Government of Luxembourg

Policy topics Government of Luxembourg is active on

What Government of Luxembourg has said (80)

• 2026-06-16 “Thank you very much. I will start in English and then continue in in French. And I just want to say I won't speak to the next point about the MMF. I will do one speech where I took both points. I know for regular reasons you have to separate them, but when it's done I don't need to repeat the same in two hours. Um, the first thing is I've participated to a lot of budgets when I was Prime Minister, and I remember these five day sessions in Brussels where we are not sleeping and negotiating, and we can speak as much as we want. Believe me, at the end, it will be the head of state and head of governments, where they will be with Ursula and with Antonio negotiating during the night. And it will be like a souk in Marrakesh. Believe me, it's. What do you offer? What do you propose? It will be like that. I've done it. And I can tell you mostly it's working like that. Like usually I want to just raise a point because I know that some of you will say, why is he asking for that? But we ask always more tasks to the commission, but we never want to have more stuff. And I know to speak about administrative expenses is something not very popular, but I just want to tell it is difficult for the Commission to work with more work without with less staff. And also here in Luxembourg we have these points of the coefficient corrector, which is an important point. We are also a European administrative capital. I use administrative capital. I still believe we have 27 capitals around this table, and it's difficult to stay attractive if we have not this coefficient corrector. So I really would insist that this point should be at least in all your minds.”
  Size of EU budget
• 2026-06-16 “And then last but not least for the negative points, because I really want to say thank you for all the work you do, but just to tell you, it's not done and it will be a long way till it's finished. I just want to say that in these three regulations that is foreseen, I just want to warn all of us that for the moment, it will be very difficult to give green light for one of the topics, which will be the recommendations of the semester. If the semester European. I see the regulations I got the last 13 years. It's about pensions. It's about labor work. It's about physicality. It's about all these topics. If now, at the end of the day, European money will be dependent on if implementing recommendations, the semester recommendations, I just can tell you that you will make the best campaign for populists. The populists will have it on the plate served by us that labor, work, pensions, your pensions. It's not decided in your capital, it's decided in Brussels. So be aware about sanctioning countries with some recommendations that you give. Recommendations should not be obligations. But at the end of the day, if we accept this, it will be semestral obligations where we just. And I hope that we won't. We are all happy that Hungary has a change of government, but I can't believe that in. In five years, if we decide things like that, that Brussels will decide things which are typical national topics that will have a lot of little Auburn sitting around the table. Um, I for for the technical reasons, I will stick to the points that my embassy prepared, um, and continue in French. So I'm sure not to say wrong things important.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• 2026-06-16 “Thank you very much, Madam President. And a big thank you to to the whole Cyprus Presidency team for the excellent work that has been done. This has enabled us to make the progress we're discussing today. Luxembourg can join the consensus on the European Competitiveness Fund. All the more so since you have kept the key. From our point of view of excellence. We can also support the partial General Agreement on the Global Europe Fund, even if the relatively weak language on the EIB is not really to our liking. However, Madam President, as the Vice Prime Minister said this morning during the negotiations on the Lego blocks, Luxembourg cannot agree to the regulation on the national and regional partnership plans. This is for the reasons set out by my Prime Minister, namely, that the provisions included in. This proposal would make binding through the MFF the recommendations of the European Semester for US recommendations cannot and should not be binding. Thank you.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• 2026-06-16 “The key point is that every euro suspended under the EU budget should have the strongest possible effect on the greatest leverage. We welcome the pro the new approach for the EIB. We don't need to keep reinventing the wheel. We have the EIB, which works. Let's avoid inventing or developing new instruments, new boards. We have the EIB. And I think it's very important to stress that point. The other points concerning, uh, income. It's very important to continue along the lines. Same lines with own resources. Some approaches at Etsy, waste or Cbam are more promising than others. We need to continue on an open minded debate, and we should not avoid getting into excessively early arbitrage as we approach. We support the approach of the European Commission to reduce rebates. All this is important in terms of the overall logic of modernizing the future MFF. Thank you for your attention.”
  Own EU resources
• “Thank you, chair. Good morning, commissioner, ladies and gentlemen. I'd like to reply to your questions all in one go by emphasizing a couple of things that seem important to me. Firstly, like country has already said many times in the past in this meeting, we are convinced that all ambition is worthless if people outside our group don't understand why we're doing what we're doing and why and how culture is so vital for the future of the European Union. Our forthcoming work plan must reflect this concern while also bearing in mind that the situation is moving on more swiftly than ever before. Secondly, as I see it, our council working program is more than just a document setting out activities and actions. Yes. We do now have the culture compass, which sets out a strategy, a strategic background and, tells us what to do, of course. But I do not take the view that this means we don't need to define our policy objectives because as I see it at least, there is a connection between aligning things and cohesion consistency. Now, chair, I think that all of this is connected, and I think that how shall I put it? Something of a non question here. On the one hand, we do know what questions are of concern to the European culture sector across the board even if it is different in each different member state. That will therefore lead to some problems when we if we wish to proceed to having some kind of cherry picking between the various different priorities, which have been disadvantaging some other priorities. Even though the program gives us a kind of checklist for priorities, as I see it, it's more a matter of making sure we have continuity, an intelligent continuity between our work programs. On the other hand, as your guidance note says, flexibility has got to be the guiding principle for the forthcoming work program. And I would add here that we also need to have the idea of responsiveness. It's less a matter of identifying priority x, y, and zed, saying that one subject is more important than another. It's more about being able to respond to questions at the moment they arise. And that, as I see it, means that we are concerned with our working methods, the work we do here in this council. Now I do understand that this is not something which people like to hear mentioned. Fair enough. But you can't have the one thing without the other. If we want to make sure that our specific actions are a proper response to the current situation at any moment and if we want to make sure that our ambitions actually make sense. I'd like to finish off by talking about this question of ambition, chair. I think the forthcoming work plan must stand up to the level of our ambitions, and that's why it does seem to me that we should proceed well, I would like to say, it would be one of the forthcoming presidencies that will be called upon to implement this work program. Thank you very much.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Thank you, Peter. And thank you to the Commission for those very useful explanations. In general, we agree with the ambitions in the Commission proposal. Nationally, we recently submitted our third National Plan for the Protection of Nature, and it also includes some ambitious targets for 2030. We need to take into [00:34:00] account what's being done in the National Strategic plans. Those strategic plans have only just started to be implemented. Our National Action Plan for the Protection of Nature says that the strategy that this will be implemented in in tandem with our strategy strategic plan when it comes to agriculture, we need to make sure that there is a dovetailing of the different initiatives for soils, pesticides, etcetera. The main [00:34:30] aim of agriculture should remain the need to ensure a quality food supply. Agriculture also has a strategic role to play when it comes to ensuring food sovereignty, food autonomy at European level, and we also have certain global responsibilities as well. I would like to make some general comments on monitoring and indicators. First of all, we need [00:35:00] to have the necessary resources so that we can have effective and transparent monitoring. We need to find appropriate indicators for each European region and each form of agriculture, whilst ensuring a level playing field when it comes to evaluation. And we need to build synergies with existing indicators that can be found in national strategic plans. Finally, [00:35:30] we took good note on what colleagues have said about peatlands and support those comments. Thank you.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Sorry. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um. I would like just to provide a few points about the Luxembourgish position. What's very important is safety for all GMOs, including the plants obtained by these techniques. Luxembourg supports Austria's request to continue to provide full risk assessment in line with GMO regulations, and to invest in research relating to biosecurity and detection. We need to avoid that risk assessment requirements are reduced. That could have considerable consequences for nature and for the environment. From an environmental perspective, it's important to keep to the precautionary principle when it comes to the potential unknown, long term or indirect effects of using these new genomic techniques. Comprehensive labelling which would allow consumers to make an enlightened choice is incredibly important. Thank you.”
  New Genomic Techniques
• “Thank you very much. Our minister had to leave, unfortunately. So I will be speaking [00:13:00] instead. We support the proposal for introducing Euro seven standards. It's essential that pollution in real conditions for combustion engines that we want to reduce emissions. Emissions have been reducing because we're talking about testing in real driving conditions. But there are very strict limits for testing vehicles on the road, and that means that [00:13:30] it. Tests can only be representative if they are conducted in proper circumstances. That's why we have Euro seven. Now we're not just talking about tailpipe emissions, but we also have thresholds for particles from tires and brakes. That's very important. We mustn't sweeten this proposal. On the contrary, we have to strengthen certain objectives in order to make mobility more sustainable too.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Mr. president, the Commission. Thanks very much indeed. Commissioner, this is a very important proposal. We do need to have a level playing field for all companies and protect them against unfair competition from those people who use these abject practices, like forced labour [00:41:00] and child forced labour. These products shouldn't be on the in the internal market. Our Slovenian colleague highlighted the fact that the strongest means would be to use the internal market. The EU is an open economy and I want to highlight the support for the Commission's approach. It's focused on products and based on risks. We [00:41:30] have to look at problematic situations, but try not to have companies put under general suspicion because of, um, condemnable behavior of a minority thereof. So we need to maintain this approach, the approach in further negotiations. However, when it comes to, um, in situ, um, research, I think it's important that the commission play a very important [00:42:00] role to make sure that we can ensure, uh, efficiency and uniform implementation throughout the union decision to ban a product on the market. That should be up to the European Commission. To guarantee the efficiency of the tool, the Commission should assume a key, preponderant role throughout the whole process, from the research to the decision making point. That is a guarantee also, uh, for us to have differing [00:42:30] approaches if 27 national authorities are in charge of that process and we just need consistency, coordinating administrative cooperation, as in the proposal, the initial commission proposal, that would have been insufficient. However, during the process, if there is a decision to ban, then national authorities should be in charge of implementing that using the very efficient tools that are already there when it comes to [00:43:00] market surveillance, as in the Commission's proposal, so we can support the Spanish presidency to give greater strength, a larger role to the Commission. Even though we know that this is just an initial, uh, step. This is a simplification.”
  EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains
• “Thank you, Nicodemus. Luxembourg welcomes the draft regulation on European business wallets, which contributes to the objectives of simplification, administrative simplification, and competitiveness of the internal market. We believe that the work done under the Cyprus presidency has led to a balanced compromise, particularly thanks to flexibility regarding obligations for public sector bodies, the timeline for implementation, and the notification times for suppliers to the European business wallet. We also welcome clarifications made to bodies eligible to become suppliers, which make it easier to take into account control requirements by 3rd for 3rd countries. There are still some concerns with regard to requirements on cyber security, and we stick to the current compromise. We agree with it and can give our green light to general adoption. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much indeed. First of all, congratulations are in order for Commissioner Hoekstra. I'm very happy to see that we can continue to work together. Many thanks to the presidency for putting this item on the agenda, and for keeping our attention on this very key subject for our future. We are all bearing witness to destabilizing, destructive effects of climate change. The frequency and order of magnitude continues to increase. Collective action is very much necessary in order to mitigate and also to adapt to these changes. I share the analysis of the Commission, according to which decarbonisation and competitiveness in our economy and industry are inextricably linked. Decarbonisation is a real economic opportunity, a genuine one. I look forward to the new proposal on the Climate Act from the new commission, with the targets for 40. The publication should come together with the proposals of the Clean Industrial Act, and this will enable us to have a logical follow up to what we saw. The outcome was of the Draghi report. I would also call for another proposal, help to help us for the next NDC of the European Union. Now we're going through turbulent times, and the European Union does need to be a reliable and credible player. Investments, banks, citizens they all need a predictable and stable regulatory framework in place. Our partners at international level are counting on us, probably more than ever in order to make progress. And as regards the implementation of the Paris Agreement for the next cycle of climate ambitions, and to follow up on engagements and commitments made in financing terms.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. I wanted to start by thanking the Hungarian presidency very much indeed for organizing this summit on vaccinations in the presence of the Western Balkans veterinary services, as well as the EU member states. We've seen a number of animal outbreaks recently on the EU's territory and also in neighbouring countries. Hence, it's all the more important to put in place or to bolster the cooperation mechanisms between veterinary services, such that we can effectively combat the transmission of animal diseases across borders. We can therefore support the presidency conclusions, in particular on how important it is to cooperate on vaccines and also on the need to support EU veterinary services and lend that support to the Western Balkans.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• “President. Thank you to the presidency for your perseverance today. We support you to reach an agreement on this difficult file. At the same time, however, we need we need to be able to move forward on a focusing on 1.5 degrees in line with science and the Paris Agreement. We will be celebrating its 10th anniversary very soon. We cannot accept a smoke screen or moving backwards. The recent conclusions of the European Council have recognised the existential threats that pose climate change. Also, the text states that the increasing resilience and competitiveness and the green transition are all objectives that are mutually reinforcing each other. Everything has been said in that paragraph, but this does not mean that the conclusions lose any of their weight. We need a facilitating objective means that to be able to react to circumstances and the current world, now we have to take on our responsibilities that our joint responsibilities and reach a conclusion on this file. We need to focus on the key words that are credibility and investment. Certainty. Luxembourg, since the very beginning, Has a supported the 2040 objectives of of a reduction of 90% of greenhouse gas emissions. And here we need to focus on credibility. The compromised that will be revised, and that has been proposed by the presidency, is acceptable for a large part of the text. I believe that we are very close to an agreement. The uncertainty in terms of investment is fundamental. Now as to international credits, I support the possible 2036 objectives limited to 3%, and they have to be targeted. Our approach has to be one that will be a safety net, and that will only be achievable if our objectives could not be reached, i.e.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. Chairman. I think that we all agree that the Draghi report should be welcomed. It's a very solid basis. It's a sincere presentation of the future prospects, and it weighs up the challenges and the opportunities when it comes to electricity. We would just like to highlight two general points. First of all, decarbonisation is a key economic opportunity to boost European competitiveness and competitiveness of member states by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels so we can take up the energy and climate challenges that we face and also boost our resilience. Second thing, the single market is the key tool to boost competitiveness in Europe. Obviously we share in that vision. As Mr. Letta said before the Draghi report. He also highlighted the importance of moving forward with the energy single market and the energy union when it comes to the decarbonisation strategy. Obviously, we support Mr. Draghi's appeal to speed up the process to guarantee long term competitiveness. Electrification are based on renewable energy. Integration of energy systems, flexibility and also strengthening networks are all essential and are coordination within the single market is the only way, as we see it, for us to make the most of our assets. So it's in this spirit that we would like to recall that we need to be cautious when it comes to committing ourselves to revising. The electricity market of the 2023, revision was a very well balanced solution we feel, so we need to place the emphasis on implementation of the legislation that has already been adopted. Having said that, key technologies like energy efficiency, heat pumps, geothermal energy and batteries and those are not receiving the attention they deserve. And that goes for the Draghi report as well. So we need to invest more in strategic solutions which are profitable, effective, efficient. So any solutions we consider need to bear in mind a cost speed, the scale of our efforts and also security. When it comes to energy intensive industries, we would like to have a very well coordinated approach in Europe so that we can have fair a level playing field and to protect the single market. So there we need to have a true European team spirit so that we can address sensitive political decisions. We have competitiveness, limited budgets, allocation of costs and the energy transition to bear in mind. And we can see that the emphasis is often placed on big companies. And we think that it's important to pay particular attention to SMEs. They also play an essential role in the European economy and when it comes to the energy transition. And having said that, thank you very much, president.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you very much, Mr. President. And also welcome to a new Commissioner. Dear Apostolos. Congratulations for having been able to take up this very important portfolio. These are important files because they concern every single citizen in the European Union. So I very much look forward to working with you as well. I also want to congratulate the presidency for having found this compromise text. We want to support this. We hope that this will really have a dissuasive effect on reckless drivers throughout the EU, because I think collectively, all of us, we want to improve road safety. And this is one piece of the puzzle to get to our Vision Zero by 2050. So we also hope that with the European Parliament, negotiations can proceed swiftly that we can adopt this important piece of legislation. And beyond that, I think communication nationally but also perhaps jointly, will be important on this file so that every single citizen in the EU will be aware of, well, having to step down, perhaps driving that they don't do in their own country, but do beyond because until then there were no consequences necessarily. Thank you very much.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you very much. Precision farming and the efficient use of phytosanitary products, in particular, are essential elements in the development of a sustainable agriculture. Aerial spraying using drones can play a key role in this development, because application is much more precise and the risks are lower. We have already authorized pilot projects for aerial spraying using drones in vineyards as part of our National Action Plan to reduce the risks linked to the use of pesticides. However, in order to make sure that drones can be permanently used, we need proper criteria and proper procedures in place so that we can really look at what the risks are. So we support the request of the Portuguese delegation for a legislative proposal on this matter, which would set out rules for the use of drones. Thank you.”
  Digital and precision farming
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. Commissioner. Colleagues. I think the Future Culture Compass and the Future European Creative Europe programme are two sides of the same coin, and they're intrinsically linked to the importance of culture for the European project. I won't dwell on the fact that more than ever today, culture must be able to live up to its full potential in Europe, because I think we all firmly believe that already. But I would like to share three things relating to the future of the Creative Europe programme. Firstly, the increasing popularity of the programme can't be denied. This speaks not only to the real need for support for those in the cultural and creative sector, but it also shows the will to strengthen the links between different European countries. Personally, I think that it is incumbent upon all of us to work toward that and I think the future programme should mirror that. But that also means to me that without, regardless of an increased budget, we need to make sure that the programme is less dispersed and more streamlined, and needs to be more autonomous and more recognisable, and take better account of the diversity of creation and artistic expression in Europe. Now, secondly, it also needs to have simplified access to the programme, with particular attention paid to emerging structures or smaller structures as well as individual artists. That's where the impact can be the biggest. And after all, isn't that the objective of the program? Now, this should also go hand in hand with strengthening of the sectoral approach, as we've seen in Perform Europe and Music Moves Europe, which I think should be extended to other domains. Thirdly, we fully realise the challenges linked to the management of the programme and we welcome the significant efforts that have been dedicated to that.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “25:11 – 10:26:50): you, chairman. Recognition of parenthood is the missing link in due to cooperation in civil matters as it stands. Luxembourg has always supported the commission's initiative to resolve this. Recognition of parenthood for a child would make it much easier, simpler, and less costly for families to deal with some of the concrete issues they encounter in this context. Regarding the most essential aspects of the compromised text, we would like this wider scope possible to risk have a restrictive approach to parenthood would, in our view, mean difference of treatment between children would be potentially possible, and this is about child rights, so we should avoid that. As to what we could do, this is important. So we should take the time it needs to understand each other's positions better and try to find landing zones that fit us all. At the end of the day, our aim is freedom of movement and recognition of parenthood together as a concrete reality in as many member states as possible. The progress your presidency and previous presidencies have made are welcome, and we pay tribute to them. At this stage, though, we need to continue working at expert level so that we hope during the Irish presidency, we'll get a consolidated text that can have the support of the widest possible range of member states. Thank you. Thank”
  LGBTIQ+
• “We support the approach that has been suggested so that we don't, um, mask the real values of imports. Now, the ETS shows us how important it is for us to find a durable solution to avoid carbon leakage, uh, alongside cbam. Uh, in particular with a view to the revision of the ETS. So we need to make sure that the free um, amounts set out in the ETS are maintained, going over and beyond the amounts fixed to avoid carbon leakage at export. And I would like to welcome or underline rather that we are fully in line with the messages that the Commissioner has set out here. Having said that, this is an investment tool and not a taxation tool, and that needs to be properly understood by companies as well. Trade defence instruments are also very important. Safeguarding measures in the steel sector are going in the right direction, but we need to have agreement with the Co-legislator before the 1st of July. Let me quickly emphasize that the question of the time to market is also an important subject, because we have periods which are much too long. If a company takes three years to get its products on the European market and eight months to get onto the Chinese market. We know very well that we have too much complexity and that is not improving quickly enough.”
