Hilde VAUTMANS

Policy topics Hilde VAUTMANS is active on

What Hilde VAUTMANS has said (40)

• 2026-06-16 “(10:39:05 – 10:40:45): Dear colleagues, dear high representative, 2 weeks ago in the West Bank, Sam, a 7 old Palestinian baby was shot in the face by an Israeli soldier. He's dead, and almost no 1 is speaking his name. Some is dead because impunity in Israel and the occupied territories has made the lives of Palestinian children expendable. Where soldiers and settlers killed without consequences, another Sam is only a matter of time. I wish I could stand here and tell you I'm proud, but I'm not. I'm ashamed as a member of parliament that we failed to prevent and to punish these crimes. I'm ashamed as a politician that there is no justice and barely a complaint raised about it. I'm ashamed as a mother that a 7 month old baby can be shot in his mother's arm. And I'm ashamed as human being that we ignore the cries for help. So let's be courageous. Let's stop looking away. We must ban trade with Israel settlements, and we must expand humanitarian aid for the more than 3,000,000 Palestinians who are dependent on it in Gaza and the West Bank. We owe it to some. Thank you very much.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2026-06-15 “colleagues, take the deal and shut up was really Trump's message to Europe for months, and it was echoed by his entourage. And frankly, there were all too many people here within this house who actually thought the same. But now Europe has actually given an answer. It's not done on its knees, though. It's given some clear statements on clear conditions, which it has set. Yes. We will engage with this deal, but it will be predicated on strategic autonomy. So thanks to this house, and thank you, Kathleen Van Rennes. You're saying it was thanks to the socialists. You have done a lot, but so has Renew Europe. We worked extremely hard as well. We all worked very hard, we invested a huge amount to get guarantees, to get conditions, to improve the agreement, and it's now infinitely better than the initial agreement. It is actually much more worthy of the term partnership, and it should hopefully contribute towards a sustainable European partnership, not 1 that's based on threats and coercion. It should create certainty for industry and for our citizens. And it's also a clear message to Trump that, okay, we're accepting it this time, but next time we're fighting back.”
  EU-US relations
• 2026-01-15 “Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 23.3.2026 Written question The Commission would like to note that the approval of spirotetramat expired on 30 April 2024 because no producer applied for the renewal of its approval. While the Commission acknowledges this situation, it cannot enter in the merit of the decisions made by applicants regarding their choice to pursue or forego renewal of active substance approvals. In accordance with Article 53(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 [1] , Member States may grant for a period not exceeding 120 days, so-called emergency authorisations for the placing on the market and controlled use for up to 120 days of plant protection products containing active substances that are not approved, where such a measure appears necessary because of a danger which cannot be contained by any other reasonable means. The responsibility for granting emergency authorisations lies with the Member States, so that they can take into account specific agricultural and environmental conditions such as specific challenges posed by pests in crops like cabbage and Brussels sprouts. To increase the availability of safe and more sustainable new active substances, the Commission proposed to the Parliament and the Council in the recently adopted Food and Feed Safety Simplification Package [2] a number of measures to accelerate market access for new biocontrol active substances and products containing them, which are key for the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as well as a number of other measures to reduce administrative burdens on Member States and economic operators, in order to increase the toolbox for farmers to protect their crops with particular consideration of situations where substances are considered essential for combatting dangers to plants and plant production. [1] Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC, OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj. [2] https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/simplification-legislation_en.”
  EU policy on pesticides · Reduction targets for pesticides
• 2026-01-05 “E-000008/2026 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission 1. Regulation (EU) 841/2018 1 sets an EU-wide net removals target in 2030, aiming to increase the EU’s net removals by about 15% and reverse declining trends. This EU target means that Members States must meet binding net carbon removal national targets, leading to a better performance of the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Member States are responsible for implementing the appropriate policies and measures to achieve these targets. 2. The accounting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals across all sectors, including LULUCF, are based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines 2 as adopted by the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change or the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement. 3. While the Commission advocates for protecting and rewetting of peatlands, as an effective way to curb greenhouse gas emissions and increasing resilience towards the risks of floods, droughts, and fires, the replacement of peat with other materials can pose challenges in the horticultural sector. To take account of such challenges, the Commission is for example considering specific provisions regarding the use of peat in growing media under the afforestation methodology currently under discussion in the Expert Group on Carbon Removals in the context of the Regulation (EU) 2024/3012 3 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/841/oj/eng. 2 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4 ‘Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use’. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202403012.”
  Climate efforts
• 2025-11-10 “E-004431/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission To date, no Member State has formally notified the Commission of a possible future preference for adopting permanent summer- or winter-time. Member States are currently not obliged to communicate such information to the Commission. In light of the limited progress made on the Commission’s proposal of 2018 to discontinue seasonal time changes and to assist decision-making on the matter, the Commission is launching a study aimed at evaluating the implications of discontinuing the practice of switching between summer- and winter-time. The results of this study are expected to be available before the end of 2026. The Commission is committed to keeping the European Parliament informed of the progress and outcomes of this study.”
  EU competences on health
• 2025-10-08 “E-003968/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission As the wolf remains a protected species under the Habitats Directive 1 , Member States have to report every six years to the Commission 2 the results of their surveillance of the conservation status of the wolf and other species and of habitats, as well as on the impact of the conservation measures. Each Member State has to assess the conservation status of wolf according to the agreed guidelines and based on the best available scientific data. In addition, the Commission discusses regularly the management of large carnivores, including wolves, as well as their impact on agriculture and rural communities, with Member States and stakeholders. Investments in coexistence, including damage prevention measures, remain essential to reduce livestock predation. Member States can use different measures and funding instruments, including under the Common Agricultural Policy 3 , to lower predation risks and enhance coexistence with large carnivores, covering up to 100% of the costs. The Commission continues to help Member States and stakeholders in the design and implementation of such measures, through funding and other forms of support 4 , such as projects funded by Horizon Europe and the EU programme for the environment and climate action 5 that develop strategies for coexistence and prevention measures. Since 2014, good practices have been collected from stakeholders in Member States under the EU Platform on coexistence between people and large carnivores 6 to address conflicts related to large carnivore conservation and management, which represent a set of measures that farmers, other stakeholders and public authorities can replicate. The Commission intends to continue supporting Member States and stakeholders through that platform. 1 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50. 2 pursuant Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. 3 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en. 4 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/habitats-directive/large-carnivores_en#tools. 5 For example: https://cocoproject.eu/ (Horizon Europe) and https://www.lifewolfalps.eu/ (LIFE). 6 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/habitats-directive/large-carnivores/eu-largecarnivore-platform_en.”
