against those who deliberately make false accusations. Respect for due process, protection of minorities and compliance with international human rights obligations remain essential elements of EUPakistan relations, including under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) framework 1 . As for any GSP+ beneficiary, Pakistan is subject to continuous monitoring of its implementation of 27 international conventions listed in the GSP Regulation 2 , including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The EU conducted a GSP+ monitoring mission in Pakistan in late 2025 during which the issue of false accusations of blasphemy was highlighted to the Pakistani authorities as one of the priority areas for corrective action. The Commission will continue to monitor developments closely and assess progress. A GSP monitoring report will be issued to the European Parliament and the Council by the summer of 2026. This will include the EU evaluation, incorporating also findings from UN bodies and civil society. If Pakistan re-applies for GSP+ under the new GSP Regulation, it will be required to devise a plan of action on the effective implementation of all GSP+ conventions under the new Regulation, including the ICCPR. The issue of false accusations of blasphemy will also be discussed in that context. 1 EU’s Special Incentive Arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/978/oj/eng - https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/732/oj/eng. 2 Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008.”
  EU competences on human rights
• 2026-04-10 “E-000641/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission’s proposal for a measure addressing the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity of 7 October 2025 1 set out a product scope mirroring that of the existing safeguard measure (26 categories of steel finished products). On the basis of that product scope, the Commission carried out a public consultation and a detailed assessment of the market situation in its staff working document and an economic analysis 2 . The compromise text adopted by the Council on 12 December 2025 proposed to keep the same product scope 3 . The Commission is aware of the concerns of other EU steel producers of certain steel products currently not covered by the proposal, for example, steel lift guide rails, and other producers of products made of steel. For this reason, the Commission committed to its proposal (Article 9.1) 4 to assess the need for a potential amendment and expansion of the product scope within a certain time after the proposal enters into force. Concerns concerning product scope were last echoed by several stakeholders during the feedback period on the Commission’s proposal that was open from 10 October 2025 to 16 December 2025 5 . As to next steps in the process, the trilogues between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission have already started and are likely to consider the question of product scope among other issues. At this stage, however, we cannot prejudge the outcome of such discussions. Lastly, the Commission continuously monitors trade flows across the steel sector and remains available to assess, together with EU industry, potential attempts to circumvent in a certain product category the effectiveness of any trade measure in place and the appropriate remedies. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2025)726&lang=en. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=SWD(2025)780&lang=en. 3 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/12/12/steel-overcapacity-council-adoptsmandate-on-new-rules-to-protect-eu-steel-industry-from-global-overcapacity/. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025PC0726. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14781-Trade-measure-addressing-thenegative-trade-related-effects-of-global-excess-capacity-on-the-EU-steel-sector_en.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2026-04-09 “E-000350/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is in regular contact with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to address its rental situation. As an autonomous legal entity, EMA is responsible for its relations with the landlords of its premises, including its former premises in London. The lease between EMA and the landlord of its former premises in London is a matter subject to English contract law. As such contractual issues are outside the scope of the Withdrawal Agreement or the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the issue is not discussed with the government of the United Kingdom in the framework of the implementation of those agreements. To fulfil the contractual obligations towards the landlord (Canary Wharf Group) of the premises in London, additional allocations from the EU budget have been granted to the EU subsidy to EMA: EUR 11.2 million were added to the EU contribution to EMA in the 2024 budget; EUR 13.3 million in 2025; EUR 13 million in 2026. For 2027, EUR 12.3 million is currently programmed to be included in the Commission’s proposal for the draft budget.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget · Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• 2026-04-07 “Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 7.4.2026 Written question Products from Israeli settlements located in the territories brought under Israeli administration since June 1967 are not entitled to preferential treatment under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Since 1 February 2005 a Technical Arrangement requires a proof of origin issued in Israel to indicate the name and postal code of the city, village or industrial zone of origin conferring production. A Notice to importers requires the postal codes on Israeli proofs of origin to be checked against a list of non-eligible locations made available by the European Commission. If the postal code corresponds to a non-eligible location, importers cannot claim preferential treatment. The list, initially published in 2012, is regularly updated to reflect changes in Israel’s postal code system and the expansion of settlements. An integrated Tariff of the European Union TARIC, code Y864, is needed on the import declaration to confirm that the postal code declared corresponds to an eligible location. The Association Agreement provides for administrative cooperation between the customs authorities to verify proofs of origin in case of doubts. The verification is conducted by the exporting party at the request of the importing party. The Commission does not collect systematically detailed information on controls carried out by Member States.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• 2026-04-07 “E-000345/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission proposal on a Reparations Loan to Ukraine 1 refers to the bilateral investment treaties between certain Member States and the Russian Federation. In the Commission’s view, given the systematic disregard by the Russian Federation of internationally agreed norms, including with regard to its commitments concerning the protection of investments by investors from Member States in the territory of the Russian Federation, maintaining bilateral investment treaties between Member States and the Russian Federation is no longer consistent with the investment protection policy developed by the EU pursuant to Article 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 2 . While approval by the co-legislators of that proposal is still pending, the Commission expects Member States to continue closely coordinating with the Commission services regarding their bilateral investment treaties in the light of their obligations under EU law, including on issues related to their agreements with the Russian Federation. In relation to claims against certain Member States based on their bilateral investment treaties with the Russian Federation, the EU has indeed ensured that the EU sanctions regime provides for procedural safeguards against any damages claims or arbitral disputes. The responsible Commission services are analysing the complaints referred to by the Honourable Member. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025PC3502. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT:en:PDF.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022) · EU-Belarus relations
