Tonino PICULA

Policy topics Tonino PICULA is active on

What Tonino PICULA has said (15)

• 2026-07-16 “(11:48:11 - 11:49:36): Thank you, mister chair and madam commissioner. Thank you for being with us today. This information dominates the political landscape in every single country in the Western Balkans for years, unfortunately, but we must single out 1 country in particular. As a standing reporter for Serbia, I'm particularly concerned about persistent anti EU rhetoric promoted by pro government tabloids. There is a striking discrepancy between the Serbian government's stated commitments to EU integration and very toxic narratives disseminated through these media outlets. This has, of course, serious consequences for public opinion. According to recent polls, many citizens express more trust in Russia and China than to the European Union. Moreover, support for EU membership remains comparatively lower than in other candidate countries. But I would like to ask you about something very related to issue we discussed. How do you assess the latest pressures on the remaining independent media in Serbia, but also in Montenegro, as you have indicated, under the guise of business operation on the market that are changing the current ownership structure, but most likely also the editorial policy. Thank you.”
  EU-Serbia relations
• 2026-07-14 “(14:49:07 - 14:50:27): Thank you, mister chairman, and thank you, mister Koplan, for your remarks. As 1 of the Fowlnik fathers of facility and as a parliament standing rapporteur for Serbia, I'm interested in actual state of disbursement to Serbia under the facility. Serbia received its 1st release in January, while the documents submitted by your DG ahead of this meeting indicate that assessment of the 2nd and 3rd release remain ongoing. Can you please clarify, is any payment suspended or on hold for Serbia, and when does commission expect to conclude the pending assessments? Furthermore, last state parliament adopted report of the country urging the commission to halt further disbursement to Serbia under the facility. How will this be reflected in the pending assessment? Can you explain why the commission once again proposed the opening of Cluster 3 despite serious backsliding on human rights, rule of law, and democracy in country. Would you agree that this certainly undermines EU enlargement as a merit based process based on values and fundamental rights as well as sends a wrong message to citizens of these countries that want a better functioning and fair society. Thank you.”
  EU-Serbia relations
• “Thank you. This is an opportunity for Europe in terms of our relations with the USA. We're exporting more to the USA. I mean, so far our trade relationship with the USA, so far it was balanced. Whereas with the new agreement we really have no guarantees anymore. Trump really imposed his program upon us deregulation, customs tariffs and what have you. The European Union is stuck. We're blocked because we don't seem to be able to agree. And that is why we're not in the lead on this issue. And the consequences could be disastrous. We should actually take responsibility for our own security. Take that over. And also energy production should be our own affair. That would strengthen our position. We should defend jobs, protect jobs, protect our competitiveness, our autonomy should be strengthened as well. And most importantly, perhaps European legislation. The European Union is a global symbol of values of ecological standards. The European Union is furthermore the largest market in the world, and we should therefore work together to overcome these problems.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “(09:44:48 – 09:46:05): Thank you, madam chair. Allow me to thank everyone who participate in this discussion for your constructive contributions and stimulating feedback on this really important and timely proposal. I've taken carefully note of the points raised today and look forward to continuing our discussions at the upcoming schedules meeting. I remain confident that we can advance these files swiftly and efficiently with a view to securing parliament's negotiating mandate in July, Subject to the degree of convergence between parliament and council, I believe there is a realistic opportunity to reach a political agreement in trial during the first months of upcoming Irish presidency. It's particularly encouraging to see broad support across the political groups, both for maintaining an ambitious timetable and for preserving the proposal's focus on pragmatic approach. This gives us strong foundation of which to build consensus and deliver results. Of course, in addition, SMEs in this regard must be translated not only in the small and medium sized enterprises, but a speed motivated and efficient approach to the matter. Thank you once again for engagement and cooperation. I look forward to working closely with all of you in the weeks about.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you. Thank you, madam chair, and dear colleagues. I welcome the agile proposal, which has been designed as a fast, flexible, and mission driven instrument to support rapid defense innovation cycles with a particular focus on emerging and disruptive technologies. It targets nontraditional defense SMEs, startups, and scale ups that are increasingly driven technological transformation within European defense sector, yet often face significant difficulties in bridging the gap between development and operational deployment. The program is conceived as a complement to the European Defense Fund and its EU Defense Innovation Scheme. It occupies a distinct niche by prioritizing speed and agility in contrast to the EDF's more structured and large scale cooperative model. Established under the current multi annual financial framework, Agile is also expected to serve as a testing ground for provisions that could be incorporated into the future European competitiveness fund for 88 to 34. The proposal builds on the strategic direction set out in the defense industry transformation road map of November 25, which call for fundamental shift towards greater speed, flexibility, and risk taking within Europe's defense innovation ecosystem. The commission's proposal is focused, coherent, and well drafted. It correctly identifies a structural gap in the EU's defense innovation, supporting landscape, and offers a proportionate response. For this reason, the amendments table together with my core reporter in Intre, Ewars Ejabs, do not seek to redesign the instrument. Our objective is to preserve its core strength, speed, flexibility, and the strong SME focus while addressing a limited number of gaps that have been identified during our work. The first concerns the security of supply of critical components for emerging and disruptive defense technology. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has demonstrated that even the most successful innovation cycles can be undermined if access to key components is disrupted. Our amendments, therefore, aim to ensure that agile do not accelerate technological developments but also contributes to reducing supply chain vulnerabilities affecting the most innovative segments of European defense technological and industrial base. The second gap relates to the pathway from innovation to to procurement. Developing disruptive technology is not enough. If these products are not ultimately procured by member states, we risk wasting both resources and capabilities. Since procurement decisions remain a national competence and existing EU budgetary instruments offer limited possibilities for direct acquisition, we have proposed a practical alternative. Products developed under Agile should be linked to fast track mechanism within Ukraine support loan framework. If these technologies meet the high standards we expect, Ukraine could use available funding under the facility to procure them. This would provide innovative companies with the contracts necessary to scale production, reduce costs, and strengthen Europe's defense industrial capacity. In addition, we have proposed that these products be included in ADIP's military sales catalog, creating a further incentive for procurement and market uptake. I believe we can proceed with the file swiftly and gain a strong parliamentary mandate to enter into negotiations. Thank you very much.”
  Defence spending
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr.. Commissioner, dear colleagues, in times like these, we need to strengthen the European pillar of NATO and advance our long term. Strategic autonomy. Since January 2005, US military assistance to Ukraine has dropped sharply. That is why our responsibility for the European security architecture is even more important. Any deal on Ukraine that fails to respect Ukrainian resilience or ignore Russian aggression would be deeply harmful, not only for Ukraine, but for Europe as a whole. Furthermore, we need to support investments and measures to back defense cooperation, including with like minded partners. Finally, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US midterm elections, we must anticipate future developments in transatlantic relations and plan accordingly. It is vital to act strategically rather than react under the pressure. Thank you.”
  Relations with NATO · EU-US relations
• “Thank you, Madam Commissioner. Colleagues, during this tense time of geopolitical turmoil, strengthening cooperation with our allies and like minded partners has never been more important. This report on enhancing EU Canada cooperation comes at a crucial moment. My congratulations to the rapporteur, Mr. Kramer. At times like these, when democratic institutions and rules are continuously threatened, the European Union and Canada must explore new avenues of mutual understanding. Partnerships are not only about broadening economic ties, but about defending the rules based order. While we face threats to their existence of our democratic system and enhance EU Canada cooperation will send a clear message that democracies have to stand together. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney advocated in his excellent speech delivered in Davos even closer cooperation of so-called middle powers in these times of uncertainty. European Union and Canada must lead, first of all, global alliance in respecting international law and human rights. And in this respect, Canada and the European Union should serve as a superpower. Thank you.”
  EU-US relations
• “Colleagues. Of course, I strongly condemn what the Iranian regime has done, but the attacks of Israel and the United States on Iran are a violation of international law. We will have long term consequences even when Trump's administration has gone. Uh, this is a conflict of a new generation within a context of, um, further weakened, um, multilateral International order. Iran is an aggressive regime, violent and repressive towards its own peoples, but also towards its neighbours, actively supporting the Russian aggression against Ukraine, but about its future Iran. Only the Iranian people can decide. And Europe needs to speak with one voice and needs to act instead of just observe. We need to respond effectively, especially when it comes to the economic consequences of such an escalation. Escalation?”
  EU-Iran relations
• “(09:03:20 – 09:07:15): Thank you. Thank you, madam chair, and dear colleagues. I welcome the agile proposal, which has been designed as a fast, flexible, and mission driven instrument to support rapid defense innovation cycles with a particular focus on emerging and disruptive technologies. It targets nontraditional defense SMEs, startups, and scale ups that are increasingly driven technological transformation within European defense sector, yet often face significant difficulties in bridging the gap between development and operational deployment. The program is conceived as a complement to the European Defense Fund and its EU defense innovation scheme. It occupies a distinct niche by prioritizing speed and agility in contrast to the EDF's more structured and large scale cooperative model. Established under the current multi annual financial framework, Agile is also expected to serve as a testing ground for provisions that could be incorporated into the future European competitiveness fund for 88 to 34. The proposal builds on the strategic direction set out in the defense industry transformation road map of November 25, which call for fundamental shift towards greater speed, flexibility, and risk taking within Europe's defense innovation ecosystem. The commission's proposal is focused, coherent, and well drafted. It correctly identifies a structural gap in the EU's defense innovation, supporting landscape, and offers a proportionate response. For this reason, the amendments table together with my core reporter in Intre, Ewars Ejabs, do not seek to redesign the instrument. Our objective is to preserve its core strength, speed, flexibility, and the strong SME focus while addressing a limited number of gaps that have been identified during our work. The first concerns the security of supply of critical components for emerging and disruptive defense technology. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has demonstrated that even the most successful innovation cycles can be undermined if access to key components is disrupted. Our amendments, therefore, aim to ensure that agile do not accelerate technological developments but also contributes to reducing supply chain vulnerabilities affecting the most innovative segments of European defense technological and industrial base. The second gap relates to the pathway from innovation to to procurement. Developing disruptive technology is not enough. If these products are not ultimately procured by member states, we risk wasting both resources and capabilities. Since procurement decisions remain a national competence and existing EU budgetary instruments offer limited possibilities for direct acquisition, we have proposed a practical alternative. Products developed under Agile should be linked to fast track mechanism within Ukraine support loan framework. If these technologies meet the high standards we expect, Ukraine could use available funding under the facility to procure them. This would provide innovative companies with the contracts necessary to scale production, reduce costs, and strengthen Europe's defense industrial capacity. In addition, we have proposed that these products be included in ADIP's military sales catalog, creating a further incentive for procurement and market uptake. I believe we can proceed with the file swiftly and gain a strong parliamentary mandate to enter into negotiations. Thank you very much.”
  Defence spending
• “Madam Chair. As the world irrevocably changed on September 11th. So the terrorist attack of Hamas against Israel on October 7th, 2023 has started a chain of events which changed relations on the Middle East. Netanyahu is fostering conflict to transform Israel by establishing domain over a wider area. It is reckoning only not only with Hamas terrorists, but with the entire Palestinian people. At the same time, internal repression in Iran has grown after the external intervention, and this has brought the regime to the brink of the abyss. But can the EU move away from its concerns over the situation in the Middle East, because it was not able to agree on a common stance? The European Union, as a soft power, cannot obviously mediate in a hard power conflict. The EU is considering available measures, including the suspension of the Agreement on Stabilisation and Accession between EU and Israel. The Middle East is at a critical crossroads which requires more decisive action. Our role in achieving the JCPoA shows that EU, when United, can achieve important global diplomatic successes.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you. Michel. Madam deputy Secretary General Radmila, thank you for your substantive overview and takes. It's for sure that golden age of EU soft power is passing. The time has come for the peace project to be able to defend itself. Former NATO Secretary General Manfred Werner once said security is the oxygen for democracy, and I agree with that. European Union has more inhabitants than the US and Russia combined. The EU GDP is 12 times larger than Russia's, but the United States spends three times more on defense than all EU members combined. I wanted to ask you questions on the need to strengthen our resilience against innovative hybrid warfare, disinformation and foreign interference coming from Russia. As someone coming from the Western Balkans, you are very well aware of all threats to both the EU and the NATO security. What are lessons learned and what is NATO doing to tackle inventive approaches of Russian disinformation, particularly on social media, as seen recently in elections and referendums in some neighbouring countries, but also in our EU and NATO member states. And I'm also interested in Stratcom and other forms of cooperation between US and NATO. Thank you in advance.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Thank you, Madam Commissioner. Colleagues, during this tense time of geopolitical turmoil, strengthening cooperation with our allies and like minded partners has never been more important. This report on enhancing EU Canada cooperation comes at a crucial moment. My congratulations to the rapporteur, Mr. Kramer. At times like these, when democratic institutions and rules are continuously threatened, the European Union and Canada must explore new avenues of mutual understanding. Partnerships are not only about broadening economic ties, but about defending the rules based order. While we face threats to their existence of our democratic system and enhance EU Canada cooperation will send a clear message that democracies have to stand together. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney advocated in his excellent speech delivered in Davos even closer cooperation of so-called middle powers in these times of uncertainty. European Union and Canada must lead, first of all, global alliance in respecting international law and human rights. And in this respect, Canada and the European Union should serve as a superpower. Thank you.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “08:48 – 16:09:42): Thank you Chair, Madam High Representative. I like your expression more Europe everywhere but I would like to add first of all more European immediate neighborhood of the European Union. We have heard recently several intriguing proposals on how to reassess and further develop the current framework. I have two questions. First enlargement policy often brings unexpected developments. We are now hearing about potential return of Iceland to the negotiating table. Could such a development be stimulative for the overall enlargement process? Should we be considering a potential mini big bank or will accession continue to proceed on an individual basis? Second we have heard from highly ranked actors references to possible time lines for enlargement. In your view should these time lines be understood as indicative political signals or realistic and achievable frameworks? Thank you.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you, Mr. President. As the global order is under serious pressure, relations with our key ally are becoming one of the most important challenges we must address. It is clear that President Trump is using tariffs as a tool for blackmail. We must be prepared to respond to them equally. If he backs off, we can escalate respecting our trade and digital services laws. It is not just about trade in goods. When we add the exchange of services to the overall trade relationship, we almost reach an equilibrium while politics on the other side of the Atlantic is currently arbitrary and transactional. The European Union must be a factor of global stability and conducts politics clearly and based on facts. Moreover, this situation is an opportunity for the EU to take political responsibility, attract experts who share our values and assume the global role because it has the democratic strength and economic capacity. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you chair, and I would like to thank all the panelists for the the takes. I would say that in many cases during the last decade, the European Union from soft power becomes invisible power in the western Balkans. Western Balkans is for sure a strategic region where many actors intertwine with very different methods and objectives. Here in this House, we are firm supporters of the European future for all Western Balkan countries. But the aims of other actors as Russia, China, Gulf states and Turkey are vastly different. But most of the foreign interference within the region has a common denominator in Belgrade, with clear support from Moscow. And why not to say that at least understanding from Budapest? This information is perhaps the most form of the malign foreign interference. And my question to all panelists would be concerning the development of artificial intelligence, which unfortunately levelling up also more more opportunities to develop this information and to frame fake narratives and made up stories. I'm aware that the already attempts in the recent past were pro-governmental media, for example in Serbia, used these kinds of tools. How do you see this issue and what can be done not only from political side, but also in terms of civil society, to help tackle this issue and raise awareness among our citizens. Thank you.”
  Foreign interference in Europe