  Large Carnivores
• 2025-10-08 “E-003969/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission According to Article 14 of the Habitats Directive 1 , Member States must take measures to ensure that the exploitation of species listed in Annex V, as is the case of the wolf 2 , is compatible with their being maintained at a favourable conservation status. Considering the prevention and precautionary principles, competent authorities should ensure that decisions related to the hunting of wolf populations listed in Annex V of the Habitats Directive are based on sound scientific evidence regarding the species conservation status. Thus, whether or not a culling plan is compatible with the requirements of the Habitats Directive in the context of the wolf population management, must be assessed on a case-bycase basis, looking firstly and necessarily at the conservation status at local and national biogeographical level and also, where relevant, at cross-border level, as well as at the conditions and measures included in or accompanying the culling plan. In all cases it is necessary to determine the impacts of an envisaged cull to ensure that it is in line with the maintenance of the population at a favourable conservation status 3 . 1 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50. 2 Directive (EU) 2025/1237 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2025 amending Council Directive 92/43/EEC as regards the protection status of the wolf (Canis lupus), OJ L, 2025/1237, 24.6.2025. 3 Relevant judgments for the Court of Justice of the EU in Case C-436/22 ASCEL, Case C-601/22 World Wildlife Fund (WWF) F Österreich, and Case C-629/23 Eesti Suurkiskjad).”
  Large Carnivores
• 2025-10-08 “E-003967/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The referenced study contributes to an ongoing reflection on how to assess conservation status for wide-ranging transboundary populations of species of EU concern. Its approach is neither endorsed nor agreed by the Commission or Member States. In the case of transboundary populations, the current reporting guidance provides an option for Member States to jointly assess conservation status 1 . The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) confirmed that for a wide-ranging species like the wolf, populations in neighbouring countries can be relevant to determine whether the conservation status is favourable nationally 2 . This is particularly relevant for smaller Member States, where continuous exchanges with populations in adjacent Member States may be essential for their conservation 3 . However, cross border populations may only be considered where there are stable exchanges between those populations, while also taking account of the measures taken in neighbouring countries, and the extent of cooperation and coordination 4 . The CJEU also ruled that the conservation status must be assessed firstly and necessarily at local and national level, so that unfavourable conservation status in a Member State (or a part thereof) is not hidden by a possible favourable status at cross-border level 5 . For assessing conservation status, only the parameters listed in Article 1(i) of the Habitats Directive 6 may be considered. If one of those conditions is not satisfied, the conservation status cannot be considered favourable. Economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics may be considered insofar as they form part of the influences acting on the species 7 . Costs may be considered when managing a population, provided this does not undermine the requirement to maintain or restore its favourable conservation status. 1 https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/help/habitats_art17/Reporting2025/Final%20Guidelines%20Art.%2017_20192024.pdf/, Chapter 1.1. 2 https://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?language=en&num=C-629/23, Case C-629/23, paragraph 53. 3 Case C-629/23, paragraph 55. 4 Case C-629/23, paragraphs 57-63. 5 Case C-629/23, paragraph 47. 6 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50. 7 Case C‑629/23, paragraphs 68-69.”
  Large Carnivores
• 2025-10-08 “E-003970/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Trusted flagger activities under the Digital Services Act 1 (DSA) require adequate support. The Commission is now preparing the Guidelines on trusted flaggers, and Member States and Digital Services Coordinators (DSCs) are encouraged to provide capacity building and resources to trusted flaggers. The proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 2 retains support for civil society organisations as a priority. The new AgoraEU programme will build on current programmes 3 with an increased indicative budget of almost EUR 9 billion, strengthening democracy, providing support to media and civil society. Safer Internet Centres 4 run campaigns, produce educational material, and organise events about the protection of minors online. They also offer helplines for advice on harmful content and hotlines to report illegal content. Through the European Board for Digital Services, DSCs meet to ensure consistent enforcement and cross-border cooperation. The working group on protection of minors is coordinating enforcement actions targeting pornographic platforms 5 and actions to ensure compliance by smaller platforms with the DSA and the Guidelines on the protection of minors 6 . The Commission, in cooperation with the DSCs, may issue guidelines to present best practices and recommend possible measures for relevant providers to comply with obligations to mitigate systemic risks. To support an EU-wide age verification system, the Commission is developing a common approach with Member States and industry. In July, the Commission released an Age Verification Blueprint 7 defining technical specifications considered a reference standard by the protection of minors guidelines, and a white-label app that Member States and other entities can further customise. 1 Regulation - 2022/2065 - EN - DSA - EUR-Lex https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-budget/eu-budget-2028-2034_en. 3 Such as Creative Europe and CERV. 4 Safer Internet Centres | Shaping Europe’s digital future https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/saferinternet-centres. 5 The European Board for Digital Services launches a coordinated action to reinforce the protection of minors as regards pornographic platforms | Shaping Europe’s digital future https://digitalstrategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/european-board-digital-services-launches-coordinated-action-reinforce-protectionminors-regards. 6 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-takes-further-action-promote-safe-environmentminors. 7 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-age-verification.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content · Safety features & content control for child protection online
• 2025-06-06 “E-002294/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Human plasma is important for public health and some derived medicinal products, such as immunoglobulins, are listed on the Union List of Critical Medicines 1 . The collection of plasma and manufacturing of medicinal products requires sufficient donations, collection and manufacturing capacity, and a rational utilisation. The Commission supports these objectives through EU4Health funding, and through possible strategic projects under the proposed Critical Medicines Act 2 . Plasma collection is covered by the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1938 on substances of human origin (SoHO) 3 , and EU4Health funding will be used to ensure its effective implementation. The new regulatory framework also reinforces the requirement for voluntary unpaid donation, requiring each Member State to define proportionate compensations for plasma donations. Medicinal products manufactured from plasma are subject to the EU pharmaceutical framework, and to related actions on shortages, e.g. through the European Medicines Agency network of Single Points of Contact (SPOC) working group, and the Medicines Shortages Steering Group (MSSG). Furthermore, the Commission ensures regular interactions between the SoHO and pharmaceutical sectors and is establishing the coordination between the SoHO Coordination Board that steers the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1938 and its counterparts under the medicinal products framework. 1 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/post-authorisation/medicine-shortages-availabilityissues/availability-medicines-during-crises/union-list-critical-medicines. 2 Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL laying a framework for strengthening the availability and security of supply of critical medicinal products as well as the availability of, and accessibility of, medicinal products of common interest, and amending Regulation (EU) 2024/795. 3 Regulation (EU) 2024/1938 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on standards of quality and safety for substances of human origin intended for human application and repealing Directives 2002/98/EC and 2004/23/EC OJ L, 2024/1938, 17.7.2024.”
  Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU · Joint EU procurement of medicines · Government stockpiling of critical medicines
• 2025-04-30 “E-001733/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is supporting collaborative action between Member States on dementia (JADE Health 1 ) with funding of EUR 4.5 million under the EU4Health programme. The focus of the action which started on 1 January 2025 is on prevention, improving the management of dementia, promoting health equity, reducing health inequalities and the improvement of data availability. A stakeholder-led project 2 is supporting the development of innovative practices to tackle dementia and eliminate stigma. This is in the context of the ‘Healthier together’ EU non-communicable diseases (NCDs) initiative 3 which is the strategic framework at the EU level aiming to support Member States in reducing the burden of NCDs. 2. The mission letter to the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare 4 tasks the Commissioner to step up the Commission’s work on preventive health and to consider initiatives on degenerative illnesses, such as dementia, to improve knowledge sharing. The ongoing collaborative work under JADE Health will be the basis for the Commission to consider developing a European network of registries. 3. The Commission does not plan to develop a dedicated inequalities registry. The Knowledge Gateway on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, hosted by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, provides data on prevalence, information on risk factors and implemented policies and recommendations for NCDs, including on dementia 5 . 1 https://jadementia.eu/#:~:text=JADE%20Health%20Joint%20Action%20is%20an%20EU%20initiative,dement ia%20through%20prevention%2C%20early%20detection%2C%20and%20person-centered%20care. 2 https://care4elders.eu/. 3 https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseasesinitiative_en#:~:text=The%20European%20Commission%20has%20launched%20in%20December%202021,ma jor%20NCDs%20and%20improve%20citizens%E2%80%99%20health%20and%20well-being. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/b628b5a2-ac1e-4b9c-bbdd35b82da0ac6b_en?filename=mission-letter-varhelyi.pdf. 5 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/health-promotion-knowledge-gateway/dementia-prevention_en.”
  Processing of health data · EU competences on health
• 2025-04-24 “E-001662/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission The European Defence Fund (EDF) aims to support collaborative research and development (R&D) projects based on common priorities agreed by the Member States. The development of a next-generation main battle tank (MBT) is one of these priorities, as set out in the EU Capability Development Plan 1 and the Strategic Compass 2 . In line with this, the EDF launched a call for proposals in 2023 to initiate such development, complementing the multinational Main Ground Combat System programme led by France and Germany. Through this call, Member States agreed on the requirements for key technologies necessary for the next-generation European MBT, and industry was invited to establish a consortium to conduct the necessary R&D. As a result, two projects (i.e. Main ARmoured Tank of Europe 3 and Technologies for existing and Future MBTs 4 ) were selected for funding to conduct the initial R&D stages. A follow-up R&D action for these projects is high on the agenda for discussions with Member States, thus demonstrating a convergence of national plans. While Member States are free to decide which defence capabilities to develop and procure, the EU could further incentivise Member States to engage in joint procurement, which would reduce the number of systems used in the different defence capability areas. The Security Action for Europe Regulation 5 is a case in point, as it encourages Member States to buy together by offering them access to loans and simplified procurement rules, including in land combat capabilities. 1 https://eda.europa.eu/publications-and-data/thematic-policy-reports/the-2023-eu-capability-developmentpriorities. 2 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/strategic-compass-security-and-defence-1_en. 3 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b816bef0-0a9f-439d-9f302dfc97373b55_en?filename=EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-MBT%20MARTE.pdf. 4 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/37439eaf-8092-4e5b-ba7d216ec4fa891b_en?filename=EDF-2023-DA-GROUND-MBT%20FMBTech.pdf. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/1106/oj/eng.”