• 2026-04-01 “E-000670/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The EU has condemned in the strongest terms the military coup carried out in Myanmar on 1 February 2021. The EU calls upon the military to respect human rights, freedom of expression, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Following the military coup, the EU has adopted several rounds of sanctions targeting individuals and entities related to the military leadership and their economic interests. The participation of Myanmar in the Everything But Arms (EBA) 1 arrangement of the EU’s Generalised System of Preferences continues to meet one of its key objectives, i.e. to contribute to the eradication of poverty in beneficiary countries. In the case of Myanmar, the Commission aims to ensure that the pursuit of that goal continues at a time of a dire humanitarian crisis in the country. Any adverse impact on the livelihood of Myanmar’s population, in particular vulnerable groups, as a consequence of a potential withdrawal of EBA preferences needs to be avoided. The benefits of EBA preferences to the military junta are deemed to be minimal (in terms of ownership, fiscal revenue, revenues from other sources (such as fees, rent) and port activity). In the meantime, the EBA enhanced engagement process with Myanmar continues, albeit without any contact with the government. The engagement takes place through contacts with business, non-governmental organisations, and democratic forces. The Commission and the European External Action Service are actively engaged with other stakeholders in Myanmar’s society, so that the channels of communication are kept open. The Commission re-assesses on a regular basis its policy on the EBA engagement with Myanmar and follows closely the developments on the ground to adapt accordingly. 1 Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 applying a scheme of generalised tariff preferences and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 732/2008, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/978/oj.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• 2026-04-01 “E-000460/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission concluded negotiations with India on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 27 January 2026 1 . This agreement will strengthen the EU's trade relations with a key partner and is expected to be beneficial for the EU medical sector. The Commission does not expect the agreement to have a negative impact on EU production of medicines. Currently, the EU does not generally levy duties on imported medicines and thus the FTA will not further liberalise imports. Additionally, the agreement will uphold EU’s high standards on medicines. The Commission commissioned an independent Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) in support of the negotiations, which was published in December 2023. 2 This SIA concluded that the overall potential impact of the agreement would be minor on the right to health, also considering access to medicines. It also anticipated a slight decrease of production of medicines in the EU by assuming a reduction of the non-tariff measures applicable to bilateral trade in medicines, but such reduction did not materialise in the agreement. There is no contradiction between the objectives of the proposed Critical Medicines Act (CMA) 3 and the EU-India agreement. The CMA aims to strengthen the EU’s security of supply of critical medicines, which are essential for the functioning of public health systems. It will help to address vulnerabilities in the supply chains of these medicines, including by supporting investments into EU manufacturing capacities and procurement requirements that promote the security of supply in the Union. The CMA also proposes to form international partnerships to facilitate the diversification of the supply chains. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_184. 2 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/analysis-and-assessment/sustainability-impact-assessments_en. 3 https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/critical-medicines-act_en.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs) · Pharmaceutical imports & exports rules
• 2026-03-30 “E-003738/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with Article 5(1) of the Detailed Rules for the application of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, annexed to the Rules of Procedure of the Commission 1 (hereinafter, the ‘Detailed Rules’), ‘any content that constitutes important information that is not short-lived shall be registered pursuant to Article 7 of Commission Decision 2021/2121 2 ’. Article 5(2) of the Detailed Rules gives illustrative examples of how to apply the registration criteria of important and not-short lived documents. The Detailed rules also clarify that text messaging applications on corporate mobile phones shall not be used for important information that is not short-lived, unless where this is strictly required in the interest of the service and that they shall comply with the Commission’s information technology security recommendations for the automatic disappearance of messages (Article 5 paragraph 4). It is the professional duty of all Commission staff to make sure that these rules are properly followed and implemented. The Commission has a robust record-keeping policy as laid down in Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121 on records management 3 , and in its internal guidelines, which provide for criteria for registration of documents, together with the above-mentioned provisions in the Detailed Rules. According to Article 3(a) of Regulation (EC) No 1049/2001, a ‘document’ shall mean any content whatever its medium (written on paper or stored in electronic form or as a sound, visual or audiovisual recording) concerning a matter relating to the policies, activities and decisions falling within the institution's sphere of responsibility’. Both Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2021 on records management and the Detailed rules are applicable regardless the technical medium or storage of a document. On top of this, the Commission central expert services are available for support, tailor-made training and coaching when needed. 1 Commission Decision (EU) 2024/3080 of 4 December 2024 establishing the Rules of Procedure of the Commission and amending Decision C(2000) 3614 (OJ L, 2024/3080, 5.12.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/3080/oj). 2 Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121 of 6 July 2020 on records management and archives (J L 430, 2.12.2021, p. 30–41). 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2021/2121/oj/eng.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2026-03-27 “E-000472/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the issue regarding the exports of sardines from Morocco. At this stage, the Commission services and the Delegation of the EU to Morocco are investigating, and will assess how best to tackle the issue. In the meantime, alternative sources of supply from preferential partner countries exist via a large network of EU Free Trade Agreements. There is also supply from the EU vessels fishing in the EU waters and the EU production can be used to supply the EU canneries.”
