- “So I am cautiously optimistic that, um, that we are collectively getting there. Um, I think, um, you also flagged, um, how are we getting to the, um, um, how are we advancing with the setting up of the board? Um, so it's important to mention that the board can only start its operations once Emera officially enters into force, and then the board will need to define its mandate and composition. Um, or. Sorry, the regulation, um, establishes the board and it defines its mandate and composition. But the board will have to adopt its rules, um, uh, of procedures, um, and will then start, uh, start being operational. Um, but I, um, so this so in that sense, there's we we cannot, um, sort of do that part before Emera enters into force. But we're working closely with member states to help them, uh, in, um, deciding for their, um, for their board members. Um, I think an important element you were asking how will the board share information? And I think this is one of the important roles also for the IT tool that we're developing, such that member states can report on incidents and inform each other of what's happening.”
Privacy & law enforcement
- “I would like to recall, in terms of timeline, that the implementing act can only be adopted once it is implemented, and once we have the Emery board, um, operational, the implementing act will be drafted taking due consideration of the opinion of the board and the input of relevant union level bodies and it will be adopted via the examination procedure. The implementing act will serve as a key instrument to operationalize the era. This brings me to some specific actions I want to update you on. Um, and what we're currently doing in the commission to prepare first, um, we're working on an IT tool to coordinate and streamline the reporting of incidents by National Central Liaison Offices. The commission is currently developing a dedicated IT tool to support the delivery of objectives. Under this IT tool will be developed in conjunction with the IMP, the European crisis management platform. Um. It integrates and harmonizes existing early warning systems and other tools and ensures cross-sectoral information exchange and coordination during emergencies. The European Crisis Management platform is one of the actions under the preparedness strategy. So you see, we're really working across the commission to deliver on this. And in addition and linked to the tasking to provide a single point of contact, we we will establish a dedicated space in the Your Europe portal to complete a it needs for the purpose of reaching out to the public and communicating on crisis measures with businesses and citizens.”
Digitalization of public governance & administration
- “Good afternoon. Um, honourable members of Parliament. Dear colleagues, um, thanks a lot for having us. It's really our pleasure today to inform you on the current state of play of the preparatory work. Work towards the implementation of Humira. Humira. The Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act is a comprehensive preparedness and crisis response framework to anticipate, prepare for, and safeguard the single market during crisis. We have developed it together with you, the European Parliament and with the Council as one of the lessons from the pandemic and successive supply chain disruptions. Unfortunately, we continue to see tensions in our supply chains and this shows the importance of Humira going forward. Humira was adopted on 9th October 2024 and it will become applicable on 29th May 2026, so we still have half a year to prepare. The regulation establishes a comprehensive preparedness and crisis response architecture. It is our general single market crisis framework, and as such it covers the Unknown Crisis. It includes a governance structure and targeted measures to be deployed when the vigilance or emergency modes are triggered, among other things. The toolbox provides for enhanced monitoring of supply chains, specific information requests, joint procurement of crisis relevant goods. Um. The provides means to combat restrictions, to free movement, and can in some cases be used for priority rated requests to companies. Today, I want to give specific updates on the state of play and work with Member States a selection of specific preparatory actions, in particular for IT tools, simulations, joint procurement, and our work with the business community.”
Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · EU Single Market harmonisation
- “The meeting was well received and the business community welcomed and expressed its support for Mira. Going forward, we plan to continue organizing such meetings with the business community to make sure we are in close touch and well prepared for future crises. In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that we are dedicating all our efforts to guarantee that the mirror is fully operational when it enters into force end of May, with the adequate capacity to deliver on its objectives. The single market has been the foundation of our union. We must safeguard its operations at all times, including in times of crisis. And I think it's fair to say that in today's economic and geopolitical reality, it is crucial to be proactive and have in place effective responses ahead of crises. We believe that once in place, Imera will serve this goal as the primary internal market crisis instrument with a broad scope to anticipate, prepare for and tackle unknown future crises, ensuring the EU's economic stability regardless of the circumstances. I would like to thank you for your interest in the state of play on the implementation of Imera. You Further support and collaboration in this regard will definitely be of great help for us to effectively prepare for crises and thereby strengthen the resilience of our single market. Thank you.”
EU Single Market harmonisation · EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
- “And then it will also be the role of the Commission to bring this information also back to the board in a comprehensive form. Um, and then I think, uh, the last point you raised about the activation of um, vigilance mode or um, crisis mode. Um, and how we can be transparent about this. Um, I think the first element is for these activations, we have specific, um, governance steps in the board. Um, we'll need to pass, uh, delegated acts, um, settings and motions. So these will, um, will be formal steps, um, for everyone to see. And we will act upon the advice of the board. So I think we have a large degree of transparency inside the board. How to ensure transparency towards the outside world. I think one very important aspect here is the role of the single points of contact. So both we the commission with our single point of contact, but also member States with their single points of contact, will need to inform the public. Now we have activated vigilance mode. Now we've activated emergency mode. So this will be sort of the official channel to ensure transparency. Um, with these points, I think I'm five seconds short of five minutes and I hope I managed to reply to your questions. Thank you very much again.”
Transparency requirements of EU institutions · Activities of EU Ombudsman · Transparency requirements for interest groups
- “Okay. Thank you very much. I'm very glad to to have this strong endorsement and support, um, from the Parliament and in particular from a member of the European Parliament, Andreas Schwab. Um, I will try to take the points one by one. What products and packages for joint public procurement. I think this touches upon one of the general challenges we have in Emera as sort of the overarching crisis framework for the unknown crisis. It will depend a lot on what will be the crisis or the future crises that would eventually trigger, um, action under the, um, under Emera. Um, and so it would, uh, so it's a bit of a it depends reply. Um, you were asking on the member state side how, um, progress is going. Um, on getting ready for the board and, um, and their various tasks. Um, we are in close contact with member states to help them as much as possible. And, um, I think what we see is, for instance, um, uh, I think member states face similar challenges. They need to figure out which is the right place in the administration where you put your, um, central liaison office, your single point of contact, who's best place in my administration and, uh, member states are different. So, um, they come to different conclusions. Um, but I think we we have a regular information flow with member states and also member states amongst each other.”
State Aid
- “Yes, correct. Good morning everyone. Uh, honourable members of the committee, Otto Henriksen, thank you very much for having me today for this very interesting discussion. I think your work on the report on the implementation and streamlining of EU internal market rules to strengthen the single market is most timely. Um, as this exchange highlights, our single market is the cornerstone and main driver of our competitiveness driving companies, providing companies a home market with 450 million consumers to scale up in. In these times of extraordinary global uncertainties. The single market acts as our anchor for stability and resilience. So we must ensure it operates at its full potential. And in this context, the Commission has adopted the Single market strategy, which shows the way forward, enhancing the functioning of the single market, modernising it and promoting its further integration. It provides clear priorities and concrete actions. First, dismantling barriers with a focus on the terrible ten. Second, injecting new dynamism into the EU services market. Third, setting clear actions to support the development and growth of our SMEs. And fourth, improving joint ownership of the single market and stepping up enforcement.”
EU Single Market harmonisation · EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
- “Our single market is a pillar supporting Europe's stability and resilience. However, it remains far from complete. Too many barriers continue to negatively affect trade and investment, and we've reported on this, for instance, in the 2025 Single Market and Competitiveness Report. And in this context, shortly, the Commission will present the Single Market Strategy, which will aim at improving the functioning of the single market, modernizing it and promoting its further integration. Along with it, Commission will also unveil an omnibus proposal on small midcaps. There will be important elements in the single market strategy addressing barriers, deepening the the services market, making life easier for SMEs. Implementation and enforcement. A seamless and more integrated single market for services and goods, coupled with stronger cross-border investment and trade will boost Europe's productivity and support our businesses and scaling up innovation. Listening to you today, I'm very happy to see broad support for the political priorities of the Commission, deepening the single market, pursuing simplification to make it happen. We will need to work together. It's a collective and joint effort, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing the final report as it shapes up as a very important building block towards us collectively improving the single market. Thank you very much.”
EU Single Market harmonisation · EU Competition policy
- “In parallel to commissioners is pursuing an ambitious simplification agenda. We continue simplifying existing rules while maintaining high standards. Um, in the uh, while maintaining high standards and achieving economic, social and environmental goals. And today, of the single market strategy, we've also adopted the fourth simplification package. Um, the measures included in it are expected to reduce annual administrative costs for businesses by around €400 million per year. I see that later this morning you're also organising a public hearing on the single market strategy. Um, so I think that is also a great moment to discuss further. Uh, overall, I'm very happy to see the broad support for these political priorities and for, um, deepening and simplifying the single market. Um, in your discussion. Um, I think further developing our European single market requires a collective effort working together to make the adoption of the single market proposals a priority. We are in this together. We need the European Parliament and member states to fully engage in this important work. And this is why your report is most timely in my view. Thank you very much.”
EU Single Market harmonisation · Simplification measures (political compass)
- “Second, crisis simulations. Under article 11 and 12 of the regulation, the Commission shall organise simulations and trainings. Here again, we're working with colleagues in the wider context of the Preparedness Union strategy, and we are planning to have a first simulation exercise to stress test the provisionally planned for the end of 2026. A third example of specific preparations we are doing is on joint procurement. In article 39 of the regulation, we have a provision that we are that we are facilitating the rapid joint procurement and procedures in cases of crisis, um, and in addition and conjunction to the possibility for joint procurement, um, between member states and the Commission, in line with the um reviewed financial regulation. We, uh, we will use, uh, the framework here to provide additional guidance to Member States. Next, I want to give you a quick update on our cooperation with the private sector, um, ensuring the functioning of the single market and resilience resilient supply chains requires close collaboration with businesses. And and we have been working on enhancing cooperation with the private sector. So, for instance, in October, we organized a meeting with the Industrial Forum to discuss the implementation of Imera. The objective was to seek input from businesses on improving crisis preparedness and supply chain resilience. Participants shared experiences and good practices from past crises crises that could inspire the implementation of Mira. They provided suggestions about how to support businesses in efforts to make their supply chains more shock proof, and they flagged the importance of well established communication channels.”
Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · EU Single Market harmonisation
- “Um, to make operational member States and the Commission and the European Parliament must set up a series of structures and workflows at both national and EU level. The core of the governance will be the board, which will include representatives of all member states. The European Commission will act as chair and you, the European Parliament, will have an observer status. The Commission and each member state are setting up central liaison offices and single points of contact. On the commission side, we are advancing with the preparatory work for the implementation, which is following the provisions and timelines set out in the regulation. In this context, the Commission is also providing assistance to Member States in implementing Emira. We have organised a couple of workshops to support Member States with guidance and best practices. The workshops are organised on an ad hoc basis according to the needs for further clarification and at the request of Member States. Um. These training sessions are available to all Member states, to all member states. Um, and, um, they really cover a wide range of topics. One of the important early steps of it is, um, in, uh, force will be to set out an implementing act to lay down the contingency framework. As per article nine of the regulation, it will set out detailed arrangements on crisis preparedness, cooperation, exchange of information and crisis communication for vigilance and emergency modes.”
EU Single Market harmonisation · Digitalization of public governance & administration · EU competences on consumer protection and product standards
- “Good afternoon. Hello. Honourable members of the committee, rapporteur Henriksen, thank you very much for having me. Um, the draft report on implementing and streamlining of EU internal Market rules to strengthen the single Market is most timely. And I'm very intrigued listening to your rich discussion. I think the sheer amount of proposed amendments shows this is an important report on a very important topic, and the single market serves as our safe haven in an increasingly challenging global economic environment. And the single market is the primary driver of our competitiveness, providing companies with a very sizeable home market to scale in a predictable, stable and easy to operate business environment is crucial for our businesses and their investment decisions. Simpler, lighter and faster EU regulation is a key enabler of competitiveness to unlock the single market's full potential. The Commission is taking decisive action to enhance it. First, we are simplifying EU rules to reduce compliance costs for businesses. The objective here is to strengthen EU competitiveness and growth, while at the same time upholding high standards and achieving economic, social and environmental goals. The first omnibus proposals, in areas such as sustainability reporting and due diligence, aim at reducing complexity and focus on more business friendly environment. Additional measures are planned in the upcoming in the Commission's 2020 work programme, and they will address overlapping or disproportionate rules that hinder EU companies.”
Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · EU Single Market harmonisation