  EU competences on defence · Defence spending
• 2025-04-24 “E-001659/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. Adaptations to the Union animal health legislation under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (‘Animal Health Law’) 1 are possible, provided that such adaptations are scientifically based, and that additional flexibility does not jeopardise the animal health situation in the EU. However, recent EU experience shows an increase of notifications of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus infection in wild and kept pigeons in Member States, including in farms keeping pigeons for meat production. In addition, the outcomes of past scientific assessments of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and recent scientific literature indicate that HPAI viruses circulate in pigeons at probably underestimated intensity, and they may play a role in disease transmission as an interspecies bridge in the ecology of HPAI virus dynamics. 2. Under the Animal Health Law, racing pigeons already benefit from several derogations. They may be authorised to move between Member States without certification and can enter the EU from non-EU countries under a simplified procedure, provided they are immediately released to fly back to their country of origin. In addition, Member States already may, in certain circumstances, derogate from certain prevention and control measures in the event of disease outbreaks in racing pigeons or in establishments keeping pigeons. 3. Under the Animal Health Law, the distinction between an infection with a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and an infection with another paramyxovirus (non NDV) is very clear. NDV characteristics, triggering the implementation of eradication measures if found in birds, are clearly defined and in line with the international standards i.e. the Terrestrial Code of the World Organization for Animal Health. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/429/oj.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• 2025-02-28 “E-000880/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The request for a review of the opinion of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) regarding the medicinal product Leqembi (lecanemab) was based on a discussion with Member States during the Standing Committee phase pointing to a scientific publication in January 2025 1 , citing safety signals identified postmarketing in the United States of America. The CHMP was also asked to consider whether the wording of the risk minimisation measures related to the authorisation of Leqembi was clear enough to ensure correct implementation. The CHMP considered the request and concluded in February 2025 that the marketing authorisation of Leqembi did not need to be updated. Following the response from the CHMP, the Commission consulted the Member States on the draft Commission decision to authorise Leqembi. No qualified majority in favour of the decision was reached at the meetings of the Standing Committee on 21 March 2025 2 and of the Appeal Committee on 7 April 2025 3 . According to the procedures laid down in the legislation 4 and based on the EMA opinion, on 15 April 2025, the Commission adopted the decision to authorise Leqembi 5 . The Commission is aware of the high unmet medical need for effective Alzheimer’s treatments. The EMA is currently assessing two medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: donanemab and blarcamesine. Once these evaluations are concluded, the outcomes will be made public on the EMA website and the Commission will prepare draft decisions based on the CHMP scientific opinions. The Commission is committed to ensuring patient access to medicines as early as possible, while guaranteeing that any new medicine meets the EU standards of quality, safety and efficacy. 1 Xing X, Zhang X, Wang K, Wang Z, Feng Y, Li X, Hua Y, Zhang L, Dong X. Post-marketing safety concerns with lecanemab: a pharmacovigilance study based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2025 Jan 8;17(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s13195-024-01669-4. PMID: 39780222; PMCID: PMC117. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/comitology-register/screen/documents/106397/1/consult?lang=en 3 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/comitology-register/screen/documents/106785/1/consult?lang=en 4 Articles 5 and 6 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32011R0182 5 Union Register of medicinal products https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/communityregister/html/h1891.htm”
  Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU
• 2025-02-12 “E-000669/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 1. The EU is fully committed to eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM). This commitment is evidenced in Directive 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, adopted in May 2024 1 . The Directive requires Member States, by June 2027, to criminalise FGM as a specific criminal offence in their penal codes punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least five years. It also calls on them to ensure that the limitation period to prosecute FGM does not start to run before the victim has reached 18 years of age, to put in place specific prevention measures and trainings for health professionals, to provide victims with specific specialist support, and to collect data on cases of FGM. The Commission will conduct implementation workshops with the Member States and once the transposition period expires, will assess if Member States have complied with the Directive. If they have not, the Commission will take necessary measures. 2. The EU has been supporting projects to combat FGM worldwide, engaging with communities, transforming social norms through collective action. Since 2016, the EU has been working with partners on programmes such as the EU-United Nations Spotlight Initiative to eliminate this practice. Combating FGM has been raised in several bilateral dialogues with third countries and the Commission consistently supports various United Nations resolutions calling for its eradication. The EU will persist in collaborating with global partners to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on FGM, to build a world where every girl and woman can live free from all forms of violence and discrimination. 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2025-02-12 “E-000668/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is actively working to reduce dependency on Chinese drone components by promoting diversification of supply chains and supporting EU industrial capacities. To this end, the European Defence Fund provides funding for collaborative projects in drone and counter-drone technologies. The EU’s foreign direct investment screening framework helps identifying and mitigating risks associated with third-country dependencies. The EU Drone Strategy 2.0 1 contributes to the objectives of the ‘Action plan on synergies between civil, defence and space industries’, exploring synergies between the civil and defence drone industries, including counter-drone technologies. The Drone Strategy includes measures to support research related to drones and innovation with dual-use potential, sets up an EU network on civildefence drone testing centres, promotes alignment of certification requirements for civil and military drone applications, and supports the adoption of EU counter-drone package. Moreover, in the White Paper and Rearm Europe Plan published 2 19 March 2025 the Commission has recognised drones and counter-drones systems as one of the critical capability shortfalls and is committed to support Member States actions aimed at reducing dependencies. The EU counter-drone communication 3 , adopted in October 2023, aims to address the terrorist threat possibly posed by non-cooperative drones. It identified 18 key actions aiming at drawing up a fully-fledged EU counter-drone policy, which are being implemented. 1 https://transport.ec.europa.eu/document/download/1cb5fb4f-4252-4f97-abf4c4a167b1c7d2_en?filename=COM_2022_652_drone_strategy_2.0.pdf. 2 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/introducing-white-paper-european-defence-andrearm-europe-plan-readiness-2030_en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0659.”
  EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure · Defence spending
• 2025-02-04 “P-000496/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU has reiterated on several occasions its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and repeated actions taken in this context, notably demolitions and confiscations including of EU-funded assets, issuing numerous statements regretting the demolition of Palestinian structures. On a number of occasions, Israel has been requested to provide restitution of, or compensate for, EU funded assets that have been demolished, dismantled or confiscated. On the occasion of the 13 th EU-Israel Association Council held on 24 February 2025, the EU stated that it strongly condemns the demolitions of the structures funded by the EU or its Member States and expects that Israel make good the damage in accordance with international law 1 . On a yearly basis, the EU publishes the ‘Report on demolitions and seizures in the West Bank including East Jerusalem’ (latest released on November 2024 2 ), which includes the number of structures demolished or seized and the total financial loss. Between 2015 and 2023, 927 structures have been demolished or seized for a total financial loss of EUR 2 902 099. The EU has consistently raised with Israel the need to meet its obligations under international law towards the Palestinian population in the occupied West Bank, including in Area C and East Jerusalem. The EU has conducted public advocacy that includes frequent visits of various sites in the occupied Palestinian territories by the EU and its Member States representatives, most recently the diplomatic mission visit to the Al-Bustan-Silwan neighbourhood in EastJerusalem 3 . 1 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf 2 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2024/One%20Year%20Report%20on%20Demolitions %20and%20Seizures%20in%20the%20West%20Bank%20including%20East%20Jerusalem%20%201%20January%20%2031%20December%202023.pdf 3 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/palestine-occupied-palestinian-territory-west-bank-and-gazastrip/diplomatic-missions-visit-residents-al-bustan-silwan-neighborhood-east-jerusalem-threatened-imminent_en”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2024-12-19 “E-003055/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The European Peace Facility (EPF) EUR 20 million top-up support measure covers the acquisition of non-lethal individual equipment for the Rwanda’s troops (RDF) deployed in Cabo Delgado and the costs of the transport of staff, equipment and supplies between Rwanda and Mozambique 1 . The RDF was deployed at the request of the Government of Mozambique and was instrumental in tackling the security crisis in Cabo Delgado. Regardless of the assistance measure in question, the EU condemned Rwanda’s support for M23 and military presence on Congolese territory, and urged Rwanda to end its cooperation with M23 and withdraw its military forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) 2 . It has also sanctioned two Rwandan military officers for their responsibility in sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. Under the EPF, each assistance measure includes robust safeguards, which are duly implemented in the arrangements with the beneficiary to ensure compliance by the end users with the requirements and conditions established by the Council 3 . This has been the case for the initial assistance measure as well as for the top-up adopted in November 2024. Failure to comply with international law and the said arrangements may result in the suspension or termination of the support. To date, the RDF deployment in Mozambique has fully complied with these arrangements. Major General Emmy Ruvusha, while mentioned by the United Nations (UN) group of experts 4 , was not sanctioned by either the UN or the EU, nor is he an indicted war criminal. The EPF assistance measure is not intended for support to specific individuals or to the RDF as a whole, but to sustain the RDF deployment in Cabo Delgado, with the full support of the Mozambican authorities. 1 Press release of 18 November 2024, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pressreleases/2024/11/18/european-peace-facility-council-tops-up-support-to-the-deployment-of-the-rwanda-defenceforce-to-fight-terrorism-in-cabo-delgado/ 2 Eastern DRC: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments of 6 January 2025, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eastern-drc-statement-spokesperson-latest-developments_en 3 Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 of 22 March 2021 establishing a European Peace Facility, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2015/528, Article 62. 4 Final report of the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n23/123/80/pdf/n2312380.pdf”
  EU-Congo (DRC) relations · EU-Rwanda relations
• 2024-12-19 “E-003054/2024 Reply Council decision (CFSP) 2024/2880 on an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to support the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Force in Mozambique covers the acquisition of non-lethal individual equipment for the Rwandan troops (RDF) deployed in Cabo Delgado and the costs of transporting staff, equipment and supplies between Rwanda and Mozambique. The RDF was deployed at the request of the Government of the Republic of Mozambique and was instrumental in tackling the security crisis in Cabo Delgado. Regardless of the assistance measure in question, the EU condemned Rwanda’s support for M23 and military presence on Congolese territory, and urged Rwanda to end its cooperation with M23 and withdraw its military forces from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In July 2024, the EU imposed restrictive measures on nine individuals and one entity responsible for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses in the DRC and for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the eastern DRC. Notably, it imposed restrictive measures against the Deputy Commander of the Special Force Command of the RDF. Each assistance measure adopted within the framework of the European Peace Facility includes robust safeguards, which are duly implemented by the High Representative of the Union in the arrangements with the beneficiary to ensure the end users’ compliance with the requirements and conditions established by the Council. This was the case for the initial assistance measure as well as for the top-up adopted on 18 November 2024. Failure to comply with international law may result in the suspension or termination of the assistance measure. The EPF assistance measure is duly circumscribed. It is not intended to support specific individuals or the RDF as a whole, but to sustain the RDF units deployed in Mozambique’s northern province of Cabo Delgado, with the full support of the Mozambican authorities.”
  EU-Congo (DRC) relations · EU-Rwanda relations · EU policy on African region
• 2024-12-17 “E-002976/2024 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The CO 2 emission standards for new cars and vans 1 , including a 100% emission reduction target from 2035 onwards, provide long-term certainty and predictability for investors, while allowing sufficient lead time for a fair transition. They will drive the transition towards zeroemission mobility and support the competitiveness of the EU industry in view of global trends, and are essential to deliver the EU objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050. It is clear that manufacturers need to act to reduce their emissions and comply in 2025, but it is premature to draw any conclusion on specific compliance situations. These targets were agreed by the co-legislators in 2019 and confirmed in 2023, providing manufacturers with the necessary lead-time to set-up their compliance strategies, which may include selling more zero-emission cars, hybrids and plug-in hybrids, but also deploying smaller and more efficient conventional vehicles. Several European manufacturers are launching new and cheaper electric car models, which should increase the attractiveness of zero-emission vehicles for a broader audience. The President of the Commission has convened on 30 January 2025 a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Car Industry in Europe to urgently address the current challenges and design concrete strategies and solutions to ensure this key industry has a solid future in Europe 2 . As part of the dialogue, solutions will be identified to safeguard industry’s capacity to invest, by looking at possible flexibilities to make sure the EU industry remains competitive, without lowering the overall ambition of the 2025 targets 3 . The dialogue will feed into an EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector, to be presented on 5 March 2025. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_299 3 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/10017eb1-4722-4333-add2-e0ed18105a34_en”
  Flexibility for 2030 CO2 Targets for Cars