  Trade relations with Morocco
• 2026-03-20 “P-000784/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Indeed, in November 2025, safeguard measures were imposed on four ferro alloys. However, silicon and calcium silicon are not covered by those measures, as the criteria to include them were not met at the time, in particular, there was no increase of imports for silicon and calcium silicon was not produced in the EU. The safeguard instrument does not provide for changing the scope of measures, which are already in force. Nevertheless, market conditions can change rapidly in the current volatile trading environment. The Commission is ready to engage with industry to explore all possible options available under the trade defence instruments. These instruments can be applied in cases where an increase of imports causes injury to EU producers. For the anti-dumping or antisubsidy instrument, dumping and subsidisation also need to be demonstrated. As regards monitoring, the Commission has put in place the import surveillance tool in May 2025. This tool monitors any changes in import patterns in terms of volumes and prices. However, information on injury to EU producers, which includes data such as developments of production, sales, market share, profit/losses is not available to the Commission and can only be provided by the industry concerned.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2026-03-20 “E-000282/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The EU takes robust action to protect its industries from unfairly traded imports and at present has over 230 measures in place. Where measures in place are considered to be no longer sufficient to counteract the impact of injurious dumping, there is a possibility to have the issue examined by way of an interim review. Such a review can be initiated on request by an interested party who must show that there have been significant changes of a lasting nature in the circumstances relating to the dumping and/or injury. Interim review investigations can result in an amendment of the measures in place, if justified. The complaints office of the Trade Defence Services can be contacted to discuss the procedure 1 . As regards safeguards, in November 2025, safeguard measures were imposed on four ferro alloys. However, silicon is not covered by those measures, as the criteria to include the product were not met, namely, there was no increase of imports. Nevertheless, market conditions can change rapidly in the current volatile trading environment, and the Commission is ready to engage with industry to explore all possible options available under the trade defence instruments. The ferro alloys safeguard investigation showed that the sector, like many others, is facing challenges other than harmful trade practices, such as high energy costs. It is therefore necessary to explore also other policy options to help EU silicon producers operate on a sustainable basis. 1 trade-defence-complaints@ec.europa.eu.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• 2026-03-19 “E-000466/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission On 17 January 2026, the EU and Mercosur signed the Partnership Agreement 1 and the Interim Trade Agreement 2 , based on the political agreement reached on 6 December 2024. Against a background in which the EU has excluded a much larger number of agricultural products from full liberalisation than Mercosur countries, table olives represented one of the few defensive interests for the Mercosur countries, in particular Argentina, because of the high competitiveness of EU producers. Therefore, similarly to the cases where the EU protected its sensitive products, also Mercosur invoked an exception to the liberalisation of table olives. On the other hand, the Commission focused its offensive interests on olive oil, a product with a very large export potential in South America, and for which the EU obtained an excellent concession from Mercosur countries, namely the full elimination of tariffs, which are currently as high as 31.5% in Argentina. In any event, the Mercosur agreement stipulates the possibility of an amendment of the trade provisions, based on the outcome of a review that takes place three years after the entry into force of the agreement. Such a review would be an opportunity for the Commission to reassess the situation as regards tariffs on table olives. 1 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-8371-2023-DCL-1/en/pdf. 2 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-12417-2025-REV-1/en/pdf.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2026-03-19 “P-000618/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The EU wine package published on 26 February 2026 1 will provide a modernised policy framework to support a competitive, resilient and future-oriented EU wine sector. Although it does not contain a specific section on the common commercial policy, it will strengthen the sector’s capacity to seize emerging market opportunities. The wine sector also represents an offensive sector for the EU in its Free Trade Agreement negotiations, where EU wine exports are supported through tariff liberalisation, protection of geographical indications or addressing non-tariff barriers. Pursuant Regulation (EU) 2023/2675 2 , economic coercion exists where a third country applies or threatens to apply a third-country measure affecting trade or investment in order to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act by the EU or a Member State, thereby interfering in the legitimate sovereign choices of the EU or a Member State. In the situations described, it seems that there is a restriction of trade that is however not intended to prevent or obtain the cessation, modification or adoption of a particular act, thereby interfering in legitimate sovereign choices. Therefore, the Commission is currently not planning to activate the Anti-Coercion Instrument with regards to possible trade restrictions affecting the wine sector. Nevertheless, if such restrictions are in violation of international trade rules, different avenues are likely to exist to seek remedies, like the initiation of a dispute settlement under the World Trade Organisation Agreement, or under EU Free Trade Agreements. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2026/471/oj. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2675/oj/eng.”
  EU-US trade relations · Trade relations with China
• 2026-03-19 “E-000309/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission There is no ongoing anti-dumping investigation into the disposable medical gloves sector. Any affected industry is invited to contact the Commission’s trade defence services 1 to discuss how to prepare a request for such an investigation. The Commission imposes antidumping measures where injurious dumping is found and it is in the EU interest to do so. Labour standards in third countries may be considered in anti-dumping investigations in selecting a representative country for calculating costs and also in deciding whether to accept undertakings. In addition, costs of labour standards borne by EU industry are taken into account by the Commission in calculating a target price for the industry concerned. Country reports, which describe distortions in exporting countries, may also include a chapter on labour standards, as is the case with the report on distortions on China 2 . The objective of the Forced Labour Regulation 3 , which bans from the EU market all products made with forced labour, is to improve the functioning of the internal market and contribute to the fight against forced labour. Once the Regulation starts applying in December 2027, the Commission will be able to investigate cases of potential forced labour linked to concrete products, including products originating from third countries. 1 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/contacts/trade-defence-enquiries_en. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=SWD(2024)91&lang=en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3015/oj.”
  EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains
• 2026-03-18 “E-000251/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The EU has reacted to the situation concerning Greenland, and the related threat of tariffs on six Member States, with determination and unity. This response proved effective in defending European interests and de-escalating the situation. The EU expressed unequivocal solidarity with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, it stood firmly with the six Member States threatened with tariffs; and it engaged actively with the US on multiple levels. The EU also signalled that it was well prepared to deploy trade countermeasures and non-tariff instruments if necessary. In sum, four key principles guided the response – firmness, outreach, preparedness and unity. This approach proved effective. Looking ahead, the Commission will be guided by these same principles. Going forward, the EU should continue cooperating with the US to advance the transatlantic trade relationship on all issues of common interest. The EU is fully committed to implementing in good faith the EU-US Joint Statement of 21 August 2025 1 . 1 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-statement-united-states-european-union-framework-agreementreciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade-2025-08-21_en.”
  EU-US trade relations · EU-US relations
• 2026-03-18 “E-000479/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission EU citizens are protected by some of the strictest food safety rules. All food needs to meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, such as bans of hormones and antimicrobials for growth promotion. Pesticide residues that create an unacceptable risk for consumers are not allowed. Rigorous border controls and audits ensure compliance with EU rules, requiring corrective action if issues arise, potentially suspending entry into the EU. On 9 December 2025, the Commission announced plans to increase audits by 50% over two years and establish a task force to enhance import controls 1 . The Commission aims to align production standards of imports, especially for pesticides and animal welfare. Concerning labour and environmental conditions, the agreement includes the latest trade and sustainable development standards 2 . It includes commitments to combat illegal logging, tackle deforestation and promote sustainable supply chains. It addresses labour standards, with both parties committing to respect, promote and effectively implement International Labour Organization core labour standards. It provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation, and the binding commitments can be enforced through a specific dispute settlement procedure. The Commission notes that on 9 January 2026, the Council decided to have the EU-Mercosur agreements 34 signed and provisionally applied. It also takes note of the European Parliament's Resolution requesting the opinion of the European Court of Justice on the compatibility of the EU-Mercosur agreements with the EU Treaties. The Commission is committed to sincere cooperation among EU institutions, including regarding their role in the conclusion process. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2979. 2 Circabc (https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/09242a36-a438-40fd-a7af-fe32e36cbd0e/library/afa4395e-9d624958-8074-76c43f64e2b4/details?download=true). 3 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-8371-2023-DCL-1/en/pdf. 4 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-12417-2025-REV-1/en/pdf.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · Import of agri-food products in the EU · Trade relations with Mercosur
• 2026-03-04 “E-000235/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The negotiations of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India were finalised on 27 January 2026 during the 16 th EU-India Summit. The FTA will positively contribute to EU output and employment. EU gross domestic product is expected to grow by up to EUR 47.9 billion. EU exports will significantly expand, including in important sectors such as chemicals, electronics, machinery, transport equipment, beverages, textiles, minerals and metals 1 . The FTA includes safeguards allowing for the temporary suspension of tariff preferences in case of a sudden surge in imports that could harm the EU industry. Such bilateral safeguards may be introduced during a period of 22 years from the date of entry into force of the FTA. The FTA fully preserves the possibility to apply trade defence measures against dumping, subsidised imports or import surges. Global safeguard measures such as those introduced in 2025 on ferroalloys will remain possible. It will not affect either the anti-dumping duties currently in place on ceramic tiles. The FTA will be no obstacle to the introduction of a stricter import regime for steel as envisaged in the Commission’s proposal of 7 October 2025 2 . The Commission nonetheless acknowledges that energy-intensive industries face particular challenges that are independent of the EU’s FTA policy. Those challenges require a multipronged strategy by public and private actors. The Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal 3 and other EU competitiveness initiatives are important elements in that regard. 1 Findings of the independent Sustainability Impact Assessment of 2023, available on https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/analysis-and-assessment/sustainability-impact-assessments_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025PC0726. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0085.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU-India relations