  Carbon leakage support
• “35:58 – 16:37:46): Thank you, Nico. Dimitris, and in detail, I would like to briefly take the opportunity to present the outcome of the D9 plus ministerial meeting that was held yesterday in Luxembourg. Together with the European Commission and the Cyprus presidency, we had very productive discussions on essentially three topics. First of all, digital sovereignty, then the long-term vision on simplification, and thirdly, the protection of minors online. Regarding digital sovereignty, D9 plus ministers emphasized the importance of an open and pragmatic approach that recognizes the strategic role of international partnerships with like-minded countries that share our common European values and principles. Regarding the simplification agenda, ministers underlined the necessity to assess the need for a long-term and substantial revision of the digital rule book based on impact assessment, and the digital fitness check will play a very important role in that regard. Finally, on the protection of minors online, we had a fruitful exchange with the co-chairs of the special panel put into place by the European Commission on the protection of minors online as well as with a professor from the University of Luxembourg. In this context, most ministers insisted that it is essential that we deliver a truly common European approach to protect minors online by combining regulation, technology, and education in order to have a real impact for the safety of minors online. In this context, I would also like to thank the Cyprus presidency for keeping this important topic on the agenda. We had discussion in the informal council meeting, and we look forward to the Irish presidency to continue our discussion around the urgency to act on providing a safe environment for children online. Thank you very much.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Thank you, David, and thank you to Cheslav for introducing this topic. As I said at the first table round this morning, we feel that we need to ensure this overall consistency between European policies, between the Green Deal and climate policy and the Cap, on the other hand. So I would like to support our Polish colleague regarding the impact of the 2040 targets for greenhouse gas [00:06:30] emissions, the impact that this will have on the farming sector. In order to be politically coherent, we have to strike a balance between the 2040 objective and the need to safeguard food security in the EU. So we have to set realistic targets for the farming sector. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you. Chair. It's clear [00:28:00] that we can support any initiative that helps SMEs, especially if we are trying to combat payment delays. There are three points which overlap. With what? A lot of what has already been said. First of all, we think that we need to highlight this and stress the word delay. We're not sure that this concept is quite equal to the freedom of [00:28:30] contract of payment periods set between the parties to contract debtors to a contract also need to have some flexibility. And that's why we think that the strict 30 day payment period is far too inflexible. We think that there needs to be flexibility so that SMEs can determine payment periods that are in line with the goods and services that they provide. This is very similar to other delegations [00:29:00] position. A second important point for us about the national enforcement authorities. The responsibility that they would have would provide a very large administrative burden burden and would also. Impinge on the jurisdiction of various courts. Courts are in a position to rapidly issue payment orders, and we think that it might [00:29:30] be disproportionate and ineffective to have a new authority to do something similarly. Thirdly, we can fully support the choice of legal instrument. We can support this regulation. We think that the cross-border nature of the matter is inherent to EU companies, and we believe that a regulation would make it easier to deal with the cross-border aspects of payment delays. Thank you very much, chair. And we are sure [00:30:00] that you can make progress on this file. Thank you very much”
  EU rules on late commercial payments
• “Thank you, Jakob, thanks for the presentation of this national program, although it may seem interesting to limit greenhouse gas emissions in this way, we remain convinced that it is too soon to assess such a system and its benefits without a proper overview of its potential impacts. We take the view that a one size fits all solution is not appropriate for all the member states. When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector, we are thus not in favour of the introduction of binding quotas and emission limits for greenhouse gas emissions. I would also like to recall in this context that all high value agricultural areas are of importance to us. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “The Commission is proposing to provide an exemption for most standards from for organic farms. I think that that should also apply to farms which are turning into organic farms. So that and including farms, only parts of the crops of which are organic. I think we could have been more ambitious in simplifying conditionality. We would have liked to generalize the approach of replacing standards with eco systems, and focusing on regulating regulatory aspects in terms of management. That would have been a real simplification in terms of on the spot controls without lessening our environmental ambitions. Finally, we agree with the once only approach so that at national level, we can provide as much facility as possible to administrative procedures. We're going to be looking at the proposals for application of, or setting up a specific authority in charge of managing the cap. Finally, as I said at the last council, I agree, as Francesco has said, and that the CFP simplification package should be discussed in the council. Doing anything else would be a first step in the wrong direction. Any political decision on the cap must be taken by agriculture ministers. Thank you.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Thanks, Luis. I'd like to thank the Spanish presidency for having put this on the agenda so [00:38:00] quickly. Both in SCA and in council. This directive has a lot of impact on farming, soil use, and our involvement is essential in discussing this document. Farmers know better than anyone else that soil fertility is essential for food security in Europe. Degradation and pressure on land is increasing across Europe. We [00:38:30] do, however, have questions about the percentages for the 6,070%. Statement of unhealthy soil proportion in Europe, as it were. If you look at the Framework water Framework Directive and the one out all out approach, I mean, this is another thing we have doubts about the idea. You can adapt it to this soil contact. I think, quite frankly, we need a more nuanced approach, a more phased in approach. [00:39:00] We tend to agree with what others have said before. There are a lot of questions about the implementation. The administrative burden and costs across the board. And then there's the consistency and complementarity between different parameters and measures for implementation of different parts of the proposal and the different proposals pertaining to soil. And general, our initial analysis, looking at your questions, we'd say the following on the first question monitoring. [00:39:30] [00:39:32] This is going to require considerable extra effort in Member States. Most of it is going to be on farming soils and our farming departments need to be involved in implementation right from the outset. Secondly, some of the measures for soil protection currently already come under conditions that farmers have to follow and are part of the general greening of the cap. [00:40:00] So some of these already covered. There are also legal issues in our view, when it comes to data protection and owners rights and the interplay of different people's confidentiality rights. These could be an issue we have to tackle carefully in the future. On the second question, the first year of the implementation in Luxembourg has seen a lot of solid protection measures being stepped up by our farmers. For instance, [00:40:30] reduced tillage and nitrate capture, intermediate measures and soil coverage during the winter and so on and so forth. Leguminous crops and pulses being included in rotation is increasing as well because farmers can see that this type of land use is good for the soil. Agri environmental measures. Climate measures and so forth also [00:41:00] can be tied into discussion on scientific and special training for farmers, and we would welcome more of that. Thank you.”
  Soil protection policy
• “Thank you. Dear Romina, I'd like to thank the commission for its proposal. After 30 years, it's high time for this pillar, a cornerstone for our environmental protection and the protection of our health to be strengthened. I fully support the idea of strengthening this directive that the Commission has proposed. I support the idea of introducing this idea of risk as a way to achieve environmental balance. And it's a good idea to equip large sewage works with tertiary and quaternary treatment in order to try to remove micropollutants medicines and pesticides. Those are key parts of this revision. Now, on our positive experience in Luxembourg during the Covid 19 crisis, I can fully support the idea of binding health based monitoring of wastewater, along with alongside the help of public health authorities. The polluter pays approach is positive as well, giving an extended producer responsibility to pharma and cosmetic companies, but this principle needs to be applied in an efficient way without distorting the way the single market works. Now, in the climate crisis, I think it's good for us to talk about energy efficiency. Energy neutrality in this sector. All sectors have their part to play in fighting climate change. Now, in order to get to 100% renewable energy by 2040. In order to make that feasible for small and medium sized wastewater processing plants, we need to allow them to produce this electricity over and beyond their sewage work sites themselves. We can't forget the cost of not acting. And so I think we all need to make sure this is an ambitious text to properly meet the challenges which are intensifying all around us. So, by way of conclusion, I would like to express my full support to the Swedish presidency to move these negotiations forward quickly, so that we can make it implementable as quickly as we can. Thank you.”
  Water pollution
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. Chairman. Commissioner. Thank you. Thank you also to your teams for all the effort that has gone into trying to get an agreement on this, given the timelines of conciliation. And let's hope we can also get that by today. We think that the tea leaves imply that an agreement could still be possible [00:24:00] today. You certainly have our full support to that end. There are three points I wish to make at this stage, though. First of all, like others, the annual budgetary procedure needs to remain well separated from the MFF track. The presidency has done a very good job of keeping those separate so far and pleased during the next few hours. Continue to keep this visible to Parliament because sometimes it's not easy. If you look at some of their amendments, [00:24:30] it really means the MFF would be affected. We have to formally stick to the current MFF, and we must not prejudge a mid-term review. So we have to stick to the separation. Another area we agree with other speakers before us is when it comes to commitment Appropriation margins. The Commission has proposed seems somewhat limited given what is likely to pertain in 2024, especially when we have €190 billion annual budget, give or take. And our council position, I think, would be a good example for reinforcing the margin and allowing room for that. Thirdly. The prosecutor's office. Budget needs probably to be moved up for the 20 assistant prosecutors at European level to be. As was agreed before, given the fact that [00:25:30] there are 50% more investigations that are expected. And when it comes to the court of Justice, again, a wee bit more was probably needed because of the extra costs we can expect from non wage incompressible expenditure that can be foreseen. As I've said, I believe an acceptable deal can be found for the budget and you will have our full and constructive commitment throughout the conciliation process [00:26:00] to back you up. Thank you.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you to the presidency. Let me firstly emphasise that Luxembourg fully supports, like others, the joint paper of the 17 member states. Sweden and others have also referred to it already. Now, on the questions raised by the presidency, let me come back to three important elements. Firstly, on SMEs, we need to take a horizontal approach and create framework conditions which are simple and with as little red tape as possible, so that we can support the best projects, whatever the size of the company, so that the European Competitiveness Fund specifically meets the needs of SMEs. The same goes for SMEs taking part in large scale investments. The major obstacle remains administrative ones, so we need to simplify and reduce the administrative burden. At the same time, simplicity needs to mean think small first and once only, and that principle needs to be applied across the board at all levels and scales at the same time. Future European champions will not necessarily be tech in nature every time, so we need to avoid cannibalisation of different types of SMEs. Secondly, on excellence, we fully support the approach based on quality. The fund needs to be one that supports those companies who have the best projects, wherever they are situated geographically. Thirdly, on private investment, now, in order to attract more investment, we need to use the European budget as a lever, as a lever to get more financing. Invest EU has shown its worth and needs to be the centre of our approach. We need to amplify the effect of that instrument. We need it to give it enough resources to make it a window which showcases the Eib's projects. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Madam president. Madam chair. Commissioner. Dear colleagues. Collective bargaining can play a role to combat climate change and can contribute towards [00:07:00] the transition towards a climate sustainability in different ways. Very often, collective bargaining focuses on the future organisation of a work. Subjects such as the fair transition are quite clearly part and parcel of this process. For example, in industrial tripartite negotiations in, for example, the aviation or the steel industry, the. Collective green bargaining and [00:07:30] the environment have always been key to ensure that workers are on the receiving end of good jobs and good training to make an environmental contribution to their work. This is, of course, also key to ensuring the viability of long term jobs in companies. We have a very strong tradition in Luxembourg when it comes to tripartite social bargaining between the employers, the trade unions and the government, which can guarantee the solidity of the working group to ensure that [00:08:00] the move to a green transition is equitable. Our sectoral trading centres and job centres have set up training programmes with a view to ensuring that our workforce has the necessary skills for the modern labour environment. On the second question here, the European Union and its member states should continue to work towards the continued implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. The green transition should in no way undermine or erode [00:08:30] these acquired social rights. We needed to ensure, therefore, that both business and employees can become true stakeholders in the green transition. To do this, we have to ensure that the green transition can give rise to an upward social fairness. We shall therefore ensure that we can fully involve the social partners under the auspices of our National Social Dialogue and we shall, on a regular basis, organise [00:09:00] exchanges between the members of the government in charge of the European Semester and the social partners to ensure that we can have a regular follow up and monitoring. It is also paramount to ensure that we can have an exchange of expertise and skills in close cooperation with the European initiatives, with an eye to ensuring both the green and the digital transition, as well as the Luxembourg Recovery and Resilience Plan and the ESF plus are key [00:09:30] instruments in ensuring that we can have a smooth path towards the double green and digital transition. Thank you very much indeed.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “Food sovereignty cannot go hand in, can go hand in hand with the zero emissions goal. And we need to have a mid-term review of the trajectory for ammonia emissions. When it comes to the protein plan, we need to create more incentives to develop crops using Cap tools and reviewing rules for coupled aid in order to make sure that crops protein crops are not so unprofitable compared with other crops. When it comes to origin, country labelling and animal welfare labelling, we are in favour of voluntary labelling, but we are of the view that we need better labelling and distinguishing between EU origins and non EU origins for all foodstuffs. On to the third question. The new agricultural challenges require investment in research and innovation. Given that the digitalisation strategy for agriculture, we particularly support the principle highlighted by the Commission collect once, use many times. We also need to make sure that access to financing for research and innovation problems in Europe, in Europe is not overburdened by administrative burdens, and we are also interested in clarification from the Commission regarding the timetable envisaged and how they intend to implement the vision and the different strategies and the simplification packages. Thank you.”
  Food labelling harmonisation at EU level
• “Thank you. Jacob. Thank you for the preparation for today's debate on the green architecture. I would like to recall the various aspects. We are here to support our farmers, to strengthen the cap, we must prevent its weakening. And I repeat once more, we support Christoph. Our global analysis of the reform package is ongoing. We are doing preparatory work. This has shown the complexity involved. It's quite a puzzle. I believe we must bring together elements on the cap in one text. Thank you, Norbert, for this initiative. All the legislative elements, the most important ones regarding the cap should be negotiated within the Council of Agriculture ministers. Dear colleagues, I have stressed that the last council meeting that we need to go further in simplification of conditionality, the new concept of management for sustainable agriculture farm stewardship is not really a simplification. In reality, all the rules for a good conditions are expanded in the area of protection of water. One size fits all is not appropriate. We must take into account specific situations on the ground in different member States. I hope that the national recommendations for the Cap are treated likewise. Thank you to the Commission for offering close technical cooperation. We must get recommendations quickly so we can make progress with our consultation process for the next program period.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “We support the approach that has been suggested so that we don't, um, mask the real values of imports. Now, the ETS shows us how important it is for us to find a durable solution to avoid carbon leakage, uh, alongside cbam. Uh, in particular with a view to the revision of the ETS. So we need to make sure that the free um, amounts set out in the ETS are maintained, going over and beyond the amounts fixed to avoid carbon leakage at export. And I would like to welcome or underline rather that we are fully in line with the messages that the Commissioner has set out here. Having said that, this is an investment tool and not a taxation tool, and that needs to be properly understood by companies as well. Trade defence instruments are also very important. Safeguarding measures in the steel sector are going in the right direction, but we need to have agreement with the Co-legislator before the 1st of July. Let me quickly emphasize that the question of the time to market is also an important subject, because we have periods which are much too long. If a company takes three years to get its products on the European market and eight months to get onto the Chinese market. We know very well that we have too much complexity and that is not improving quickly enough.”
  Carbon leakage support
• “Thank you. Chairman. We would like to thank the commission for this initiative on simplification. As my minister said this morning, it's very important to move forwards rapidly and efficiently on this file because it has a major impact on our businesses. We have to take action where it's most needed and most quickly. But we mustn't stop there. We need to deploy additional efforts to have better European rules, which will simplify life for our businesses. Once pursuing our common political objectives, we're not talking about undermining our objectives such as decarbonisation and respect for human rights. We're talking about using more proportionate means and doing this in a harmonised way. On your second question, chairman, work is proceeding at a good pace. We have to be effective, but we must also make sure that our centralisation strategy doesn't lead to a lack of transparency, which would prevent companies from having their voices heard. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you very much, chair. We welcome this proposal of the 20 eighth regime favorably. It's an ambitious initiative which will strengthen the single market and will stimulate Europe's competitiveness. There are a few points that we're particularly pleased with. Firstly, putting in place a harmonized legal framework, an optional digital requirements, the automatic, recognition of EU Inc. Across all member states, which will favor mobility and cross border transactions, administrative simplification and reduction of the cost of setting up companies, and targeting the needs of innovative companies, startup scale ups, which are particularly affected by the fragmentation we have in the EU. Now having said that, in order for this 20 eighth regime to really meet those objectives, it has to be set on a solid foundation to inspire confidence and trust. And therefore, the proposal should focus on harmonization of company law and should exclude any tax provisions fully respecting the national laws when it comes to labor laws and, workers' rights. When it comes to simplification, there also has to be a high level of legal certainty and prevention of fraud, money laundering, and abusive practices, and to ensure that the technical aspects can be put in place, swiftly and within the timeline foreseen. There's a nonpaper that my colleague from The Netherlands just referred to, cosigned between the 3 Benelux countries. And then we consider that the 20 eighth regime is an opportunity to modernize Europe's companies, and we hope that the final text will be able to bring together all of those aims with the interests of the stakeholders for a resilient and innovative European Union. We would also like to highlight that the proposal on the 20 eighth regime is only 1 piece of the puzzle and will not be able to resolve all of the problems that our companies face when they want to operate across borders. So alongside this proposal, we will also need other instruments in order to continue the integration of the single market and reduce fragmentation. And we're thinking in particular of facilitating the setting up of economic activities across the EU?”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you. Markus. I would first like to thank the presidency for the work done so far. Luxembourg remains firmly committed to the objectives of the CIU. Advancing the CIU is necessary to foster EU competitiveness. Technical experts have only just completed a first reading of the full package. Questions whether the proposed models will foster competitiveness remain unanswered. Efficiency gains linked to direct supervision are highly questionable. Costs of double layered supervision are tremendous, and the Council Legal service recently also acknowledged legal issues linked to the Meroni doctrine. This raises serious questions about the overall calibration of the Commission's proposal. Centralized supervision is not the solution to the EU's competitiveness challenges. The discussion must rather focus on achieving convergence at limited cost and on reducing burden for market participants and national supervisors. We have insufficiently explored options to build up convergence and to eliminate gold plating. Luxembourg is open in principle to looking again into Esma's internal governance. However, the proposed Executive board does not have the necessary legitimacy to exercise far reaching powers across 27 highly diverse national markets. There is a real risk of weakening democratic accountability without clear evidence that this set up would deliver stronger supervisory expertise or better outcomes. Any governance reform must ensure meaningful involvement of national competent authorities. This is where the bulk of supervisory knowledge and market understanding resides. Thank you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you. David. We support the request to keep the subject of animal welfare at the heart of the European Commission's programme for the next commission. We think that a high level of animal welfare is a fundamental aspect of European agriculture. Concerning the proposal on transport, we think that work in Council should start now. I'd also like to recall our priority in this file, [00:13:00] which is, in the long term, a ban on the export of animals to third countries, that is, live animals for slaughter to third countries to replace the transport of animals by the transport of products. As regards the trade in dogs and cats, we welcome the inclusion of strengthened authorisation procedures and animal welfare standards. These proposals will help to combat more effectively the illegal trade in pets, [00:13:30] and we will play a constructive role in trying to arrive at a council position as soon as possible. Thank you”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• “In addition, Luxembourg takes the view that publishing the initial EU anti-poverty strategy is in itself an ambitious strategy, and it must be based on a multi-dimensional approach to poverty. Three essential points to this. Firstly, we have got to make sure that we clearly say in the strategy that there is a strategy of tailor made integral assistance. Secondly, it could be useful to get the European semester to bring various tools together so that we can have the annual annual report on this matter from the Social Protection Committee so that we can get better monitoring of improving access to services. Thirdly, we've got to make sure that we get the individuals concerned involved in developing policy. We can see at European level how much the individual's input can be essential if we want to come up with services which are non-stigmatizing, which are accessible and which really meet people's needs. Luxembourg, therefore, is fully committed to make sure we can join hands to address this issue. And so the first ever EU anti-poverty strategy can be a real turning point in social cohesion. Thank you.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “Thank you. Magnus. Well, everyone, Luxembourg shares France's concerns. And we agree with their call in the joint document to have urgent action regarding the environmental and economic effects of ultra fast fashion. We welcome the steps already taken under the Framework Directive on Textile Waste, and also the regulation on eco design for sustainable products, in order to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact. It is essential to reduce the use of resources in the textile value chain. Because this is one of the most polluting sectors of activity in the world, we want to steer our economy towards a responsible use of resources, focusing on quality that will make it possible to boost sustainability, repairability and also recycling of textiles in a competitive way. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you chair. I'd like to start off by telling you something about a few initiatives which are seeking to provide a systematic approach to sports people's mental health in Luxembourg. Now, continual training for coaches in health on mental health matters. This has developed a number of specified modules, together with the health sector building in some mental coaches into health structures along the lines of what's happening in the Netherlands. This has led to some national guidance and counselling services developing some railings, but some beg your pardon, some footbridges between health services, health professionals and sports associations, setting up some mediation methods where individual independent bodies can deal with complaints and reports of difficulties. Here we have the agency for Integrity in Sport in Luxembourg, setting up some specific counselling measures for the difficult stage for the transition at end of career or injury dealing, for example, with questions of double career so that people can move on to a different line of work. Then in general terms, it's essential to break the taboo around mental health and to make people more aware, particularly youngsters, about the risk of over performance. Now, in the absence of comparable data between the member states, one thing the member states could do is develop some EU indicators, and we could provide some non-binding guidelines for healthy sport structures. Erasmus+ sport could support that, particularly in fundamental sports, which is where large scale prevention needs to take place. I think in conclusion, it's worth pointing out that sport is an essential part of mental health prevention in itself because it can contribute to everyone's well-being. Thank you very much, chair. **ΠΡΟΕΔΡΕΥΟΥΣΑ ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛΙΟΥ @Chair: Thank you. Now we move to Malta and Greece and followed by Austria and Estonia. Thank you so much.”
  Broadcasting of sports events
• “Thank you very much. And thank you to the German delegation for putting this item on our agenda. We have also seen that there are new free range and development models which take into consideration animal welfare, and they completed the regulatory framework so that consumers can be informed in a transparent manner on these practices, and so that controls can take place in line with objective criteria. At this stage, however, we would like to be cautious when it comes to changes to the water content, which is a quality criteria which is very important when it comes to poultry. Thank you.”
  Food labelling harmonisation at EU level
• “Yes, thank you very much, Madam President. I didn't have the intention to take the floor because after the eighth of elections, 8th of October elections, there are many negotiations underway to form the [00:03:30] government. But to complete the table round, I would just like to join in on what was said by many delegations. We need more flexibility. Avoidance actions are a concept which are known in our national legislation, and the provisions should aim to reach a minimum harmonisation for the Member States, and this should be to have a [00:04:00] better protection of creditors independently of the rules that may have constitute exemptions to avoidance actions. There are other similar provisions. Securitisation, for example, in national legislation that constitute a derogation and should be taken into consideration. I think we need to build in flexibility in the proposed text to make sure that we don't [00:04:30] collide with national existing provisions in Member states, so generally speaking, we need more flexibility. We feel that's necessary and it is indispensable with regard to these avoidance actions.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Certificates for low carbon steel or super credits for small electric vehicles should bring true added value as long as they are defined strict criteria which guarantee the environmental integrity of their use. The Made in Euros Europe concept requires greater analysis and is worthy of that. It's an interesting avenue which should be discussed and considered in our negotiations. However, I am not in favor of flexibility allowing for greater use of alternative fuels in road vehicles. Their availability will remain limited and this should be restricted mainly to aviation and maritime transport. I also do not support the proposal for greater flexibility in 2030, which would water down the objective and spread it out over three years. I do support, however, modernizing the labeling of vehicles. Clear, transparent information is crucial to guide consumers and ensure the proper functioning of the internal market. A final point we must also ensure in our work that we limit the administrative burden to the absolutely necessary for industry and authorities. Our responsibility. Responsibility, dear colleague, is collective to remain competitive whilst guaranteeing our energy sovereignty and climate sovereignty. We must maintain both high ambition and predictability for industry. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you, Jacob, and my thanks to Christoph for the presentation and my thanks to the presidency for their background to today's discussion. Now, before I come on to your questions, I would just like to emphasize that keeping agriculture productive is our overwhelming priority. For that reason, we've got to do everything possible to make sure that farming can continue and can develop its to its full potential across all the EU's territories. This is can be achieved firstly by having a robust and flexible and well adapted cap, which reflects all our different situations. It's the cap with a ring fenced budget at the amount required. We therefore absolutely need to increase the ring fenced cap budget. I basically support the outlines of what our Italian friend Francesco was saying on this matter. Now, the presidency and the Commission last week were setting out some steps in the right direction, particularly regarding the additional framework for the budget of rural areas and rationalizing all the documentation regarding targeting support. I think that this should be done first and foremost by having a precise definition of who benefits from the support, and this definition must be built into the implementing measures for the Cap. We have active farmers, as we understand it nowadays, is very, very precious and must be maintained into the future. At this stage, the wording in the proposed document is not really tight enough, because it doesn't make a distinction between people who really produce foods and people who only, uh, do such things as, um, landscape maintenance.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “Thank you very much, presidency. [00:12:00] I'd like to say I'm very happy to be here for the first time with you all. And I look forward to looking to working with you constructively. Let me stress that we are in favour of European and national efforts to better protect victims. The victim must be in a position to obtain compensation in the context of criminal proceedings that can be done in Luxembourg. [00:12:30] As things stand. But sometimes the civil avenue can be useful. So we need to have some sort of flexibility. As to the proposal whereby we would oblige competent authorities to pay compensation up front. We understand the well-meaning intentions of the commission, but we need to consider that a compensation of any victim for of any offence could be far too great a financial and [00:13:00] administrative burden for member states. So we agree with many other colleagues on that subject. And then it could also constitute a the wrong kind of message to put across. We could limit this to certain specific cases, certain, uh, crimes and certain types of damage. So physical damage or psychological damage, for example. And then we would also raise the point that we need [00:13:30] consistency with the directive on the violence perpetrated against women. Another, uh, question, now that you've raised as to the single, uh. Bonus model. We would be open to that. We think that it could be useful to use that. The main need to be some flexibility, however, on how it's implemented [00:14:00] so as to take into account the territorial specificities in the Member states and maintain it initially, at least for the most serious cases. But of course, nothing would prevent member states from going beyond that and indeed applying the Banhos model to other types of crime. Thank you.”
  EU policy on victims' compensation rights
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. At the last exchange of views here at the Environment Council on the Commission's proposed recast, we welcome the proposed level of ambition and the new elements for modernising [00:06:30] this legislation. So you should come as no surprise to hear that we regret the fact that the waters, the text has been watered down. This applies to the measures and also for the timeframe. On that note, obviously we recognise that some member states need more time. So you're quite right to offer extended deadlines for those which actually need it. But those deadlines should not mean that we delay acting in countries where it's possible to respond [00:07:00] more swiftly. We also commend the support that's been offered to new dimensions in the proposal, whether it be eliminating with Micropollutants, with quaternary treatment and the polluter pays principle, energy neutrality or collaboration with health authorities. All of these points, we feel, provide clear added value. Just to conclude, we warmly thank you, the Spanish presidency, for its efforts. The presidency can count on our support today. This is a fragile balance, [00:07:30] and we would appeal to the presidency to preserve that balance. Thank you.”
  Water pollution
• “Thank you very Much. Let me add my voice to those who thank the Danish Presidency for its efforts to move this file forward after long and complex discussions. The compromise before us is balanced and represents genuine progress towards modernising the 2003 framework. We note the presidency's decision to hold the political debate today and to aim for an agreement in December, but we continue to have concerns on the use of a macroeconomic criterion to identify member states eligible for the household exemption in article 21. Therefore, we ask that this criterion is taken out of the compromise text. We are ready to work constructively in helping to finalise the text at expert level. Thank you.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you chair. I welcome the determination and the clarity and the speed with which with which the Commissioner has outlined the problems. And we want to go in the right direction. It's good that we are looking at all the ways we can reduce energy costs, which is an essential condition, not just for the three sectors we're talking about today, but also for all industrial sectors within the European Union on steel and metals. We support the Commission's idea to move forward on Cbam. It's also a question of detail, because the scope of Cpam needs to be broadened to include more upstream products in the value chain, such as energy, mobility, uh, and uh, uh, electro uh products, for example, to avoid carbon leakage. Now, um, we need to look at everything that's, uh, important for the production of mobility and defense. Now, um, on Cbam, we need to have, uh, make sure that it's binding by default, um, so that we avoid resource shuffling. That needs to be based on the most, uh, Carbon rich production route for those countries at risk of resource shuffling, so that we can verify, because it's going to be difficult for us to verify installation by installation or plant by plant. So we need a clear calendar for these by default values and for cbam benchmarks to make sure that companies have the necessary visibility. And we need to avoid making sure that importers benefit from obsolete values, even when ETS benchmarks are getting harder for European producers.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you chair. I welcome the determination and the clarity and the speed with which with which the Commissioner has outlined the problems. And we want to go in the right direction. It's good that we are looking at all the ways we can reduce energy costs, which is an essential condition, not just for the three sectors we're talking about today, but also for all industrial sectors within the European Union on steel and metals. We support the Commission's idea to move forward on Cbam. It's also a question of detail, because the scope of Cpam needs to be broadened to include more upstream products in the value chain, such as energy, mobility, uh, and uh, uh, electro uh products, for example, to avoid carbon leakage. Now, um, we need to look at everything that's, uh, important for the production of mobility and defense. Now, um, on Cbam, we need to have, uh, make sure that it's binding by default, um, so that we avoid resource shuffling. That needs to be based on the most, uh, Carbon rich production route for those countries at risk of resource shuffling, so that we can verify, because it's going to be difficult for us to verify installation by installation or plant by plant. So we need a clear calendar for these by default values and for cbam benchmarks to make sure that companies have the necessary visibility. And we need to avoid making sure that importers benefit from obsolete values, even when ETS benchmarks are getting harder for European producers.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you, Louise, and thank you for putting this on the agenda for today's council. Thank you to the Commission for your proposal. Luxembourg is committed to the fight against food waste. We've been working on this since 2016. There have been many initiatives to inform and raise awareness in the farming sector and also among consumers on this subject. All these initiatives have been voluntary, but they have borne fruit. In 2018 and 2021, we've seen a reduction of 23% in a residual food waste in commerce. The restaurant sector and in households. All of this has been supported by the Agriculture Ministry through awareness raising campaigns and also financial assistance. Just to answer your specific questions, our preliminary analysis of the [00:29:30] proposal is positive on the basis of the data we have at the moment. The aim of a 30% reduction in food waste in the hotel and catering sector, households and commerce. That seems realistic. The 10% reduction figure? Well, we'll have to make more of an effort on that at 20. In 2018, we collected a data on food waste, and we appreciate the fact that the commission proposal is taking [00:30:00] into account the efforts we've been making since that date. [00:30:03] Second question on the appropriate tools to achieve the objectives. Well, we have to continue with our awareness raising and information activities for the whole of the food supply chain. People need to be educated to eat locally on a seasonal basis, and they need to be taught to avoid waste. But we also need to carry out an in-depth analysis of the causes of waste. This analysis [00:30:30] will allow us to take specific actions where necessary. So on these strategic points, we need to propose aid to the sector so that the set objectives can be attained. Finally, we also need to provide more information about the impact of food waste. So the financial impact but also the impact on ecosystems. So this would enhance local production and it would [00:31:00] raise awareness of the consequences of all of this. This could be based on a voluntary approach, but all the stakeholders need to be involved so that we can actually bring about a behavioural change on a lasting basis. Thank you.”