• 2024-10-30 “E-002326/2024 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission There are anti-dumping measures in place on imports of citric acid from China since 2008. These measures were most recently extended for a further five years, in April 2021, following an expiry review 1 . These measures reflect the levels of dumping found in the context of an investigation conducted in line with World Trade Organization and EU legislation. Measures in place may be reviewed on request by interested parties where there are changed circumstances of a lasting nature. The Commission remains ready to review the measures on Chinese citric acid in line with the EU trade defence legislation, if it receives sufficient evidence from the European industry that there is a lasting change of circumstances undermining the effectiveness of the measures. Without this information, the Commission’s Trade Defence services are unable to address the situation. Industries affected are invited to contact the Trade Defence services to explore how to proceed. As regards the speed of trade defence actions, in 2018 when the instruments were modernised, the time for the imposition of provisional duties was shortened by one month. Provisional measures are now imposed eight, and in some cases seven months after initiation. Also, in October 2024 the Commission decided to register imports in all ongoing new investigations to facilitate the retroactive application of measures, i.e. before the date of provisional measures, if the legal conditions allow 2 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32021R0607&from=EN 2 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-register-imports-all-products-under-trade-defenceinvestigations-bid-fight-unfair-2024-09-24_en”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports · Trade relations with China
• 2024-10-01 “E-001905/2024 Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission 1. The political guidelines presented by the President of the Commission call on the Commission to build on the work already started under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and to step up work on preventive health, to ensure a comprehensive approach to health promotion and disease prevention across the life course. This work will include addressing degenerative diseases. It will be for the incoming Commission to decide on the most appropriate measures to take, taking into account the responsibilities of the Member States in such areas. 2. The Healthier together EU non-communicable diseases (NCDs) initiative 1 supports Member States in identifying and implementing effective actions to reduce the burden of NCDs. The initiative includes actions on mental health and neurological disorders, including dementia. Through the EU4Health programme, EUR 4.5 million has been allocated to Member States to collaborate on dementia and stroke. An additional EUR 0.33 million will support civil society organisations on developing innovative practices for tackling dementia and eliminating stigma. 3. The Commission Expert Group on Public Health supports the development of health policies, including on dementia, in accordance with the priorities of the Member States. 1 https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseasesinitiative_en#:~:text=The%20European%20Commission%20has%20launched%20in%20December%202021,ma jor%20NCDs%20and%20improve%20citizens%E2%80%99%20health%20and%20well-being”
  EU policy on mental health
• 2024-10-01 “E-001902/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission The assistance measure for the Rwanda Defence Force deployment in Mozambique is limited to support their response to the situation in Cabo Delgado, following the specific call for assistance from the Mozambican authorities. It is aimed at supporting Mozambique in its efforts to address the security crisis in Cabo Delgado and restore peace and security. As for any support under the European Peace Facility 1 (EPF), for any country, the assistance measure is underpinned by commitments that the beneficiary needs to take ahead of the provision of the support, which are monitored by the European External Action Service. This entails a set of controls, safeguards, and monitoring measures, as per the legal basis establishing the EPF, designed to ensure the adequate use of the equipment and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. Should there be any credible report of a misuse of the EU’s support, as for any support under the EPF for any country, the EU can either partially or wholly suspend the measure, or completely terminate it. In urgent cases, the High Representative has the capacity to provisionally suspend it until a final decision is taken by the Council. 1 Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 of 22 March 2021 establishing a European Peace Facility, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2015/528, OJ L 102, 24.3.2021, p. 14–62.”
  EU-Rwanda relations · Conditions to access EU humanitarian aid · EU-Congo (DRC) relations
• “President. Commissioner. In the debate today, there's clearly a a line which is not technical. We don't want escalation. There's a clear limit against that here. At the same time, we don't want to bow down, Commissioner. I think we should face up to the bully. Let's be clear with him. And I felt that in the debate today. So I think we have to say, look this is our best offer. Zero tariffs on both sides. Zero tariffs here zero tariffs there. Say to Mr. Trump when you're ready to negotiate we are too. In the meantime we'll be concluding agreements with Canada China Japan agreements which could help all of us which won't make us worse off. So, colleagues, I think that should be our position. Europe is willing to take a big step. But we're not fools. We need to protect our citizens and our businesses. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you very much. President. Colleagues, thank you for being here. Our discussions today come shortly after recent Human Rights Watch report examining the forced displacement of 32,000 Palestinians from the West Bank refugee camps in early 2025. Human Rights Watch documented horrible human rights abuses committed by Israeli authorities and settlers in the West Bank. The report presents evidence from satellite imagery, imagery, testimonies and verified media suggesting significant humanitarian and legal concerns, particularly regarding the scale of displacement and the ongoing restrictions on residents return. Moreover, and we saw it. We saw it in the in the slides. There was barely accountability, with only 3% of those responsible for the reported crimes against Palestinians being convicted. Therefore, I have several questions for our panelists. First of all, to draw from your long term work monitoring developments in the West Bank, how do you interpret the the patterns of displacement, settlement, expansion and demolitions described in the Human Rights Report? Do they align with broader trends you have observed, and how should you react then, to Muriel, given the ongoing diplomatic initiatives, including renewed discussions around a two state framework? How should policy makers address the gap between negotiations and the evolving situation on the ground? And then a third question to David how are operations such as those described in the Human Rights Report generally perceived within Israeli political and public discourse and referred to. Shaked, Morag. From your engagement with affected communities, what are the most urgent needs in the West Bank, specifically of people living near the settlements? Thank you again for your insights.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Minister. Commissioner. Colleagues. The European Union stands at a crossroad. The recent reports confirms what we can no longer ignore grave violations of human rights by Israel, including attacks on hospitals. The blockade of humanitarian aid and forced displacement. Over 17,000 children have been killed in Gaza, according to Unicef today. There is no doubt these acts breach article two of the EU, Israel Association Agreement and international courts have spoken. So if we fail to act now, we not only undermine our own laws. We evaluate our global credibility. Therefore, I call for the immediate suspension of the Association Agreement. No trade, no cooperation, no impunity. This until the international law is upheld. Let us prove that our values are not for negotiation and colleagues. If this is not happening, maybe we really should give a strong signal and not vote for the discharge of the Council in October. Thank you very much.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Yeah, thank you very much and thank you very much because I think this debate is really very important because I'm now serving ten years in this house and I must honestly say I think that parliamentarian diplomacy is not working hard enough towards Africa and so I really hope that with a new parliament and with a new vision, with a new partnership, that we will do it better. And therefore I'm very glad that in the last resolution voted in Strasbourg we really put on like the parliamentarian diplomacy that it has to be speeded up like we're doing today already thanks to the chair. Thank you very much but also to invite more African leaders to the plenary. I heard the Vice President saying that in December he will invite but we're asking already a long time to invite also the President of the DRC Chezikedi because his country is under attack already thirty years and I really think that Europe should show the flag and also show what we are doing to help this big African continent. We're always talking about Ukraine and Russia and rush Russia but I also think we should mention the big conflict in DRC, Rwanda and also of course what's going on now in Sudan and what's recently happening in Tanzania. So I think there is a lot of work to do and I really want to promise you that as a EU African chair you can count on me. Thank you very much. **Udo Bullmann (Germany, S&D) @Co-Chair: Hilde is a pioneer of our collaboration also in her function as president of the DAFRE which is our Samoa parliament for European representatives and African representatives. Anybody else from your side, Europeans, South Africans? Show your hands. Your Excellency the Ambassador, please.”
  EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood
• “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is the 10th time that Europe has allowed itself to be a guinea pig for the Trump package. My message to the council and the commission is clear. Stop looking to us to guide your actions. Build on our own European strengths. Because in all our pessimism, sometimes we forget what we have. We have potential. Use our abilities and knowledge as a springboard. Make sure that we have European armies buying European. Use the digital Europe so that we're not financially dependent on American companies like Visa and Mastercard. Let Trump do what he thinks he needs to do. Let Trump, above all, shoot himself in the foot. We on our side have to push our European brand. We need to support our companies. Let us press the pause button tomorrow and for as long as is necessary. Ladies and gentlemen, let us resist. Let us believe in ourselves. Let us have confidence in Europe.”
  EU-US relations
• “Thank you. Madam president, Commissioner. Dear Stefan, the completion of the internal market is not a technological project anymore. It's an economic and geopolitical necessity. And, Commissioner, having listened to this debate today, you will have heard that you have broad support. It's clear to me that the completion of the single market must be priority number one. If it were up to me in the next few days, we would keep on going with this debate to define exactly what we have to do and how we have to do it. We have to remove these internal barriers and trade outside. The EU is growing faster than trade within the union, and it's because we are imposing barriers upon ourselves. So, Commissioner, you have all our support. The EU is behind you. Parliament is behind you. Please get to work now. You have to stop gold plating. Fewer roles address unfair competition from abroad. Finally, this is also something that will benefit our companies and I'm running out of time now. So I just say. Commissioner, I invite you to come to Limburg because their citizens and industries have a lot to say to you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Yes, please. And thank you very much, chair. And hello to all the colleagues to this committee meeting. I think this is a very important point. The budget 2025, with 199 point 7,000,000,000in commitment appropriations and 152.7 billion in payment appropriations. The proposed budget represents a significant increase compared to last year, and this increase is not just a response to immediate needs, but a strategic investment in our long term future. A significant part of this budget, in particular under heading six neighbourhood and the world, is dedicated to strengthening our external action and international cooperation. Our commitment to Ukraine remains unwavering, and this sends a clear message that Europe stands firmly behind Ukraine. However, looking at the different budget lines, we believe that improvements can and should be made to the budget proposal. For example, the amendments proposed by different political groups reflect a broad consensus on the need to strengthen our military capacities to fight disinformation and to support civil society organisations. My group and I are calling for increased funding in key areas such as military capacity, the fight against disinformation, the defence of human rights and democracy, and support for civil society organisations. Humanitarian aid and interinstitutional cooperation also remain top priorities. We must ensure, colleagues that our external actions, particularly in eastern and southern neighbourhood is robust and effective. This means continuing to support United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, despite the debate and concerns about its funding. It is essential that we provide this support while addressing legitimate concerns about accountability and transparency. I invite you all to support this opinion, to support this vision of a stronger Europe, and to continue working together to ensure that our union remains a beacon of hope and progress in the world. Thank you very much.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Well thank you very much and and thank you very much for organizing this. I think it's really timely and I hope you all saw the resolution that the Parliament voted of course in Strasbourg two weeks ago. So I think for me as a Renewed Effort coordinator but also as a chair of the EU African delegation which will be heading on for a meeting before the summit I think it's very important that Europe gives a clear signal and I think we have to show them that we really want a new partnership. I think the challenges we face we need to tackle together and so I have a a few of my priorities is first the young people invest in them because Europe needs them and Africa needs Europe. So for me enlargement of Erasmus Plus stay key it's a program that exists and I will continue fighting that African young people can also come to Europe to study and that Europeans can go to Africa to study and learn the African culture learn the African way of life because I think it's really a good way of life. Secondly the minerals we really need that we have the Global Gateway but I'm just returning share with you from a mission in Katanga I was also in DRC in May. I think Global Gateway is a good instrument but I think it's not working properly so I really want to hear from you all how can we make it better because the Chinese are there the Chinese act much quicker and Europe is losing space. So what can we do to act quicker to have our companies invest in Africa because I saw private companies doing a huge immense of work also on aid it's not the classical aid anymore but it's private companies who do that. So that's my second because I think we also need the minerals the investment I think our companies needs Africa and Africa needs our companies. So young people and companies and minerals that are my two questions how can we invest more and make a real marriage between Europe and Africa working thank you very much.”
  Global priorities for international development
• “34:27 – 15:35:09): No, no, on Prime Minister, of course, mentioned Putin. How can you react on that? Was that a topping yesterday and is it true what he said? Because I cannot think that he was speaking for a lot of leaders. And then last but not least, the European security strategy. I think it's really necessary and for me we have to put forward more pressure on the European pillar in NATO and my personal conviction on the European army but that's maybe for a later stage. But how can we work on that? And last but not least, I want to support colleague Nacho. I think we have to communicate more with the European citizens, much more. Thank you very much.”
  Relations with NATO
• “Dear colleagues, dear colleagues, this debate on preparation of the EU Council is extremely important given the current situation. If we take a look at the attack of the US and Israel against Iran, it's increasing fuel prices and Europe, ladies and gentlemen, must really think about our own citizens. And we have to show that we're supporting our citizens when it comes to them having to pay their bills. We shouldn't be thinking of new sources of energy, but a new places to find energy. But look at our own self-sufficiency. I've spoken to businesses and 85% of the replies to some of the questions that I have put to them. They say that European industrial policy has failed. And they also say that the internal market must be completed. Internal barriers and obstacles have to be abolished, and we have to improve competitiveness. And they say, please make sure that energy prices come down, remain at a lower level. I know that in this debate on Iran, there are those who are saying that Europe should be a world actor, and we have to speak with a single voice in this situation. So we need our defence union and we need a European army. That has to become a reality. We seem to be saying a lot about Trump far too much, but I'd rather be talking about what is Europe going to do. And I think the time has come for Europe to wake up, but really wake up and do things for our citizens. Russell was always saying, long live Europe. I think I would say long live a strong and reformed Europe.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Thank you, Helmut. Thank you, president, commissioner. Let me give you a few figures. Last year in Antwerp, 2 times as many, children affected by crime. The youngest, 13. Rotterdam, Marseille, children as young as 8 used as drug mules. This is not random. It is a structured system. Criminal networks are strategically targeting children through gamification and other systems. Missing Children Europe has figured, and that proves that grooming is no longer just a happenstance. It is targeted. Children are being groomed online, forced into sexual behavior, and then forced to recruit other children to commit crimes. Commissioner, we need to recognize a number of facts. Recruiting children is not just a matter of child protection services. It is a matter of domestic security. A second point, the digital service act. Well, we need to look at children being recruited into criminal networks. We need more checks and scrutiny. I would hope that all colleagues would agree that all children recruited into a criminal network is a victim, not a perpetrator, and this is our duty to protect the child. Thank you. Is”
  Privacy & detection of online child abuse
• “33:05 – 15:34:26): Thank you very much Mister President and dear Kai. I always ask myself how can you make a work program with the President as President Trump at the other side? So that's really a question I think we have to reflect. I think we as Europe need to react much more quicker than we do but for that we have to change, of course, the functioning of some institutions. You are very right on Iran and the Middle East and then of the Strait of Hormuz and the economic impact. I think that's really what our citizens are asking us: what can Europe do? What will Europe do? So on that question, what can we do to help you to push forward that freedom of circulation will come back and that the economic impact will not be so big as it is for the moment? Secondly, on Ukraine, is there still—and now I'm very open and the first time maybe I will ask a question as a Belgium MEP—is there still a unanimity or a big consensus in the Council and the Commission? Because the last days was a lot to do about the declarations of our Prime Minister De Wever who said we have to normalize the situation with President Trump and I say what a lot of European leaders think but don't dare to say so. I really—with Putin—what did I say? With Putin? I'm very sorry.”
  EU-US relations
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. The first 100 days, I think we can say that Europe has started well, but if the commission is going 100 kilometre an hour, then while politics is going at 200km an hour in these last 100 days with Trump and Putin, they seem to be working together. So colleagues, what now we have to look at are the next 100 days, and there we can do something about that in the council, the commission, and we ourselves. We have to increase our speed, increase our speed and be radical in the choices that we make. Um, to ensure that the single market is open. No more, nothing more. Holding it back then improving our legislative framework for entrepreneurs working for a Europe of defence and a European army. And then we have to be radically pro-europe move away from the far right. That's always denying the Europe. Focus on those who want to support you, and please ensure that Orban can't hold us hostage any longer.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Well, every time there's a new crisis in Russia or the Middle East, every time there's a new crisis, we see energy prices increasing and we constantly hear the same thing. We're far too dependent on foreign countries in unstable regimes. And every time it's families, businesses, and people in Europe that end up paying the price at the petrol pump and in the supermarket, every political shock becomes an increase in prices for families and businesses. So that's something we need to do something about. We, the Liberals, want a clear plan of action so that we can move away from these kinds of energies. We really need to go for renewables, including fourth generation nuclear power plants. We need a stable electricity grid. We need to invest in the appropriate infrastructure, and we need to make purchases in a grouped manner, rather than this market that we currently have. When Everyone acts individually and we also have to act more quickly. Everything's far too slow. How can we react if we drag our feet? We need to invest. We need to stop being dependent on autocrats. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Thank you. Madam president, ladies and gentlemen, today we've heard on several occasions the Chinese restrictions of exports of rare earth minerals are one of the greatest challenges to our industry, one of the greatest threats. And we have to start drawing red lines for China. China is not going to enjoy that. They will fight back. But it'd be even worse if we would continue tolerating this as if there was nothing at fault, because that would cost us a lot more. We would see Russification in a similar form. So Mr. Krause has mentioned this. There's a clear signal that's been needs to come from you, from the commission, strategic autonomy, new supply lines with our allies within and outwith Europe. Be creative. See what's possible. Look at space. Look at the oceans. The world is bigger than just the US and China. There's a whole continent that is waiting for Europe, not least Africa. Africa is looking to Europe because we always look down on it. Commission, I hope that you have a good, strong summit. Straighten your tie and step into the world.”
  EU-China relations
• “Thank you. Colleagues. Well, I think this this is a debate that's very timely because we're now commemorating 80 years at the end of the Second World War. And in 80 years, Europe has become much wealthier, 450 million free Europeans. That is a huge tour de force. But we seem to forget that we need to defend Europe, too. That we left that up to the Americans. So Europeans are worried and afraid, basically, because everybody understands that we're not prepared to face up to Trump, to fight against Greenland and Denmark, against Putin that invaded the neighboring countries. So in the coming seven years, priorities need to be security, security, security. So European defence industry, European defence system and a European army. And to tell you the truth, colleagues, Those of us who say today that this is not achievable hasn't understood anything. The only thing I can say is that we need more leadership in every single tiny toe of a European citizen than those who feel that Europe does not need to have security, no defence, no welfare. The speaker continues in English. We can also take some seconds longer because this House is the House of parliamentarians. Thank you very much.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Thank you. President. Ladies and gentlemen. Yesterday, here in this chamber, we listened to Jackie Fuchs, who lost her daughter to online bullying. This is why it's important that we extend once again, hopefully for the last time, this regulation. It's not a question of wanting to do this. We have to do it as from the 6th of April, we're faced with a problem. Internet giants will then stop online detection of child abuse, which means no reports, no investigation, no protection for our children. And we've already seen what this means. Let's think back at the end of 2020, the beginning of 2021, when we found ourselves in a similar vacuum. Thousands of a additional reports came in. Sorry, they dropped by 48%. That wasn't because there was less online abuse, but because it couldn't be tracked. So colleagues, we have to get down to work on producing a definitive regulation proposed by the European Centre for the Protection of Children. It's not a choice between protecting children and privacy, as we showed clearly back then, we need to protect children while at the same time protecting our privacy, and that is certainly possible.”
  Privacy & detection of online child abuse