- 2026-07-14 “Thank you very much. I will intervene in Spanish. Dear Thomas, having had the opportunity to join the Competitiveness Council in Dublin last week and the, you know, exceptional times in which we find ourselves. I think, the Irish presidency is really off to a very good start. In your very capable, hands, I think we will, achieve many things, and, we fully agree with your motto that we are stronger together.
Spain fully supports the Irish presidencies and the trio's priorities, strengthening democracy, competitiveness, and, we appreciate very much the focus that is being placed on making sure that our internal processes and structures are really up to the challenge of meeting our, social agenda as well, with the housing policy and focus being placed on that because in many places, it's becoming a true social crisis, housing crisis that, affecting young people, especially across the union.
We have had, the opportunity to discuss bilaterally yesterday and look forward to working with you in order to conclude the, MFF negotiations before the end of the year. We, part of the, friends of cohesion, as, you know, and others have mentioned, and we look forward to studying all aspects of the proposals, including new owner resources and regional development, regional policies, and the recognition as per Spain's proposal of our official languages. And we're convinced that we're going to be able to work constructively together with the Irish presidency in order to reach unanimity also for the recognition of our languages. Thank you.”
Multilingualism in EU institutions · Own EU resources
- 2026-07-13 “20:22 - 11:23:24): Thank you very much, Martin. And I'd also like to start by wishing you all the best for Ireland and the presidency, and this is very important for the agricultural and fishery sector. And also, thank you for your warm words of condolence on the dramatic wildfires in Almeria that have been seen in Spain. Also, I'd like to thank Maria for the Cyprus Presidency work and the European Commission without whom we cannot move forward, and we count on you as ever, Christophe. And there, I really welcome the commission's initiative on the European protein plan. I think it strengthens, autonomous, strategy, and that's more important than ever in this context of geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility. In Spain, we have a great diversity of agriculture and climate, allows us to, farm many crops. We face many challenges also. But on behalf of Estonia, we just heard the DGTs, and I think that's vital with research and innovation and particularly in improving varieties. We also support clear origin labeling, which will allow us to highlight the value of the quality of origin of, European proteins. On the EU livestock strategy, the commissioner gave us the data. It's a strategic sector for food security and balance and rural economies. We broadly share the diagnosis and the action areas set out. But also as Margaritas said, for Greece, we need to have enough financing for this, particularly, obviously, through the CAP and other, financing instruments available in Europe. Also, need stable, coherent, predictable regulatory framework, which will allow, investments to be planned safely. Competitiveness and sustainability are key for this process, and that means we must tackle challenges in animal health right now, vaccination also, and European financing and co financing of, eradicating diseases. That is essential. We're talking about competitiveness and the regulatory framework. When it comes to animal welfare, any decision must be underpinned by the best scientific information available. And we hope that with all of this, we will move forward along the right lines. Thank you.”
EU policy on country of origin food labelling
- 2026-07-13 “22:21 - 14:25:38): As the commissioner Christophe was just saying, this is a key area that we need to incorporate across the board, and I'm pleased that the European Commission is doing so to develop our policies and particularly for agri food production, social, and the territorial cohesion of our rural areas.
In answer to the 1st question, I think we need to consolidate what we've already built. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. And I can say this from a member state that was the 1st to include the gender perspective as a specific, binding aim in our strategic plan for the CAP.
I fully recall my 1st intervention at this AgriFish Council that was in June 2018 in Luxembourg, and it was on this very topic. I suggested that the commission's proposal should include gender equality. We've done that, and it's been included here with the support of the European Parliament, which is very important.
For young female farmers and breeders, We have a 15% award of aid. And of all rural development interventions, 84% of them include a, an aspect which promotes gender equality. I think in this CAP, we need to galvanize and make these interventions more broad to help women.
We do need more data, and this is something I call upon the commission for. We need gender disaggregated data in many areas. And a very European aspect is that we need to be able to share good practices between the member states on this area.
An answer to the 2nd question, in 2011, we brought in the shared ownership act to give visibility to women's role on farms together with their husband who was usually the owner. And now this measure has allowed us to shine a greater light on women and to foster women's role in decision making combined with tax incentives, access to financing, and a specific aspect linked to generational renewal, which we heard about before.
So we think it's not just about the common agricultural policy, which should also set the the, general direction, but also there should be extra measures aimed at this. Thank you very much. Next is Greece followed by Austria and Poland. Margaritas? Thank you, Martin.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion
- 2026-07-10 “21:51 - 11:22:51): Thank you. Thank you very much. We very much well, I mean, we very much agree on the key importance of this file and its importance for for Europe. And that's why we also very much, greatly welcome the the ambition and the momentum of the Irish presidency building on the work done by the Cypriot presidency. The note, I think, is extremely complete and addresses all the key issues. And a lot has already been said, and and the question is very direct. So I think we can give a very direct answer, and that is, yes. Spain is fully committed to securing a council mandate by October. We stand ready to work very intensely. Here, there's more than there's more than 15 meetings already scheduled, at all levels to reach a compromise that takes into account member states concerns, but that especially does not compromise the ambition and the transformative potential of this package. And this is a spirit in which we have also worked, with colleagues and putting forward our input to the to the council working party and in which we will continue to work to reach an agreement. Thank you very much.”
EU political integration
- 2026-06-29 “Yes. Thank you. Chair. Thank you for the extraordinary work you've carried out throughout the semester. And I would like to especially thank you for the council conclusions which align with our policies in Spain. And they are fundamental in this debate, especially the reference to the complex housing market, the market that's under pressure. And we need to make an effort in order to control the rental prices. We need to have new industrialized building models or we need a public housing. We need new policies. Now, to answer your questions, we are prioritizing young people and students because they are particularly affected by housing insecurity. They have difficulty finding affordable housing, be it owned or rented. And we're working with the university institutions to find solutions. And we found tools that we have consolidated with a state housing plan of €7 billion. We are working also with the most vulnerable. We have a strategy against homelessness, and we also have a policy for middle classes and essential workers. We have an urban planning system which offers protected housing for these families. And then we have solutions. We have a policy that has worked. It's a public private partnership that is aimed specifically at the middle classes and essential workers. The public builds houses by giving land to the private sector for at least 50 years. The the rent is affordable at that point, and we hope that we can all move forward with affordable housing regulation and that the MFF will continue to work together with the policies and that we will disseminate good practices. Thank you.”
EU policy on urban development
- 2026-06-29 “Thank you, chair, and thank you for the government from Spain for allowing to be here on part of the autonomous communities. We note what has been done by the Cyprus presidency to combat harassment and bullying, something which is very much a reality for many, particularly now in the digital age. We think it's particularly important to prevent this, and we have to look at digital literacy here. And this is not something which only involves girls, but this is also their whole environment, that is to say, also their teachers and educational institutions. It's important here that we make sure that we don't get the production of this violence against children in the first place, particularly against girls, and therefore it is important that they have access to particular services, including for a legal, social and legal support. So it is important that people feel that they are supported when things go wrong. And also it is important when looking at new technology and artificial intelligence, for example, and deepfake. And therefore it is important that we look at what can be done by local authorities and national authorities to prevent these problems, and we support what is said in the report. We have to have a robust approach to this, and we also have to make sure that we draw up plans and we have good follow up to those plans. Thank you chair.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion
- 2026-06-29 “Thank you president. And we believe that there are certain benefits which come from labour mobility. But sometimes they are in vulnerable situations and they're subject to abuse. And we have to act against that. We need to step up cooperation and the exchange of information between member states so that we can have a fair mobility, better integration of people who are without work so that they can go and job seek in other countries. It is important that mobility has to be based on decent work, and there have to be quality jobs. Spain supports the idea of boosting Isla, and we believe that we need to have a system which is truly fair, and we would do this by getting access to information which is updated, operational and clear on the social security systems in each country. And also, we have to look at what is happening in the world of work in these countries, as has been said by the presidency and the Commission, so that people can take informed decisions when deciding where to provide their services. And also the. It is important here that we work in this area. It is very important to protect the rights of those who have lost their work. And we have to encourage them to return to work. And we would support public employment steps. And we also believe what has been done on eight, eight, three is a step in the right direction. And we see this as modernizing the situation. And this is beneficial to workers and the retired, and believe digitalization is a key here. And this is going to mean that we can have a more flexible system in place and that we can guarantee protection. And therefore this is a way to improve coordination, protection and social protection. And it is important that we look at the rights of workers and their families. This should not be seen as an obstacle to competition. In fact, this is going to help us bring shared prosperity. Thank you.”
EU regulation of cross-border and posted workers
- 2026-06-29 “Chair. Colleagues, I would like to say something on behalf of Spain in order to recognise the work that has been carried out. This has made it possible to guarantee the role of Ebsco during the European Semester by approving the contributions linked to the social aspects and the employment aspects. It's crucial that social managers continue to maintain their key role in creating a role in creating these strategies, and it's fundamental to maintain autonomy in the European Social Fund as well. We also need our debates to be detailed and continuous, and they have to continue strengthening the social convergence because the economy is at the service of people and not vice versa. I'm also proud that this semester recognizes Spain's progress and consider it as a stimulus to keep moving forward. We have record employment levels, we've reduced the gender gap, but we wish to continue moving forward. And I would also like to say that a feminist. Europe is the only possible. Europe and the gender perspective. Must have an impact on our quality, package and employment because it's necessary in order to eradicate inequalities in the country. And for this chair, we would like to underline that we need to move forward with a social Europe where equality is the path ahead. Thank you.”
European Semester (social dimension)
- 2026-06-26 “11:35 - 10:13:20): you very much, chair. Thank you very much to the commissioner as well, Miguel Bahn. I wanted to say that Spain is fully committed to the green transition, the energy transition, and we think it's a clear response. I agree with Germany. We think it's a clear response to climate change, but also to the geopolitical climate related social and economic and environmental challenges we face. For this reason, we think that this permitting directive mustn't under mine environmental protection. We need to ensure that our regions benefit and our local communities. Now the presidency and the commission have done good work, changing the focus and the approach here in taking on board concerns by, expressed expressed by by member states. They've, taken on board comments about deadlines. Now we need to promote, storage, grid, and, renewable energy projects. We need to move towards social transition, and we welcome, therefore, provisions on, sharing benefits with local communities, and that's something we've already worked on in Spain. However, the compromise text also includes some aspects which are very concerning, such as exemptions from the environmental legislation, WFD, the soil directive, and the framework directive, the MFSD, and we think that's not the right way forward. So as a conclusion, I would say that Spain will abstain in the votes. At any rate, we are continuing to work on this, and we will continue to work constructive on this until the agreement's finally approved in the parliament, and we'll work towards achieving this balance which we want. Thank you.”
EU policy on permitting for renewable energy projects
- 2026-06-26 “26:40 - 12:27:53): Thank you very much. We'd like to thank France for putting this point on the agenda. It's a very specific and important point. Today, we're going to talk about the post 2030 scenario, and we have to think about what we need for the future.
Electrification is very important for competitiveness, energy security, and security of supply. We need to keep pace, and this is part of defense and industry. And this is something and we see the promotion of electricity. We want to continue to promote to the systems, and we would agree with France promoting electricity demand with pumps, EVs, so forth is very important.
We need to clear market signals, so we need to have an efficient electricity market in the European Union. And as Spain is concerned, we have electrified as part of our renewables. In the next electrification plan from the commission, we hope that we will end up with an integrated framework. Thank you.”
EU approach to electricity market and prices
- 2026-06-26 “59:24 - 11:02:20): Thank you very much, president. Thank you very much, commissioner. I very much appreciate, the constant work that has been done by the presidency team. So thank you very much for that, and I'd like to thank the commission as well. We know that, the discussions were very complex. Spain shares, the approach, that we're talking about an energy union. This is not bilateral issue. It's a strategic issue for Europe writ large. In the current geopolitical and climate context, infrastructure is very fundamental for energy supply, and it's important do way with fossil fuels and reach autonomy, electrification, and other goals. Today, I'd like to focus on 4 elements. 1st of all, the regulation is key to materializing the energy highways, which were in identified by the European Commission in December 2025. Electrical interconnections and the hydrogen corridor connect the Iberian Peninsula to the center of con continent is fundamental for Spain. We've requested a specific reference to this on various occasions, and the text does not contain these references. So, Dan, for this reason, I'd just like to say that it's very important in terms of the adoption of this. We need to have the energy highways in the central scenario, and we will be drafting a statement for the minutes of today's meeting. The Trans Pyrenean projects have been a project of common interest for a decade, and so we're in a very good phase. We're moving on to the next 1, and we're working with our partners and neighbors on this. We want to avoid that fossil infrastructure would not be included in any of the categories. So we need to preserve the infrastructure protection and looking at climate to resilience. Europe is the fastest warming continent, and so resilient infrastructure is something that needs to be taken on board. Today, I would also like to point out that, despite the fact that the text could be improved the way we see it, we'd like to support the general approach, but the energy highways must be considered here. And I hope that the Irish presidency will take this on board in the upcoming trialogues. And then also the CEF energy funds for the next MFF are fundamental, and we may need to make sure there are no reductions there. Thank you.”
EU energy infrastructure integration
- 2026-06-26 “54:51 - 11:55:11): Chair, thank you very much for giving me the floor. I'm going to be very brief, and I hope also very clear. As regards to methane regulation, Spain fully agrees with the vision expressed in recent days by the European Commission. We don't think that the text should be broken back open. Thank you, Sarah. So France, Latvia, Greece.”
Natural gas
- 2026-06-25 “Thank you, chair, and thank you to the Cyprus Presidency for putting this item on the agenda. Now, like previous speakers, I wanted to say that Spain thinks that ecosystem services should be seen not just as an environmental asset, but also as a strategic factor for competitiveness, economic resilience, and security. In the long term, conservation and restoration of nature contributes to reducing risks for businesses and helps our adaptation to climate change strengthens key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism and water management, and generates new opportunities in the areas of innovation and investment. We need to move forward in developing instruments, which would enable us to quantify and integrate the value of nature into decision taking, so economic decisions and business decisions. We need to promote the mobilisation of public and private funding for conservation and restoration. And we need to improve the. Extent, or rather reduce the extent to which we're having an impact on biodiversity. Then on the second question, a coherent, predictable framework is key that will enable us to move towards a nature positive economy, to have the transition towards that. And we need clear objectives, measurable indicators and effective support mechanisms for conservation of biodiversity, restoration of ecosystems, and the deployment of nature based solutions. It's also important that we bolster the integration of biodiversity into sectoral policies, and that we incentivize and facilitate the participation of the private sector. Now there's an opportunity and a need to explore the possibility of using nature credits. Of course, we need safeguards as well, but that could help us to respond to the growing need for funding in the area of biodiversity. Despite that, the development of these must be based on environmentally friendly criteria. We need a solid scientific foundation. We need to use rigorous criteria related to additionality. We need to ensure transparency and consistency with existing environmental legislation. And lastly, Spain is against reopening the nature directives so the birds and habitats directives. Thank you.”
Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- 2026-06-25 “Thank you very much, chairman, and thank you very much to the Cyprus presidency for putting the revision of reach on the agenda. The regulation should be modernised to be agile, effective and support all stakeholders in its implementation. And along these lines, we support the French non-paper that they wrote with other member states. It's fundamental for the modernisation to continue to champion human health and protecting the environment. We need to think about the best instrument in the current context to deal with this revision, simplification and modernisation through Comitology alone doesn't resolve the major challenges for human and environmental protection in certain cases. We feel that it might be useful to look at essential issues, for example, the extension of the general approach and the restrictions on authorisation and authorisations. Of course, these things can be dealt with. Other things can be dealt with through comitology, but we need to maintain ambition. For example, the new hazard classes and the criteria for the reporting and also the introduction of information on blends. We need to have information for the transformation, looking at the impact and making sure that we can reduce the very disconcerting use of PFAs. So we appreciate the commission's approach, but we need to have the necessary mechanisms to open the door doors to the networks in EU institutions and bodies so that sustainable by design would lead us to more sustainable products. Thank you.”
Chemicals regulation
- 2026-06-25 “Thank you very much and good afternoon, everyone. Just very briefly. Spain, supported by Luxembourg, Austria and Italy, wanted to recall 34 years of implementation of the Life programme. Now this is a programme which we need to ensure continues. We need appropriate funding, specific funding for it in the new MFF. And the most important thing is that it's achieved results, and it's the only instrument which focuses exclusively on the environment and the climate. It's been very effective because it's specific and targeted and it's been flexible. And I think it's shown that Europe is focusing and investing and sustainability. So if you were to put it in a broader fund, it would mean we'd be diluting our environmental ambition. Our environmental ambition is one of our calling cards. And life has been behind thousands of programmes which have been a big success protecting biodiversity, restoring nature. And it's meant that we've been able to protect species, restore ecosystems and. We've also been able to bring back the Iberian lynx. In Spain and Portugal. There were less than 100 of them, and now in the Iberian Peninsula, there are more than 2600. And we also have had restoration and recovery programs for wetlands as well through life. So it's key for things like the circular economy, water, nature based solutions, reusing wastewater aquifers. We've heard about water resilience today. So this is a program which provides solutions to the major challenges we face. That's why Spain thinks that we need to ensure there's appropriate and sufficient funding for life. Life, city of great results. It brings citizens, public bodies, NGOs and companies together, working to help the climate and the environment, working together, achieving results.”
Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- 2026-06-25 “Thank you very much. Thank you Maria. And thank you also to the Commissioner for their introduction. I'd like to thank you for this discussion. I think it's crucial when we talk about climate targets and especially in this very strategic sector, the automobile sector, the context has changed radically over the past eight months. The commissioner has given us extraordinary data as to how electric vehicle take up is picking up pace. I think it's all very positive, and we're very aware of the vulnerability of the use of fossil fuels, especially given the higher cost of imports and the dependency issue. So Spain feels that we have to think about the reduction of emissions. Uh, there are amendments to give 25 to 27, period. Climate change really has to do with security, peace, and competitiveness and also the well-being of our citizens. We have to be aware that we shouldn't be backpedaling. We see growing emissions, especially in the sector, and we have to have a clear approach given the uncertainty. And as Romina said, we need to give clear signals, signals and not um, really, um, prejudice first movers, those people who have bought electric vehicles because of the lower emissions. And so they need to really tap into, um, this transition. So we would like to go for electrification and we don't think we should reduce the targets. We think that flexibility can be positive, but if so, we need to have, uh, maximization in the social innovation and environmental areas. And so looking at the proposals on the table, we're very positively inclined to giving advantage to small electric vehicles. Looking at the multiplier effect and, um, helping people with low purchasing power. And I think we need to analyze, um, we need to look at low carbon steel as well. So we need to be clear that when we talk about emission reductions, these are measures that have to do with competitiveness. And the this and the climate agenda are two sides of the same coin. Thank you.”
Road transport environmental policy
- 2026-06-25 “And that's why, Commissioner, we congratulate you. We very much appreciate your initiatives. Under the transformation resilience plans, we wish to highlight our digitalization of the water cycle, which has proven to be a very effective tool with two key parts digitalization in the urban environment, where we've been able to identify more than 94 projects and mobilize more than €500 million for filtering sewage, etc., recycling, water usage. And secondly, in irrigation, where we've had €172 million invested and more than 380 projects. Finally, when it comes to incentivizing investments from the private sector, we have to have the right financial instruments in place. They have to be attractive with favorable conditions. We have to make access to European funds in a more flexible, swifter process. And I wish to highlight one final very important thing. Spain, along with France, Denmark and Hungary, have put together and signed a non-paper which. Commissioner, we hope to get to you today, setting out our position where. We don't think that it is right to to change the Water Framework Directive. We want it to stay the way it is. It provides sufficient flexibility to conduct important projects such as mining of rare earth materials. Thank you very much.”
EU policy on water management
- 2026-06-25 “Thank you very much, Maria. And thank you also to the commissioner, Jessica, for what you had to say at the outset. Spain wishes to make clear its commitment to the strategy, which is a necessary response in light of the challenges of climate change, which are placing additional pressure on water resources, we share the objectives of more resilient, sustainable and innovative water use. A year after the adoption of the agenda, we've made a great deal of progress on governance, as well as on implementing a number of support mechanisms. But it's also true to say that it's too early to fully assess the impact of this strategy. Spain has ample experience in the management and the management of water resources, from floods to droughts, the digitalisation of the use and management of water, and that experience which we are happy and willing to share with all of our colleagues around Europe from the Spanish perspective. The main challenges around water have to do with efficiency, and we would highlight three. One reducing losses in the urban supply networks. Two continuing efforts to modernize irrigation, which account for 85% of water use in our agriculture. And number three, pushing on the reuse of water, expanding resources which go into that part of various different sectors. We think that best practices and a future digitalization plan for water for the water sector are fundamental steps.”
EU policy on water management
- 2026-06-25 “So we fully support the life program. And I now give the floor to the minister from Navarra representing the regions in Spain. Thank you. Good afternoon. The life program has meant we've been able to close the gap between European political ambition and real implementation on the ground in our territories. We've been able to transform European priorities into concrete actions on the ground. We've been able to preserve eco system services. So climate regulation, carbon capture, capture of water, preventing fires and floods. Now, these ecosystem services are ones which are enjoyed by all of European society. Although the burden and the efforts falls chiefly on the shoulders of rural areas, and they have difficulties actually getting funding. Now life has contributed to bringing Europe closer to these areas, promoting participation, sharing of responsibility, involvement of local actors in conservation and management of our common natural heritage. Life makes it possible for us to experiment, to evaluate, to learn, to replicate solutions throughout the Europe, throughout the EU. And that's why the Spanish autonomous regions think that we should keep the life programme as a self-standing instrument with sufficient funding, stable funding clearly identifiable and with multi-level co-governance. We want the regions to have a say, to have their own voice, to have the ability to manage things. And we need to draw on the know how we've developed over the years so that we protect today the areas where future generations will live. Thank you.”
Cohesion and rural funding
- 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much, Maria. There are two items here, not one. We have one on plant reproductive Material in the union. We think this is an excellent agreement. So congratulations for having achieved this success. It's really important. And this very week we've also heard the good news on the European Parliament's vote on new genome techniques, which will allow us to conclude another file very soon linked to this topic that I myself have really worked very hard on. And I think it's really a great future for agricultural production in the EU. On the second item, thank you very much again, as always to Commissioner Varhelyi for his positive, constructive attitude. We do have the issue of balance between animal welfare regulations, which of course we all support, but also the need to ensure that we have activity that is respectful of animal welfare but also is profitable. So for our livestock farmers, the times that are set down for travel according to the destination of animals is something that we have a lot of question marks on. Also the consideration of penalization compared to other activities, uh, where the same or very similar animal species might be transported and where there are more relaxed regulations on digitalization. Let's be careful here and not to mix up digitalization. We don't need to we mustn't confuse digitalization with simplification. Those are two separate things. Uh, we think there can be a reduction of administrative burden. And lastly, I think it's vital what was just said on including for imports into the EU, the same Requirements from the point of view of our producers. Speaker corrects from third countries where we have also animal products. Thank you.”
EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
- 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much. Maria. Thank you to the Commission. Thank you, Commissioner Acosta, for that report. I think the conclusion is very clear. There's a positive trend in stocks showing that showing the extraordinary efforts that fishing fleets have made in the member states and the EU is yielding results on this. And we need to step up management based on stability and the socio economic viability of the sector. The commissioner mentioned the Multiannual Tacs, and we started this under the Spanish presidency in 2023. And I'd like to ask how the scientific reports are on this to extend the list of Multiannual tax on the special conditions. I think these will contribute to more flexible, efficient management of fishing possibilities on shared stocks. With the UK, we made major headway extending possibilities to 2038 and it's important that we conclude those talks before December. And with regard to coastal states, that Commissioner also mentioned clear. This is clear and particular with regard to mackerel. We need to be consequent with our historic rights and with scientific recommendations also coming to the Mediterranean. I think we have implemented measures that have enabled us to make major progress in terms of our fishers, in terms of cooperation with authorities and scientists, and I think the commission's communication doesn't fully reflect that.”
Environmental regulation of fisheries
- 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much, Maria, for expressing our support for the position stated by Germany on this revised control and IUU fishing are necessary instruments, but developing, delegated and implementing acts will only achieve their purpose if we reduce the administrative burden and red tape and is both feasible in practice, both for fishers and authorities. We have excellent modern tools like AI that can certainly help us achieve this. So we call for applicable proportionate control framework that doesn't jeopardize a sector that's already very highly regulated.”
Environmental regulation of fisheries
- 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much, Maria. I think the Med Fish Forever declaration shows that regional cooperation works when there is political will and scientific support, as well as a collective commitment in fisheries. The role of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean is more relevant than ever, as the benchmark forum for regional cooperation based on science, and. We need to continue galvanising its capacity and the and the role of independent scientific assessment, particularly moving forward with standard application of rules. Stock recovery. Development of fisheries restricted areas. The small scale fisheries and governance and monitoring. Control and checks. Thank you very much.”
Environmental regulation of fisheries
- 2026-06-22 “When we've decided that it's tax and quotas that decide our total allowable catches. Third, our external fleet is is very important in terms of international governance, not just for what we fish, but our role in regional fisheries organisations to make sure that standards are in line with ours and therefore that we avoid IUU fishing, which is absolutely essential for on regulatory simplification and reducing administrative burden. I've already mentioned this obviously financing. Again, as I said this morning, it's great that we've doubled the figure from 2 to 4 billion, but we should reach the current level. And we need, as I said, to bring in the socio economic variables. But regardless of the reform, we need urgently to address two topics. One, commissioner this morning mentioned that in early autumn we'll be reviewing the multiannual plans for the Mediterranean in particular. And secondly, and as I've just mentioned, the omnibus package on simplification, we also need to address volume and power of motors and have these separate from fishing effort. Thank you.”
Funding for fisheries and aquaculture · Environmental regulation of fisheries
- 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much, Maria. Good morning. And thank you to the Cyprus presidency for all of the efforts and the work that you've done on this. Thank you also to the Commission. Dear Kostas, dear Commissioner, and also greetings to all of the new colleagues who are joining us today. The European Council took note last Friday of progress in the box, and we have seen some interesting aspects. Duplication of the amount from 2 billion to €4 billion for the CFP. Spain thinks this is still not enough, and we need to continue with the negotiations to reach around 6 billion in this programming period. On the support for the CFP regulation, I think we know how specific it is in this commission. And once again, thank you to the presidency for your work. The commissioner mentioned the issue of modernisation and renewal of the fleet and generational renewal are all vital aspects as well as decarbonisation, safety and selective catches on the do no significant harm principle. We agree, provided that that does not hinder the possibility of making fisheries in bringing it into the 21st century, not using vessels from the 20th century and on the WTO agreement. Obviously we have to adhere to that, but we do have to do that in its own terms and not going beyond what's already done. We've worked excellently with the presidency and the other member states. I think we still have a few days left to make an additional effort. I think it's a very timely effort, the start of the Irish presidency, to have an agreement on this. Thank you very much.”
Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
- 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much. We have regular contact with the fisheries ministers in Western African countries. And I'd like to thank Latvia for raising this matter, as well as what our Lithuanian colleague has just said on this, because indeed our presence is of great interest there, particularly when it comes to negotiations with Mauritania, and hopefully we'll have an agreement in November. And so we absolutely must reach that agreement if we're not present. As I said this morning, there will be fleets from third countries coming in, be it in under convenience flags or under mixed companies that don't comply with our standards on sustainability of the environment and stocks. And I think it's vital that we continue to operate there under our agreements to ensure sustainable fisheries, which is our model. Just to give you an example, hake has disappeared from the waters in those countries, and that's no coincidence.”
Fisheries access for developing countries
- 2026-06-22 “And that's a shame. I regret this because indeed, we're seeing recovery of stocks, and because of that, we are able to have profitable fishing activities, which is what we always want to to achieve. And so decisions that are adopted in November and December must be based on three aspects better scientific, the best scientific information available, fully factoring in the socio economic impact and recognizing that it's selectivity and not reduction of fishing days that is yielding these results. And so we need to consolidate the compensation measures. And lastly here, I'd like to flag that last December, all member states adopted a decision unanimously. And the Commission will surely remember this. And here the commissioner promised that the regulation would be reformed. And I think, dear Commissioner, it's important that you present this as quickly as possible to bear in mind the mixed nature of Mediterranean fisheries, and to adapt a management to the reality of these fleets. Thank you very much.”
Environmental regulation of fisheries
- 2026-06-22 “Thank you very much, Maria. Thank you to the Cyprus presidency for putting this on the agenda. And to Commissioner Cadis for your introduction. Indeed, as you said at the start of this afternoon's session, and the Commissioner has also said with regard to the conclusions at the informal council in May in Cyprus. We had an initial discussion on this, and I think that the conclusions that the Commissioner mentioned just now were indeed very interesting. So in answer to the presidency's questions on the first, I'm quite clear and Spain is quite clear. Firstly, we need to uphold environmental sustainability that we've achieved in this last period. That has really been a success for the European Union. But we now have to add a second success, which is to bring in the economic and social dimensions. And if I may, I will say that we have looked after the status of our fish very well, and now we have to do the same for our fishers. I e we need to make sure that profitability is a guiding line in the new CFP, as well as upholding the balance between conservation and profitability. Secondly, we need to remove the current regulatory obstacles, particularly with regard to fishing efforts to ensure decarbonisation and fleet renewal, and therefore also generation renewal issues such as motor power, which have really nothing to do with a world.”
Environmental regulation of fisheries
- 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
- 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 “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
- “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. 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 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. 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. 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, 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
- “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. 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
- “Thank you very much. Firstly, Spain would like to express its gratitude to the presidency for the hard work done. Bearing in mind the complexity and sensitivity of the farmer package. We've taken a constructive, flexible approach to strike a compromise and that supports the presidency. A proposal on modulated incentives. Now you've shown leadership which maintains the status quo but has significant improvements when it comes to innovation and access. Now we have strong industrial sectors when it comes to generics and innovation. We want to farm a policy which brings together industrial competitiveness, budget sustainability with universal access to medications for patients across the EU. As such, Spain supports the presidency proposal on this because it offers a more legal security and will avoid disputes.”
Pharma IPRs
- “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
- “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 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 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
- “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. 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
- “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
- “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, 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
- “00:25 – 10:01:32): Yeah. EVP by Kunin, Presidency, Nicodemus. We support the European business wallet initiative because we defend a single digital market and because we also want to foster competitiveness. Clearly, simplification and reduce reducing the administrative burden is 1 of the elements which should help to improve this competitiveness.
So we support this initiative, and we have a number of suggestions so that the process of digitization of public administration becomes easier. It is very difficult, and those of us who work in the various ministries know just how difficult it is to digitalize public services.
And we don't want this to mean any kind of step backwards in what we've already done in our efforts to ensure that digitalization happens. So nothing in this norm should allow or cause procedures to be carried out as they were before digitalization work we've already done. So we have already made some proposals on that. Thank you.”
Electronic identity
- “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
- “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, 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)
- “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 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
- “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 [00:02:30] 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
- “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. 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.”
Sourcing of critical raw materials
- “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 [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
- “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
- “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
- “Yes. Thank you very much, Jakob. Spain congratulates the commission for this proposal. It welcomes this proposal. The recommendations and general objectives of this strategy are aligned with the support that the Spanish government provides, incorporating young people in the agricultural sector. We believe this is a true strategic priority. We have set up public policies to facilitate incorporation of young people. Highlighting the role of rural women and promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas, energizing these economies in an inclusive and sustainable way. For this, we need financing and strong commitment. Therefore, I reiterate the arguments made this morning in this meeting. We should maintain the Cap as a European policy and provide it with sufficient financing. Thank you.”
Agricultural funding
- “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
- “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)
- “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
- “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)
- “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
- “Social policies don't exist in a vacuum. They are always shaped by a vision of the world. Today, we are living through challenging times where dangerous logics are returning. The idea that force can replace law, that military power can replace diplomacy, and that interest of those who profit from destruction can override the principles of international law. We see this in the wars at our doorstep and in the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. Spain wants to be clear. We say not to war. Wars don't liberate people. They devastate public services, damage public finances and deepen inequalities, leaving societies more fragile and divided. Military logic doesn't open democratic space. It closes it. That is why Spain firmly defends international law, diplomacy and peace and that. And that is also why defending a social. Europe means defending a world where human dignity and freedom come first. Now not the law of the strongest, but justice, peace and cooperation. Thank you.”
Relations with Israel - Palestine
- “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 president. I will talk in Catalan. Now. This is a way of trying to stop this decline in a very important sector for us, i.e. industry. But we have to be able to take two things into account. This regulation is an instrument. It's a very strong political signal, and it's something which is very important for us. Now this has to include common standards to ensure that we have a good quality investment, foreign investment in strategic sectors for Europe using a flexible mechanism. Now, in our experience, we need to have transitional periods in order to ensure that the right conditions are met for this investment. And we have to look at the whole question of local employment for projects. When projects are up and running, we have to make sure that the European economy is open. But at the same time, we have to make sure that any foreign investment will ensure that there is local industrial capacity, qualified jobs and transfer of technology and knowledge. And of course, this must build trust in our international relations with our partners. We need win win projects. We are very much in favour of strategic autonomy, and we have to really understand what we mean by Made in Europe.”
EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure
- “Thank you, Chairman. We'd like to thank Slovenia for tabling this AOB point. It's a matter of great importance to Spain. The beekeeping sector wants to see these measures because imported honey is often cheaper than EU produced honey. And this gives rise to unfair competition based on a lack of information to consumers. Therefore, it's important and timely to revise the directive. And as part of the marketing rules revision that the Commission has carried out since 2019, in Spain, it is compulsory to mention the country of origin of the honey, even for blends. And we would like this. Set to become mandatory across the European Union. So on the label, you would have a list of the countries of origin plus the percentage that each represents in decreasing order. Thank you.”
EU policy on country of origin food labelling
- “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 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 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
- “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
- “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