• 2026-03-03 “E-000141/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is grateful for the Honourable Member’s clarification following the Commission’s reply to another written question (E-003715/2025) 1 on the same subject. Under the Union Customs Code 2 , customs authorities may retain goods to carry out controls and audits necessary to ensure compliance with EU law. The responsibility for ensuring the legality, proportionality, and correct application of audits and retention measures lies with the competent Finnish authorities. They must ensure compliance with Regulation (EU) 2022/345 3 , which restricts certain transactions between Russian and EU entities. The assessment of potential breaches to this regulation, as well as the implications for value added tax, remains a matter of national competence. The Commission may, in case of systemic misapplication of EU law, engage with national authorities or initiate infringement proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union. Based on the information available, the present case does not seem to involve prejudice to the EU budget. The case appears to concern an individual customs case and disputes between private parties, which fall within the responsibility of the competent Finnish authorities. Economic operators may seek remedies before national courts or use EU-level mechanisms such as the SOLVIT network 4 . 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02013R0952-20221212. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/345/oj/eng. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/solvit/index_en.htm; https://ec.europa.eu/solvit/what-is-solvit/index_en.htm; list of national Solvit centres: https://ec.europa.eu/solvit/contact/index_en.htm.”
  Jurisdiction conflicts between EU and national courts · EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2026-02-27 “E-000271/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the European Parliament's resolution and reaffirms its commitment to adhere to the rules and procedures set out in the EU Treaties. The Commission is dedicated to fostering sincere cooperation among all EU institutions, respecting the role of the European Parliament in the ratification process.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• 2026-02-26 “E-000185/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission fully respects the principle of sincere cooperation among the EU institutions and, in particular, the role of the European Parliament in the conclusion process of trade agreements. Through its proposals for Council decisions on the signing and conclusion, adopted on 3 September 2025 1 , the Commission upheld its political commitment to propose to the Council that the provisional application of the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) occurs only once the European Parliament has been given the opportunity to express its consent. On 9 January 2026, the Council adopted a decision on signing and provisional application of the ITA 2 . According to that decision, the ITA shall be provisionally applied when one or more signatory Mercosur states have finalised their respective internal procedures and have notified the EU of the completion of their respective internal procedures necessary for the provisional application of the ITA and confirm their agreement to apply the ITA on a provisional basis. The step of notification of provisional application by the EU to the relevant signatory Mercosur states would not take place before that point in time. To date, no exchange of notifications has occurred, as the internal procedures necessary for the provisional application and/or ratification procedures in the Mercosur countries have just started. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025PC0339&qid=1771342152814. 2 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-12417-2025-REV-1/en/pdf.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• 2026-02-23 “P-000226/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission fully adheres to the rules and procedures set out in the EU Treaties. The Commission has engaged constructively with both the Council and the European Parliament throughout the negotiation process, intent on ensuring all voices are heard and respected in accordance with the Treaties. It is a prerogative of the Council Presidency to decide on the timing and form of documents for approval of the Council, and the Commission has made no recommendations in this respect. The EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) provides for a possibility of provisional application in its Article 23.3. Article 218(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union foresees a possibility for the Council to adopt, alongside the decision authorising the signing, a decision authorising the provisional application of international agreements before their entry into force. The corresponding Council decision on signature and provisional application of the ITA was adopted on 9 January 2026. The provisional application does not negate the essential role of Parliament in the ratification process, and the ITA can only be concluded and enter into force following the Parliament’s consent. The Commission remains committed to upholding the principles enshrined in the Treaties. It will continue to engage actively with Members of the European Parliament to assist the Parliament to perform its essential role during the ratification process.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2026-02-20 “E-000356/2026 P-000406/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiated with India is not expected to have a major impact on the competitive situation on the EU market for ceramic products, while opening up new export opportunities for EU companies. The current EU import duties on ceramic tiles of heading 6907 of the Harmonised System are low (5%) and will be lifted at entry into force of the FTA or phased out within 5 years, depending on the tariff line. Indian duties are significantly higher (16.5%) and will also be phased out, thus levelling the playing field in terms of import conditions. At the same time, the FTA fully preserves the possibility to apply trade defence measures. Imports of ceramic tiles from India are currently subject to antidumping duties (6.7% to 8.7%): those duties are not affected by the FTA and can be renewed if the conditions set in the relevant EU regulation are met. In addition, the FTA envisages the possibility of suspending tariff preferences temporarily in case of a sudden surge in imports that could cause injury to the EU industry. Such bilateral safeguards may be introduced during a period of 22 years from the date of entry into force of the FTA. The Commission stands ready to monitor the implementation of the FTA in close cooperation with EU industries and, in respect specifically to the ceramics sector, to appraise the existing trade defence measures against the background of the envisaged elimination of import duties. The Commission acknowledges the fact that energy-intensive industries face particular challenges independently of the EU’s trade policy. Those challenges require a multi-pronged strategy by public and private actors. The Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal 1 and other EU competitiveness initiatives are important elements in that regard. 1 The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation; Brussels, 26.2.2025; COM(2025) 85 final; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0085.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-02-19 “E-000039/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The scope of the Commission’s proposal 1 and the Council’s compromise 2 text include the same 26 product categories subject to the currently existing steel safeguard measure. The proposed measure provides explicitly that the Commission should assess the necessity to adjust the scope of products covered and, if deemed necessary, consider making a legislative proposal to expand the product scope. This commitment is reflected in Article 9 (1) and Recital 26. It its proposal, the Commission aims to have such a review within maximum two years from the date of entry into force of the Regulation 3 , a period that the Council has proposed to shorten to a maximum of 18 months 4 . The final decision on this aspect of the proposal will depend on the outcome of the ongoing ordinary legislative procedure. Regarding the free trade agreement partners, the Commission may impose bilateral safeguard measures, which shall comply with the requirements of the applicable agreement. It should be noted that steel producers have strongly welcomed the proposal. Furthermore, a feedback period was opened on 10 October 2025 and closed on 16 December 2025 providing stakeholders the opportunity to express their views on the proposal5. The Commission, the European Parliament and the Council will discuss the text in the trilogues that will start in the first quarter of 2026. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2025)726&lang=en. 2 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16080-2025-INIT/en/pdf. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2025)726&lang=en. 4 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16080-2025-INIT/en/pdf. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14781-Trade-measure-addressing-thenegative-trade-related-effects-of-global-excess-capacity-on-the-EU-steel-sector_en.”
  Trade relations with Turkey
• 2026-02-17 “E-000007/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the importance of these cases for both the European dairy and pig meat sectors and has intervened in these investigations from the start in support of the industries and Member States concerned. The EU has been using all means at its disposal to defend EU farmers and processors confronted with the abusive use of trade defence instruments, notably by taking action at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against China’s initiation of the anti-subsidy investigation on dairy. While the impact of the measures will be significant, it is too early to quantify in terms of trade impact since the additional duties from China have been imposed recently. As regards the concluded investigation on pork, the Commission’s interventions together with those of industry and Member States have achieved a reduction of the definitive measures compared to the provisional measures imposed. Concerning the ongoing dairy investigation, the Commission, in close cooperation with the Member States and the dairy industry submitted comments throughout the proceeding and also in reaction to the final determination issued on 30 January. It is noted that the final duties proposed are lower than the provisional duties. Nevertheless, the Commission considers that the whole investigation and the duties are unwarranted and will now consider any further steps. The Commission will explore all options to protect the interests of the EU industry, also in view of the compliance by China with its obligations as member of the WTO. The Commission will continue to monitor the economic impact of the Chinese duties on the affected sectors in the EU. If needed, steps may be taken to respond to market disturbances through EU measures financed under the agricultural reserve.”
  Export of EU agri-food products · Trade relations with China
• 2026-02-13 “E-003861/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 1. On the basis of the EU-UK Common Understanding, the Commission and the United Kingdom have concluded their negotiations on the United Kingdom’s association to Erasmus+ on 17 December 2025. The United Kingdom is set to join the programme as of 1 January 2027, subject to both sides formalising the conclusion of the negotiations in accordance with their respective procedures and legal framework. 2. The Commission and the United Kingdom agreed in the Common Understanding 1 to work towards a Youth Experience Scheme. The Youth Experience Scheme ‘should facilitate the participation of young people from the European Union and the United Kingdom in various activities, [...], studies…’. Following the adoption of the Council Decision (EU) 2025/1286 2 , the negotiations started in September last year. The level of tuition fees is an important factor determining whether young EU citizens will move to the United Kingdom to study. Therefore, the Commission has been raising this issue with the United Kingdom. 3. Once the United Kingdom joins the Erasmus+ programme on 1 January 2027, students who will be studying in the United Kingdom during the academic year 2027/2028 with Erasmus+ support, awarded further to the 2027 call for proposals, will benefit from the same conditions applying to Erasmus+ students in an EU Member State or another third country associated to the programme. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_1267. 2 Council Decision (EU) 2025/1286 of 20 June 2025 authorising the opening of negotiations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for an agreement on a youth experience scheme, OJ L, 2025/1286, 1.7.2025.”
  EU volunteering programs
• 2026-02-11 “E-004311/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the importance of the Chinese market for EU exporters and of the severe impact the recently imposed duties have for EU producers. Since the start of each investigation, it has intervened as interested party to defend the interests of the EU producers subject to these investigations: at technical level as well as at political level where these unwarranted investigations and measures are regularly brought up with the Chinese counterpart. While the Commission’s interventions together with those of industry and individual Member States have achieved a reduction of the definitive measures on European pork and brandy compared to the provisional measures imposed, the Commission continues to explore all options to protect the interests of the EU industry, also in view of the compliance by China with its obligations as member of the World Trade Organization. The Commission will continue to monitor the economic impact of the Chinese duties on the affected sectors in the EU. If needed, steps may be taken to respond to market disturbances through EU measures financed under the agricultural reserve. The Commission is seeking to rebalance EU’s trade and investment relations with China on the basis of transparency, predictability and reciprocity. The Commission will continue to engage constructively – for example through the upgraded Export Control Dialogue and technical talks on market access – but where engagement does not deliver, the Commission will not hesitate to defend EU industry and make use of EU autonomous instruments.”
  Trade relations with China · Export of EU agri-food products
• 2026-02-11 “E-004313/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Proposal for a Regulation addressing the negative trade-related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market 1 provides explicitly that the Commission should assess the necessity to adjust the scope of products covered by this regulation and, if deemed necessary, it should consider making a legislative proposal to add additional steel products, including products that are made of or contain a significant amount of steel. This commitment is reflected in the enacting terms of the regulation, namely Article 9(1). The final decision on this aspect of the proposal will depend on the outcome of the ongoing ordinary legislative procedure. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism’s (CBAM) 2 potential extension to downstream products 3 is guided by criteria including carbon leakage risk. In that context, the cost impact is duly considered. The impact assessment accompanying the proposal has provided additional analysis. The Commission proposed a temporary measure to address carbon leakage in the context of exports which entered into force on 1 January 2026. This measure is designed to support decarbonisation efforts of certain EU installations producing CBAM goods. Strengthening demand for low-carbon and high-quality industrial materials is essential for the competitiveness of the EU’s industrial ecosystem. Work is ongoing to prepare measures under the industrial decarbonisation accelerator act 4 that improve market conditions for such materials, including by promoting predictable, transparent and resilient value chains. These efforts aim to ensure that upstream and downstream segments of the steel value chain remain well aligned, while supporting the EU’s broader decarbonisation and competitiveness objectives. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=COM(2025)726&lang=en. 2 https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism_en. 3 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – A European Steel and Metals Action Plan, COM(2025)125 final; https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-steel-and-metalsaction-plan. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports · Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• 2026-02-04 “P-000095/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges concerns about the EU-Mercosur Agreement and has taken steps to address them, including tariff quotas for sensitive agricultural sectors and robust safeguards. The EU co-legislators are working on a regulation to allow a prompt start and end of investigations, allowing a reduction or suspension of trade preferences in case of harm to domestic producers. It includes a quasi-automatic threshold to trigger investigations set at a 5% increase in volumes or reduction in import prices, enabling a quick response to a serious injury or threat to EU’s industry. Provisional measures can be imposed in three weeks. All food products placed on the EU market must comply with EU sanitary and phytosanitary requirements. These are enforced through rigorous border controls and audits of third countries. If a shortcoming is identified, the third country must put in place the necessary corrective measures. If insufficient, and there is a serious risk to human or animal health, the third country may be delisted and export authorisation to the EU may be suspended. The existence of a trade agreement as such does not alter this. The Commission will also pursue a stronger alignment of production standards for imports, establishing a principle that the most hazardous pesticides banned in the EU for health or environmental reasons are not allowed in via imported products. Besides, the Commission started an impact assessment for the modernisation of farm animal welfare rules, including introducing equivalent animal welfare standards for imports. Finally, the Commission announced a task force to further strengthen controls on imports and a 50% increase of audits in third countries over the next two years.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · Pesticides & trade · Trade relations with Mercosur
• 2026-02-02 “P-000060/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission took note of the interim order granted by the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) on 24 November 2025 1 with regard to the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement 2 (EPA). The Commission also took note of the statement of the Government of Kenya, adopted on 26 November 2025, in which it announced that it will appeal the Court’s ruling and in which it considers the EPA as not suspended. The interim measures request and the related application in the main case were directed against Kenya and the East African Community and concern the application and interpretation of the Treaty for the Establishment of the Eastern African Community. The Commission has been in contact with the Kenyan authorities, who assured that Kenya’s compliance with the EU-Kenya EPA is not put in question by the interim order of the EACJ. The EU-Kenya EPA is still being implemented. The Commission is confident that Kenya will be able to resolve any issues relating to the interim order of the EACJ, in collaboration with its partners. The Commission does not consider that the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change is immediately relevant for the ongoing proceedings before the EACJ, in particular, and trade agreements concluded between the EU and third countries, in general. To date, the Commission has not obtained a legal opinion on this matter as it does not consider that it raises legal questions for the EU that require clarification at this stage. 1 https://www.eacj.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/APPLICATION-NO.-7-OF-2024-CLEP-EAST-AFRICAV.-THE-AG-OF-KENYA-THE-SG-EAC.pdf. 2 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/east-africancommunity-eac/eu-kenya-agreement_en.”
  EU policy on social & environmental impact of foreign investments · Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-01-23 “E-004677/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The EU attaches great importance to the protection of labour rights in engagement with trading partners, including Panama. The EU-Central America Association Agreement (EUCAAA) 1 includes a chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD), which incorporates commitments to respect international conventions on labour rights. The EU regularly raises the importance of properly implementing commitments to labour rights. These exchanges take place in the framework of the EU-Central America Trade Committee, the TSD Board and the EU-Panama bilateral consultations. The EU has also engaged proactively on labour rights through a regular bilateral dialogue and is carrying out activities to promote and protect labour rights in Panama. Panama has ratified 8 of the 10 fundamental International Labour Organization Conventions. The EU closely follows developments and regrets lack of progress in setting up of the High Labour Council, for which the legislative proposal was presented to the Congress on 31 January 2024. This issue was discussed bilaterally and in the TSD Board in May and June 2025. The EUCAAA contains an essential elements clause requiring respect for human rights, which encompass fundamental labour rights. If a Party violates these provisions, the other Party may adopt appropriate measures proportional to the violation. In cases of continuous, systematic, and grave human rights violations, the Commission may propose to the Council the suspension of the Agreement as a last-resort measure. At this stage, the Commission does not consider that such conditions exist with Panama. Before considering suspension, the EU shall prioritise measures that enable an intensified dialogue, cooperation, and monitoring of labour rights. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:22012A1215(01).”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-01-23 “E-004187/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Dutch government’s decision to impose certain restrictions in relation to the governance of Nexperia was taken to address concrete security risks stemming from serious and wellsubstantiated concerns over the mismanagement of this company. The Dutch authorities have clearly stated that the ministerial order is a national measure taken under the Goods Availability Act and is based on the Netherlands’ own findings and assessment. The Commission took note of this initial decision to intervene and has been following closely all further developments, including the response taken by the Chinese side. In parallel, the competent Dutch Court continues assessing alleged misconduct. The Commission has been acting primarily as a facilitator in the ongoing bilateral negotiations, seeking to re-establish these critical supply chains and finding a long-term solution. As a result of these efforts, China has eased the restrictive export measures, allowing Nexperia products to be shipped. The situation remains however critical. The Commission continues to closely monitor the situation and act in accordance with the situational need and applicable rules.”
  EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure · EU-US trade relations
• 2026-01-21 “P-004641/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The measures on imports of candles, tapers and similar products were adopted to address the injury caused to the EU industry by unfairly priced Chinese imports, safeguard EU producers’ viability, and ensure fair competition. All stakeholders could comment, though no unrelated importers or users cooperated with the anti-dumping investigation. The Commission found that importers have alternative supply sources within and outside the EU whereby their viability is not exclusively reliant on Chinese imports. Since candles represent a small cost share for retailers and consumers, any price rise from anti-dumping duties should have minimal impact on purchasing or business operations. Overall, the limited negative effects of the measures on importers were found to be outweighed by the need to eliminate the trade distorting effects of injurious dumping for the EU industry and to restore fair competition. The Commission is taking steps to correct competitive imbalances between EU economic operators and major e-commerce platforms by directing national authorities to enforce EU product safety and digital rules strictly 1 . Through instruments such as the Market Surveillance Regulation 2 , the Digital Services Act 3 and the broader customs reform, the EU ensures that all businesses selling into the EU face equivalent obligations and effective controls. In this regard, the EU will apply a EUR 3 customs duty to low value e-commerce parcels from 1 July 2026. 1 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions A comprehensive EU toolbox for safe and sustainable ecommerce, COM/2025/37 final; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0037. 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on market surveillance and compliance of products and amending Directive 2004/42/EC and Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EU) No 305/2011, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1020/oj/eng. 3 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng.”
  Trade relations with China · EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports