Government of Spain

Policy topics Government of Spain is active on

What Government of Spain has said (80)

• 2026-06-16 “I will intervene in Spanish. Thank you very much. Marlena we must certainly recognize the work being. Having been done by the Cyprus presidency over the last few months, in order to be able to put this negotiation box with figures on the table today, as had been promised. So thank you for that. The MFF debate really is a discussion on the moment of truth for the EU. We believe that the budget has to reflect the Union's ambitions. We must not. Deliver under our ambitions in terms of GNI contributions, and we're willing to work on the Commission's proposal in order to broaden and meet that level of ambition. But the additional elements introduced into the Negro box that we have on the table today are a no go as some of previous speakers have already said. The declaration, signed with 15 other member states, the 16 Friends of Cohesion, which will probably increase to 17 in the next few days. We'd like to refer to that statement. We need a really ambitious budget. We defend cohesion, cap competitiveness and also how to reach that level of ambition. We're willing to work with the Commission and with the Parliament on new own resources. We need to. Reflect on the issue of common debt and how to deal with that. And we also need to make sure that those member states who are decentralised and have very decent regions are taken into account, and particularly the outermost regions.”
  Size of EU budget
• 2026-06-16 “The heading two in Strengthening Competitiveness and Industrial competitiveness as well as the international component is a very important discussion. And, uh, we do understand that there are new priorities, security and defense, but we must not forget the challenges posed by the digital and green transition, which has to be socially fair and the upcoming challenges over the next few years. On heading three, we note that there is a cut, a horizontal cross, and it does covers, um, cover the whole globe. But we do note that the Caribbean and Latin America is treated perhaps less advantageously. And the, uh, 4% for the Mediterranean and the Middle East is perhaps, um, falling slightly short of the ambitions outlined in the pact for the Mediterranean. Now, this is the very first discussion we're having on the figures in this General Affairs Council, but we very much hope that by working together, we'll be able to rebalance it in terms of our level of ambition over the next few months. And we're certainly committed to working with the incoming Irish presidency and also with the Cyprus presidency for the last few days of their presidency in order to move forward. Thank you.”
  Funding for EU Neighbourhood
• 2026-06-16 “I will intervene in Spanish. Well, firstly, I wanted again to thank the presidency for all their work. Marilena in particular, thank you to all the work done by the Perm Rep team and the MFF team which. Has worked hard on this over the last few months, tirelessly to ensure we could achieve this joint objective to make sure everything is ready, because we all, of course, want an agreement before the end of the year. However, as you know, and as we've said throughout the negotiations, Spain still has reservations on the latest compromise proposals, which we have here before us when it comes to the three regulations which have been put here to today's council. So we share the commitment when it comes to the regulation on the Competitiveness Fund, and we are very happy that the general approach is going to be adopted today. When it comes to the regulation and the fund, Spain can't support the mandate which has been proposed. We have a political reservation on this due to the problems raised by the new hybrid management model. For highly decentralized countries. This is going to create more uncertainty when it comes to regional distribution of funds and make it more complex. Now, we're not calling into question the proposal from the commission as a whole. Rather, we want to ensure it can be properly implemented. We want to resolve difficulties. So we propose on the one hand, that we keep real certified expenditure as a basis for investment and that we use the milestone based approach for reforms.”
  EU industrial funding (mechanism level: EU-pooled vs nationally-financed)
• 2026-06-16 “So we need to focus more on results. But that can't replace the fact that we do need to monitor public expenditure and control it. And we're also worried about the fact that the new Cap measures are to be funded using a much smaller, specific budget and a governance model, which is complex as well. Thirdly, and lastly, when it comes to the Global Europe Fund, that we can't support this idea of innovative solutions even in a recital, because that's not language which has been approved by our leaders at the summit or in actual regulations approved by the council. We've taken note of the fact that the Council Legal Service has highlighted the fact that there's legal uncertainty regarding this expression on various occasions, and we think that. If you look at the language, it's. The Cyprus presidency is putting the recital to clarify that all actions related to migration must be carried out in full respect of international law, including international human rights and international humanitarian law and European legislation. We think that the return centers wouldn't fall within these innovative solutions and shouldn't be funded using global Europe, so we well will be in favor are in favor of the ECF Regulation, but against the single fund regulation, and will abstain when it comes to the regulation on the Global Europe instrument. Thank you.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Thank you very much. So thank you, everybody, [00:29:30] for your contributions today. It's clear that we're still making progress, but there are some things that have to be fine tuned. It's a very important issue. As with the other files the presidency has taken note and committed is committed to continuing the dialogue with all the member states of the European Union. So we can come up with a compromise proposal which guarantees mobility of transport, freight transport across Europe. So thank you, everybody.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “Colleagues, we can now move on to the next item under AOB. So here I'm going to give you some information about events and activities during the Spanish presidency. Over the last six months, the Spanish presidency has organised more than 40 events linked to research and innovation throughout Spain and also here in Brussels. Now, one of the key events which marked the Spanish presidency was the informal ministerial meeting, which we had in Santander in July. And there we discussed the second strategic plan for Horizon Europe and the role of science diplomacy. Now, during that meeting, the ministers there agreed that strategic planning of the EU's actions when it comes to R and I call for more deep rooted dialogue with member states and more adaptation of priorities to the missions and roles of Horizon Europe. Now, when it comes to the role of science diplomacy, ministers stressed the need to have a better coordination mechanism between the foreign dimension and the external dimension and science and innovation policies because they can mutually benefit one another very clearly. Now, we, along with the Commission, organised a series of high level conferences, which were people extremely interested in. And basically they focused on very important topics such as the Marie Curie actions, research infrastructure, new generation of innovators, science at the service of public policies, cultural and creative industries, personalized medicine, and the European Strategic Plan for Energy Technologies. And we also had the chance to work on some relevant topical issues, such as, for example, open science, oceanography, challenges when it comes to quantum technologies and, um, multilateralism in cooperation in the area of science with third countries. I'm also especially proud of the progress we've made when it comes to research, infrastructure and international cooperation. This morning we had the chance to show this. We took our photo, of course. A symbolic photograph. We had the Tenerife Declaration on the global dimension and sustainability of research infrastructure, and that links the two priorities. The aim is to ensure that the research and innovation ecosystems are better disseminated throughout Europe. So basically all of this will ensure sustainability of research infrastructures throughout Europe in the long term, not just in the structure and design, but also in the way in which the governance governed and funded. When it comes to upcoming events, we will be focusing on science, diplomacy and innovation cooperation by hosting the first European Science Diplomacy Conference in Madrid on the 18th and 19th of December. That will be a landmark, a milestone for science diplomacy in Europe. And the final event under the Spanish presidency will be the inauguration of the Marenostrum five supercomputer in Barcelona on the 21st of December that was built in cooperation with the EU. Portugal and Turkey. So cooperation between those three. We've also made progress when it comes to promoting international efforts and on research with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. We had a meeting of senior officials and we worked with our neighbouring countries. We've been working on a continuation of Prima, as we just mentioned, under the previous AOB point. So thank you very much for your participation in all the presidency's events. And I'd now like to ask the commission to comment because they wanted to comment on this item too. You have the floor.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “Thank you very much indeed. And I'd like to thank the presidency for providing information about the current state of play for this file. We'd like to thank the commission and Oliver for your comments. We support the proposed regulation presented by the Commission in June 2023. Is a balanced text, and it meets the needs of the agri food sector. And it's also in line with third country legislation. It's a proposal which is based on solid science, and it provides full guarantees for safety, as indeed is confirmed by the June Efsa report, which the commissioner mentioned a moment ago. We've done a lot of work in the council to accommodate the demands of delegations, and we want to highlight the fact that the compromise text presented in February of this year meets all the requirements for finding an agreement in the council and, we think, delaying its approval would be an unnecessary risk for operators in an environment where there is increasing competitiveness and where we must make sure that we stick to the principle of open strategic strategic autonomy in the EU. Thank you.”
  New Genomic Techniques
• “So that's the financial element of that is companies are responsible for. You have 15,624 23, which gives you an idea of how things are going. And the greatest, most important news is. What we have had to see with the proposal and regulation on the Emir. And that was the negotiated in Cairo on the 6th of December. And I think it is a fundamental step forward when it comes to looking at compensation within Europe, ensuring that there be greater financial stability within Europe. Also, the first trilogue under our presidency. And that was something that we carried out with the Parliament. Of course, also, I wanted to talk about the crisis management and deposits the CND. This week we managed to reach a political agreement, together with the European Parliament, on the proposal for a regulation known as daisy chains. And I have to say, it was tough trying to find a translation. Uh, for this and linking it into financial services. So that daisy chain, as you know, the capital requirements and liquidity requirements for, uh, the chains of the large banking groups to ensure that there be a good regulation in place should there need to be, um, recovery and resolution. We wanted to ensure that it be collected at various levels and that we come up with a good legislative package.”
  Financial regulation
• “16:03 – 11:17:29): Thank you, presidency commissioner. For us, the CSA 2 is an absolute priority and other cybersecurity measures too, as well as investments. As Vice President Vikraman was saying, this is a question of speed and unity. That's fundamental. The 27 countries in this room and the EU can no longer be mere spectators to attacks on the financial system, for example, as we've seen. It could be a less responsible company that might carry out attacks or be acting in the future. There are AI consequences on cybersecurity as we know, and we are approaching a new stage with quantum technology where everything is a completely new world in cybersecurity, and there are risks in cybersecurity as well. So the CSA 2 is fundamental, as are all other measures that could be adopted in the union to face up to cybersecurity problems and no longer be mere cyber spectators on the latest news we hear from places like Mythos, which might be calling the whole question into system. So we fully agree with the focus of the vice presidency and the commissioner: unity and speed, but the member states must also be able to play a role in defining the supply chains for new technologies, which obviously affect national security as well. Thank you.”