  Food waste
• “Thank you. Commissioner colleagues, first of all, I would like to congratulate the Belgian presidency for the conclusions that we adopted, as well as the work programme that was approved. Self organised sport, as covered by the conclusions, covers a broad scope and the work programme as well has some very interesting and innovative developments in [00:21:30] it. And I'd also like to congratulate the presidency for all of the meetings and conferences that have been organised during the six month period. I haven't heard anything but the most positive things when it comes to the debate. Then I would very much agree with what the president said when it comes to the key role played by volunteers in European sport, and more broadly when it comes to national cohesion as well. Statistics show that in Europe, 10% of Europeans are involved in volunteering [00:22:00] in sports. But according to the same study, I think Luxembourg can be quite proud of the fact that we're at 19%, according to national surveys that we've carried out. 59% of our citizens are involved in volunteering of some some sort and a large amount in sports. Specifically, the focus that's been set on volunteers here is really part of the work that our coalition government is doing. We really want to make sure that the work carried [00:22:30] out by volunteers is recognised by way of some sort of badges, perhaps digital badges that would see that would clearly set out what skills they required. And we also have initiatives ongoing to gather together the ministers who are responsible for this, who will set in place actions to promote the work. Volunteering is based on non-professional structures, but without these sport would not exist at the level it is today. [00:22:59] So we're [00:23:00] really relying on the involvement of sport of volunteers, and we have put in place specific kinds of leave which are available to people who take part in volunteering. They can take that on top of their annual leave so that they can get involved. So this is something that's available to elite professionals initially, but it was extended last year to other athletes and to other people who are involved in the sporting world, as well as to volunteers as well. Now, this kind of leave [00:23:30] isn't just for those who are taking part in competitions specifically, but it's for the preparation for competitions, etc. as well. All those involved in the administration and organisational side of things, side of things as well. And we have a specific amount of days set out depending on the level of the of the sport carried out. So the salary of those who are involved in this of course, as well is paid by the state to then when it comes to the obstacles that exist and potential [00:24:00] solutions that could be found and what we can do at the EU level, I think we need to make volunteering more attractive overall, and that's something that we did by putting in place the provision on the leave that's available to volunteers. We need to have a system in place which will recognise the skills, the expertise that's been acquired and also which recognises the economic aspect and the way that volunteers help our economies as well as our societies. Thank you very much.”
  EU volunteering programs
• “Thank you very much, president. Congratulations, first of all, on your presentation of the presidency's priorities. I can see that there is general convergence, uh, of points of view between your approach and ours. And you can count on the support to see them through. Like many previous speakers, I would like to stress that the foremost priority for us too is and has to remain support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, as well as the need to bring an end to the spiral of violence that we're seeing in the Middle East again, a point made already by others. We're very pleased to see competitiveness and put at the centre of your priorities. This is something which we believe has to be a priority. On the basis of the letter and Draghi reports. You have plenty of substance to bring to the table with a view to promoting discussions and finding solutions, which will help our companies make better use of the single market and finding solutions to the excessive red tape, which is so problematic for our companies at the moment. And finally, we would like to stress how important enlargement is for us too. As has been said by previous speakers. Thank you.”
  EU enlargement
• “Chairman. Thank you to the Hungarian delegation for putting this on the agenda. Luxembourg has been affected by animal diseases over recent years, and this has led to considerable losses. And we would also encourage us to take action across Europe in a coordinated way to promote vaccination so that we prevent spreading of diseases, which of course involves a lot of economic damage for the sectors concerned. I think that we need to improve the availability of effective vaccinations, and we would count on the EU to develop the appropriate and appropriate legislative framework for this to happen. Thank you.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• “Thank you. Thank you for the presentation. A very important presentation of the future of food and agricultural production in Europe. It underscores the importance of the strategic role of this for our sovereignty and food sovereignty, and sets our farmers at the heart of the cap. We welcome the package for 2025. The simplification package, particularly the principal collect, once used several times approach. We support that. We also agree very much with what Lewis said on that. When it comes to generation renewal, that's very important to our sector has to remain attractive for young people. Thirdly, an approach based on encouragement for our environmental objectives to be achieved and voluntary benchmarking. That's important too. Fourthly, we welcome that our rules should be imposed on imports when it comes to pesticide residues. When it comes to animal welfare, we need a level playing field. It's very important when we're talking about the Mercosur agreement, for instance, in this context. Finally, we say this is an important, ambitious roadmap, and it will need a stand alone budget that is in line with the challenges we all face. Thank you.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you, chairman. Recognition of parenthood is the missing link in due to cooperation in civil matters as it stands. Luxembourg has always supported the commission's initiative to resolve this. Recognition of parenthood for a child would make it much easier, simpler, and less costly for families to deal with some of the concrete issues they encounter in this context. Regarding the most essential aspects of the compromised text, we would like this wider scope possible to risk have a restrictive approach to parenthood would, in our view, mean difference of treatment between children would be potentially possible, and this is about child rights, so we should avoid that. As to what we could do, this is important. So we should take the time it needs to understand each other's positions better and try to find landing zones that fit us all. At the end of the day, our aim is freedom of movement and recognition of parenthood together as a concrete reality in as many member states as possible. The progress your presidency and previous presidencies have made are welcome, and we pay tribute to them. At this stage, though, we need to continue working at expert level so that we hope during the Irish presidency, we'll get a consolidated text that can have the support of the widest possible range of member states. Thank you.”
  LGBTIQ+
• “Thank you for giving me the floor. Cheslav to present the AOB from Luxembourg and Austria. In order to ensure sustainable management of world forests, the Commission has introduced a regulation on deforestation. And we have been acting therefore against deforestation, with official controls being implemented to ensure the regulation is complied with. Having said that, we shouldn't introduce new administrative burdens on farmers in countries where deforestation is not a problem, which is the case for most European countries. The wooded area in the EU has actually increased considerably. Farmers will no longer accept extra administrative burdens. Let's remind ourselves of the demonstrations last year. So, considering the general context for requiring simplification of the legislation of the EU, what we suggest are some lines we could think about to make it easier to implement the regulation, namely, the setting up of a force category for regions where you have an insignificant risk of deforestation. And we would ask the Commission to include the UDR among the regulations. It will be simplifying Terrifying, and we therefore think the date of entry into force should be postponed again. So we think, yes, we need measures to combat deforestation where the problem exists, and we have to have the necessary controls to do that. Having said that, no extra administrative burden, which would be useless for countries where there is no risk of deforestation. Thank you.”
  Trade impact on forests
• “Thank you to the presidency. Let me firstly emphasise that Luxembourg fully supports, like others, the joint paper of the 17 member states. Sweden and others have also referred to it already. Now, on the questions raised by the presidency, let me come back to three important elements. Firstly, on SMEs, we need to take a horizontal approach and create framework conditions which are simple and with as little red tape as possible, so that we can support the best projects, whatever the size of the company, so that the European Competitiveness Fund specifically meets the needs of SMEs. The same goes for SMEs taking part in large scale investments. The major obstacle remains administrative ones, so we need to simplify and reduce the administrative burden. At the same time, simplicity needs to mean think small first and once only, and that principle needs to be applied across the board at all levels and scales at the same time. Future European champions will not necessarily be tech in nature every time, so we need to avoid cannibalisation of different types of SMEs. Secondly, on excellence, we fully support the approach based on quality. The fund needs to be one that supports those companies who have the best projects, wherever they are situated geographically. Thirdly, on private investment, now, in order to attract more investment, we need to use the European budget as a lever, as a lever to get more financing. Invest EU has shown its worth and needs to be the centre of our approach. We need to amplify the effect of that instrument. We need it to give it enough resources to make it a window which showcases the Eib's projects. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much. I'd like to start by thanking the Spanish presidency for the excellent paper that you submitted to us today. [00:50:30] We believe that these conclusions very clearly identify the different challenges facing rural regions. Some of these rural regions are faced with a risk of de-population. Others, such as those in my country, are seeing an important increase in the population size. And so the questions faced by these regions and their villages are not necessarily the same. The major challenge [00:51:00] is to step up the level of cohesion between previous inhabitants and new inhabitants of our multicultural villages. That requires a strong, diversified rural development policy. If we are going to make it possible for these regions to develop in a sustainable economic and social way. From that point of view, an integrated and holistic approach is going to be needed. We need to bring in the various instruments and funds that [00:51:30] we have available to us in the European Union and at the national level. For us, the important thing is for rural areas to be able to continue to develop economically, diversify and have a strong agricultural sector with a diversified and sustainable food production system. And I say sustainable both in economic and environmental terms. I think the text we have before us covers all the main points that are important to us. And we would therefore just [00:52:00] like to conclude by congratulating the Spanish presidency and say we support these this support the text.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you darling. And many thanks to the Belgian presidency for the work put into this. Congratulations on the compromise proposal, which we are looking at today with a view of adopting a general approach. We are in a position to accept this when it comes to reducing food waste, we like the maintaining the high level of ambition proposed by the Commission, which will enable us to also attain sustainable development goals when it comes to reducing food waste. We also welcome the inclusion of the social dimension in the context of textile waste, and then the social enterprises of the solidarity economy active in this area can continue pursuing their activities. Now, when it comes to individual protection equipment, we still think that the text could be further clarified in upcoming further negotiations. And then when it comes to the scope and dealing with specific types of waste necessary in certain cases, separate collection is required where appropriate, so as to ensure that we don't have this situation where you have these collection of clean textiles and re-employment and recycling is needed to be taken into account when it comes to individual protection equipment. Thank you.”
  Re-use of packaging
• “Thank you, Peter. I'd like to start by wishing you all the best for the Swedish presidency, which has just started. I'd also. Like to thank those colleagues who asked for this point to be put on today's agenda. I fully share their desire to improve animal welfare conditions during transport. This should be the main aim of the revision of legislation. We need to take into account the specificities of agricultural production, the regional specificities. I think we all agree that we should promote alternatives to transport of live animals. However. The revision of the legislation should introduce a strict limit on the duration of transport and in particular during the warm season. And we need to make sure that third countries respect our standards. Sometimes we we ban export of animals for slaughter in third countries because of this. We need to ensure the general rule should be b a ban if appropriate, with the necessary flexibility. Thank you.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• “Thank you Dear Alan, I would like to confirm my support for the 90% reduction target put forward by the commission. The fit for 55 and its implementation is something we support fully and it should be done ASAP. Given our policies for above and beyond 2030, this is crucial to help our companies, investors, and other stakeholders, we need foreseeability. The climate transition will only be a success if the competitiveness of European industry is guaranteed and its transition within our countries managed in a fair manner. But this is the threat of climate change. Competitiveness is closely linked to this. It is the flip side of the comb. Our policy, the fit for 55 package has already changed a number of key cursors. We now have to complete the table, particularly for industry and sectors which are difficult to decarbonize. We will be losers in fighting climate change in terms of economic competitiveness if we just stick to a stop and go approach in order to improve foreseeability, our future climate objectives should allow us to draw a clear distinction of emissions reductions from absorption, natural absorption and expectations and technological carbon reduction should be distinguishable. We have to look at the conditions for both sectors. Our future objective should be science-based and in line with the 1.5°C target. All sectors must contribute their share. Our legislation must lead to reductions which are cost effective and be based on our experience over the last 15 years, combined with market mechanisms, policies and objectives which are sectoral. The cost of inaction must be taken on board measures based on demand and its possible contribution do have the potential to give a significant contribution to reduction in the cost of the transition, whilst at the same time helping the cost benefit. But they have to be truly integrated into the regulatory framework, which is part of a clarification. I think with this is an area of potential that we should fully exploit. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Following these natural disasters that are increasingly common. Please, could you repeat? I just wanted to say that Luxembourg expresses its full solidarity to Malta following the meteorological events that were devastating, and that happened recently. These natural disasters are increasingly frequent across Europe, and this underscores the need to strengthen our risk management tools within the next programme period. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much indeed, chairman. This is a timely discussion because it shows the importance of the framework programme. Uh, and like others, we welcome the Commission's president's statement on having a Self-standing framework programme and are very much in favour of that. In general terms, we're in favour of continuing the framework programme so that there can be, uh, predictability for our scientific community. But simplification of the programme is key. We need to continue to reduce the number of partnerships and other related programmes and so on, and we would reaffirm the added value that collaborative projects represent because researchers at the start of their careers can participate, and it also contributes contributes to the creation of the European Research Area. Now, fundamental research should go beyond the ERC and is something that has to be developed further. There needs to be openness on the projects, to academic circles, to so that better account can be taken of industrial needs, and the framework programme should be made more flexible so that the decision and programming, uh, uh, decision making is more transparent, is open, and so that dialogue is fostered between the participating entities. Now, as the Portuguese minister has said, we too regret that 70% of high quality projects go unfunded. Those are missed opportunities as we see it. It is problematic and it's something that we need to solve. When it comes to your second question, chairman, and the participation of SMEs, that goes well beyond the ECC. They're often beneficiaries of the second pillar. And we would, uh, call for greater collaborative research in this area too. We need long term support, uh, provide information, raise awareness so that access of SMEs can be ensured. In reaction to your third question then. We appreciate the current geopolitical discussion and understand why our discussion is taking us in this direction. We welcome this, but we do need to be prudent and believe that we should take it step by step. Uh, the program's civilian nature needs to be kept. And when it comes to the ICC's role, that's something that would need to be assessed. Thank you.”
  EU research funding
• “Thank you. I would like to express all our sympathy for our Hungarian and Slovak colleagues who have to deal with a very difficult situation, and I'd like to congratulate Istvan on his services for their rapid reaction. This highlights the importance of upholding animal health legislation and biosecurity rules set out in EU Legislation in order to make sure that after the implementation of necessary restrictions, we can start movements again from restricted areas. Thank you very much.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• “Thank you, Peter. And thank you for your presentation. Commissioner. The protection of biodiversity in general and the protection of pollinators in particular are priorities for our governments. Recently we adopted our national plan for pollinators, and we have set some very ambitious protection [00:35:00] targets and also a range of measures to implement. We have targeted restrictions for insecticides in certain areas, and we also have support measures designed to promote biodiversity. These support measures involve non productive areas and the creation and protection of landscape. A structural features and all this is enshrined in our national strategic plan. Thank you.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank you chairman. Well, in this transition situation with all this uncertainty. Our industries do need to have a clear signal, and that's why we very much support the idea of creating lead markets to stimulate demand for products such as green steel, which will contribute towards our environmental objectives and our industrialisation objectives. As far as we're concerned, made with Europe, which would be targeted towards strategic sectors and which would include trade partners, is the right approach. It will enable us to strengthen the fabric of our industry in Europe, and it will also enable us to remain open and reliable trade partner. Of course, our trade partners will have to comply with comparable commitments in terms of climate and decarbonisation in order to ensure that we have fair competition for our industry. Now, one important thing to do is to avoid an excessive burden upon businesses and upon our authorities. We have to have simple procedures which are easy to implement. Another important point is our attractiveness towards investment coming in from abroad. Legal certainty, regulatory stability are major factors in attracting investment. The full implementation of the objectives in the IAA will mean developments in our rules on state aid. All players in industry should be able to benefit from support to increase their capacity, not just SMEs. For example, big industrial companies can only benefit from investment aid in the context of regional assistance, and only if we are talking about a new form of economic activity. We have to have additional incentives. And I would also recall that negotiations on filtering of FDI have enabled us to come up with a balanced solution, and we will remain vigilant. We don't want this balance to be affected. We're talking about credibility and consistency when it comes to our aims here when it comes to simplifying regulations. So let's not introduce overlaps or contradictions, because this is something that we are now trying to remove via the omnibus packages. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “I would also like to stress that these recommendations are non-binding. They cannot replace clear, objective legislation. If we compare current measures with similar instruments that could be covered by the ring fenced fund in the future, the reduction of the future budget budget envelope is flagrant. We must therefore necessarily propose more measures for farmers. It's hard to reconcile this with fewer rules. Christoph, you propose introduction of a transition action plan for farmers. At first sight it seems very interesting. We have many questions on its feasibility and how it would be coordinated with other agro environmental measures, or indeed with support for investment, bearing in mind that the latter is an important lever for transition to more resilient production. The Commission now proposes 43% at national regional partnership should be for climate and environment. This is too much. It's too ambitious. We see a decline in instruments for the cap. It could be that they will have. There will be difficulties in making contributions to this objective. The Cap should also support other objectives food sovereignty, stabilisation of income for farmers and also generational renewal. And we must look at this today. Thank you.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you. Chair. Well, as we've heard, the issue of improving the work conditions in the CCS is the one that has multiple different facets. On the one hand, there are financial support mechanisms that are available in Luxembourg, for example, to help artists develop their careers and to promote artistic creation. And that should help artists, hopefully to be able to live off of their [00:44:30] art. Then our Ministry for culture in 2022 put in place a non-binding charter for cultural structures. It addresses a number of questions fair pay, gender equality and to date, all cultural institutions and public establishments. A number of cities, a number of libraries and cultural federations have signed this charter. And then finally tied in with the working conditions and living conditions. [00:45:00] We've gained experience during Covid and have, as a result, updated measures in Luxembourg for those who are self-employed in this sector and those who work in the audiovisual and media sector too. There is continuous financial support which is available to those during difficult times, in order that they have enough money to live off on to be able to make ends meet. Support was also introduced for young artists who are entering into this sector after university studies, and [00:45:30] they have also been adopted for those over the age of 50. When it comes to what we need to do at European level, well, the Omk group, as we've heard, has showed that it's difficult to define a common European basis for a framework. Firstly, we need to improve coordination between the sectors involved, the various different ministries at the national level and then the policies at European level. We need to take into account the concerns of those in the actual sector and the impact that any act would have when [00:46:00] it came to implementation on the actual sector, the living and working conditions, and also the work of the professional professionals. If I have to identify a few specific points, I think Luxembourg would focus very much on mobility with specific questions that need to be looked at in terms of Social Security as well, and tax issues as well for artists. Thank you.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Thank you very much for the floor, chair. Dear Alain, first of all, allow me to thank the presidency for the tireless work that they've put into this dossier, which is so important on behalf of Luxembourg. I'd like to say that the text that we have in front of us today is a vast improvement compared to the initial version of the text. It takes a more pragmatic approach, giving certain degree of flexibility to member states. That having been said, we regret that the soils units are to be defined according to land use because this leads to discontinuity and from a spatial point of view, and in time as well. And that's not optimal when it comes to local evaluations and long term soil health. When it comes to confidentiality as well, the possible implications in the future directive. That's something that would need to be looked at into more detail in upcoming negotiations. Apart from those two points, which we would like to see come back to during the trilogues, the proposed text as it stands, we are happy with. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank you very much. Uh, chairman. Colleagues, first of all, I'd like to join in the words of thanks for to the Belgian presidency for the wonderful evening yesterday. And with regard to the discussion today and your first question in Luxembourg, [00:12:00] the government feels that a modern member state requires artificial intelligence. And we put a focus on this in a horizontal way to look at the potential for AI to provide impetus for our economies, and also to simplify the lives of our citizens. Along those lines, we encourage startups, AI, startups. They should, um, propose new products [00:12:30] and services. Uh, in the area of culture, AI has been key in terms of the European Capital of Culture 2002. I've already created a horizontal AI group within my ministry to identify the challenges for the Luxembourg sector, and also to provide responses to those challenges. What we already see is that there is a significant decline, um, uh, [00:13:00] take off, uh, in certain sectors, for example, the film sector, which is bringing on board virtual reality and augmented reality, they've done this for years. We also have a special, uh, um, uh, a AI specialist at the National um library, which has created a chatbot. And also there's the diversity of stakeholders and, um, artistic [00:13:30] disciplines, which, um, um, uh, vacillate between, um, um, kind of, uh, trepidation, but also interest in this area. Um, so we see that, um, the situation is very varied and we cannot have a uniform, uh, approach. Now, on the second question, I would like to share some other thoughts. Now, even though the [00:14:00] intersexual skills and cooperation are key, um, questions, I think that as the council will have to, uh, come to grips with the complexity of AI in culture in its entirety, and we need to have a position and a holistic approach in order to have a, um, coherent policies in programs. I think there are five areas that we need [00:14:30] to focus on the use of AI for artistic creation, cultural heritage, and also the administration of various cultural structures. Also the data, the production, processing and storage of data over the long term and then skills learning awareness, but also the question of access. Then there's the legal framework as number four, [00:15:00] um, in line with the GDPR rules and also protection against discrimination. And then there's the ethical framework as number five, revolving around questions of responsible use of AI, respecting human rights and protecting physical workers. Uh, and so it's very useful to look at the work underway, uh, here also at the Council of Europe, who has been dealing with the issue of, um, AI and [00:15:30] they have a framework convention for artificial intelligence, which has recently been drawn up. I would like to conclude by recall the main question. That or essential question raised by US Electric Electronica Linz. In fact their director Gerfried Stocker. He said we shouldn't just focus on the impact of AI on culture, creativity and cultural heritage, but we should [00:16:00] also think about the influence that we can and must exercise over the development of IA and the dangers in not doing so. Thank you.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Chair commissioners, I'd like to thank the Danish and Cyprus presidencies for the work that has already been done in the case of these negotiations. And thank you for your constant effort to try and bring together positions and arrive at an agreement on the Horizon Europe package. We support the ambition of a PGA by the end of this half year. In continuing our work, it's important to maintain a balance between excellence, competitiveness and inclusiveness. The Future Framework Programme has to be a strong instrument that serves the beneficiaries and stakeholders, while ensuring stability and predictability of research and innovation in Europe. When it comes to the agenda points, I would like to highlight a number of elements. First of all, the definition of strategic priorities. Here we support a governance framework that is more transparent and better structured, so that we have a better workaround between the ECF and Horizon Europe. It's very important to ensure that member states are involved early on in the process before Comitology kicks in. In this way, it would be easier for us to anticipate priorities and take collective ownership of the programme, thus ensuring that it works better with other European instruments. Secondly, when it comes to European partnerships, we share The goal of simplification, transparency and European added value, which should steer the work.”
  EU-level coordination of research agendas
• “Thanks very much. Just once again, I'd like to thank our commissioner for his first package of simplification, which we've been looking forward to. Now we have to take a decision quickly on this package so that it can take effect. Aware of the fact that we still have to speak with the industry in applying and changes in keeping with our national legislative procedures. Right now, we shouldn't lose time on details. The discussion on the post 2027 cap, I hope, will give us an opportunity to have a real exhaustive discussion on the future of the CFP. Right now, I'd like to point out to Christoph that you have our full support for the coming months so that we can maintain a common agricultural policy, which will be autonomous and performing, and which will support our producers and to guarantee our food sovereignty. We're also grateful to the Commission for having scrapped the annual performance clearance procedure and clarification on quality controls. Along those lines, we think we could have gone even further by leaving out the biannual performance criteria, which are no longer useful. The added value of that sort of procedure is that, and too slow for it to have a meaningful effect on the actual programming period.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you. Uh, we need to say that people who live in rural areas or citizens of the EU have to have equal opportunities, whether they live in rural areas or urban areas. And I think this rural proofing concept is interesting in terms of having a fair and effective, um, policy for rural areas. Now, we don't have a lot of experience in Luxembourg of rural proofing, so it's difficult for us to assess this tool and exchange on good practice of rural proofing, however, seems important and necessary. We feel that that this instrument should remain optional at national level, so that we avoid any additional and undue administrative burden. Moving on to your second question. In Luxembourg, we attach a great deal of importance to a strong and diversified rural development policy, and the cap can't sort everything out. We need to profit from synergies in the area of education, health, etc.. For this purpose, we carry out a regular exchange with other ministerial departments. This practice has proved itself over time in order to better coordinate rural development measures in the broad sense of the term, when it comes to the Cap, the rural development instrument and par excellence. Leader has shown that it can generate added value in protecting rural communities over the years. And I think it's very important that within the Cap, we assign enough resources to lead us so that we can address different types of issues and challenges that rural communities in Europe, in all their diversity, are currently faced. Rural communities in Luxembourg, for example, are seeing demographic growth, not decline, as a result of other problems. Of course, we have to be able to admit and welcome new period new populations, help local communities to do that, and also make sure that there's sufficient agricultural land available for that. Thank you.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you very much for your very clear presentation of what's at stake when it comes to vaccination in the eradication programs [00:22:30] for category C disease is we have set up a national program in order to obtain disease free status for IBR over the next few years. So we understand the need to use marker vaccines when you have a local outbreaks in order to avoid a dissemination of the virus, yet at the same time retaining disease free status. So we can support your request for a change to European regulations so that it is possible to resort [00:23:00] to marker vaccines in member states and zones where there is disease free status. Thank you very much.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• “Thank you very much. First of all, I'd like to thank the presidency for the efforts deployed to reach a compromise on this draft directive for Luxembourg. Strengthening the legal framework to combat sexual abuse is a main priority. We welcomed the Commission's initial text about. We do lament the weakening of article three and the issue of consent. Our Swedish colleague very clearly explained the problems at hand. And so I would just refer to the statement that we signed with the various other countries to underscore that our position is unchanged. But in the spirit of compromise, we can accept the general approach.”
• “Thank you, Luis, for putting this on the agenda. [00:08:30] And thank you for the excellent summary document that you have provided us with. And thank you, Janusz and DG agri, for the detailed report on the strategic plans approved by the Commission. I have taken good note that the future Belgian presidency has planned activities along this same track. The preparation year 22 and the first year of implementation of the strategic plans [00:09:00] have been a major challenge for the authorities, particularly the paying agencies and the farmers. Different discussions on simplification of certain procedures have taken place in recent months, particularly on the procedures for amending the strategic plans. That discussion has taken place in Council, and I am convinced that strategic plans need to go back to their initial purpose and be strategic. The technical aspects [00:09:30] are considerable, but should not override the policy purpose. Where subsidiarity and flexibility are part and parcel of that. We need to work together and we're counting on the Commission and its services in order to reach that goal. Directors general in all member states recently sent a letter to DG agri on the follow up system for the area monitoring [00:10:00] system. For me, stability and predictability are necessary in the cap. If we want to work in the medium Tum and achieve tangible results from an environmental, economic and social point of view. We need that stability and that predictability for the administrations, but mainly for our farmers. If we wish to see active participation, participation on their part in [00:10:30] these measures. I've taken good note of the Commission's report on the content and the cumulated effects of the strategic plans. It's a very useful and comprehensive document, which enables us to pass the message to the public on the efforts that the Cap make for the environment and the climate. And also within the context of budget negotiations. Having said that, [00:11:00] let us not forget that apart from the strategic plans of the Cap, member states also put in place national measures, particularly for risk management and, uh, to take account of specific environmental and regional challenges. Merit an overall view which goes beyond the strategic plans. Uh, Janusz. Luis, I'd like to welcome [00:11:30] what president von der Leyen, uh, announced for the initiation of the strategic plans in January. Thank you very much.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you so much. First of all, I would like to thank the commission for [00:26:00] having launched this important initiative. The loss of pellets is a significant source of involuntary leaking of microplastics into nature. With all that, the unfortunate consequences of that. Which is why we welcome and support this proposal. We support the fact that the complete proposal of supplements rules on deliberate release of microplastics under the Reach regulation, and we welcome the fact that it's [00:26:30] arriving just at a good time, given that we are currently discussing worldwide a treaty against plastic pollution, it's once again an opportunity for Europe to trailblaze. And to show a high level of ambition. In order to get this through, we have to clarify points like plastic pellets. We need to make sure that we don't have differing interpretations of this. On implementation, we're also glad to see that the whole [00:27:00] of the supply chain is taken into consideration from production and transport right up to use, because losses can occur at any time. This inclusive proposed approach nevertheless makes it very difficult to implement a directive or may make it very difficult. We have to minimise the administrative burden, but we're happy to take on this challenge. We support the idea of including maritime transport in the scope. This could give a push in the back to [00:27:30] the negotiations which are ongoing on this subject in the International Maritime Organization. Thank you.”
  Microplastics
• “Uh, in the future. European. Some European countries have stronger defence industries than others, but withdrawing uh, production from any particular country is not very helpful. We need to look at common production. Uh, one point that's somewhat lacking, I think, is Schengen. We're undermining Schengen. Schengen? Uh, we're unravelling Schengen. Uh, when we think of the common migration policy, I remember that when Federico Marini was commissioner a few years ago, we were talking about common list of safe countries and that we would try to have common initiatives. Now, if the far right is on the rise, it's because we have questions with no answers, no solutions. If we have solutions, lists of safe countries that work, mechanisms that work that will help avoid the far right taking over in many countries. But we have to have the the courage to do that. We've been talking about it for 12 years. I've been here. We haven't done it. We know what we need to do, but we just need to actually do it.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Thank you, Christophe, for your presentation. We welcome the idea of separate strategies dedicated to young farmers in the framework of the next MFF. If one of the biggest challenges is access to land and access to financing to finance access to land. One of the avenues is a flexible financing tool that is adapted to young farmers, such as banking guarantees or preferential credits. The legal part is also an essential point in this strategy. We therefore suggest a one stop door to for young farmers. I, however, regret a decrease in resources dedicated to the cap in view of the future MFF. Dear Christophe, I believe that this communication is a very good basis for debates with our young farmers with whom we have already started a dialogue. Thank you.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you. Chair. Luxembourg would like to thank the Spanish presidency for the progress made on this proposal on new genomic techniques. In our view, this is one of the key elements of the Green Deal and will enable us to attain the objectives that we set ourselves when it comes to the green transition of the agri food system. Now, this division in two categories we believe is a fair one. For as long as one category can be an innovative solution for our agriculture and GT2 category. We believe that they should still be subject to detailed risk analysis and clear labelling. Now, coexistence between these new genomic techniques and organic production continues to [00:44:30] pose a question for us. Measures need to be established at national level when it comes to establishing registries and patents as well. Needs to be a question that needs to be looked at and guaranteed. We hope that we will be able to discuss in more depth during the December Council, so that we can find a common approach that will enable us to walk down the path of innovation as far as agriculture is concerned in the EU. Thank you.”
  New Genomic Techniques
• “Thank you, Louise. And thank you also to Stella for the presentation of the additional study. Unfortunately, we're a bit taken aback by [00:43:30] it. There's nothing much new in there on the impact on food production. It's just a reminder of existing studies and we don't share your interpretation commission of the findings of these studies. In particular, when it comes to the reduction in the use of peas and in medium term that actually achieving an increase in yields or at least a stabilization, we think it's going to be 5 to 30% [00:44:00] reduction in yield depending on what we're talking about. If we stop using these peas and we don't feel that wine production could actually be considered to be of less importance. Moving on to the Presidency's questions regarding the reduction targets, we support the general approach that's in the Commission's proposal, but we feel it needs tweaking so that we find wording which is acceptable to all Member States. Ideally, we [00:44:30] would need calculation methodology that would take into account national specific features when it comes to agricultural production on the sensitive areas, amendments to the definitions and the rules that apply is absolutely crucial. And we that is our priority for this file. And in fact, we could not support this idea of an across the board ban on peas in sensitive areas that would have a major impact on [00:45:00] the EU's food sovereignty. [00:45:01] We would prefer an approach whereby the decision to extend the ban to sensitive areas would be one for the member states where it comes to nature protection areas and water protection areas and certainly national derogations for public health and infrastructure protection issues to fight invasive plant species or pests that those have to remain possible. Having a total ban on peas at [00:45:30] community level could potentially be considered for non-agricultural use, such as use in urban areas, public spaces close to vulnerable groups and also close to residential areas. Moving on to your second question now, this proposal considerably increases the administrative burden on the professional user, in particular when it comes to information on the measures taken in [00:46:00] in IPM. Now, the figures from the commission we think are too optimistic, are not too optimistic. Furthermore, low risk pesticides and biopesticides could have an important role to play in achieving our risk reduction targets while guaranteeing food sovereignty in the EU. And now we need to improve the approval procedures for these substances. [00:46:30] We don't think some of the approaches are approaches that are appropriate here. We need a voluntary system based on user user motivation. Now, we're a bit disappointed about the information in the additional study, but we are still, of course, prepared to carry on discussing the proposal. Thank you.”
  Reduction targets for pesticides