  Scope of EU cybersecurity obligations
• “For 11.5 months and share our experiences with a view to reaching some preliminary conclusions as to the future of our Common Agricultural Policy. You should have received an information note which had been drawn up by the presidency in document 15, nine, eight nine, slash 23 and quarter one. The note goes through [00:00:30] some of the challenges involved in applying the new strategic plans, and give you a summary of discussions that have taken place over the last few months on the strategic plans of the Member States, considering the important changes introduced by the last reform of the Cap to which our farmers had to adapt. The presidency notes stresses the need to ensure stable conditions [00:01:00] for the agricultural sector. Now to guide our exchange of views. The notes also contains a couple of questions. The first question. We ask whether you agree with the presidency's assessment set out in the notes, and whether there's anything specific you would like to emphasize, correct or nuance. And the second question was we wanted to hear from you whether in your view, there are other [00:01:30] things which need to be added to the presidency's assessment. As you all know, the Slovak delegation supported by the Bulgarian, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish and Romanian delegations asked to include in today's agenda and any other business item on so-called external convergence. Now, given this [00:02:00] point is closely linked to the cap, I thought we should take that now. You've received the relevant notes in document 16 372. Slash 23. So let me start by giving the floor to Richard, our Slovak colleague, to introduce this point of other business. And then we will give the floor to Commissioner Raczkowski. Janusz. And then we will hear from delegations. So, Richard, you have the floor first.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “For [00:02:30] the cameras to be switched on. Could I have confirmation that we can begin? I think the cameras are on. Thank you very much for that. I'd like to welcome all those who have joined the web stream for the public [00:03:00] session. The first legislative point is on the transfer of proceedings in criminal matters. That is something that was lacking in our broader toolbox for criminal cooperation in criminal matters. So this has been on the table for a long time. There was, in fact, I am told, the first attempt made 14 years ago during a previous Swedish presidency. [00:03:30] The report adopted under Romanian presidency in 2019 and conclusions adopted under German presidency in 2020, also raised the importance of further work on this. So for many years we have had far reaching rules on mutual recognition of key judicial decisions, including when to arrest and surrender a person, when to search a house, when to confiscate assets for the benefit of criminal proceedings taking place in [00:04:00] another member state. But until now, we have not had EU rules to transfer criminal proceedings to another member state, which is better placed to conduct the proceedings. However, there are more and more situations where several member states have jurisdiction in one and the same case. This can be because transnational elements are more and more normal, even in trivial cases. [00:04:30] But also it can be because more complex investigations, in particular of serious organised crime, will often involve prosecutions in several member states. So this is why we want to tackle the transfer of proceedings. Concentrating those proceedings in a single member state can be in the interest of the investigation, and often also a better way to protect fundamental rights. The proposal from the Commission [00:05:00] received broad support. Today, we can take a concrete step forward by agreeing on a general approach to the draft regulation. I acknowledge that the text is not ideal for everyone. That is unavoidable since the procedural rules of the Member States are different. Therefore, the text can only be a compromise. Moreover, [00:05:30] we have to respect the Charter of Fundamental Rights, in particular article 47 on the right to an effective remedy and fair trial. This is particularly relevant for article 15 C of the proposal on the right to an effective legal remedy. Now we could have left the text completely open as in the initial proposal, but we sincerely think that the framed text that we have [00:06:00] now currently, as it currently stands, is better and gives more legal certainty. I know that some delegations would have wanted more time to examine the file further, but I am not convinced that the text would have really improved in substance if we discussed it for another 3 or 6 months. Of course, lawyer linguists will at a later stage, improve the quality of the text. I therefore hope that we can agree a general approach on the text as [00:06:30] it stands. The text will then constitute the basis for trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament. Before asking my colleagues for their views. I'd like to hear from the commission. Did you have the floor?”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• “Him [00:01:30] on the agenda. This is the regulation on forced labor. And just to remind you that this is still a public session. General Secretary is still is saying that we still have the cameras on. So it's a public session, if I may, just to remind you of a few dates, uh, a few facts just to frame today's discussion. As you know, calculations show that worldwide, 27.6 million people [00:02:00] are forced into labor against their will under threat of violence to them or their families. And amongst the victims, we have 3.3 million children. Most of the victims of forced labor work long hours in extremely poor or unsafe conditions, and they receive little or no pay. Many of them are trafficked. Products [00:02:30] they make end up in the EU, and therefore that makes European consumers unconsciously makes them into accomplices to these crimes of forced labor. The ban proposed in the regulation is not limited just to products made using forced labor beyond EU borders. It also covers those made within the EU, since forced labor unfortunately [00:03:00] also happens within our borders. The proposal for a regulation on prohibiting products made with forced labor provides an opportunity for the European Union to make a positive difference in this very relevant issue. The presidency would like to highlight that since the very beginning, all delegations have fully supported the general idea of dealing with forced labor. However, all [00:03:30] of them have expressed doubts about its enforceability for various reasons and therefore to ensure uniform implementation, enforcement of the proposed regulation, and to create a level playing field within the internal market. [00:03:51] Delegations called for a stronger role for the European Commission throughout the process of withdrawing products made [00:04:00] using forced labour from the union market, and also the European Commission's role as a lead authority in the process. This topic is of central importance to all Member States and requires further consideration. Therefore, today I think this is the moment to exchange views on this matter. I think it's key to be able to continue with our work, our discussions on this file. And [00:04:30] that's why this has been, uh, included in the presidency document, which has been provided to you explaining what we've done so far. And we would suggest that delegations, colleagues, you focus on this point. This is, I think, what's most important if we want an approach for the ministers. So that could continue [00:05:00] continue its work. So the question is, in order to tackle the issue of products made using forced labor on the internal market of the European Union, do you call for more or less involvement of the Commission in all or some of the phases set out in the forced labor ban regulation? And before I give you the floor, obviously, I would like to thank the Commission for their [00:05:30] cooperation. All the efforts they've made to push forward this in the technical working parties, and obviously because it's an issue that basically affects the Commission. I will obviously give them the floor to cursing our dear Director-General. I'll pass you the floor now. Kirsten.”
  EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains
• “We need to ensure competitive energy prices in Europe. In terms of the automotive package, I would say that I defend, um, electrification as a competitiveness tool. Um, and to foster the European industry, we need to have a better, um, value chain for batteries. And the battery booster sends a very important signal. But I'm concerned about the level of ambition, given the budget and the fact that there is no direct, um, subsidy for this instrument to be effective, we need to coordinate it with critical raw materials. We need to have, um, enough, um, agility. And we need to also look at the upcoming CO2 regulation revision for heavy duty vehicles, uh, on corporate fleets. So we agree. Um, but we think that we need to avoid punitive measures, uh, in its implementation in terms of the upcoming, uh, Industrial Accelerator Act, we need to create added value in the European Union and avoid undesired effects and, um, any harm to our trade relations on small, affordable cars. That's key to us because we would like to democratize the sustainable development, sustainable transport access.”
  Battery supply chain: EU gigafactory sovereignty vs. reliance on Asian suppliers
• “Agenda item five the current legislative proposals and information from the presidency. This will also be a public session. So we are. This is a live stream. I would like to refer you to the presidency document which has been submitted to you. It contains a brief description of the work done under our presidency on the various files. We're very close to the end of the legislature [00:29:00] now, and our top priority has been and remains to finalize negotiations on as many legislative instruments as possible. I know that this has meant a very high workload for everyone. The pace of negotiation is intense for an unusually high number of files, especially in criminal law. As of course we are very aware. I want to thank all delegations for their support and commitment during [00:29:30] this period. You have helped to make us, uh, end a successful presidency. The presidency is confident that agreements have already been reached on a number of very important files. I have to insist, however, that these agreements are only provisional in some cases and need to be confirmed in Co repair. At [00:30:00] the beginning of November, we had a successful last trilogue on the directive on environmental crime. The result is an ambitious text by which we make our contribution to the protection of the environment. Certainly, criminal law is not the main answer to this challenge, but it is one of the elements to strengthen our framework. Last week, the presidency reached provisional agreements on two other fields. [00:30:30] On Wednesday, we had a good trilogue on the. A good negotiating session with the parliament on the so-called anti-SLAPP directive. I think we found a good compromise for a text that will better protect journalists and human rights defenders against abuse of court proceedings. On Thursday, we were not able to conclude negotiations with [00:31:00] the Parliament on the directive on violations of restrictive measures. We are very sorry that we couldn't get a positive outcome on that, because I think we all agree that this is key to in reinforcing the effectiveness of the EU sanction regimes, and that is particularly important in the context of the war of aggression of Russia against Ukraine. [00:31:27] But with the three provisional [00:31:30] agreements, we're on the right track to close other files this year or in any case, before the end of the legislature next week, the presidency team will be going to Strasbourg for a long list of trilogues. Four of them concern files that are handled by this Justice Council. I'm confident that at least some of these meetings will, in turn, lead to agreements. And if that isn't the case, that they will at least bring us closer to agreements with the Parliament. The [00:32:00] first three trilogues concern criminal law directives on Tuesday. Next week, the negotiating teams will handle the directive on confiscation and asset recovery. The fight against organised crime requires that we step up our capacity to seize and confiscate the enormous assets deriving from activities like drug trafficking. The directive will be a clear step forward in that [00:32:30] direction, and I am convinced that agreement is close. On the same day, the presidency will meet with the rapporteurs and their teams to discuss the directive on trafficking in human beings. One of the objectives is to criminalize the fact of knowing, knowingly using the services of someone who has been a victim of trafficking, including, for example, uh, the, uh, in the [00:33:00] context of prostitution or in the construction sector. The negotiation on this file started only a month ago, but our joint commitment is so strong that, uh, I am sure we can rapidly reach agreement on this very important goal. The day after, on Wednesday, we have scheduled a trilogue on the directive on violence against women. This will attract a lot of attention, and we are preparing it intensively and carefully to maximize the chances of finding [00:33:30] a solution to the remaining pending issues. They are delicate, no doubt, but we will relentlessly work towards a compromise so as to reduce the unacceptable suffering created by all these forms of gender based violence. Finally, regarding plans for next week, we also hope to reach an agreement on Thursday on the revision of the Product Liability Directive. Liability rules for defective products [00:34:00] need to be adapted to the digital age. The co-legislators are not far from each other's positions and we should be able to close a deal rapidly. Let me stress an aspect that is common to most of these files. The instruments under negotiation will need to interact with national law, and in particular with the directives which need to be transposed into national law. National systems, as [00:34:30] we know, differ from each other. We should never approach a negotiation, therefore, with the main goal of avoiding change to our national legislation. But member States do have a legitimate need to protect the consistency of their legal orders. I know that this has been grounds for concern highlighted in almost all of the files I've mentioned. The presidency is keen to defend that point of view while looking [00:35:00] for progress in all the files. As for the remaining files on the table, I would like to recall that we just approved a mandate to negotiate with the Parliament on the regulation on transfer of proceedings. There is still a clear possibility to finalize that instrument before the European elections. We're also working on the regulation on assignment of claims, which has proved rather more complicated. Other legislative [00:35:30] files that are less advanced. But we are making progress. We've this morning discussed the directive on victims and work is also ongoing on corruption, protection of adults, liability rules in relation to AI, data protection as well as parenthood. You will find more information on those in the document that was circulated before the meeting. I indicated earlier that we are negotiating with the Parliament on a [00:36:00] whole range of files, and those discussions will always involve the Commission. Our Commissioner Didier, is indeed involved in many of the Trilogues. Didier. This role gives you a unique perspective. So can I turn to you and ask you if you have anything to add. Some words on different files? Not all. The commission first welcomes the political agreement, which two weeks ago on the proposed revision [00:36:30] of the directive on the protection of the environment through Criminal Law. This is an important step forward in the fight against environmental crimes. It gives a strong signal that there is no tolerance towards such criminality within the EU, and we are working also out of the EU because our US colleagues are working in the same way. And you know that we have many discussions with our Ukrainian colleagues also about the repercussion on the environment of [00:37:00] the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Alongside, I wish to welcome the successful outcome of the negotiations on the proposed anti-SLAPP directive. This instrument is crucial to defend democracy and the rule of law by protecting journalists, human rights defenders and others who are participating in public debate from strategic lawsuit against public participation. We welcome also welcomes the upcoming adoption of the two legislative [00:37:30] proposals on the digitalisation of judicial cooperation, where a political agreement had been found already some time ago. The new rules will enhance judicial cooperation in cross-border civil, commercial and criminal. Errors and will further improve access to justice in cross-border civil and commercial matters through the deployment of digital tools.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• “Now [00:00:30] this item will be in public session. The video is being broadcast, so I would remind you. That you may appear on the screen during the public session, even if you're not speaking. Cameras will be on for subsequent points on the agenda until I tell you that they've been turned [00:01:00] off until further notice. Colleagues, the draft conclusions on the Impact of research and innovation in policy making presented by the Spanish presidency have three dimensions which complement one another. Perhaps I can just summarize them briefly. Firstly, the first aim is to highlight the importance of research and innovation for the policy making process in [00:01:30] the EU. Research and innovation have potential to improve the establishment of policies if we include, um, scientific knowledge and evidence in the legislative process. This will also enable us to improve the quality and consistency of political initiatives. Our proposal covers the issue of. The role which science should play in the establishment of policies and how important it should be. So in our [00:02:00] draft conclusions, we stress the fact that when it comes to solid decision making, under the aegis of the decision making powers, you need a scientific basis which makes it possible to identify and clearly define the political challenges which are faced so that these can be correctly assessed and appropriate solutions can be found. Now that's necessary. If you want to analyze the impact of issues, which will then feed into the decision making process. So when the decision making [00:02:30] process is based on scientific data, we are also contributing to bolstering democracy and strengthening the EU's resilience. Secondly, the draft conclusions stressed the fact that regional research and innovation ecosystems are extremely important. We all agree that national, regional and local research and innovation ecosystems, which are solid, can contribute to promoting economic [00:03:00] development. Social progress. Ongoing national efforts are needed, and a common approach is needed from member states to bring this to fruition. In recent years, the EU has strengthened its tools to ensure that we can overcome these simply regional level and go beyond it. But there are still disparities at regional and national level, and the innovation gap still exists. The conclusions highlight [00:03:30] the fact that policies supporting innovation ecosystems have to facilitate and develop synergies between cohesion policy and the research and innovation funds. We can't call into question the need to strengthen the excellent centers and to bolster cross-border cooperation, in particular, between more and less innovative regions. A third point. The conclusions also mentioned the strategic [00:04:00] impact of the RF on research and innovation policy in the EU and in the European Research Area. The facility has meant that various member States have been able to carry out reforms in the area of research and innovation, and have been able to provide additional investment on top of other national and EU level funds to ensure that almost €50 [00:04:30] billion in total could be devoted to this. Now, the RF is an extraordinary tool and it's meant that at national level. Reforms have been carried out. There's been investments. Actions have been implemented and there's been joint developments and. Joint implementation of research and innovation policies. The facility is meant the Member States have been able to consolidate the national research, innovation, ecosystems and the [00:05:00] ERA has benefited. And it will become more productive in the long Terme and institute. The institutions will become more resilient in the long Terme through these transformative measures which have been taken. So these conclusions were a priority for the Spanish presidency in the area of research and innovation. On the 22nd of November, Kovpak confirmed the agreement previously reached at technical agreement on the draft conclusions, which you will find in the document. So [00:05:30] I take it that we can approve the council conclusions. Is that okay? Before giving you the floor. Member states, I'll perhaps just first give the floor to the commission. Commissioner Ivanova, you have the floor.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “The initial aim of the presidency was that the Council could adopt the recommendation. Today. However, considering the significant burden of work we've had over the past few months, formalizing the text by the legal linguists in particular will not be ready in time. So what the presidency would suggest is that at this phase in the process, ministers agree on a political agreement on the text. And once the legal linguists have formalized the final version of the text, the recommendation will go to [00:00:30] council for its adoption. That will be on the 18th of December during the Spanish presidency. That goes in a point. So that's it. Thank you. Colleagues, moving on to our next point then. This is a policy debate on research valorisation as a tool for economic and industrial recovery and resilience. The presidency feels that this is [00:01:00] a question of major importance, and we do hope that we will have a fruitful debate. During the Czech presidency, the Council of the European Union adopted a recommendation on the guiding Principles for the Valorisation of Knowledge. This Council recommendation contains a total of 24 guiding principles in areas such as valorisation of R&D, knowledge, competencies and skills. Managing intellectual assets and industrial [00:01:30] assets, public funding, equal rights to learning and control and evaluation, and so on. The EU still has difficulties, however, when it comes to fully optimising valorisation of research and creating social, environmental and economic value on the basis of knowledge. So we've got to bring different sectors together and convert datas technical knowledge and the results we've obtained from research and convert all of these into final [00:02:00] products, services, solutions and policies, all of which are to be sustainable and have to be genuinely available on the markets and to go to the benefit of society. There are two major obstacles when it comes to Valorising knowledge in the EU. The so-called valley of death. That's the that's the phase of development of a product or service where there is a significant required need for investment. And the innovation paradox [00:02:30] whereby increased investment in innovation and its results, say in the form of patents, does not actually lead to a concomitant increase in productivity and economic growth. Both of these prevent social value and the effects of R&D. So we've got to share best practices among ourselves when it comes to using the results of research to revitalise the union's industry and economies. [00:03:00] In this context, then, the presidency has presented a note with a number of questions to guide and facilitate the debate. We're going to have. First of all, I would like to ask you, what do you feel are the main challenges which Valorisation entails for results from research when it comes to revitalising the EU's industry and economy? Secondly, maybe you could share your views on how we can ensure that valorisation of R&D gives [00:03:30] responses to the national and EU priorities. We all share the green and digital transformations, for example, in line with the needs of citizens. And finally, maybe you could say something about the measures adopted at national level to promote programmes for skilling and learning, allowing us to better understand the knowledge valorisation process, in particular from the point of view of industry. Now to to to to keep [00:04:00] a control of time. Could I ask you, please, if you're speaking to stick to the three minutes maximum time limit. Now, before we begin that debate, before I open the floor, of course I will give the floor to Commissioner Ivanova to give us an introduction to this debate. Commissioner.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “Thank you very much, chair. I'm going to intervene in Spanish. Thank you very much to the Danish presidency and to all your team for the work that you have done over the last few months and for giving us this text. And I would like to also take this opportunity to thank the whole team for the work that they have done over the last few months. We firmly support the presidency's text for this partial general approach. It is a balanced text and has taken into consideration the different concerns and priorities of our colleagues. And because of that, we are would be able to really connect to Europe, which will increase the competitiveness and cohesion across the continent. It is a fair balance between member states where we are reducing our, um, bottlenecks as well as this is being a tool that reaches the targets that we had decided on improving. Connection. Connection between the different member States. We want to ensure that we are decarbonising and competitive. And these three vectors, decarbonisation and integration are priorities, and they go hand in hand. And this is particularly important in the current context. So we would like to once again insist on how much we support this project.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you chair. I would like to make a request to the commission in their work at International Sphere in Spain. We maybe believe that there is a need for large language models, ai, large language models with more proportion of corpuses in European languages other than English. In this regard, I think it's important that we work with countries outside the union that also possess our languages and working together in order to be able to enhance these large language models. Actually this is what bilaterally Spain is doing with Latin American countries in order to be able to have large language models in which the Spanish is more represented at that present. But I think this is a more global challenge at the European level. Thank you.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “Thank you. Colleagues. Madam chairman. When we talk about the public health priorities for the next few years, we need to, uh, look at things such as consumption of alcohol and tobacco. They are still responsible for a lot of the burden of disease in society. Avoidable deaths in Europe. Now, when it comes to Spain, the EU for health is a priority. It's very important when it comes to actions focused on public health. And I'd like to say that we're very concerned. If you look at the work plan for 2025, they've got rid of support to civil society organisations, which are absolutely crucially important when it comes to bolstering prevention. Let me say something which is obvious tobacco kills even those with smoking, just one or 2 or 2 a day. And certainly if it's one packet a day, your risk of of of death is far higher. And we're talking about ten years loss of life expectancy. So we have to act in the face of this avoidable damage being done by tobacco. We need an ambitious, clear, brave political response. The idea that we have a tobacco free generation by 2040. This engagement, this commitment, which is in line with the beating cancer and the Tobacco Control Convention, this all requires concrete measures to be taken under regulation of new tobacco products. And banning advertising in particular, that are devoted to young people. Also, we need more, uh, um, smoke free spaces, tax breaks and the like. And the member states are making progress here. But we need to harmonise our policies at EU level. For that reason, we think we should have a review of the three important ones the tax one from 2011, the Tobacco Products Directive from 2014 and the advertising one from 1213.”
  Smoking regulation
• “Thank you very much, chairman. I'd like to thank the Finnish delegation. For, uh, raising this point, it is a joint concern for various member states in the European Union. Now, in Spain, we've got a lot of experience in conserving these species. And for that reason, we share the focus of the proposal and the need to have a system [00:22:30] for monitoring populations that allows us to coordinate a rapid response when there are changes to the population situation. And that also boosts inter territorial cooperation, so that we can apply joint strategies where you have supranational published populations. Decision making based on data is the only efficient way of ensuring the population balance. We need a system which is based on scientific methodology, which is flexible when data from different [00:23:00] sources are provided. Furthermore, it has to facilitate data collection, such as damage caused by attacks on livestock, and it's very difficult to gain access to that at European level. Finally, I would like to stress, and as we did this at the debate in June, that we need to have European involvement, greater European, uh, involvement when it comes to measures for prevention and coexistence. Thank you.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank [00:21:00] you very much, Marie. Also for for updating all of us on the on the issue of mining and the taxonomy and announcing this meeting on December the 11th and and the progress which is being made by the platform on sustainable finance. And also, I very much agree with your emphasis on the urgency and the need to find a way forward on Emir and the strategic relevance of central counterparties for financial stability. This should really, you know, [00:21:30] encourage all colleagues around the table to try to to find an agreement and move and move ahead, move forward. Any comments, any remarks? Okay. Okay. Well then we're going to say to move to the non public.”
  Green Taxonomy
• “We agree with many of those pinpointed by our colleagues, but I would like to flag that after decades of public investment, the strategic importance of nuclear fusion that requires a common effort in the Union to reach technological leadership in a sphere that we cannot afford to lag behind in. We do have knowledge capacities, both public and private, and we must trigger those. Iter has been vital in creation and infrastructure and in the experience generated. Spain has worked with Croatia, Italy and Japan. Fusion for energy. Ifmif donors to ensure the availability of appropriate materials for fusion to garner private investment, we need to invest in scientific and technological infrastructures, which will allow us to deal with some of our weaknesses, such as the sparse interaction we have between universities and companies, and to push forward the key knowledge transfer. Now coming to again on nuclear fusion, European Union must bring together public and private efforts to launch a European nuclear fusion prototype plant as soon as possible. This is a strategic opportunity for our energy autonomy, for our competitiveness and for our scientific and industrial leadership. Thank you very much.”
  Nuclear energy
• “Thank you. Alan. I would like to thank all of the previous speakers. I just wanted to say a couple of things. First of all, I think human safety should be our priority. But apart from this, uh, first issue, uh, I think that we have to think of the overall situation, the overall picture. And I think this situation does, [00:35:30] uh, differ very much from country to country when we're talking about large carnivores, uh, which are covered by protection systems. So if we're taking a decision on the corresponding status for each one of these species, of course, any decision will depend on the reliable information we have so that we can carry out an appropriate census, because it might have a negative impact [00:36:00] in countries where recovery programs are underway for these species, which are deemed to be endangered there. So. Of course, we have to, uh, ensure that human safety is a priority, but we need to have proper information, which we can use as guidance. When we take decisions. We should have an exchange of experiences and best practices, including preventive measures, because I think this is, [00:36:30] uh, really something which we've all been working on. And we need to have a follow up so that we can have all of this information at our disposal before we take any measures when it comes to changing the status of the species, because this could have undesirable repercussions on other member states for this species. Thank you.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank you very much, chair. I think from the very beginning, we have believed that the market Integration and supervision package is a key file to address the structural weaknesses of the European capital markets. It's obviously not the solution to all of our problems, but it will definitely take us a long way in reducing fragmentation and making progress in the Savings and Investment Union. As Spain, we we fully support a higher degree of centralization and are ready to support as well the proposed scope of direct supervision of ESMA on governance. We believe that the proposed structure ensures an adequate balance between the participation of national authorities and the Board of Supervisors on strategic and regulatory decisions on the one hand, and then the efficiency that the Executive Board allows. More importantly, however, we recognise that this is a complex file where there are very different sensitivities and we thank the Cypriot presidency for the very intense work that is being undertaken to try to bring everybody, everybody, together. Spain is fully committed to to making progress on the file and to reaching an agreement before the summer. And we therefore take this opportunity to call on colleagues to engage in constructive discussions, to make sure that we can all compromise and reach a common position to to achieve this, to achieve this goal. I think it's important to show that the European Union can reach agreements on very complex files on, in a relatively short period of time when we want to achieve a common objective. And Spain definitely stands ready to make sure that this is possible. Thank you very much.”
  Financial regulation
• “Thank the Commission for informing us about this [00:07:30] communication on pollinators and their importance for ecosystems. In Spain, we share the need to step up specific action to help pollinators so that we can contain their decline between now and 2030. They play a key role in agricultural production and preserving biodiversity. We have the first pillar and the eco schemes [00:08:00] and they are obviously very positive, as is GAC number eight. But we also need to look at maintaining our landscape features. Any actions to help wild pollinators are very important, as important as what we do for [00:08:30] bees. So we very much support this initiative. Thank you.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you, Commissioner, for the document on simplification. We, uh, share and are grateful for some of that. And we would like to raise two points. Firstly on plant health. We agree with amending the regulation, but we disagree with the proposed measures. For instance, the Commission's efforts are focused on renewing and cancelling substances instead of carrying out and granting new authorisations and bringing new technological solutions. Also, we are concerned that the simplification proposal won't adequately address the use of drones for plant health treatment, which is key for targeted treatment and which allows the sustained use of these products in line with the letter that we have sent to you. Above all, the community legislation should be adapted to the use of drones, and we should come up with agile assessment procedures for use of plant health products using drones. Thank you.”
  Digital and precision farming
• “Thank you. Well, I'd like to start by thanking the Belgian presidency for including this item on the council's agenda. I'd like to congratulate you on the interesting debates that took place at the informal tourism ministers meeting. We agree with the tourism agenda for 2030, and we have right from the outset because we think this is the key to building a more sustainable future for tourism. And this agenda, which aims to promote competitiveness, sustainability, and the quality of this sector focuses on a more quality vision of the tourism industry. And it is based on sustainability in its three strands, the economic, social, and environmental strand to it. And the tourism agenda for 2030 gives tourism relevance, which is commensurate with its economic weight and it enables us to respond to the challenges which impacts the sector. And through the sustainable tourism strategy for 2030 and through our monetization and competitiveness plan for the tourism sector, Spain has been a trailblazer in developing a roadmap laying down the foundations for the future tourism model. And with that in mind, we believe that it is vital that the European Union has its own agenda, which will allow it to develop this new model for a sector which is in an excellent position. It has an excellent impact in terms of a highly relevant economic sector within the European Union, and we are pleased to see that recently the European Commission published the first progress report on the transition of tourism, focusing on all the areas that it pinpoints where progress is being made and in particular that goes for the green transition. So from now on, we should keep to the path set out in the commission's report, and we should focus in particular on the need to improve data management. We need to foster digitalization of SMEs. We need to ensure that people are given priority so that we can improve training, which can improve the skills of people working in the sector, and it can enhance the prestige of tourism based professions. So with that in mind, I would call on all of us to make a joint effort to tackle the challenges which lie ahead of us in this area. A great deal has yet to be done, but I'm convinced that with this agenda which is rooted in sustainability and competitiveness of the tourism sector, we will be able to make headway continuing down the right path. And I must stress that recently the parliament already adopted the file relating to the regulation on collection and exchange of data on rental services. And I would like to thank the Belgian presidency for pushing this forward, bearing in mind that it was a file that began under the previous presidency, but each of them not.”
  EU strategy for tourism development
• “Now, we don't support this idea of lowering targets, and nor do we support the flexibilities because we think that it will end up being too flexible. But if we are going to have to talk about this, what we demand is that these flexibilities be designed to generate positive effects in terms of the social area, employment and also innovation. We think it's a good idea to grant advantages to small electric vehicles without increasing the current multiplier or providing incentives to larger vehicles. What we need to do is make it easier for all citizens to access electric mobility. The idea of credits. For low steal. This could Im give incentives to demand and that would be good for this decarbonizing this key industry when it comes to the flexibilities. Uh, for, uh, the sustainable fuels, we don't think that's a real incentive because, uh, that's being used in the renewable energy renewable energies directive. So we don't support additional reductions, which are a risk when it comes to achieving climate neutrality. For this reason, in Europe, we need to offer industry a clear, ambitious and predictable roadmap. Only in that way we will be able to be a leader when it comes to transformation, guarantee employment, innovation and the strategic competitiveness of Europe. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “We need to ensure competitive energy prices in Europe. In terms of the automotive package, I would say that I defend, um, electrification as a competitiveness tool. Um, and to foster the European industry, we need to have a better, um, value chain for batteries. And the battery booster sends a very important signal. But I'm concerned about the level of ambition, given the budget and the fact that there is no direct, um, subsidy for this instrument to be effective, we need to coordinate it with critical raw materials. We need to have, um, enough, um, agility. And we need to also look at the upcoming CO2 regulation revision for heavy duty vehicles, uh, on corporate fleets. So we agree. Um, but we think that we need to avoid punitive measures, uh, in its implementation in terms of the upcoming, uh, Industrial Accelerator Act, we need to create added value in the European Union and avoid undesired effects and, um, any harm to our trade relations on small, affordable cars. That's key to us because we would like to democratize the sustainable development, sustainable transport access.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you very much. And congratulations to the Polish presidency for the work achieved here. We believe that the amendment of the CMO and its results are very positive, to bring in the principle of written contracts with the necessary flexibility. That's the most important element. This is a large step forward in terms of producer organisations. When it comes to the UTP regulation, again, this is very important and it's important to make progress with cooperation between authorities at EU level. And I wish, by way of conclusion, to raise what our Lithuanian colleague was raising a moment ago. And I would like to ask the Commission, when they intend to present the legislative proposal when it comes to the practices whereby farmers are systematically forced to sell below cost, because this could undoubtedly be an important element, so as to have a whole package that can then be passed on and transposed into our national legislation in due time. Thank you.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “Thank you very much. If you agree, I think I can conclude that we all agree that we will continue our efforts in trying to reach a general approach. And in the meantime, we do need an instrument, albeit a temporary instrument, hence the proposal to extend the regulation which expires in August, 2024. Colleagues, I didn't want to miss this opportunity to announce the conclusion of our negotiations on PR to the Swedish presidency. Started these negotiations back in June this year and that was a huge help. Plus we were able to get down to business from the beginning of our presidency. Our strategy throughout the negotiations has been clear, be flexible and make concessions where the operational impact isn't very great and we need to make sure that we don't undermine the operability of the system. I think we have been successful. I'd just like to sum up a few examples of our success. It was very important for us to make sure that prune could be used to search for missing persons even in the absence of a criminal investigation. This is now going to be possible, for example, in cases of natural disasters or suspicion of suicide. We've also obtained a very balanced regime for some crucial new categories, facial images, police records, and I can tell you that it was far from easy to convince the Parliament to allow those automated searches for the crimes that we needed to cover. We have agreed to set a threshold to limit this to those offences with a maximum sentence of at least one year in prison. This is in line with what we saw in the context of the exchange of police information. Thanks to this agreement, police officers in member states will not only be able to consult data via a car register number that was the case under Prune one, but they can also enter the name of suspects through the ARI system and they can then identify vehicles that might be used in carrying out an offence. It's important to have parameters when it comes to exchange of DNA profiles to make sure that the system under prune to performs better than it did under Prune one. As I said earlier, and as in all negotiations, we did have to make some concessions to get this through. For example, on driving licences. We wanted to cover this as a new category, but Parliament was against this as was the commission and therefore we decided that it will be impossible to get an agreement on this matter. And we chose to focus on safeguarding some of our other priorities and we also agreed with Parliament on certain criteria for protecting data and we think that this will enrich the text before I give the floor to the commission. And let me say that the commission.”
  Privacy & law enforcement
• “Thank you. President. Overall, we positively assess the initiative of tripartite agreements, it's important to have the tools to achieve the objectives of decarbonisation in order to contribute to all the industrial sectors. We are aware of the key role that Member States are playing in order to contribute to the objective that we aim to achieve, and in this sense, we aim to count on a balanced approach. It is essential that the Commission rightly prioritizes its support to the various action lines. There are very different situations and starting points in key points such as the fiscal systems in Spain. It is of particular interest for clear reasons of geographical nature of storage, which is very demanding given the transporter nature. Uh, we are facing in Spain that is very different to other countries. Spain will contribute to this work, and we ask the Commission to take into account the elements we just mentioned in order to achieve a more balanced proposal. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. Chair. With regard to the Steel and Metals Action Plan, it's very important to maintain ambition over time. We're in a state of emergency in terms of steel in Europe, but we need to prioritize the implementation of measures that will allow for the entry into effect of the safeguard measures. Opening a debate on products, uh, in terms of downstream steel products, uh, the melted and poured clause needs to be Implemented, and we need to make sure that Cbam is up to par in terms of secondary products and scrap. We need to make sure that we don't have delocalization. We should have quality traceability and internal availability in chemicals. We need to have that to strengthen other European industries such as defence, clean tech and um, uh, and other tech. Um, we need to make sure that we do not fall into vulnerable, um, economic situations. And so we need to assure the alignment of the Critical Raw Materials Act. The Critical Chemicals Alliance should be a key tool to identify strategic elements, strategies and real dependency risks. We need to pinpoint and bring the chemical industries into the state of the art. We need to have simplification and normative consistency. We need to have certainty in terms of the revision of reach and other instruments to make sure that, um, we can have the proper conditions for development.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you, on this point, I think we're all aware of the risks that have been found for the competitiveness of our maritime and port sector arising from the extension of the ETS. We're looking at this anew today and in the same spirit as we did in June, with the suggestion of new measures to improve the application of the directive. But let me put out a warning. This is a particular threat for transit, but no one is exempt from the risks. It's not just a problem for the Mediterranean. The losses will be European losses when, um, vessels stop at Tangier instead of Al-khadra. We're not just losing out on a port of call, but it's part of our logistics chain, our competitiveness, economic issues as well. And then there is the emission of greenhouse gases as well. So we would ask other member states to support our request. Um, we cannot grow without decarbonising our economy and we cannot decarbonise without growth. So we need to be honest about this. And we would ask the commission to look at what we're proposing in our declaration. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Agenda, so we will have to try and make some headway. So this is still the public session. Cameras are still on. Here we have. Approved the list of items. Well, first of all, we have the AOB. Points here. We'll have legislative points that we've been working on. The legislative activity during the last months, uh. Has been very has been very heavy. And that will continue until the end of the year. So heavy, but successful. And let me go through what we've achieved to date and what we still hope to achieve over the next three weeks. First of all, we've reached an agreement with the European Parliament on six files of utmost importance. Thanks to the Critical Raw Materials Act, we will leverage the strengths of the single market and the EU's external partnerships to ensure the union's access to a secure, a sustainable supply of critical and strategic raw materials. The regulation on data collection and sharing relating to short term accommodation rental services will enhance transparency and enhance trust. It will also help authorities to design better tourism policies. Earlier this week, we also reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on the regulation establishing a framework for setting eco design Co-design requirements for sustainable products. This regulation will make sure that all the sustainable dimensions of product manufacturing are taken into consideration from the very first stage of its conception. Two days ago, we reached a provisional agreement on two more files, the so-called CLP regulation. And that will bring digital and circle the circular economy to the chemical sector.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “Thank you chair. I will share my three minutes with the representative of the Spanish region. So, uh, just a. First of all, I'd like to thank the presidency, the Belgian presidency, for having put [00:27:00] this debate on the agenda. I think it's very important. I'd like to talk about IPR and copyright in the context of AI, in the regulation on copyright. So we have a passage on this, and this is a first step. But we need to continue thinking about this and moving forward. This is also something that requires a dialogue with the sector and with the CCS, because this is of huge concern to them. There are two questions that we're [00:27:30] working on in in Spain. Artificial intelligence should never be used as a substitute for creation. And so public institutions, when contracting, commissioning and creating need to be very clear. We can't use AI to substitute for creators. We also need to be aware that works of art feed into our language models. And in [00:28:00] feeding these language models, we need to find, um, uh, ways to defend um, uh, copyrights and intellectual property rights. And I think these are two issues that we'll have to deal with at the EU in an ever broader way. I'd like to give the floor to the regional representative now.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “Thank you very much indeed. We support the fight against fraud, particularly when it comes to fighting fraud in the area of VAT and customs. Coordinated action is absolutely necessary. So we'd like to thank the presidency for all the efforts that they made during this process during the last review of the text. I think this strengthens our legal certainty. And you've also adjusted the recitals in line with the articles. So given that we are able to support the text. Thanks very much.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you, Peter, and thank you to the presidency for that report on progress made on this important legislative file. And thank you to the Commission for giving us for those comments. It's a matter of the utmost importance and sensitivity for EU farmers. We're committed, fully committed to sustainability and reducing emissions, and we are pioneers in this field. At one stage I in my ministerial capacity, I covered all sorts of sectors and collated data in those sectors to this effect. It seems to me that we need. Greater proportionality. I have two comments. First of all, on the substance. Extensive farms should be excluded. In other words, keep the present scope. I listen to what the commissioner said. I think that extensive farms provide added environmental and social advantages and this is very important for us. Secondly, we need to revisit the thresholds being proposed. We need to distinguish between species and production models taking into account the emissions they generate and the use of best available technology. There should be close cost benefit monitoring. Finally on the procedure. The outcome of this will have to be incorporated into our national plans. As per Article 120 of the regulation on the national plans. I think therefore that as with the Deforestation Regulation, it would be useful to have mixed groups or joint groups encompassing both agricultural and environmental experts so that we can discuss these matters together. And thank you. And basically I support the thrust of the proposal made by Austria and others.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Mr. president, Mr. Commissioner. Fellow ministers, may I welcome Apostolos and wish him the best with his mandate? It's the first comment I've made in a European forum since the tragedy of Valencia, and we'd like to offer our thanks for all the solidarity that has been offered by many colleagues for Valencia. Thank you very much. Solidarity is a vital element in the European Union. Now Sir Nicola will be visiting many children this evening, so let's ensure that they get the best news for Castilla La mancha, Valencia and so forth. May I put across a message of satisfaction? We are about to close the road safety package. About a year ago, on the moment of my debut, there were some general orientations in relation to the package, and now we're closing it. It's an important step forward for zero fatalities by 2050, and I'd like to thank the Swiss, Belgian and Hungarian presidencies for the efforts that have been made to reach an agreement in this, on this proposed directive on the effect throughout Europe with in relation to driving disqualifications. Spain supports the general approach. We think it was necessary to harmonise this area, and this new directive will be a step forward in road safety. The general approach covers a balanced text and the most important aspect is to avoid impunity for non serious offenders and to clarify the situation for all road users. Spain was asking for a little bit more ambition and determination, and for this reason I think it is important that we have the review clause. Later on, we shall be able to look at the option of introducing multiple infringements so that the scope of the directive is not restricted. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you. Czeslaw. First of all, our full support and solidarity to our German colleagues in this situation. And, dear chairman, congratulations for that very rapid and effective response that you undertook. Also, thanks to the European Commission for its important appeal for coordination. I think that this case reminds us of the risks that we face. We have to improve our early warning vigilance systems, and we need to have proper awareness on the part of vets and farmers about the measures to take. And as has been said, we need the necessary economic resources in order to combat these questions relating to animal health. Finally, in a crisis situation, we mustn't forget the basic international and EU principles, which is the application of the regionalization principle. Thank you very much.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• “Thank you very much, chairman. [00:15:00] Spain is open to having this discussion. We have to ensure that we have consistency between food security and climate change objectives. Now we feel that the farming sector is able to play a role in the transition, which we will be needing to carry out for combating climate change. We have to ensure that we produce enough food in Europe and that we have a fair [00:15:30] income for farmers, and we also have to think about other vital services that we are providing, such as the ability which our soil and forests have for capturing carbon. Now, in the agri food sector, we have to ensure that it works properly. We have to promote sustainable practices, business practices. Thank you.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Any further comments? [00:45:09] Commissioner. **Wopke Hoekstra (European Commission) [00:45:12] Yeah. Thank you. And thanks to the Polish delegation, I think not entirely new. The point they were making. I'm. I hope I'm not going to I hope I'm not going to disappoint them in also not giving a completely new answer to the to to the item at hand. And what I do want to be clear [00:45:30] about is that the ETS does not have an adverse effect on the economy, that the carbon price is not volatile, and that the ETS is, frankly speaking, if you do the analysis not hindering the green and just transition. First, I think we shouldn’t have any misunderstanding on that. If you look on the energy price and what happened in Europe in terms of prices. This is directly and clearly linked to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. On the second order of facts that we have experienced as a continent little on resources, if you compare us to the, for example, United States, you’ll see it’s completely different situation and that actually explains the vast majority of price differences between the Americans and ourselves. The second point I would like to make is that, the common price is actually stable for some two years and I think both ASMA and ECB have looked at what is happening in terms of dynamics and I they that they also concluded that the market works as it should. Solidarity is what we have across the Union and I would stand by that. I would not have us seduced by the thought that solidarity is not part of the mechanism it is deliberately baked into it, and again I think it is for all the right reasons. I appreciate the point that has been made and I also hope this argumentation gives also hope and comfort to the logic that we are doing.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you, Kirsten, and thank you to everybody. Thank you for your contributions. I think we've had a very interesting debate. And let me just conclude with a few words. First of all, we've taken note of the fact that some delegations are still concerned about the proposal. More political doubts, I think. And there are also some practical concerns as to the impact on our economies, companies, SMEs. But I would say that majority, large majority of member states are very much willing to sign up to what we have in this text, and this will have a positive difference and will save the lives of millions of people forced into labor. If you. If we have national legislation. So a reason why we can't have European legislation. Secondly, I'd like to thank the Commission again for having listened to the concerns of Member States when it comes to the application of this text, for it to be effective and for coming up with a real solution. When it comes to national authorities competences, work and what the Commission has to do. We put forward a few proposals, compromise proposals. We've also taken note of quite a lot of suggestions that have been very constructive from different delegations. Ways to improve the future text, and what competences the Commission should assume for this tool to be effective. And so, and for there to be a level playing field in the internal market. Thirdly, just to remind you, we are fully committed Spanish presidency to advancing negotiations on this regulation. To date, we've been closely working with the Belgian presidency. They're fully involved in these locations. We will continue in that vein to the end of the year. And as Pierre said. We will hand over the baton. And. I think the final message I can give you is we ministers want this to be dealt with during this legislative period. That would include negotiations with Parliament. Parliament has specifically given its opinion on this. And so it's important for the general European agenda. So that's it. All the best to Pierre. Um, all the best. But thank you for everything you've helped us with to this point. That was it.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “Thank you, and thank you to the commission for the work plan that you've presented. I'd just like to flag a few important matters for us. Strengthening video games as a strategic cultural industry, that's particularly relevant. The relationship between culture and youth, that should move towards more effective participation models, and that's also set out in the document. Sustainability of cultural infrastructure, that also means we need a shared strategy on the ecological transition and also all matters related to AI, which we've already talked about this morning. For all of those reasons and more, I'd like now to give the floor to the councilor of Castilla La Mancha to tell us what the Spanish autonomous communities feel in Spanish. Thank you very much. The EU work plan for culture 2027, 2030 comes at a decisive time for Europe and our territories. Culture is not a secondary sphere. It's an essential pillar for social cohesion, democratic resilience, and sustainable development. And that is set out clearly in the culture compass for Europe, which guides our common cultural action. The Spanish autonomous communities see this plan as something that should depict a European vision and turn them into concrete priorities with real impact on the ground. The first priority is strengthening cultural participation and social cohesion, ensuring access to culture for all people, and avoiding territorial, social, and digital gaps. Because we are so close to the public, the autonomous communities are essential to make this happen. Secondly, it's vital that we move towards the digital transformation and responsible use of AI in the cultural and creative sectors, ensuring training, protection of copyrights, and competitiveness for artists and professionals and for the cultural and creative industries. The third priority is sustainability, incorporating sustainable development goals in cultural policies, supporting ecological transition of projects and cultural facilities and plumping for our own SDG for culture in the post 2030 agenda. Last but not least, we must step up the recognition of the role of regional and local authorities, ensuring real cooperation and appropriate funding. The culture compass sets the course. Now we need a plan that turns this vision into specific benefits for our communities and for our European people. Thank you very much.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Thank you very much indeed. We would also like to thank Greece for having raised this point, and we very much share their concerns about the challenges at the present moment facing the farming industry. We do have a key role to play in farming to guarantee food security, as well as a key role to play in dealing with environmental challenges. It is furthermore key for ensuring the territorial cohesion of rural areas. We are facing huge challenges at the current moment, which is why we share the concern that we needed to reconcile security of supply with a move towards more sustainable food production without overlooking the very complex situation facing us. Thank you.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. We would like to express our solidarity with Denmark. We consider that the UK has gone too far with this measure. The cooperation agreement includes a mechanism for addressing disputes between the parties, as is the case in this instance. Nonetheless, I think we have to be cautious as the agreement expires in 2026 and a dispute in the middle of negotiations would complicate matters. But that doesn't mean to say that we should do nothing. We need to be cautious in. All I'm saying is we should be cautious in the actions that we take vis a vis the UK. One possible solution might be to. Propose a management plan developed in the IX to have a gradual approach rather than the unilateral closure. We think this is better with good fisheries management, as is laid down in paragraph 494 of the TCA. And I think it's better for both sides.”
  EU-UK data transfer
• “And now like to give you information from the presidency on various high level events that have been held recently under the framework of the presidency organised by the Ministry of [00:27:30] Equality in Spain, there are three events. The first. Which was Lgbtqi rights and the advancing of those rights that was that took place in Madrid on the 5th of July with representatives from Member States of the EU, with the Commission and the representatives from the Fundamental Rights Agency. The objective was to look at the current situation for Lgtbq people and looking in particular at equality [00:28:00] and requests made to public administrations about hate speech and hate crimes against these people. In the framework of that event, we signed a ministerial declaration. The ministers responsible for LGBTQ matters, 16 ministers signed it, and the Member States invited the Commission to first of all, maintain its commitment to promote lgtbq equality [00:28:30] with the adoption of a second strategy in 2025, but also to continue promoting in the framework of the treaties a Commissioner for equality in coming years, and to continue strengthening cooperation with Member States to promote dialogue. [00:28:49] In that declaration, there is also a call on Member States to approve national strategies which directly deal with discrimination [00:29:00] that lgtbq people suffer. Secondly, the Ministry for Equality organised a second event on the 28th of September that took place in Saragossa. The title was guaranteeing sexual and reproductive rights across Europe. At that event we signed a declaration on guarantees for sexual and reproductive rights that was signed by 14 member states. [00:29:30] And in that declaration it was stated that sexual reproduction rights are part an inherent part of gender equality. And there was also a call to have universal access to sexual health care and to protection of social and reproduction rights, as well as scientifically precise and informative information on these topics. And then finally, the third event, a high [00:30:00] level meeting on equality, which took place in Pamplona on the 24th of November, which will take place on 24th of November, that will focus on violence against women and which is extremely important for the Spanish presidency as well as for the other ministers here present, I'm sure. It's an informal ministerial conference for ministers of equality and which will look at the fight against all types of violence against women and which will look mainly at protection, protection, [00:30:30] prevention and detection as essential pillars for public policy. And that brings me to the end of the item on the agenda in terms of information from the presidency. [00:30:42] I don't know if the commission or any other delegation that would like to take the floor in this regard. Been okay? No. In that case, let's move on to the next item then on the agenda, which [00:31:00] is on the conclusions on measures to guarantee equal access to Roma people on adequate and desegregated housing. The Spanish Presidency has put forward a set of draft conclusions with a series of measures to ensure equal access to the Roma population, to desegregated housing, and also to to deal with the issue of segregated housing estates. This is something that [00:31:30] Spain has been traditionally very concerned with, and we felt that now we had a political and financial opportunity through the next generation funds to try and achieve the objectives of getting rid of these bad housing that the Roma, the Roma community, have to deal with. We focused efforts. We wanted to really concentrate minds and efforts [00:32:00] on a specific topic, which is housing. We know that there are many other topics that would also need to be looked at like inclusion, equality, participation of Roma people in in life in general. But we felt that it was priority to focus more specifically on access to housing and the eradication of segregated housing, because we think housing is a key issue. It's a key issue, a stepping stone for full inclusion, because the lack of housing often leads [00:32:30] to other forms of segregation from the education system, for example, or social exclusion. [00:32:35] So full inclusion of Roma population in our societies has to first and foremost, start with decent de segregated housing. Our work has been based on the strategic framework led by the Commission in this field and the Council recommendation adopted in 2021. We [00:33:00] think these conclusions are an important step forward for three reasons. Firstly, it has a agreed definition on what we mean by segregated housing. That's a very important step forward, I think. Secondly, we highlighted the importance of fighting against anti-Roma sentiment. And thirdly, we invite all Member States to improve the housing situation for the Roma population [00:33:30] to eradicate this problem of segregation. This is obviously an extremely long road. It's something that we have started on, but it's something that Roma population are suffering from here in Europe and what we want to do is make sure that we offer a better future. I'd also like to take this opportunity to recall that the Spanish presidency. We'll organize a meeting on the 30th of November in [00:34:00] Madrid for the platform, and we hope to see you all there, too, to work on these same issues. I'm also very happy to say that we have reached consensus on the draft conclusions that have been submitted now and that are in the document that you have before you. And all that remains now is for us to approve them. Commissioner Dalli, you have the floor.”
  Sexuality and reproduction · LGBTIQ+
• “Thank you very much. Firstly, I would like to express our solidarity on behalf of Spain to Anton and to Malta. Clearly facing this situation that is repeating itself and is becoming ever more regular, particularly in the Mediterranean area. We clearly need to think about this, as the European Commission has done, on how to provide a short term response, but also a long term response because of these dramatic events that will certainly be happening more and more frequently. So you have our full support and we welcome any possible solutions. Thank you.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Thank [00:28:30] you very much. Three brief points to to wrap up the the exchange today. First of all, I think the exchange shows the complexity of this file, which requires unanimity. Secondly, I conclude that the Council has taken note of progress made in the matter of new own resources. Progress made under the Spanish presidency. I think our report broadly reflects the different positions around the table and provides a good input. [00:29:00] And that brings me to my third point, which is to wish all the best to the Belgian presidency on this very important matter for the coming years, but also for the more medium tum future of the of the Union. So we can then colleagues move on to the next legislative point. Um, I'll turn to Spanish again. Vamos a pasar. Now let us move on to the next legislative item, which is the presidency report on the single currency [00:29:30] package. We're here discussing a package which, as you are aware, comprises two regulations. Its objective is.”
  Own EU resources
• “However, we do still have some serious concerns when it comes to the methodology for assignation and the criteria used for distributing funds across the various Member States. We need to add other criteria unemployment vulnerability to climate change. We think that there are some substantive issues which leaders need to take a position on. And we will propose, therefore, that all aspects linked to the Single Fund and the methodology for allocation be put in square brackets in the negotiating box. Lastly, I just wanted to say that in order to adequately meet the huge socio economic challenges currently faced, we um, or economic ones rather think that Commandant is an approach. We need a shared responsibility to fund European public goods. And of course we want the euro to play an important international role. Now, Spain thinks that any figure below the commission's proposal should be completely ruled out. If what we actually want is to ensure we can achieve the ambitions we have set for ourselves, catalyse Europe in the heading, we approve the inclusion of that, but we think that the date for that should be postponed until December 2032, and we think reimbursement of next generation debt should be done. On the basis of calculations related to the fiscal effort required over a long period of time. Thank you.”
  Size of EU budget
• “For [00:49:30] a [00:50:00] delegation to get confirmation, and they want to listen to what you have to say about article 19. And these texts that was circulated had the two. But before that, for your approval, I would like to propose two small changes to the preamble so that we can accommodate the particular concerns that have been raised by some delegations. [00:50:30] And I'll tell you what I'm talking about. First of all, there is a request from Croatia, Croatia and Slovenia. And the idea is to make sure that the cable connecting the two countries can continue operating without being affected by changes to the contracts for difference that [00:51:00] we have in article 19, be that change has been circulated once again via the members of the mountains group, and that applies exclusively to the a paragraph in the preamble. In the preamble. This is recital 19. [00:51:26] B an implementing act should [00:51:30] reflect the implementation of pre-existing intergovernmental agreements related to cross border joint ownership of power plants. [00:51:43] You have that. Draft in your email. And moving on directly from that, there's another change equally technical in nature. [00:52:00] And that's a change. The directive that we passed on 29 2019 nine four for the electricity market. Paragraph 53. Which talks about the Cypriot transmission system that's not connected to any other member state. [00:52:30] There are some requirements relating to articles in the Single Market Directive, and in that case, what the Cypriot delegation has asked us to do is as follows. The idea is that they should be able easily to have access to their storage requirements, rather than having to adhere strictly to the full requirements of the regulation. It's not for us [00:53:00] to decide on here, but this was regarded as a difficulty in the current wording. Having consulted the Commission, the idea would be to remove the reference to certain provisions. This change will also be circulated via members of the Mertins group to all delegations. That is, after having consulted the Commission talking about technical changes relating to the language used in the preamble and bearing in mind other contexts. So [00:53:30] we thought that we would put those two proposals to you for your consideration and approval. I don't know whether the Commission would like to make any remarks on this.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you very much, chairman. We support and share this higher level of ambition, but we are aware of the fact that this is a major challenge, particularly the very demanding deadlines and the transitional, a transitional period, which means that you don't have to actually renew infrastructure right away would be easier. We're making a lot of economic and technical efforts, more than €7 billion in investments in these kind of water waste, waste, waste treatment plants up until 27. So future EU funds need to accompany this process. We need to ensure that the water waste, the Waste Water Treatment Directive fits in with the Water Framework Directive and the main objectives should be to be achieved by 2033, 2039 and 2045. Residual waste needs well, residual waste means a lot of additional effort. That needs to be a risk based approach because it's very technical. It's very technically difficult to achieve the thresholds, particularly for nutrients in the commission's proposal. The population equivalent in the in the proposed directive means a lot of investment for all member states that would have to provide the necessary infrastructure. The provisions on the recast directive. Are a major challenge. Technical, administrative and economic challenge and the local climatic conditions are very variable across the European Union. And we've seen that actually accentuated by climate change on the extended producer responsibility. Polluter pays principle. That's the best way of dealing with this. However, this is something that is innovative in the water sector. It needs to be properly calibrated to achieve what we want to achieve. Nutrients and sludge. And using that in agriculture as part of the circular economy is very important. On energy neutrality. Self-sufficiency is the right approach here, but there are technical difficulties attached to this. So we need to be flexible in the way in which this energy neutrality is a calculated outside renewable energy should contribute to it. Obviously, achieving energy neutrality across the whole system should be the aim. We should extend the deadline as well without actually calling into question the aims of the European Green Deal.”
  Water pollution
• “Thank you, Madam Chairman. The Spanish government shares the concerns expressed about disinformation, hoaxes and manipulation, and the dangers on social media for young people in the, uh, who are minors. These aspects are attacking the very basis of democracy and the public services and collective environments that we have. And there is hate speech against child migrants, for example, or people, um, who are in trans groups who are systematically aggressed on in the digital sphere. The Spanish government is working in this sphere that make it possible to ensure that children's rights and young people's rights should be represented are worthy of being represented in the digital sphere. And there's been a debate in the Congress in Spain relating to the bill on young people in the digital sphere. Young people should be apprised of all these issues because they're affected by hoaxes and other pernicious effects relating to undermining children's rights, and we need to bring in these age ranges under the age of 18. There's a draft bill. Also concerns a very important side of this involves harmonizing these tools for verifying age. And we need to do this in Spain in order to facilitate our new policies. Now, we're very hopeful that there will be a majority agreement in the Parliament and that it will be possible to approve this bill. Participation and various other people have said this is of fundamental importance, and participation is a way of empowering young people democratically. So we have a bill on youth. And in this bill, we feel that one way of ensuring democratic participation of young people is bringing down the voting age to 16 years, so that young people can participate in all democratic areas. We feel that the European sphere would, um, we'd be able to fit these aspects together with the European sphere. And we need to go beyond transversal rules and look at public policy. These are factors that are very necessary and need to be thought about at the European level. Thank you.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Thank you. Spain welcomes the Council conclusions on promoting and protecting the mental health of children and adolescents in the digital era. This is an urgent priority issue and it requires a concerted effort at European level. We know that the first stages of development are very important when it comes to mental health. We need to promote, um, prevention at early ages and early detection. We know that the digital world has, using screens have brought new challenges. Uh, addiction, uh, cyber bullying. These are really affecting the emotional state of young people and children. And also there's the impact on young girls and adolescents gender based violence happening online. And that can really have a serious impact on their self-esteem and mental health. It's a joint challenge. We need a coordinated, integrated approach here. And for that reason, we think that child and juvenile mental health should be a specific objective in the new MFF of the European Union. Thank you.”
  EU policy on mental health
• “Good morning, and thank you very much. Spain would like to provide full backing to this text. It's an important step forward for the protection of the health of European citizens. And this is fully in line with the National Health Tobacco Plan. It stresses a number of very important aspects, including alternative tobacco products. And we know that we have a lot more information on certain products which can create greater cardiovascular health problems and other health problems. However, we're very concerned about new emerging products. We would also like to protect the most vulnerable patients, children and the elderly who suffer the consequences of exposure. And I think that we should be very careful when it comes to the most vulnerable, and therefore we want to make sure that we end up by 2040 with a smoke free environment for all. Thank you.”
  Smoking regulation
• “Cameras on yet? Okay. So it's a public session. You can see on the screens what the outcome will be and on Internet as well. Also, for people following us remotely and anything that's said will be put in the minutes as duly. And [00:00:30] we begin with the adoption of regulation on certain provisions for fishing in the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean Agreement area. This regulation, transpose EU law management conservation measures adopted in 2018 and 2019 by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. The Council should now be able to approve the EU Parliament's position. Cons [00:01:00] 2423. The qualified majority. The required qualified majority. Actually, unanimity, to be frank, has been reached. The act is adopted, but we can see all that on the screen. So thank you. Next adoption of the Regulation on Digital Information Exchange on Transfrontier [00:01:30] terrorism cases. Through this, a new digital communication channel is opened between Member States and Eurojust. This allows for a more efficient exchange of information on combating terrorism. They also strengthen Eurojust's role in detecting links between transnational investigations and prosecution. The Council should now be able to approve the EP's position. [00:02:00] This is document B 7422. Ireland and Denmark are not adopting. They're not taking part in adopting. They are not bound by it. They are not subject to its application. But again, I've been told the qualified majority has been reached. We have a qualified majority and therefore that act is hereby adopted. And again, the results can [00:02:30] be seen on screen. The third adoption on this agenda item is for a directive amending.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• “Thank you, Chair, for giving me the floor. I wish to express our gratitude for all the work carried out by the Danish presidency and now by the Cyprus presidency to achieve this partial general guidelines. Spain would have preferred to establish minimum funding percentages for each of the 3 strands that make up Agora EU and for the media plus strand for the audiovisual sector and the journalism and media sector following a prior technical discussion in the committee on cultural affairs as our Belgian colleague just said. It is essential to find a good balance between flexibility and predictability as the executive vice president said this morning. Nevertheless, in a spirit of compromise, we support these partial general guidelines and congratulate the Cyprus presidency on its balanced approach. We especially appreciate the presidency's references to cultural rights and peace, the book sector, the music sector, copyright protection, safeguarding cultural heritage, and the importance of truthful information, which are key elements for us too. We also appreciate the references to sexual and reproductive rights, gender identity, the fight against racism, and the fight against other forms of discrimination, including homophobia, which did find us as members of the European Union. Therefore, we support the proposed partial general guidelines, and we thank the Cyprus presidency.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much to everyone. I would like to thank you for the reflections that EVP Ribera has made here in Spain. Appreciates the work you've done in the competitive policy update. We need to have a rethink about its impact on various sectors. In addition to this, in line with what has been said by Costa and Van der Leyen in the leaders retreat in February, the mergers policy should line up with the social contract. We should have investments and, uh, make sure that this is for the benefit of our citizens. Thank you.”
  EU Competition policy
• “Thank you very much. Okay. We've noted your comments. If you agree, I suggest we now start our policy debate on. Agreeing collective bargaining. We want to ensure that there is a fair [00:13:30] transition. As you know, we wanted social dialogue to play an important part throughout our presidency. Social dialogue between the social partners and our governments strengthens our democracies at a time when our democracies are under threat, and this allows us to have more effective, sustainable and fair transitions. And the under [00:14:00] on the agenda. We're going to be adopting conclusions on democracy at work. And that will give us an opportunity to move towards greater democracy. At work, but we thought that it was a good opportunity for us to look at the European semester and look at collective bargaining. Green collective bargaining specifically, we can't talk about decarbonisation of the economy and [00:14:30] the climate transition without talking about its impact on employment. We need to link social dialogue with the realities of our time, in particular the climate crisis. So green collective bargaining is essential. A green colored collective bargaining is essential in order to ensure that there is a fair transition for all. Today we want to discuss how best to promote this. Obviously we fully respect the autonomy of the [00:15:00] social partners. So I'd like to know what you have to say about this. Perhaps I could turn to the commission first. Commissioner, you have the floor.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “Yes, thank you very much. Uh, I would like to thank Claudia for the initiative. I think those three things are important. The name of the the portfolio of the next, um, uh, Commissioner and Creative Europe and also the MFF. Uh, obviously we need to look at the budget, but in terms of, uh, mainstreaming, mainstreaming of culture is very [00:23:30] interesting to keep on board. I think in this forum we would all support this. Uh, I think the challenge now is to be able to make sure that this is part of the next commission and that it's also at the European Council. So I hope that we're able to support this and achieve this. But we'd like to thank Claudia for raising this, because we just want to send a message of support for Claudia on this.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Yes. Thank you. We do also support the document and have a couple of comments. Firstly, clearly we apply the MRL at the minimum detection limit in the case of substances which are prohibited in the EU. But we do need to be sure that this is implemented in order for reciprocity to apply. And secondly, as other colleagues have said, we believe that we should review the regulation 1007 of 2009 1107 on. Placing on the market of plant protection products. Because the process is very long and we don't have enough flexibility when it comes to authorizing active substances in the that the agricultural sector requires. Thank you.”
  Maximum residue levels
• “Thank you very much. And thank you for this very constructive and intense discussion on the single European skies and the TNT. We will continue to work through to the end of our mandate to try and get an agreement as quickly as possible on an issue which we have seen is vital for European mobility. I take [00:31:30] note, the Council take note of the information provided by the presidency on the state of play of the current legislative proposals.”
  EU policy on aviation safety
• “During these six months, our presidency has been offering [00:19:00] a great support to Ukraine and its reconstruction in infrastructure and transport. With this new geopolitical situation, we have a point raised by Poland, Hungary and Slovakia who have asked the floor to give us some information about the impact on the transport system of the agreement between the EU and Ukraine on transport of goods by road. The agreement was concluded as a response to the Russian [00:19:30] aggression, in order to facilitate transport between the EU and Ukraine, and to make sure that companies and the armed forces could receive products wherever possible. So we see a growing, uh, demand in the sector and a need to counteract the effects of the agreement. So we need to analyze this scenario within council. So I'll give the floor to those delegations, [00:20:00] uh, starting with Poland and then Hungary. Rafa.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “Thank you. Chair. We can support Italy's proposal. First of all, we are aware of the difficulty to strike that balance between protecting our sectors, the right sector for example, and supporting the economies of developing countries. Secondly, and when it comes to Ukraine, we are aware of the adverse effects on the market of specific products, basically the border countries with Ukraine. It's true that the 2024 1392 regulation does establish mechanisms to be able to reintroduce tariffs in the medium term. Um, we think it's necessary to wait to draw conclusions as to their effectiveness. We also think it's crucial to continue monitoring the situation to guarantee real solidarity with Ukraine, but of course, trying to avoid repercussions on the European market. Thirdly, I refer to the need to urgently respond to climate adverse climate events. We Spain signed the EU med nine declaration that took place in Cyprus. And thank you to the Minister again for that summit. And we want to have reinforced cooperation and the adoption of new technologies that will allow us to save water and promote sustainable practices in farming, which obviously is fundamental to be able to deal with adverse climate change effects. We'd also like to express our solidarity with those countries that currently are seeing livestock related health events. We understand why you would like to see the agricultural reserve activated, but we'd like to ask the commission to see if they have a different way of moving forward, i.e. increasing funds for DG Sante, so that, as we've done in the past, we can finance vaccination costs. Thank you.”
  Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
• “Thank you very much. I apologize for having to say what I have to say, but we cannot support the general approach for fundamental reasons, as the Commission has just said, it restricts the scope of the member states. And so, if I may say, we have heard that this proposal goes runs counter to 2008 of the ILO, the ILO is saying that we need to extend traineeships to all sectors in all aspects and all companies. The IoT. The ILO goes on to say that we need to enter into collective agreements and not to to, um, undermine conditions, but to improve them. And so what we see here is an upheaval of a system that we don't want anymore. Uh, but low cost is given priority in the face of the need to promote education. And what it's going to do is going to create a substitute effect for one worker for another. And so not only does this not help in terms of the objectives that we have set for ourselves, but it really leads to, um, uh, a race to the bottom. It's going to be, uh, leading us to an informal sector which we don't want. And I would say that this runs counter to the social pillar as we had set forth. It also runs counter to common sense, because we want to make sure that we don't create rules that worsen conditions. So I lament having to say this, but the Spanish government will be voting against this proposal. And we feel that this is really a botched attempt because we need to be promoting quality traineeships. And, you know, there is also an issue with, um, 2078 and age discrimination. So, um, along these lines, the Spanish government will radically vote against this proposal. Thank you.”
  Youth employment & training
• “Thank you very much, Catherine. Right. Finally, we have an item on the agenda that has been requested by the Polish delegation. And this is on the impact that the European ETS system has on energy and climate.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Let's move on now to the next item on today's agenda. Number four. We had a very interesting debate with a number of statements. We won't have another debate now. And once again, I'll ask you to be as efficient and concise as possible. This is part of the directive being considered on victims rights. This [00:00:30] again is a debate which will take place with the cameras switched on. It is therefore a public debate. The main item for discussion today focuses on the proposed directive on rights of victims. All victims of crime deserve the suitable protection and support. Furthermore, it is fundamental that their rights be duly respected throughout the court proceedings. The EU's current framework [00:01:00] on Victims rights, which goes back to the year 2012, has proved to be a valuable tool as it has allowed us to improve the lives of victims across the European Union. However, ten years down the line. It appears that a number of aspects could be improved. The Commission has raised a number of specific aspects requiring particular amendment, which are the content of these proposals. They affect five major victims rights. [00:01:30] Access to information. Improving support and protection, improving participation in criminal proceedings, and making compensation payments more effective. The proposals. Go to underpin the overarching goals. Our experts have also made good progress. However, there are a number of aspects where a council approach, a council focus is required in [00:02:00] order to make progress in the technical discussions. The details of these issues are covered in the note the presidency submitted and which you have all had an opportunity to read. We have two issues. Number one, compensation. The Commission is proposing that all victims have a right to obtain a decision on compensation. During the legal proceedings. The Commission also proposes that the competent authorities pay the compensation to the victim and advance, and then stand [00:02:30] in for the victim in the victim's stead in recovering those amounts. This question, and we don't deny it, has raised a number of difficulties in our initial discussions. I look forward to hearing your concise statements on what the best approach should be to ensure that compensation is paid to the victims. The second matter has to do with underage victims. The proposal proposes a multi-institutional approach [00:03:00] for protection and support. This is the barn house approach and its application in all cases where there are underage victims involved. I would ask you to also provide your opinion on the scope of application of this proposal, and whether it should indeed only be applied to certain sorts of cases. The presidency, and I'm going to say this in advance, that we think that your opinions on these matters are going to be very useful. I give the floor to Didier [00:03:30] in the first instance. You have the floor, sir.”
  EU policy on victims' compensation rights
• “Thank you. We are committed to the European model of livestock rearing, which includes animal welfare standards for the entire chain of production. And if we've [00:09:30] repeatedly expressed our support for an update of the standards that apply, we need to improve processes and go for a proportionate approach to avoid including excessively burdensome administrative procedures and prohibitions. At the same time, we need to maintain a level playing field between our farmers and those of third countries. In sum, we have to continue to pay attention to animal welfare with [00:10:00] a proportionate approach based on science and with realistic impact assessments that allow us to take the best possible decisions.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• “Thank you. Chair. With regard to the Steel and Metals Action Plan, it's very important to maintain ambition over time. We're in a state of emergency in terms of steel in Europe, but we need to prioritize the implementation of measures that will allow for the entry into effect of the safeguard measures. Opening a debate on products, uh, in terms of downstream steel products, uh, the melted and poured clause needs to be Implemented, and we need to make sure that Cbam is up to par in terms of secondary products and scrap. We need to make sure that we don't have delocalization. We should have quality traceability and internal availability in chemicals. We need to have that to strengthen other European industries such as defence, clean tech and um, uh, and other tech. Um, we need to make sure that we do not fall into vulnerable, um, economic situations. And so we need to assure the alignment of the Critical Raw Materials Act. The Critical Chemicals Alliance should be a key tool to identify strategic elements, strategies and real dependency risks. We need to pinpoint and bring the chemical industries into the state of the art. We need to have simplification and normative consistency. We need to have certainty in terms of the revision of reach and other instruments to make sure that, um, we can have the proper conditions for development.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “27:03 – 10:29:53): Thank you, chairman. Good morning, everybody. You've asked us what the two most important elements are for our putative support to the text. Now in our view, the most important thing is that the interest of children have to be the complete bottom line. We have to have the highest level of protection for them at all stages for the rights of children. The EU is based on core values at the heart of which are fundamental rights and nondiscrimination is one of those. These are part of our fundamental values. And in this text, it means legal security for all families in a context like what we're talking about, regardless of the type of family, including same sex couples who should have exactly the same rights as any other heterosexual couple might. That's absolutely essential for us. Secondly, very important for a Spanish point of view is that in Spain, like in many other countries, you can't have surrogacy because it's seen in our case as violence against women or abuse potentially of women. And this is very important to us. I know a lot of other member states regard this as very important too, so this has to be preserved in whatever context we go forward. And when it comes to the solutions to go forward and this is a complex matter, of course, but obviously, it's going to be hard to get unanimity on something like that because of the wide range of different legal systems that we have across the EU. But that should not be an obstacle to deal with something that is so fundamental for minors and for citizens across the EU. Therefore, we think that we need to go on working at a technical level, try to find balanced compromises that everyone can accept. And if it is impossible at the end despite all the intensive work of everyone to get unanimity, then we could consider enhanced cooperation as a sort of plan B for us if we needed to go to that level. And one last thing, though it's not directly germane to this point, but for meetings to be able to work properly, it's always very useful to us to have interpretation. And Natalia Soria, one of our colleagues in town, is actually leaving the service today. And as it's an opportunity for me to pay tribute to interpreters, I'd like to thank all interpreters and particularly pay tribute to this colleague who's leaving us after such sterling work. Interpreters appreciate this gesture. Thank you very much, sir. Fairstow, Felix.”
  Regulation of surrogate pregnancy
• “We need to ensure competitive energy prices in Europe. In terms of the automotive package, I would say that I defend, um, electrification as a competitiveness tool. Um, and to foster the European industry, we need to have a better, um, value chain for batteries. And the battery booster sends a very important signal. But I'm concerned about the level of ambition, given the budget and the fact that there is no direct, um, subsidy for this instrument to be effective, we need to coordinate it with critical raw materials. We need to have, um, enough, um, agility. And we need to also look at the upcoming CO2 regulation revision for heavy duty vehicles, uh, on corporate fleets. So we agree. Um, but we think that we need to avoid punitive measures, uh, in its implementation in terms of the upcoming, uh, Industrial Accelerator Act, we need to create added value in the European Union and avoid undesired effects and, um, any harm to our trade relations on small, affordable cars. That's key to us because we would like to democratize the sustainable development, sustainable transport access.”
  Battery supply chain: EU gigafactory sovereignty vs. reliance on Asian suppliers
• “Thank you very much, chair. Spain welcomes these conclusions and the central role given to childhood. So we celebrate stepping up children's guarantees and the focus for welfare of children. We know that improving opportunities means that we have to act right from the very early age. But we would like to stress a couple of matters that we believe to be key, and that should be a touch more importance. The first is the importance of combining services with direct help for families. Family services, aid for housing, minimum income are all part of that protection architecture. Secondly, participation of children themselves. If we really want to build efficient policies for childhood, we also need to listen to their experiences and to ensure they're real. Significant involvement in decisions that affect their lives. And I'd now like to give the floor to my colleague, the regional Minister. Thank you very much, chair. Thank you, Minister, for allowing me to take part in representative representation of the Spanish autonomous communities. We welcome these conclusions, and we share the chair's momentum given to strategic reduction of poverty, enhancement of conditions in most disadvantaged places and breaking the cycle of generations.”
  Child poverty policy
• “Thank you president. And thank you also to Italy for taking this initiative. Now, given our geographical condition and the special or the specific climate situation in Spain, we are concerned about some of the elements in this proposal. Many elements actually in this proposal on animal well-being, uh, transport. I think it's not just a question of ideas. It's also a question of looking at taking an overview here. And I think that Italy's proposal is on the right track in this respect. Now, we had the communication from the European Commission on the vision, and this gave us a framework within which to analyze the transport for animals proposal. Now, as we've said, progress in this area should be part of sustainable, sustainable, sustainable approach to livestock along with other aspects such as social and economic ones. So we need to take an overview and take appropriate, proportionate action. Thank you.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• “Thank you. Jacob. And we wish you and your team and Denmark the best in this Presidency. We fully agree with the working programme that you've just presented to us. And as my colleagues Francesco and Espen just said. The day after tomorrow, there will be some more proposals from the European Commission in financial terms and on the regulation of the future cap. We should insist that this should be the forum where the Cap policy is discussed and no other. Otherwise, all the efforts that we've made to give the cap an identity will be entirely lost on the legislative legislative matters. We wish to work constructively in Spain, and as far as fisheries is concerned, we believe that the meeting in September is particularly important. And I also wish to stress the importance of work on the Mediterranean we worked on this last year. The presidency knows this, and we hope that we can do things in a constructive manner with the help of the Commission, and that we can reach our objectives as quickly as possible.”
  Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
• “Thank you very much indeed. And good afternoon, everybody. Together with Denmark, we presented a note, and I'd like to thank Jakob for presenting, For putting forward this note on our behalf. Biotech has a great deal of potential for the agri food sector. That's absolutely a fundamental point. We support this document because we believe that the agri food sector must play a leading role in the necessary biotech revolution, and I want to highlight the importance of making sure that when it comes to this revolution, we have a regulatory framework which encourages innovation. For example, the legislation which we talked about this morning, the new genome technologies, it is very important that we continue to work hard together to make a success of this process and make sure that It. Europe is a leader in the transition towards an innovative and resilient agri food model. We can give some practical examples in our note. In fact, we've already done that. And I think that, uh, we need to facilitate the innovation process by getting rid of any kind of regulatory obstacle, which is unnecessary, to make sure that our sector can make the most of technological progress and techniques which have demonstrated their safety and efficacy and which are always based on science and which are routinely used by our trade partners in the rest of the world. So that is, uh, what Denmark and Spain would like this council to consider. And we'd like to thank the member states who have also supported the content of this note. Thank you.”
  New Genomic Techniques
• “44:18 – 15:51:20): You Chair, colleagues, it's a pleasure to be here with you today. Allow me to start by saying that we reject war and call for the respect for international law and the multilateral system in the world. Allow me to say that while we are sitting here, Europe cannot accept blackmail or coercion on any of its members. And what's more, the European Union was created to end war. It started with a proposal for peace and it began as an example of prosperity in the world. And dear Chair, that is something that we would also like to convey here. Now I'd like to thank the Chair for raising this debate, which certainly is the debate of the day. Thank you also to Serpi Seradis for the proposal that you've made and the thoughts that you've shared. Allow me to say that AI is a major challenge today for work in the world, but there's one thing we can't forget. If the EU is not to be left behind, it must promote its technological sovereignty. We've been talking about this for far too long now. We have many reports, but we're not acting on them. And if I may, the greatest market tension is that, as we're seeing today, we are basically depending on Washington or Beijing. Our companies can barely be more efficient and productive if we're still technologically reliant on our competitors. AI certainly is a major opportunity to improve our public services, employment, to have more efficient workplace inspection, to free workers from mundane tasks and unhealthy jobs. And as the professor said, just to make sure that we can increase productivity. However, we can't guarantee growth in productivity. It must be inclusive and well distributed, and these AI systems must allow us to increase productivity, work less, and above all, well-being, which we saw in the professor's presentation. But I will say that we must act on this through our social and employment policies. As you know, Spain has been a leading country in the world. It was the first one to have to draw up a rider law. Not just that, we have public policies for our companies, and we're working with an expert committee looking at the impact of AI algorithms and other aspects on the workplace. We have found what happens if we let others do our technology, and that's the situation right now in the EU. We're letting others do that. Digital platforms have caused extended precariousness, insecurity, and new forms of work and have forced us to react so that managing algorithms in the workplace doesn't entail a backslide to nineteenth-century workplace conditions. Because that is what we're seeing in major multinationals around the world today, the Amazon model, for example, worldwide. These are not conditions that are appropriate in the twenty-first century around the world. So we propose, Chair, our country says key to guarantee individual rights to training, which allows workers to anticipate changes and to take on new skills, as we also heard from Mr. Pisaridis just earlier. Secondly, labor rights must not be compromised because of a lack of limitations on algorithms, algorithm transparency, privacy, and human control of decision-making. And above all, in companies, algorithm audits must be mandatory. Many companies are saying that there is a black box. It's not that they don't know what the bias is; the problem is they don't know how that bias is working in their companies. Companies that know how algorithms decide people that come in, sanctions that are rolled out, and sanctions that are given to workers. Thirdly, it's key that we engage social agents on this. Trade union control of algorithms in the workplace is absolutely essential. Here Spain has carried out a reform as a tripartite agreement. In article seventy-four, there is a tool for information so that workers can have that information for one very profound democratic reason: companies cannot start a new type of feudalism. In short, we must also provide training to workers' representatives in this new specific area so that they can negotiate with key conditions. If an algorithm decides when someone gets a job, they decide how many hours they work, their shift, their wage, then sanctions must also be negotiated by social agents. Fourth, and we've heard already, social health in the workplace. We need to make sure that people can turn off from work, not just turn off their mobile, but also make sure that workers aren't affected by overbearing companies. And as we've also heard in EBESCO, we need a risk of automatization indicator for the most vulnerable workers, allowing them to preempt change. Six, we need to move forward with the European Public Agency for Data Protection. I'm coming to a close. We need to finance all of these measures. We need to ensure tax balances with contributions from multinationals. And of course, we believe that EBESCO can make sure that the digital transition is a part of our social justice without overlooking the chains that are behind all of these. We're not talking about these thousands and thousands of workers around the world who are in that position. We must not allow a backslide. We need more Europe, more social Europe. We need to move forward. And if I may, we need to do that through social dialogue in Europe. The Quality in the Workplace package, I think, is key and should not just remain a statement of good intent. Intentions. Thank you very much. Yolanda Faris”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “Any colleagues want to take the floor? Luis, do you want to add? No. Okay. Well, I. Just a couple of comments from my side. Indeed. I was going to mention the excellent cooperation we have with Commissioner McGuinness. We have met several times to try to gather momentum and to close as many files as possible. And I can reassure you about the commitment of the Spanish presidency, that we will try to achieve agreements and to make progress until the very last day. I was recently with the colleagues in the insurance Regulation and Supervisory Department, and they are working day and night to close the files in the solvency package. I understand we have a final trilogue next week on the Listing Act and the multiple vote share structure, and I have already reported on the next steps regarding Amla and I am really, you know, convinced. We I think the balance is already quite positive of this six months, but we will continue to try to make progress in the in the coming weeks in this very important area. Now, before moving to the next item, I would suggest that we take a five minute technical break in order to. It is also the moment when we are finalising the public, the public communication of the of the meeting.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Vivian. Thank you very much, Vivian. If there are no further comments, then again, I would just like to emphasize, virgilius, that this is an aspect where there's a lot of interest on the part of the ministers or teams, and we remain committed to work on this during our presidency. And I'm convinced that the Belgian presidency [00:14:00] will also give this priority in its agenda. So that brings us to the end of the first part of AOB in public session. I'd like to conclude this with information from the Commission on the recommendation on improving the rate of return of used and waste mobile phones, tablets and laptops. The Commission [00:14:30] will be telling us about the communication that they adopted on the 6th of October, with two main recommendations to member states, which I'm sure will be very important to improve the recovery, use of these and disposal of these different electronic devices, which are so broadly consumed and which are very rich in highly demanded substances that we need for the circular economy. And one of the big debates [00:15:00] in the area of the strategic economy at European level, strategic autonomy, rather at European level, is is precisely access to those minerals. And we have to look at the proper use of these and avoid inappropriate waste. We want to have proper collection systems, repairing systems and be able to make the most of those resources. So we're very much looking forward to hearing about these recommendations. Commissioner. I'd [00:15:30] like to give you the floor. Please inform us on this. Thank you.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “Dear colleagues, Commissioner, members of Council. Dear Hanna, thank you very much. Firstly, to the presidency for including this on the agenda, as we did in Warsaw, to the digital transition, the role of AI, climate change, geopolitical climates and threats to do mean that we need a robust, ambitious, courageous cultural policy. The cultural compass and the Creative Europe programme should be our tools to respond to these challenges and as such, under the compass we have to give a clear vision for a united Europe, as mentioned by the Commissioner in Warsaw. We said that the culture compost should be more than a roadmap. It also needs to be a political roadmap which will guide our decisions, but also a declaration of just what role we want culture to play in Europe. If we want it to accomplish that, to be a operational and political roadmap, then we think it has to meet three major challenges of our times. I. Climate change and the transformation of the creative sector to a more resilient model based on cultural rights. I first. Now this obviously determines the distribution, creation and consumption of culture. The compass should see this as a priority so that we have an ethical, democratic model which ensures that in fact, we have democracy serving culture and not vice versa. Climate change. Climate change does, in fact destroy cultural heritage, as we've seen in Spain, in Valencia.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Thank you Jacob. We fully support the intervention made by our Dutch colleague. I think this is the fifth time that we discussed this topic in the council. And the truth is that we have always hoped both Spain and the Netherlands. We always hoped for the use of, uh, um, animal protection production, uh, protective products and, uh, for the use of wear renew. Um, so I think we should, uh, speed up this, uh, regulation. And we also asked the commission to accelerate work on this because it's a fundamental tune to answer the needs of this sector and to do it in a manner that is absolutely necessary. Thank you.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers