Tilly METZ

Policy topics Tilly METZ is active on

What Tilly METZ has said (76)

• 2026-07-14 “(15:16:41 - 15:19:06): Compressed timeline that we have here for negotiating a file with such far reaching consequences. The commission proposal was presented without a comprehensive impact assessment and without sufficient evidence that the proposed changes will deliver and meaningful simplification, will deliver any, meaningful simplification or reduce administrative burden. So the proposed shift towards largely unlimited, approvals and authorizations, subject only to narrowly defined exception is particularly concerning here. So periodic reassessment exist for a reason scientific knowledge evolves and substances once considered safe, have later been restricted or withdrawn as new evidence emerge emerged. That is logical. So the precautionary principle also requires our regulatory framework to, respond to to those developments. So weakening that safeguard would be significant step into the wrong direction. So I welcome the direction. The council appears to be taking, retaining periodic assessment or reassessment and preserving the role of the precautionary principle in determining when an an earlier reassessment is necessary and also introducing the possibility of the commission to directly request an ATOK review from EFSA without intervention of a request from a member state, although I appreciate that discussions are still ongoing. At the same time, I remain concerned by other elements emerging from the council discussion. For instance, introduction of member state to grant emergency permits within the same zone going directly against the exceptional nature of such an emergency permit. So I have 2 questions. 1st, I welcome the council's decision to limit, the unlimited approvals of pesticide to only low risk pesticides. Could you expand on why and how member state came to this conclusion? 2nd, is there a broader concern among member states within the council that the original commission proposal went too far in the name of simplification. Thank you.”
  EU policy on pesticides
• 2026-07-14 “Thank you very much and thank you for being here with us. Dear Mr. Hayden, with last week's publication of the EU Livestock Strategy and the ongoing negotiation on the Animal transport file, the Irish Presidency comes at a crucial moment for the future of animal welfare in Europe. So my question are exactly on that topic on animal welfare. First of all, from what I understood, Ireland is aiming to conclude the animal transport negotiation. Can you explain how you will integrate new elements from the livestock strategy here, namely, the attempts to look at alternatives to exporting animals to slaughter and the roadmap to improve the slaughterhouse network. My second question is on the cap. How will the Irish presidency ensure that Cut funding supports the transition towards the higher animal welfare system envisaged in the livestock strategy, rather than financing infrastructure that could soon become obsolete under future legislation? And last but not least, I would like to know how the council ensured that species other than poultry and pigs are not left behind, and that the commission presents a clear roadmap for the modernisation of animal welfare legislation across all farm species. And will you make sure the indicated timelines are respected? Thank you and all the best for the upcoming months.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• 2026-07-14 “(15:16:00 - 15:16:41): EFA, missus Metz. Thank you very much, dear chair, and thank you, minister, again, for being here with us today also in this committee. I would like to use my speaking time to focus indeed also on the food and feed, safety omnibus on which I am shadow reporter for The Greens. I support, of course, the objective of simplifying procedures and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, but only where this can be achieved without lowering the level of protection for human health, animal welfare, the environment. My main concerns are the lack of impact assessment underpinning the proposal and the extremely”
  EU policy on pesticides
• 2026-07-14 “(17:24:45 - 17:27:13): Yes. Thank you very much. But I'm speaking on behalf of Maria Ossi Salo. So it's her text. Politico reported today that more than 14,000 people died across Europe during this June's heat wave. This is more during some of the deadliest weeks of the COVID pandemic. Once again, we are witnessing a mass mortality event unfold in real time, yet we continue to treat it as if it were simply weather. It is not weather. It is a public health emergency driven by climate change. This is also a question of inequality, and we need to say that plainly those who died were disproportionately older people, lower income people, and those living in top floor flats without access to cooling. Workers are also in the frontline. Care workers looking after patients through extreme heat, cleaners, agriculture workers, and construction workers often without adequate legal protection from extreme temperatures. This has to change at the EU level. Meanwhile, many of us in this room return home to buildings that can keep us safe. Those who can afford to escape the heat are far more likely to survive it. So I want to ask the commission directly. If 14,000 deaths in a matter of weeks do not trigger an EU level crisis response, what does? During COVID, we activated emergency coordination within days. We have crisis mechanisms for energy, migration, and financial stability. Why after what appears to be the deadliest heat wave in our union's history is there no EU crisis coordination meeting, no emergency meeting of health ministers, and no binding EU heat protection protocol for member states? At the same time, this crisis should strengthen, not weaken, our resolve to uphold the EU's climate ambition. Every delay in cutting emissions means more deadly heat waves, more life lost, and greater cost for our societies. This parliament cannot continue holding exchanges of use while death toll rises every summer. We need an EU crisis response to this heat wave, binding protection against extreme heat, and climate policies that match the scale of the emergency. Thank you.”
  Climate policy
• 2026-07-13 “(15:57:39 - 16:03:26): Yes. It remains in green hands then also here. Thank you very much, dear chair, dear colleagues. This year's World Health Assembly took place in an indeed exceptionally, challenging context. So it was already mentioned by Ignacio and and also Stine and by others, the withdrawal of The United States from the WHO, broader also geopolitical tensions that we have, increasing pressure on multilateral institution and financial constraint have inevitably, of course, accelerated discussions on the future of global health governance and the role of the WHO within it. If I'm, not wrong, I think that in certain, services of the WHO, they had to reduce human resources by nearly 25%. And, also, they had a reorganization of the whole WHO because of the withdrawal of The United States. So they very quickly reacted and also defined the new priorities, coming back to core business. So against this backdrop, 1 message emerged very clearly throughout our mission. So today, investing in health means investing in resilience, security, and preparedness. So during our meetings, it there was really a a broad consensus that health can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of health care delivery. Health is increasingly interconnected with climate change, biodiversity loss, demographic change, digitalization, and geopolitical stability. So delegation had the opportunity to exchange views with WHO, senior leadership, and it was already mentioned by our our chair, including WHO regional director for Europe, doctor Hans Kluge. And 1 recurring theme throughout our our exchanges was really the preparedness. So the experience of the COVID 19 has fundamentally, changed the international debate that we have. So preparedness is no longer understood simply as the ability to respond to emergencies once they occur, but should be seen as a continuous investment in resilient health system and also a well trained health workforce surveillance capacity, scientific cooperation, secure supply chains, and stronger international coordination. So this was particularly evident in our discussion on the implementation also of the WHO pandemic agreement. So negotiations are currently continue continuing on the pathogen access benefit sharing, the so called PABS, Annex, which will be essential to ensure also a rapid sharing of pathogens, while promoting more equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics during future health emergency. So, again, international cooperation is key also here in sharing of pathogens. So our exchanges made it clear that this negotiation will remain 1 of the key priorities in global health over the coming months. Other discussion also focus on issues that are equally relevant to, the work of this committee. For example, the antimicrobial resistance, the growing burden of noncommunicative disease diseases, tobacco control, mental health, health workforce shortages, as well as the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and digital health. Although these topics may appear diverse, they were consistently approached to a common lens, and that is prevention. Whether discussion, discussing on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, antimicrobial resistance, or future pandemic, WHO representatives repeatedly stressed that prevention remains the most effective and sustainable investment for building resilient health system. So I would like also to draw your attention to another central, issue, trust in science and in medicine. Several interlocutors that were also very interesting discussion we had expressed growing concern about the spread of misinformation, declining public trust in science, and increasing political pressure on evidence based decision making. So more and more politics comes in also in medical discussion. Maintaining scientific integrity, ensuring transparent communication, and strengthening multilateral cooperation were repeatedly identified as essential prerequisites for effective public health actions. So, dear colleague, at the time where the organization is adapting to an evolving financial and geopolitical landscape, the European Union remains 1 of the WHO's strongest and even more strong now political and financial partners. Our presence in Geneva, therefore, send an important signal of the European Parliament's continued commitment to multilateral cooperation in global health. I try to resume. So let me conclude by thanking the committee and secretariat and all colleagues. It was really a very, very interesting and very efficient mission. But all the people involved in the preparatory work for ensuring the success of this mission. Thank you very much.”
  EU competences on health (internal-competence axis, sharpened)
• 2026-07-13 “(16:35:55 - 16:37:23): Sorry. Thank you. Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the speakers for their presentation. I will come immediately to my question. So my 1st question is about the balance between digital risk and the wider determinants of mental health. The report rightly highlights harmful online environments, but it also recognizes that young people's mental health is shaped also by poverty, discrimination, family circumstances, and social exclusion. So, my question is how can, we ensure that the future action does not become overly focused on digital harms alone, but instead also addresses a broader structural determinants of mental health through a genuine health in all policies approach? And then my 2nd question is precisely on the inequalities and, that you that you mentioned also because the report shows that girls and young women and also LGBTIQ and young people, migrants, and other vulnerable groups are disproportionately affected. What would be the single most important policy recommendation to ensure that future future AU action reduces these inequalities rather than providing the same solutions for everyone. Thank you.”
  EU policy on mental health
• 2026-07-13 “(17:40:30 - 17:42:29): Yes. Yes. Thank you very much for being with us. It's a pleasure to meet you. And also for your presentations where you addressed a lot of different topics. But 3 topics I want to address and 2 mainly that I maybe missed in your presentation nevertheless. 1st of all, is the idea of the 1 Health concept that you did not mention explicitly. So also the impact of the environmental pollution on human health, also the issue of antimicrobial which is also due to all the antibiotics we give in intensive farming, for example. So that is 1 point I wanted to address, what's your position and how we can force and push more for the 1 Health concept. And then another point that I did it maybe not here, maybe you mentioned it. We work also in this committee on the health care workforce shortages, and that is very important that as members, states in the European Union, we work together based on solidarity and not on competitiveness in order not to push brain drain or or so so that's another point. And then working also on the 3rd point I wanted to address, working also on the omnibus and food and feed in the envy committee, which has and will have a huge impact on human health if we allow a prolongation, unlimited prolongations of pesticides that we know are toxic or also the prolongation of grace periods, not basing on scientific from different universities coming from member states, but only on EU European approvals and and studies. So what is your point on that? Are you not worried? Because me as a as a member of the some committee I'm working on this fight, I must say, obviously, on the omnibus food and feed, I'm very, worried on the impact on on human health that this risked, to have. Thank you.”
  EU policy on pesticides
• 2026-07-13 “(16:06:29 - 16:07:22): you for your comment. And that's precisely the issue we need to address. Some of your colleagues were a part of this mission, and, indeed, we did raise this, the independence of decisions. It needs to be science based and not simply decided by some foundations. We've got this information out there. Bill Gates is controlling the WHO. That's nonsense. You should come along next time, have a look at what's going on, and pose your own questions. It's important to consider this critically, but all of this fake news about Bill Gates pulling the strings in the background. Sorry. I was getting”
  Vaccination
• 2026-03-17 “E-001084/2026 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The demand for non-human primates for use in science is expected to continue as they remain essential in certain research areas, such as neurosciences and immunology, and for safety testing where no viable alternatives currently exist. Their use is regulated by the Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes 1 , which imposes stringent measures limiting their use for specific purposes. Currently, a significant proportion of non-human primates used in the EU are sourced from outside the Union. The Directive aims at ending the capture of non-human primates from the wild, including for breeding purposes. It also sets out some of the highest care and accommodation standards for non-human primates globally. Increasing EU-based breeding capacity can contribute to these objectives by ensuring compliance with EU welfare standards and reducing the risks associated with long-distance transport. The Directive sets out a legal framework for progressing towards their full replacement as soon as scientifically satisfactory alternatives are available. The use of non-human primates can only be authorised where a project evaluation satisfies the authorities of its compliance with the principle of the Three Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) and that the objectives cannot be met by using other species. The Commission does not have the competence to require Member States to adopt timebound roadmaps to phase out the use of non-human primates. Similarly, the Directive does not provide a legal basis for EU-level scientific or strategic assessments of national projects involving the breeding or importation of such animals. 1 Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 33.”
  Use of animal testing
• 2025-09-22 “E-003658/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission continues the technical discussions with the Member States and stakeholders on the revision of the EU requirements for individual vehicle approval in the respective expert group (Motor Vehicles Working Group). The last meeting of the group on this topic took place on 2 October 2025 with the next one to be scheduled in November. The EU-US Joint Statement 1 declares the intention to reduce non-tariff barriers for cars, but the details on the specific conditions for possible mutual recognition of standards in the automotive sector are still to be discussed and agreed upon. The Commission’s intention is to preserve regulatory autonomy regarding its own environmental and road safety-related vehicle standards. As such, it is too premature to ascribe any specific impact to what has been agreed on automotive standards in the Joint Statement. In addition, the demand for Dodge-Ram pickup trucks depends on a variety of factors, with price being only one of them. Therefore, the Commission refrains from speculating on such impact at this stage. 1 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-statement-united-states-european-union-framework-agreementreciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade-2025-08-21_en.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs) · EU-US trade relations
• 2025-09-10 “E-003505/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission On 27 July 2025 Commission President and United States (US) President reached a political agreement on tariffs and trade. This agreement delivers confidence and predictability for EUbased firms. It also avoids the likely alternative of a harmful further tariff escalation. The outcome of this political agreement has since been confirmed and further deepened via a EUUS Joint Statement published on 21 August 2025 1 . On standards, the EU and US agreed to enhance technical cooperation between EU and US respective standards development organisations. The goal is to identify and develop standards for the transatlantic marketplace in key sectors of mutual interest, with a view to making trade across the Atlantic easier. This will be operationalised in discussions with the US as part of the implementation of the Joint Statement. The Commission will carefully assess and compare the relevant US standards for vehicle safety and emissions with the EU requirements. A preliminary assessment shows that there are areas where standards are comparable, in particular where the EU and US have adopted United Nations Global Technical Regulations 2 . In other areas, in particular the protection of vulnerable road users, the EU and US follow different approaches. At the present state of implementation of the Joint Statement, the economic impact cannot yet be modelled. 1 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/news/joint-statement-united-states-european-union-framework-agreementreciprocal-fair-and-balanced-trade-2025-08-21_en. 2 https://unece.org/transport/standards/transport/vehicle-regulations-wp29/global-technical-regulations-gtrs.”
  Vehicle content rules: mandatory EU components vs. open global sourcing for carmakers · Road transport environmental policy
• 2025-06-16 “E-002411/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. The implementation of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations 1 is primarily the role of the Member States. The Member States are required, amongst others, to ensure the legality of the exports of the species covered by the Regulations. The Commission has been actively engaging with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) 2 authorities in the Member States to address the increasing concerns with exports to India’s Vantara Facility. It has been agreed upon that Member States will pay particular attention to any export requests directed towards India and the facility in question. These requests will be assessed with increased scrutiny to ensure compliance with the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and CITES Convention. Furthermore, Member States are encouraged to share all relevant information regarding such export requests with each other and with the Commission, to ensure that all the relevant authorities are aware of the concerns and have the necessary information to assess the export requests. Finally, the Commission and the Member States will carefully analyse the report from the Secretariat after its investigation has been completed to ensure that the case is given an appropriate follow-up at the CITES level. 2. The Commission does not provide direct funding to the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). 1 Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein and the related Implementing Regulations. 2 https://cites.org/eng.”
  EU-Congo (DRC) relations · EU-India relations
• 2025-04-02 “E-001354/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission In line with its Communication responding to the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe Without Animal Testing’ 1 , the Commission intends to finalise the roadmap by the first quarter 2026 at the latest. Following the publication of the roadmap, the implementation phase will commence. It will start immediately, following a gradual approach. For some roadmap actions, e.g. recommendations to replace more complex endpoints, where no suitable or validated nonanimal methods are currently available, the implementation will require years since progress will depend on the development and validation of such alternatives. The roadmap will serve as a structured action plan that outlines the steps necessary for implementation, offering inter alia concrete recommendations for the integration of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) across 15 legislative areas that currently require animal testing for chemical safety assessments, not limited to the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation 2 . Its implementation will therefore be relevant to a broader set of EU chemicals legislation. The Commission also intends to better integrate NAMs into the ongoing revision of the REACH Regulation, where scientifically and legally feasible, and in line with the outcomes of the roadmap development process. 1 https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2021/000006_en. 2 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/chemicals/reach-regulation_en.”
  Use of animal testing
• 2025-03-20 “E-001195/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission conducted an audit in Poland from 6 to 25 November 2024 in order to follow up on the audit report 2021-7187 1 from the Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety on bovine meat, including traceability, and on poultry meat and products derived therefrom. The objective of the audit was to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the measures presented to the Commission to address the recommendations contained in the 2021 audit report. In that context, the assessment of the actions the Polish competent authorities provided to reduce Salmonella contamination in poultry meat were part of the audit. The report is currently being finalised and, in accordance with Article 117 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 2 , the report of this audit will be made publicly available on the Commission website 3 in due course. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit-report/details/4520. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit-report.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• 2025-03-05 “E-000938/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission In its Communication of 18 February 2021 1 , the Commission undertook ‘to explore options for an EU strategy for export credits’. After a feasibility study 2 of May 2023, produced for the Commission by independent consultants, the Commission started work in three areas: encouraging a whole-of-government approach to external financial tools; exploring a potential EU financial tool to work with export credit agencies (ECAs) in support of EU policy priorities; and promoting sustainability. In addition, agreement was reached at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2023 to modernise the Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits (‘the Arrangement’), streamlining the rules so that ECAs can better support competitiveness goals, and incentivising ECAs to scaleup their support for zero and low-emission investments, including rail. Regarding the Luxembourg Rail Protocol, the premium levels set by ECAs are determined according to the Arrangement. Protocols under the Cape Town Convention (CTC) regarding the recovery of assets in the case of default, can play a role in those procedures, as it does in the case of aircraft. However, the Luxembourg Rail Protocol of the CTC offers less important practical possibility to recover the value of the asset due to important technical differences between air and rail transport, in particular in relation to interoperability and accessibility. Furthermore there are currently few contracting parties to the Luxembourg protocol. The Commission will nevertheless follow further developments. 1 Trade Policy Review - An Open, Sustainable and Assertive Trade Policy: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52021DC0066 2 Paul Mudde, Henri d’Ambrières, Arnaud Dornel, Federico Bilder, Feasibility study on an EU strategy on export credits, Final report: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/4aa03d2a-08cc-11ee-b12e01aa75ed71a1”
  Climate efforts · EU support of rail transport
• 2024-11-11 “E-002488/2024 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission values stakeholder input in identifying the strategic orientations and priorities for the EU4Health 1 Annual Work Programmes and their contribution to the Programme implementation. Preparatory work for the 2025 EU4Health Work Programme is on-going with a current focus on its strategic orientations and reflecting also the priorities of the new Commission. The 2025 Work Programme is scheduled to be adopted early in the mandate of the new Commission. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/eu4health_en”
  EU competences on health
• 2024-11-06 “E-002426/2024 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission 1. As a general requirement for eligibility of the actions, funding cannot be provided under Horizon Europe ‘within or outside the EU for research activities that are prohibited in all Member States’ 1 . Furthermore, actions funded ‘shall comply with ethical principles and relevant EU, national and international law’ 2 . As a result, all Horizon Europe actions involving the use of animals, even when conducted outside the EU, have to comply with the relevant obligations of Directive 2010/63/EU 3 . 2. To ensure that the EU’s ethical and legal standards are upheld within the Research and Innovation Framework Programmes 4 , the ethics appraisal processes are in place to ensure that the required ethical standards are complied with, also when non-EU countries are involved in the actions. This entail, for animal research within the material scope of Directive 2010/63/EU, compliance with the relevant substantive obligations of Directive 2010/63/EU, the relevant national legal frameworks, and implementation of the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement. In accordance with the Horizon Europe Regulation, the Horizon Europe ethics appraisal process encompasses a self-assessment and an ethics screening and/or ethics assessment by external experts. For actions raising ‘serious or complex ethics issues’, specific ethics obligations and periodic reporting requirements as the project progresses can be included in the grant agreement, for example to provide appropriate authorisations, copies of training certificates/licences of staff and details on the procedures to ensure animal welfare. Adherence to ethical standards and proper implementation of the actions can be verified at any time during the implementation of the grant. 1 Article 18(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.170.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A170%3AFU LL 2 Article 19(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2010/63/oj/eng 4 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en”
  Strategic Screening in International Research Cooperation · EU research funding
• “Yes, I'm still there. Thank you very much for giving me the floor. Destiny. Dear colleagues together with my colleagues Romana Stein and We launched an interest group, MEPs for Women's Health. Many colleagues from science and also from other committees joined us and we are really we are very much following the work on this report. Of course, last year we had also a good exchange with the rapporteur, and today I'm very thankful to Katarina for all the work done so far. So women's health is important for a simple reason. We do not have to come up with complex arguments. It is important because it concerns half of the population in Europe and beyond. Gender disparities in health we see today are the result of structural problems in research, in clinical practice and health policies. And the European Health Union that serves everyone must address the persistent gender data gap in medical research. For decades, clinical trials, diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols have been based predominantly on male physiology. This has led to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and poorer outcomes for women and other underrepresented groups. So collection of sex and gender disaggregated data from study designed to evaluation cannot be questioned anymore. A particular urgent issue is a continued exclusion of.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much, chair, dear colleagues. Sometimes in this House things can happen that are really not understandable, such as this objection of Miss Mathilde André from the Patriots. The implementing act focused solely on removing unnecessary technical constraints, and I really do not see any reason how those proposed changes would undermine the safeguards laid down in the Basic Act, or why they would reduce the level of safety, security, frequency or quality of official controls or lower animal welfare standards across the EU and for our group. This objection is therefore not supportable. Instead of wasting our time on objection like this, we should rather discuss on substantive issues in this area. If the rapporteur concerns, for example for animal welfare is genuine, the focus should be on meaningful reforms instead of hiding behind bureaucratic acts that are more about border symbolism than real suffering. Animals are no political props. So in the last Animal Transport inquiry committee, we had a chance to take a closer look at the problematic situations regarding control posts. And currently we are discussing the commission proposal for a revised animal transport regulation, for which I am Co-rapporteur, and the Trend Committee, which regulation? Like this.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• “I will also speak German today. Dear Khrushchev. You really don't have a simple situation, as Commissioner, and I really have tried to find some positive elements. Perhaps I can mention a few in the future, if I understand correctly. It's really going to be the member states to decide whether how they deal with regions, rural development, whether they want to invest in this or not. Yes, there's going to be more money for climate catastrophes, however, without an effective climate protection and long term planning. I think this money isn't going to be sufficient. And I think it's clear, indeed, that we end up with a kind of quilt of different national plans no coordination, no European guidance here. And of course, that is going to destroy the cohesion of the Common Market. And of course, we're happy that there's going to be this is going to be direct. The speaker has been cut.”
  EU cohesion/structural-fund architecture: consolidation vs ring-fenced separate funds
• “Thank you. Thank you very much for this very interesting presentation and also for your work you've been doing to fight this inequalities. I have two questions. My first question, uh, goes on you, Professor Marmot, um, as you were speaking in your eight, uh, principles also on the of the impact of the environment. So the also tackling the one health approach and this holistic approach. So do you think also that deregulating the environmental protection rules harms the most the socioeconomic, uh, disadvantaged populations? And, uh, another question that I have in general of the, of the two of you is also how you see the commercial Social determinants of of certain products, notably the all those tobacco products, for example, which uh, where we also see that the victim of this commercial determines um, are mainly again, people of, of lower income or also maybe of less education and how we can tackle that. And thank you, uh, to you Mrs.. For your very concrete, uh, elements that you mentioned where we can have an action on. Thank you.”
  Smoking regulation
• “One minute heat waves are caused by climate change. They disturb our lives, our sleep. They are dangerous and often deadly. Among floods, droughts, fires, heat waves that are the most dangerous. I'm thinking of many people here. Yes. Of children. Of elderly people. Of people with chronic or disabilities. Of people? Yes. Living in overheated apartment. They cannot escape from the heat waves. Heat waves do not heat equally, but policies must protect equally. When the wealthy buy air conditioning and pay high energy bills. The most vulnerable suffer and end up in hospitals. He health policies and climate policies go hand in hand. You might say, yeah, but now the heat is over. But it will come back again next year and it will cause suffering. It will cause closing of schools. It will slow down our economy and it will affect people's health. But we can do something. We can act if we have the courage to act. We must do it. Climate change, denial, cost, life protecting and investing in nature is the only solution. Thank you.”
  EU climate adaptation and disaster preparedness
• “Thank you. Thank you very much. And thank you, Dr. Rendi-Wagner, and also your colleague to be here today. And I would like to ask you about the recently negotiated compromise on the pandemic accord. As you know, it includes some important elements, such as support for the Trips flexibilities and also a one health approach to antimicrobial resistance. But many observers have flagged serious concerns about equity, in particular the lack of fair and effective pathogen access and benefit sharing system, and the dominance of high income country and industry interests in the final text. Raise question about how inclusive and workable this agreement truly is. So from the Ecdc perspective, how will this accord impact your agency preparedness and surveillance work? And do you believe the outcome reflects a balanced and effective framework for the future pandemics? Or would you rather say it's a missed opportunity at the global level? Thank you.”
  Antimicrobial resistance
• “Dear President, the Commissioner, mental health is one of Europe's greatest public health challenges today and it needs urgent action. Mental health is also extremely political and it needs courageous political solutions. Seventy-five percent of young people believe that the future is frightening. Just imagine you are a young person in the world today. Your future is full of uncertainty. You struggle to find affordable housing. Your professional future, even if you try your best, is one big question mark. And you see more and more natural disasters. You see armed conflicts and genocide a close reality every day. You're exposed to harmful social media algorithms full of standards and self-harm content. So it's very difficult to keep your mental health in check. It's very difficult to stay resilient. Our youth deserve more than resilience. They deserve justice, they deserve protection, they deserve care and they will get it if we act together. So let's stop asking them to adapt to a broken world. Let's fix the world instead. Thank you.”
  EU policy on mental health
• “Mr.. Vasilii, please. No, you're fine, you're fine. Uh, then I go to I. Give me the floor myself. Uh, I must say, honestly, um, today I am very proud. Proud that this committee leads on women's health in the European Parliament. And we do it well by taking really women seriously. We do not only talk about it, but we actually ask and check what are the concrete needs, what are the challenges, what works and what doesn't. Um, and when we ask and when we give people a chance, they respond. So nearly 2000 answers in one month, uh, is a great proof of the needs on the ground. So it's a very specific topic. So I'm aware of that. Even with the limitations of the study, we can see that in the rich countries the issues that were identified are striking. And if the result concern rich Western countries, we can assume what the situation is in other European member states. The findings align with international literature, which consistently highlights a high burden of women's health and the barriers encountered across various domains. So we know that there are problems starting with research through care to work environments and discrimination as you presented it so well. So Strauss is painful. If you are a woman, uh, your situation is difficult if you are older or and that is also to reply to the question, if you belong to the LGBTQ community, it even gets worse. So I would call on all of us working on different files, be it health care for workforce shortages, um, but also cardiovascular plan, Europe's beating cancer plan, to always consider this gender perspective and women's health so That this committee can continue to be a leading on this issue. So I also hope that the roadmap that Mr. Andriukaitis also spoke about, roadmap for Women's Rights, published in March, will translate into an ambitious gender equality strategy, of which health will be one of core components. So not really a question, more an empowering message. Um, for us. I have now another, um, question from, um, Brazil. Cloud, please. You have I mispronounced your your name, but you have the floor. Please go ahead.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much, dear chair. Thank you also. And also, dear Secretary of State for health. I would like to begin to recognizing the importance of Leadership within the European Union. So the role of a rotating presidency is crucial in ensuring that our union continues to function and address the concerns of all citizens. The EU is a community of values including human dignity, democracy and the rule of law. What deeply concerns me is that the EU is currently being led by a country that, unfortunately, has demonstrated a disregard for the health and wellbeing of its own citizens. So how can we trust the Hungarian presidency to lead on critical issues like health and the environment, when it has failed to prioritise this? Some values at home the same values at home in the past. Hungary used a health crisis as a pretext to curtail democratic freedoms and consolidate power. And also in Hungary, restrictions on abortion access not only undermine women's rights but also endanger their health. So, since 2022, women seeking an abortion have to listen to the fetal heartbeat before accessing the procedure. Hungary has adopted also similar to Russia's gay propaganda law, which bans content that promotes or portrays LGBTI identities to minors. This law affects the dissemination of educational and health related information, limiting access to accurate and to accurate sexual and reproductive health information for young LGBTI individuals. Now you have found me. That's fine. So it's not enough to lead by words. Writing a nice presidency program. It is also essential to lead by example. The latest Hungarian nomination for a new EU health commissioner is also not very reassuring. So my question is very, very simple how can we trust the presidency to deliver concretely? And this for all the citizens, for every citizens, on its already rather limited program in health? Thank you.”
  Sexuality and reproduction
• “Sun is ahead of time. So already for the International Women's Day in March, sun turned things around and consulted citizens on what they would like to tell us about women's health. So almost 2000 citizens responded to some consultation on women's health. So today is the moment to look into what they have told us. I warmly welcome Doctor Wilma Selda and Doctor Janine. Reuters van Lennep, authors of the paper analysis of the result of the European Parliament's Public Consultation on Women's Health. Uh doctor uh newsletter, is assistant professor at the Department of Public Health at the Erasmus Medical Center and specializes in women's health, focusing on the female disadvantage in health, disability and the many more years that women spent in poor health compared to men. And we have doctor Van Lennep, also from the Erasmus Medical Center, and she's associate professor for cardiovascular prevention and also a medical doctor. Her special focus is to take into account the life course of women, which has unique features such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. So Doctor Elda and Doctor Van, we are eager to hear what citizens have told us regarding women's health and invite you to present your findings so the floor is yours for a combined time of 15 minutes. Please, you have the floor.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Dear president, dear Commissioner, when we speak about diseases like cancer, heart conditions, neurological disorders or measles, we don't speak in abstract terms. We are speaking about our neighbors, our parents, our children. Every one of us has a story. Every one of us knows someone affected. That's why our response must be humane, bold, and forward looking. Let us start with the obvious prevention works. And yet, it's still the most neglected part of our health system. We spend billions on treatment, but far too little on stopping disease before it begins. We need to invest in the conditions that keep people healthy. Clean air, clean water, affordable and healthy food, decent housing. That is why policy like the European Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Politics play a crucial role. Those are not environmental luxuries. They are essential tools for protecting public health. And we need also to address one of the elephants in the room tobacco. It's still one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Europe. It's time to stop dancing, dancing around this issue. We urgently need to revise the EU tobacco legislation, including tax rules.”
  Smoking regulation
• “Yes, I'm still there. Thank you very much for giving me the floor. Destiny. Dear colleagues together with my colleagues Romana Stein and We launched an interest group, MEPs for Women's Health. Many colleagues from science and also from other committees joined us and we are really we are very much following the work on this report. Of course, last year we had also a good exchange with the rapporteur, and today I'm very thankful to Katarina for all the work done so far. So women's health is important for a simple reason. We do not have to come up with complex arguments. It is important because it concerns half of the population in Europe and beyond. Gender disparities in health we see today are the result of structural problems in research, in clinical practice and health policies. And the European Health Union that serves everyone must address the persistent gender data gap in medical research. For decades, clinical trials, diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols have been based predominantly on male physiology. This has led to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and poorer outcomes for women and other underrepresented groups. So collection of sex and gender disaggregated data from study designed to evaluation cannot be questioned anymore. A particular urgent issue is a continued exclusion of.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “I am much of the food that we consume in Luxembourg comes from other European countries. And yet along the agri food supply chain, we're still encountering unfair trade practices. And unfair trading practices are always unacceptable, but they are particularly unacceptable in a market where sustainable and regional production is already at a disadvantage. The, um, the market power of some major retailers allows that late payments and unilateral contract changes, and that undermines not only the economic stability of our farms, but also confidence in the overall agri food chain. But today, I think we're sending out a clear signal with the new rules for a clear legal base for transnational transfrontier cooperation and and sanctions, then I think we'll be able to better protect farmers when unfair trading practices occur in a cross-border context, and we'll be able to ensure that stricter national rules are respected. Eu wide fairness for our farmers isn't just a marginal detail, it's indispensable for sustainable, just agricultural policy in Europe.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “So the conclusion from the meeting was to open up more political points for the discussion before starting to look for potential compromises. So work is now ongoing intensively, I must say on the technical level, with the ambition of still finalising the negotiation under the Polish presidency, if possible. However, there are many open points still to discuss, and whether we succeed or not will largely depend also on the willingness, I must say, of the Council in finding compromises. So the Parliament team and myself are ready to engage in further negotiations in order to find appropriate compromises. And for us, it is crucial that the regulation will help us achieve the single European railway area. So what we cannot accept is more fragmentation of the system, and the new regulation has to be an improvement and it has to be useful for the sector, in particular for the cross-border traffic. We need a legislation that is good. And in that sense, quality goes before speed. So I look forward to update you after the next trilogue, and hopefully we will by then be a step closer in finding an agreement. And if there are any questions, don't hesitate, of course.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “President. Commissioner. Luxembourg. One adult in five suffers from obesity. And this number has been on the rise over the last few years and continues to rise. Now sometimes say that will is enough to fight against obesity. But that is not true. This is a real public health challenge. Obesity is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular illness and social inequality, and we should focus our efforts on what really makes a difference. Access to healthy food, balanced diets, physical activity and prevention policies that reach everybody. We can't expect medication like ozempic solving the problem for everybody. Access to medication against obesity should be limited to people who have real medical need for it. The solution is to be found in creating environments in which healthy choice is are the easiest and most affordable ones to make for everybody. That would mean that we should make food something that's at the service of health. We should prevent aggressive marketing of unhealthy products and instead offer healthy food in schools. Obesity and the associated conditions should be one of those problems that we prevent, not just that, we treat.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• “Thank you very much. Till next. Thank you very much. President. Commissioner. I'm here to speak for millions of women across Europe. Women who have been injured, misdiagnosed and dismissed for far too long. They are called hypochondriacs, pill poppers, hysterics or attention seekers simply because they are in pain. Real, chronic, paralyzing pain. Women with under mattresses at all. That's just the way how you are. They are told pain is part of being a woman. They are told to keep on going because suffering has been normalized as feminine but under a myth. This is not an issue to endure. It is a disease. A disease that affects one out of ten women in the EU. A disease that can take up to a decade to diagnose. A disease that has destroyed organs, careers, relationships and lives. We face a gender health that is killing trust, delaying treatment, and violating the rights of women. The pain of women has been underestimated, pathologized and ignored simply because it is felt by women. There is not enough attention for under two years. Not enough research funding goes to women's health research in general. For far too long, research has concentrated on male bodies. We must change that. It is changing already, but not fast enough. We call for investment in research both on diagnosis and treatment, but also on awareness raising about women's health. Thank you.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “I spare you all the numbers. Then we have also opinions. We have Mikael Penttila from EPP, I hope I did pronounce quite correctly, has been nominated as rapporteur for the opinion to budge on laying down the Multiannual Financial framework from the years 28 to 34, and we have Adam Zaruba from EPP as chair. That has been nominated as rapporteur for the opinion, in the form of a letter to Afet on the conclusion of a broad package of agreements to consolidate, deepen and expand the bilateral relations with the Swiss Confederation. Um, then the third point on the agenda, um, is the adoption of the minutes. So from the second and 3rd June, from the 25th and 26th June, for the 16th of July, and the above mentioned minutes have been circulated by the Secretariat. Thank you for that. On the 29th of October. Can they deemed adopted? I don't see anybody not agreeing on that. Um, so let's move to the today's meeting if you agree. Sorry, I should have asked at the beginning if you agree on the agenda of today. We can go to the core business of today. And I'm very looking forward to the presentation of the analysis of the result of the European Parliament's public consultation on women's health. So, dear colleagues, this week is the Parliament's Gender Equality Week with the motto it's time to turn Things around.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Yes, thank you very much for your very interesting and dynamic presentation. I really like the idea also of minimum standards and physical, psychological, etc.. But I also think professional. Yeah. You mentioned social. So that is really also shows the needs of a very holistic approach that we need and also very multidisciplinary team that is needed. I think it's important also to have a very individualized approach. But I have two questions. If you if you had to say 2 or 3 priorities really of very concrete support for survivors, what would it be? Or what infrastructure would you really like to create or or what is the really concrete help you would say that are the 2 or 3 priorities? And then I have a question because you said something in the in the measures to take. You said also we need to revise the GDPR, etc. for digital tools in order to make innovation easier. What are concretely the things you are thinking about? Because when I speak to patients, and especially when we speak about health data, some people ask, how can we guarantee with the European health data space that GDPR is protected? So I hear also the other sound. So what were you very concretely there thinking about? Thank you in advance.”
  Processing of health data
• “Yes, I'm still there. Thank you very much for giving me the floor. Destiny. Dear colleagues together with my colleagues Romana Stein and We launched an interest group, MEPs for Women's Health. Many colleagues from science and also from other committees joined us and we are really we are very much following the work on this report. Of course, last year we had also a good exchange with the rapporteur, and today I'm very thankful to Katarina for all the work done so far. So women's health is important for a simple reason. We do not have to come up with complex arguments. It is important because it concerns half of the population in Europe and beyond. Gender disparities in health we see today are the result of structural problems in research, in clinical practice and health policies. And the European Health Union that serves everyone must address the persistent gender data gap in medical research. For decades, clinical trials, diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols have been based predominantly on male physiology. This has led to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and poorer outcomes for women and other underrepresented groups. So collection of sex and gender disaggregated data from study designed to evaluation cannot be questioned anymore. A particular urgent issue is a continued exclusion of.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Dear president, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the world around us is changing, often rapidly and often not for better. While Europe is fighting its big economic battles and is facing challenges arising from other world powers, often those overlooked or sacrificed are patients from the risk of tariffs through to global dependency in supply chains, in supply chains, to devastating climate change. Impact. Global changes mean very tangible impact for patients. Europe must be strong. Europe must be prepared and resilient and at the same time showing solidarity with those most vulnerable in and outside of Europe. Last week, we achieved a landmark deal on the revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation. Soon we will have a Critical Medicines Act. We have to further strengthen European healthcare system. But let us be honest, relying almost exclusively on private pharma companies has limits. This very parliament commissioned a study which shows a way to build public medicine infrastructure. Instead, EU only solution remains relying on big Pharma, who will always decide based on who can pay more and on the size of the market. Europe needs a different model of innovation and medicine production, one that puts public health needs and patients first. Thank you. **Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ @Chair: On behalf of the left, I would give the floor to Mr.. Mr.. Anthony Smith.”
  Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• “Oh, sorry. Sorry sorry, sorry. A particularly urgent issue is the continued exclusion of pregnant and breastfeeding women from clinical trials. While ethically ethical and scientific safeguards are essential. Blanket exclusion leaves millions without evidence based guidance on medicines, vaccines and treatments. This creates uncertainty for healthcare professionals and risk for women. Finally, we must give greater recognition and resources to gender specific health conditions that have historically been trivialized or under-researched, including endometriosis and menopause related health impact. Just because something concerns women only, it cannot be less important. And finally, I look forward to the upcoming gender equality strategy, which hopefully will build on the roadmap and will deliver on health pillar. Thank you.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much. Good morning colleagues. Dear chair, dear experts, also for the World Organization for Animal Health. Thank you very much for your insightful and interesting presentation of your latest report. I hope, by the way, we get the presentation. Also, in general, I would like to thank you for your efforts in the global fight against Amr in order to steer the world towards a healthier and more sustainable future. Much of what you have emphasized here today is indeed in line with my own expectation and political battles. One of the points we should discuss in your report is Amr said, for me, it's very clear that we need a holistic Approach to combat Amr in Europe, but also at the global level. We therefore need to emphasize interconnectedness. As you said, of human and environmental health and animal health. So let me ask you two questions. So I would even say three questions very shortly. From your perspective, could you elaborate on the role that improved animal husbandry practices play alongside vaccination in reducing antibiotic use in intensive livestock production? Secondly, given the evidence that preventive vaccination and better husbandry significantly reduce antibiotic use in livestock, what concrete policy measures does recommend to EU regulators to ensure both animal welfare and effective Amr mitigation? And since these days we don't have many occasions to talk about animal transport, a topic that is also very much linked to animal health and the spread of diseases, especially when it comes to long distance and live export. I would also like to ask you a question in this regard. So what are guidelines to ensure the welfare of animals during transport for sea planning, animal fitness checks, etc.? So, given the significant export of live animals from EU to third countries, what measures do you believe the EU should take to ensure animal welfare and health standards are upheld throughout the entire journey, even outside the EU borders, and to eliminate also the risk of spreading diseases? Do you consider? And that's my last question. Compliance with our guidelines sufficient to achieve these goals? Or would you or would really an export ban be the most efficient solution here? Thank you.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers · Antimicrobial resistance
• “Thank you, thank you, dear chair. Hello again. So thank you very much for this exchange of view and the Commission's also explanation on the current situation. I understand the concern shared by my colleagues regarding the negative economic impact of the spread of the disease on farmers, and I very much acknowledge also the importance of vaccination campaign. It is crucial to support farmers impacted by this disease financially and to invest in enhanced prevention and treatment measures, thereby minimising the need for unnecessary animal culling. For me, the recent outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in Europe are also a stark reminder of the risk posed by long distance transport of animals and high density livestock farming. I know that diseases like the lumpy skin disease are primarily spread by insects, but not only, but also the movement of animals across borders accelerates their spread, putting entire regions at risk and causing a threat to wild ruminants such as bison and deer. I would therefore like to know from the Commission, when are you ready to rethink our livestock systems away from long and often unnecessary stressful transport, and finally prioritise animal welfare and local production and of course, also disease prevention. And do you acknowledge that this outbreak also highlights the urgent need to address climate related factors that increase vector populations? Investing in sustainable, low density livestock systems is not only better for the animals, but also for the resilience of the European agriculture as a whole.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• “(11:12:53 – 11:15:37): you. You are right. Yeah. Sorry. Sorry to interrupt. I will do. In my amendments, I seek to ensure that EU's food promotion policy fully acknowledge that sustainable production system, including in organic farming are essential for environmental protection by diversity, climate mitigation, and public health objectives. We need a full consistency with the Europe's beating cancer plan, with Farm to Fork strategy and the objective of the Green Deal whilst ensuring that public funds do not incentivize products linked to chronic diseases, climate change or biodiversity loss and also promote higher animal welfare standard. So our promotion policy must be aligned with the union sustainability ambitions. This means ensuring that sectors such as the organic farming are adequately supported and not disproportionately affected by budget reallocations or structural barriers. So the colleague of S and D was going into the same direction. I also call for greater accessibility of promotion programs for smaller operators, particularly, again, organic producers, SMEs and also cooperatives. Smaller scale programs, simplified procedures and revised eligibility criteria are necessary so that regional networks and biodistricts can genuinely participate. And at the same time, a EU promotion fund should support products that are fully produced within the union and contribute to strengthening also our strategic autonomy and resilient supply chains. Another important focus is the promotion of healthier and more sustainable food choices. I believe we must progressively align public spending with our health and climate objective. Therefore, I propose dedicated support for fruit, vegetables, legumes and pulses, which can both support informed consumer choices and strengthen Europe's protein autonomy by reducing dependence on imported feed. In parallel, we should encourage a phase out of au promotion funds for processed meat and alcohol beverage public health impact as proven by the WHO. Yes, I know there's not a lot of support in there, but my colleagues, at 1 moment, we need to be coherent also to our public health policies. Thank you very much, and looking forward to the negotiation. Thank you.”
  Agriculture (green) · Nutrition
• “Much, dear chair. And again, dear Secretary of State. Now I'm speaking on behalf of Ignazio Marino, and I have two very specific questions. On Thursday, world leaders will probably adopt a political declaration on antimicrobial resistance that is supposed to secure concrete, specific and bold commitments with clear targets and also accountability to advance the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment. Yet, we know that the final declaration is at risk of being watered down exactly when we need a strong commitment. We are all worried that health is not anymore a priority among the political leaders. So my question is what will the presidency do to reverse this trend and to approach the health threat that is killing millions of people worldwide and thousands in Europe with adequate seriousness. My second question is linked to the upcoming revision of the EU tobacco legislation. The key word that describes the EU approach to tackling smoking problem is delayed. Both the revision of the Tobacco Directive and the council recommendation on the smoke free environments are much overdue, counting in years, not months. I think we all agree on the fact that achieving a tobacco free generation requires more urgent steps. Eu rules have lost their effects and it's urgent now more than ever to prioritise public health protection over the vested financial interests of tobacco companies. Revising only products and advertising guidelines will not be enough. The European Cancer Plan is clear on Taxation, playing a key role in reducing tobacco consumption, in particular in deterring youths from smoking. New rules must be future proofed by covering liquids for e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other types of next generation products which are entering on the market. So my question is simple: will the presidency prioritize the proposals for the recommendation on smoke free environments to be adopted as soon as possible? Thank you.”
  Smoking regulation · Antimicrobial resistance
• “So they take energy to be fit. And it's with an image of being more efficient in sport more. And then they take something to calm down. And I think some of my colleagues speaking so loudly would also need something to calm down a little bit. Um, because it's quite disturbing, I must say. Um, and then also I was thinking, do we not do we not need to make also some research on how really influence young people? Because I think it's not enough with labelling. It's not enough by telling them that the parents tell them. But we see how the advertising is made here. So I think we need also to do some research to really address the young people taking this, and also thinking about a ban on certain sport events that are sponsored, not to naming the the brand. Now, um, so in your view, to say it very clearly, is there any scientifically credible justification for continuing to allow unrestricted access for minors? Or should the policy makers follow the approach already taken in several countries and introduce a clear, enforceable age limit? So some countries went ahead with labeling and warnings. Do you see any results already of these actions? Thank you.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• “Mr. president, dear colleagues, the Commissioner almost 300 000 hunting trophies of wild animals listed under the Convention of International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Short cites were imported globally between 2013 and 2023, with hunters killing animals simply for personal glory and the sale of their remains. Let me remind you that in 2022, this Parliament clearly demanded a ban on the import of hunting trophies. I therefore urge all my colleagues to support tomorrow strong wording against this practice. The use and trade of wildlife is not only a matter of animal welfare and biodiversity preservation, it is also a major threat to public health due to the risk of future zoonosis diseases. The one health approach must be a priority at the upcoming Cop 20 meeting in Uzbekistan. This is closely linked to the urgent need for the EU wide positive list. Last but not least, let me say that I am deeply concerned about the EU exports of wild animals included in including threatened species to the Vantara Zoological Complex in vineyard. I call the commission to suspend exports to Vantara and push for stricter enforcement at the Cop 20. Thank you sir.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank you very much, dear chair. And also, thank you for the presentation. Dear Daphne and dear William, um, I would like to start by reflecting back and saying that when hair was established, time I know played an important role and we wanted to see action from the EU as fast as possible. The action was taken and here I was established, Unfortunately, I must say also, like it was already said, not in the way we wanted it to be. And nothing should stop us now from correcting and improving it. Time plays an important role, but I believe that if we can in some areas, deregulate very quickly, we should also be able to build up very quickly. So I want to address three main points the structure, the transparency and the budget was also already mentioned. So on the structure, the outcome of the public consultation shows that it was 5050 split in opinions in the study. Majority supported standalone agency model. Interestingly, also people from the commission report without surprises favours the status quo. In the report, you also stated that any structural change must clearly enhance, not diminish, his ability to deliver. I will agree, but this is precisely why the question of autonomy remains on the table during crisis.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Okay. I'm very short. Dear chair thank you for your work as auditor in assessing the European cancer Plan. I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate all of us on the last cancer resolution adopted in February by the parliament. It's approved that Becker legacy is still valid. However, I'm a bit concerned that it is not fully taken on board. Similarly, the European skin cancer plan is not fully realized, and in some areas it looks especially weak. One of the objectives in the plan was to contribute to achieving tobacco free generation, where less than 5% of population uses tobacco by 2040. Today it's around 25%. Worryingly, more and more young people use tobacco and nicotine products, so a tobacco free generation is to be achieved. Also by reviewing the legislation. We are in 2026 and we are still waiting for the new proposal for the Tobacco Products Directive. Progress on taxation directive is quite modest, and even the Commission and the Parliament struggles with implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. While we are supposed to mobilise Member States to improve implementation. So I would really like to call on the Commission and on the Commissioner personally to do its utmost to make progress on the EU legal framework on tobacco. I would like to finish on a positive note. I was happy to see in the European Court of Auditors report that the cancer plan served as trigger for policy change and national level. After it was adopted, four countries developed new national cancer plans and ten countries updated their existing plans. This shows that EU wide and ambitious actions in prevention make sense and we should not slow down. Thank you very much.”
  Smoking regulation
• “Thank you very much. The Chair I must say, after this presentation, even if I really try to concentrate, it really shows and I agree with my colleague from EPP, it's not going into the direction of simplification and less simplification makes it also more difficult to have transparency and to have coherence. If the money really goes there where we where we want. So that is my first remark or question. Secondly, if climate action action on the environment is more on a volunteer basis, I wonder how we are going to be competitive. If we are if our soil and our water is not protected, that is not an element of competitiveness. We are not going competitive with floods and droughts. And then my second or third remark is it still a common agricultural policy? There are no impact indicators. So how do we check the coherence. So um yeah. And how you said in your presentation, um the second presentation, um said yeah, there is the impact on level playing field is overstated. But what also about solidarity in Europe in the common agricultural Policy? It's also an element I'm missing. And then another remark that was made in the presentation is the impact of stakeholders that are not from the agri sector, that would hear what you meant exactly by that. And then last but not least, If we merge the crisis, the sanitary and the climate crisis, and also merging animal welfare and animal health, which is not the same thing. Uh, again there, I wonder how we are going really to attribute the money where it should really be be spent in order to fight also the climate crisis. So I see more and more questions raising up. And I can, I totally agree that we need clarification before really starting to work. And I wonder also how the member State will manage if we think at the first presentation. I mean, it's really not easy also for the member state to get along here and to find their way. Thank you very much.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Thank you very much. And also thank you for the presentation. I want to ask you a question also about the so-called Food and Feed omnibus, published by the Commission on 16th December. So, first of all, from a scientific risk assessment perspective, is moving from a time limited approval to predominantly unlimited approvals compatible. Is this really compatible with the precautionary principle in Efsa's experience? How essential have periodic renewal been in identifying a new risk like the endocrine disruption or development developmental neurotoxicity that were not evident at the time of the first approval, for example. Secondly, the proposal would require member states to rely exclusively on the EU level assessment of an active substance in light of the Court of Justice clarification that national authorities must consider the most up to date scientific evidence. Does Efsa consider this approach scientifically sound? Could it delay regulatory responses to newly identified risks? And then finally, if systematic renewals are largely removed and reassessment become optional, Who will proactively monitor emerging independent scientific literature across all approved substances? Does the Efsa really have the resources to ensure this new evidence and also to trigger a timely reassessment, then.”
  EU policy on pesticides
• “Recently, 16 member states called for a revision. Higher taxes, plain packaging, a total ban on advertising, including for newer products like heated tobacco or e-cigarettes. Our legislation must catch up with reality, dear colleagues, but prevention alone is not enough. We must guarantee affordable and timely access to effective treatment for all, regardless of income or geography. That means making pharmaceutical legislation and innovation a conditional and on affordability. It means demanding transparency on pricing and research and development costs. And yes, it also means redesigning the way we reward medical innovation so that public investment leads to public benefit. And finally, we need to stop only reacting to crisis and start planning ahead. So Europe needs a comprehensive strategy on non-communicable diseases. We need to stop to think in silos, one that looks across health systems, environment, agriculture and education and social policy. So prevention and treatment must include protection also for women's health. That is another aspect that gender sensitive approach is needed. So let us act with courage, let us act with care and let us act now because lives depend on it. Thank you.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• “So I think we can slowly start. No. Good afternoon. Not too quick. Okay. Okay. So good afternoon. I'm only here as provisional chair, so don't be afraid for those who would be afraid. So welcome to all full and substitute members of the Sun Committee. And let me come to the formalities. Interpreters for the following languages are present today. So German. English. French. Italian, Dutch. I have to say that Danish. Greek. Spanish. Portuguese. Finnish. Swedish. Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Maltese, Polish, Slovak, Slovenian, Bulgarian, Romanian and Croatian. So you see how many nationalities are represented. It's not in Luxembourg, unfortunately, but that's another topic. So also a small reminder. I don't know if we will have any votes, but in this House the voting cards are key to everything, as you know, so please make sure that you have them with you. Yes, you all have them with you. Perfect. Um, so first point of the agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Can we adopt the agenda for today's meeting? I don't see any objections to that. Then we will proceed immediately to the very important moment. The election of the chair of the Subcommittee on Public Health. Hearts. That is what we are going to do. I note that the chrome do we have the chrome that is reached? Yes. So do we have any nominations for the election of the chair? So I ask the political group and I saw already Mr. Sokol raising the hand. So I give you the floor. I guess on behalf of the EPP Group to present your candidate, please go ahead.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “Thank you. Thank you very much, dear chair, dear colleagues, and good evening. And also to dear Commissioner, good to have you with us today. I just want to say a few words on the Common Market Organisation, where the Commission made several changes now that go into the good direction. And I think it was mentioned by a lot of people here. And I also agree with my colleague Anna Stromberg that using producer organisation as one size fits all solution might be a concern, but overall, I very much agree that it is crucial that we strengthen the position of the farmers in the food chain in these unstable times. And particularly I welcome that the new proposal adjusts expenditure rules to encourage also the participation and investment in young farmers. If we don't support this new generation of farmers in Europe, we are not taking a risk when it comes to food security, but also we contribute to a knowledge and labour gap, and it is also a step in the right direction that also new farmers joined a recognised producer organisation and undertaking investments will receive support. So for US Greens, I think it is of course also a positive element to see and it's my last sentence that the organisation of producer organisations is changed to encourage also the participation of the organic sector in this structure, and so this can lead to benefits in multiple areas. Thank you.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “(18:05:07 – 18:07:43): Just a short remark. I would be happy next time that also the commission respect the agenda. It was foreseen to 2 different point. First, directives and then the regulation, and then we would have had 2 times 2 minutes. But, Mo, I will try to compress. The commission claims that this omnibus proposal would simplify existing legislation, but instead, this proposal seems to rather undermine the very purpose of the pesticide regulation, which is to ensure a high level of protection based on the precautionary principle. There is an independent legal analysis. Also, a recent scientific assistant commissioned by the Dutch parliament concluded that the commission proposal fails to meet many of the intended objective. So it will not reduce workload. It will not bring a level of playing field. It will hamper innovation, and it can significant risk for the protection level of human and environmental health. So it seems like the commission didn't really do his homework here and, eagerness really to deregulate. The commission refused to make an impact assessment pushing to this far reaching proposal. So I come immediately to my question. How can the commission pretend that its proposal are lawful, and what proof do you have that this proposal does not undermine the protection of human and environmental hands when no proper impact assessment has been done? Also, is the commission aware of the recent Dutch scientific study, and what is your view on this finding? I'll jump then now to the regulation, to the regulations. The commission proposed that unlimited approvals of pesticide would become the rule and time limited approvals would be the exception. Yet these exceptions are not clearly defined. So, to my question, can you confirm that statement from the commissioner that the unlimited approvals would only concern low risk substances still to define? And then also my other question, I try to reduce. What evidence can the commission show that the removal of periodical reviews of pesticide will reduce authorities' workload? And given that the main issue seems to be the lack of resources, why did the commission not consider other options to reduce the workload of authorities? And then very last question is, doubled standards on the import. Why didn't the commission take any action to ban production of dangerous pesticide in food in general regarding then also, for the export and import? Thank you.”
  EU policy on pesticides
• “President. Commissioner Luxembourg has long been home to steel production, but over the. But now our steel production is completely based on electricity. That's why our society and economy is so strong. Arcelormittal has its headquarters in Luxembourg, so steel production is key to Luxembourg. It's so important for our economic stability, for our security and our strategic dependence. Not just Luxembourg, but Europe. But steel is also important when it comes to renewable energies and the construction of sustainable infrastructure, as well as the production of electric vehicles and technology linked to defence. Yet, and yet, the carbon footprint and the energy costs of this sector do drag it down. So we need to look at electrification. That is so important to reduce energy costs and to make steel making more sustainable, while at the same time we must ensure that we maintain jobs, thousands of jobs. Yes, we need to act. We need coherent and consistent policy at all levels so that we achieve climate goals and so that we ensure the competitiveness of the sector.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “(18:02:07 – 18:04:24): Thank you very much, dear chair, and thank you, commissioner. Let me start by saying that I really welcome your work on strengthening Europe's preparedness and crisis response. The reality we are facing in Europe today is that climate-driven disasters are no longer exceptional events. They are becoming the new normal. The recent heat wave you all experienced across large parts of our continent is only the latest reminder of this shift. So in that context, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism is one of the most concrete expressions of European solidarity. It is also one of the clearest examples of added value at EU level. No member state can respond alone to the scale and frequency of extreme weather events that we are now experiencing. So we very much support the direction of travel towards reinforcing and upgrading this instrument. But we also need to be honest. The pressure on the system is increasing faster than our capacity is currently evolving. What used to be extraordinary activation is now becoming recurrent deployment. This raises then the questions not only about coordination, but about strategic capacity, preparedness, and whether our current tools are sufficient to respond to future crises. Every degree of warming we avoid, every ecosystem we restore, every prevention measure we invest in directly reduces the burden on civil protection system. So my question is the following. As you look at the future of the UN Civil Protection Mechanism, where do you see the balance between reinforcing rapid response capacity on the one hand and investing more strongly at the EU level in prevention and climate-resilient preparedness on the other? And how can the parliament also best support you in making that shift operational, not only just strategic on paper? Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Commissioner. European citizens care about their health, their own health and that of their loved ones. That is why I'm particularly pleased that we have the ambition to tackle cardiovascular health head on. The fight against cardiovascular disease is always more effective when we focus on prevention. Today, we know exactly what the risk factors are and what makes us sick. What we need now is courage. The courage to finally take on this issue and combat commercial factors. You've referred to ultra processed foods with high fat sugar and salt content, cheap alcohol without adequate warnings, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and even snus. Undermine any plan for heart health. Water, air and soil pollution also undermine our ambition to improve the health of Europeans. This plan must also address health inequalities between women and men, as women are often underdiagnosed, undertreated and underrepresented in research. All of this must be at the heart of our plan for heart health. Thank you.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• “Thank you very much. Thank you very much for the presentation that you made for us. It was very interesting indeed. Well, I'm from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. We've got similar projects as well, but ours are more specialized in terms of individual disabilities. I'm quite interested in how to put together the teaching element and the agriculture element. When you're talking about autistic people, for example. Do you have insertion plans for individuals? Their capacities are capacitors are very different. And I had a question for the future in general, how much cooperation do you have with the farmers? To what extent are you able to propose placements that correspond to their needs, and how do you see development in the future? There's more and more machines and more digitalization. You're not worried that some of these kinds of jobs that people with disabilities can do might reduce its scope, or will they grow? Is there a social role that farmers can play in future? And I have another question. To what extent have you got figures about how well people are integrated on farms as to say as to say the output side, how many people actually find jobs? You also mentioned organic farming. So my question is do you mostly sell the products in organic shops or on markets, or where are your products? Find buyers? Thank you very much.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “So I think we can slowly start. No. Good afternoon. Not too quick. Okay. Okay. So good afternoon. I'm only here as provisional chair, so don't be afraid for those who would be afraid. So welcome to all full and substitute members of the Sun Committee. And let me come to the formalities. Interpreters for the following languages are present today. So German. English. French. Italian, Dutch. I have to say that Danish. Greek. Spanish. Portuguese. Finnish. Swedish. Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Maltese, Polish, Slovak, Slovenian, Bulgarian, Romanian and Croatian. So you see how many nationalities are represented. It's not in Luxembourg, unfortunately, but that's another topic. So also a small reminder. I don't know if we will have any votes, but in this House the voting cards are key to everything, as you know, so please make sure that you have them with you. Yes, you all have them with you. Perfect. Um, so first point of the agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Can we adopt the agenda for today's meeting? I don't see any objections to that. Then we will proceed immediately to the very important moment. The election of the chair of the Subcommittee on Public Health. Hearts. That is what we are going to do. I note that the chrome do we have the chrome that is reached? Yes. So do we have any nominations for the election of the chair? So I ask the political group and I saw already Mr. Sokol raising the hand. So I give you the floor. I guess on behalf of the EPP Group to present your candidate, please go ahead.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “Um, yeah. We have heard repeatedly today that energy drink consumption among minors, uh, cannot be framed as only an individual choice. Um, it is also the result of a highly sophisticated marketing strategy, and that they are deliberately targeting children and teenagers through gaming, through influencers, youth orientated events and also life style branding. So it really they really have a trendy and healthy image. So the industry can claim they are targeting adults, but we can see what is what is really happening. So I have two questions. Um, first of all, thank you to the industry for being here and defending, of course, under the concept of competitiveness and so on. But I have two questions. So how do you justify these marketing tactics. When you are fully aware that minors are a vulnerable group and the health risks are well established. And also you said you are proud of the self-regulation, but can you agree nevertheless that self-regulation has indeed failed? Um, or to be honest, it often fails in food industry but also in the pharma industry. Um, second to the to the public health experts, would you agree that the combination of aggressive use marketing and the absence of, uh, age of sale legislation creates an quite an unacceptable policy gap and that the EU should urgently introduce both a minimum age of 18 or 16 for purchase and strict limits on digital and influencer marketing that reaches minors. And do you agree? Also, that's another question I have that we need more studies. I think you said it, but I'm not 100% sure on the cocktail effect. So we spoke about the combination of alcohol and other products, and also studies that we need to reach better out to younger people on their behavior. I agree that banning is not the only solution and that we need to target also the marketing strategies. Thank you.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• “Thank you very much, chair. Um, I must say, discussing vaccine in this committee is not always easy. So thank you, Mr. Meany, for being here today with us. I want to start with underlining that defunding immunization is a mistake. And I must say also that JFK Jr is a catastrophe for global health. So global health landscape is changing. And while we have seen pledges from old and new donors for Gavi, the US withdrawal has left a significant gap. To stay positive, I am relieved to see that the EU is maintaining its support, but I think it should even be increased. Um, so I would like to ask you two questions. Do you believe the fundraising so far is enough to secure Gavi mission, or do you still need more from the international community? I am aware that the pharmaceutical pharmacies companies are, for example, lowering prices for Gavi, but is it enough? Or would you also like to see more from the private sector? I also recently chaired the mission to Senegal, where we discuss vaccines and Africa's ambition for greater vaccine Sovereignty. Garvey is clearly active there to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator. From your perspective, what are the most important conditions to ensure that Africa's vaccine sovereignty can really materialise and be sustainable at the long term? Thank you.”
  Vaccination
• “Thank you. Your chair. Thank you, Minister, and congratulations on the start of the Danish presidency. Uh, it's encouraging to see public health. Uh, placed on the centre of your agenda. Um, as well. As we all know, here, health is not only about health care and medicine. It's also about the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the chemical substances we are exposed to. Uh, PFAS is a clear example of this. These so-called forever chemicals are now found in water, soil and even in human bloodstreams. A recent Dutch studies show that every Dutch person has PFAS in their blood, exceeding Hart's limit. Denmark recently decided to ban 23 pesticides with PFAS because of what the pollution and health impact. Um. Meantime, the European Commission, in a rushed move, decided to prepare a chemical omnibus to simplify rules around chemicals and pesticide. We are still waiting for what will happen to a joint request submitted to the European Chemical Agency by five countries, including Denmark, on the first ban. So can you confirm your support for a PFAS ban across different ministers, and can you confirm that Denmark will continue pushing for the phase out of PFAS? Thank you.”
  PFAs
• “(11:57:22 – 11:59:13): Yes. Thank you very much for giving me the floor, jumping in, a bit spontaneously for Thomas Weiss, who cannot be here with us today. So this shows again clearly that the farmers are also the first victims of climate change. So we know that these measures are more present with humidity, with the increase of the temperatures, etcetera. So it's an important point to monitor and to follow and to fight climate change. So my question is, I agree on a lot that was said by my colleague Benoit Casa, interesting points he raised also on research, for example. And I'm wondering how far we are coordinating our work, only at the level of the European Union, but also the WHO, so the World Animal Health Organization and FAO. I think also there we need, as said, there are no borders for the vectors, for the midges, so we need to work together with also these instances. So and then my other question is about working better together with the farmers. Also there, I think we need to be more coordinated and listen and really more and include them more in our prevention work. So yes, we need more vaccination, different vaccines. We need vector control to insecticides, but then also we need to check the precautionary principle the impact of the insecticides that might be. And yes, we need under with the tests that were mentioned by Benoit Cassad, probably movement restrictions. So all this together with the farmers, together with the WHO, hush on animal health and the FIO. That's it. Thank you very much.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• “Oh, sorry. Sorry sorry, sorry. A particularly urgent issue is the continued exclusion of pregnant and breastfeeding women from clinical trials. While ethically ethical and scientific safeguards are essential. Blanket exclusion leaves millions without evidence based guidance on medicines, vaccines and treatments. This creates uncertainty for healthcare professionals and risk for women. Finally, we must give greater recognition and resources to gender specific health conditions that have historically been trivialized or under-researched, including endometriosis and menopause related health impact. Just because something concerns women only, it cannot be less important. And finally, I look forward to the upcoming gender equality strategy, which hopefully will build on the roadmap and will deliver on health pillar. Thank you.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you. Thank you very much. Also, thank you for the experts, to the experts for your very interesting contributions. I think the the evidence you presented is crystal clear. Energy drinks containing high levels of caffeine, stimulants and sugar pose very real risks for children and teenagers, from cardiovascular effects to sleep disturbances and impacts on mental health. And this same Efsa already published in 2015 a scientific opinion which addressed possible adverse health effect of caffeine from all dietary sources. So yes, let's listen to to Efsa. Um, so I have a couple of questions indeed. Given the consistent evidence of harm you have presented, um, do you consider and some of you said it already a legal minimum age of 18 or lower for the sale of energy drinks to be a necessary public health measure. And in my view, the absence of such a restriction in member in in many member states means that children are freely exposed to products. And it was said by my predecessor here, um, speaker, um, that you can find them everywhere so they are freely exposed to products that you, as clinicians know can trigger heart palpitations, hypertension, behavioural issues, and even emergency admissions. So I also have the feeling sometimes we enter in a in a virtuous circle here.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• “So finally, we are having this exchange in the committee. Um, we all know that EU law strictly protects all citizens, prohibiting. Prohibiting their deliberate capture or killing and banning the commercial import and trade of wild caught citizens and many citizens derived products. And yet, because of continued whaling, the grinder up in the Faroe Islands, today's discussion remains necessary for me and for many citizens. No culture should be based on slaughter and cruelty. But this is not the only not only a matter of animal welfare, it also concerns human health, the protection of children, and the preservation preservation of our European values. Multiple questions have been sent to the Commission over the last years. The answers have often been vague, and the last question I submitted in December, with the support of many colleagues from different political groups, has still not received. Has still not received a reply from your side. So there. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to ask you orally again, will the Commission seek to renegotiate or revise the agreement between the EU and the governments of Denmark and the Faroe Islands on fishing and fisheries, with a view to introducing clauses that allow suspension or modification of preferential trade terms should the green continue. Will the Commission consider introducing mandatory country of origin labelling for fish products from the Faroe Islands to ensure transparency and allow consumers to make informed choices? And then last, multiple reports and footage that we have from NGOs have reached me indicating that military that is also what my colleague said. Sebastian and police resources may be involved in supporting activities or in restricting NGO monitoring. Could you please tell me if the Commission will seek clarification also on this from the Danish authorities concerning these reports from NGOs? Thank you.”
  Commercial whaling
• “Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Commissioner, for the presentation. So the new European Union Civil Protection Mechanism will operate in a world where rising heat kills one person per minute globally. We are not only talking about somewhere in the world. Scientists estimate that high heat killed 2300 people across 12 major cities in Europe between 23rd June and July, and thank for these proposals and for more an ambitious budget than last time. However, the budgets and the ambition is not sufficient. If we want to be serious about the scale of the challenge ahead of us, natural and man made disasters will get worse as we are not doing enough to stop the biggest factor at play the climate change. The Ucpmb plays a central role in coordinating disaster response and enhancing resilience across Europe. However, when it comes to the EU's CPM strategy, there is a need to strengthen prevention and preparedness aspects as well as to adopt a holistic approach to the disaster risk management cycle. So health emergency, also induced by climate change, can have far more reaching impacts beyond the health sector, affecting social stability, environmental balance and or critical infrastructure. That is why I believe this ucpmb must focus equally on prevention as it does on response to disasters and health threats. We need to put emphasis on addressing the root causes of disasters linked to climate change. That is why I call for the ucpmb to invest more in prevention, risk reduction and resilience, not just only emergency response. Ucpmb has to be designed in a way that incentives prevention last sentence only by truly implementing all hazards. Whole of government and whole of society approach. We will be able to effectively protect citizens. Thank you.”
  EU climate adaptation and disaster preparedness
• “We also managed to limit the exemptions to avoid paying penalties, restricting them to situations really resulting from unavoidable Voidable immediate emergency situation and force majeure. And then on military mobility, we agreed with the exemption proposed by the council that will ensure access to the network for military and defence purposes. In return, we managed to ensure commission oversight on measures in other crisis situations such as pandemics and natural disasters. On the exemption for the Channel Tunnel fixed link, we found an agreement that will ensure continued exemption for the shuttle service only, but no exemption for any other service. Finally, we agreed that the regulation will enter into force and apply as soon as possible. But as a new timetable, planning is a process of five years. We agree that the first timetable adopted under this new regulation will be the one for 2031. So this is updating you on the trilogue of the 18th of November. I don't mention the points we have already previously agreed and that you all know about. I think already all in all, and looking at the agreement made on the regulation as a whole, I really believe that we manage to achieve a very good outcome that will ensure a better and a more efficient planning, more cross-border coordination of capacity that will contribute to the important modal shift to rail. Thank you very much. Oh, I was over time. Thank you.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “Okay, sorry I did not hear. Thank you very much for giving me the floor. And, um, yeah, I must say, honestly, it's it's quite hard to hear that also from the commission when saying, yeah, again, we need more data. We need to better monitor. Let's be honest with ourselves. We know exactly what to do. We said it already in 23. We said it already far before we had a very successful European citizens initiative, Save the Bees and Farmers. And I must say, I'm really worried and I'm worried for the next generation. When I hear a serious politician even questioning the impact of loss of pollinators on agriculture. We speak about incentives, and I think it's good to speak about incentives, but we should also speak about conditions. We speak about recommendations, but we speak. We should speak about obligations. Also, we speak about voluntary. Here. It is really about the farmers. It's about the economy. It's about biodiversity loss. It's about food security for today and for the next generation. So we need clear objectives on the reduction of toxic pesticides. And we need clear objectives also to fight climate change. We need we exactly know. And stop just making things. So we need more data or we need to analyse the facts. Are there. Stop denying it.”
  Reduction targets for pesticides
• “Thank you, the chair. Dear colleagues, and thank you very much, dear Christine Schmidt, for this very good presentation. So the EU is currently far away from meeting its target to cut road deaths and serious injuries by half by 2030. Here the new proposed legislation on Unworthiness can play a big part. We know there is a clear correlation between severity of the collision, age of the vehicle and mileage. So there is a strong need to tighten up the controls of older vehicles. And as you estimated in your impact assessment, around 7000 lives could be saved and about 65,000 serious injuries could be avoided with this new legislation. So that these new rules actually will provide for that. And that's a good thing. So I have two questions. First, on the testing regime, and it was already mentioned by my colleague from Sandy where you propose annual checks of old vehicles above ten years. Could you give some more explanation on why you choose ten years and not, for instance, annual checks after six years? I must say that as what I know from Luxembourg, we have, after six years, the annual checks. And that works very well, you might say. Luxembourg is small, but that's another question. Secondly, on motorcycles, I think it's very welcome that the Commission has decided to close the loophole that has allowed some member states to exclude all motorcycles from regular testing requirements. However, I wonder why the commission did not include mopeds and motorcycles under 125 cc. I was driving one of those also when I was young in the testing regimes and they are often trafficked, I must say as called. The Parliament called for that in the report of 2021. So these two categories show high level of speed related tampering, and also brake and tyre failures that play a role in many crashes for young people especially. And with your proposal, this would continue to go unchecked. Thank you.”
  Roadworthiness / Periodic Vehicle Inspection directive
• “Thank you very much, dear chair. So, of course, it was a great honor to chair the subcommittee delegation to Senegal back in September. Uh, our mission was focused on health, sovereignty, vaccine production and eu-africa cooperation in global health. So we examined projects supported by the Team Europe initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, Medicines and health technologies in Africa and in Dakar. We met with the chair of the Committee on Health, population, Social Affairs and National Solidarity of the National Health Assembly of Senegal, and we met also with the Minister of Public Health and Hygiene. We also visited the institute, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, which is home to a functioning vaccine production for yellow fever since the 1930s, as well as the new Madiba vaccine manufacturing facility. Finally, we had meetings with EU member states representatives and civil society working on public health, so all members of our delegation were deeply impressed by Senegal's leadership in advancing regional vaccine production and by also the country's commitment to build resilient, equitable health systems. So we saw Firsthand how the partnership between the EU and Senegal is not only about infrastructure or technology transfer, but it's also about trust and really a long term vision for global health equity. So Senegal faces a particular challenge in primary care following the dismantling of US aid, which represented 25% of health expenditure in Senegal to fight malaria, HIV, Covid or other infectious diseases.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• “Dear colleagues, um, just two weeks ago, once again, um, put all we put all our attention on Amr and Ecdc published worrying information about this ever growing threat. We learned that having a target of 5% reduction of incidence of bloodstream infections caused by carbapenem resistant bacteria, they increased by more than 60%. Similarly, those caused by cephalosporin resistant bacteria have risen by more than 5% despite the target of 10% reduction in antibiotic consumption also increased in 2024, contrary to the 20% reduction target. Against this background, the European Commission announced that it is open to postponing Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive measures set to further protect against pharmaceutical pollution. Contributing to Amr and the pharmaceutical pollution will most likely not be well regulated in the revised pharmaceutical framework because of fake competitiveness arguments. Big pharma lobbying is strong enough to block inclusion of medicine manufacturing in the environmental risk assessment without reaching targets set in the council recommendation, and by further relaxing necessary rules. We are running towards that end, literally a dead end. So I would like to ask you, in your view, how far are we from truly implementing one health approach and actually seeing the real threat of Amr?”
  Antimicrobial resistance
• “We also managed to limit the exemptions to avoid paying penalties, restricting them to situations really resulting from unavoidable immediate emergency situation and force majeure. And then on military mobility, we agreed with the exemption proposed by the council that will ensure access to the network for military and defense forces. In return, we managed to ensure commission oversight on measures in other crisis situations, such as pandemics and natural disasters. On the exemption for the Channel Tunnel fixed link, we found an agreement that will ensure continued exemption for the shuttle service only, but no exemption for any other service. Finally, we agree that the regulation will enter into force and apply as soon as possible. But as a new timetable, planning is a process of five years, we agree that the first timetable adopted under this new regulation will be the one for 2031. So this is updating you on the trilogue of the 18th of November. I don't mention the points we have already previously agreed and that you all know about. I think already, all in all, and looking at the agreement made on the regulation as a whole, I really believe that we manage to achieve a very good outcome that will ensure a better and a more efficient planning, more cross-border coordination of capacity that will contribute to the important modal shift to rail. Thank you very much. I was over time. Thank you.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “Thank you very much, dear chair. Dear Commissioner, first of all, thank you for being here. But also thank you for everything you have done already. I mean, you are really a sign of light for us, especially the women. So very happy to have you. And I speak here as a member of Senate, but also as a founder of the and co-chair of the Group of MEPs for Women's Health. So we welcome the recent roadmap for women's rights and strongly support its emphasis on health equity. And as I said, thank you also for including also the section on promoting women's physical and mental health improving also access to sexual and reproductive health and advancing. Also, gender sensitive medical research is very important. This committee recently organized a public consultation on women's health and the response was overwhelming. Clear public support for stronger EU action in this area. So my question is simple what concrete steps will the Commission and you take to implement the health related goals of the roadmap? And where do you see the greatest need for support from this Parliament to ensure real and measurable progress for women's health across the EU? Thank you.”
  Sexuality and reproduction
• “Oh, sorry. Sorry sorry, sorry. A particularly urgent issue is the continued exclusion of pregnant and breastfeeding women from clinical trials. While ethically ethical and scientific safeguards are essential. Blanket exclusion leaves millions without evidence based guidance on medicines, vaccines and treatments. This creates uncertainty for healthcare professionals and risk for women. Finally, we must give greater recognition and resources to gender specific health conditions that have historically been trivialized or under-researched, including endometriosis and menopause related health impact. Just because something concerns women only, it cannot be less important. And finally, I look forward to the upcoming gender equality strategy, which hopefully will build on the roadmap and will deliver on health pillar. Thank you.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much, dear Rapporteur Jens. Today 95% of Europeans live in places where air pollution exceeds healthy levels recommended by the W.H.O.. Both short and long term exposure to air pollution can lead to a wide range of diseases, including stroke, lung cancer and asthma, and road transport alone is responsible for over 35% of nitrogen oxides emissions and around 9% of particulate matter emissions, causing around for transport 70,000 premature deaths in the EU every year. That's why I strongly support the Commission's proposal that introduce new test methods for ultrafine particles and nitrogen oxides to capture high emitting vehicles. I also welcome the proposal on remote sensing that has been successfully used for years in several countries already in the world, to make sure that vehicles are causing the biggest part of air pollution are also detected for the same reason. I found it extremely worrying that amendments from some right wing MEPs are trying to weaken these provisions by making testing voluntary. That is not being balanced or proportionate. Is being negligent and irresponsible towards all those suffering or even dying because of air pollution. Then a few words to power two wheelers, motorcycles and mopeds account for more than one five road deaths in the EU, and the share has risen even overall this decline. All available data is confirming that regular testing for motorcycles in Dpti has a positive impact on road safety. So I find it again quite concerning that there are member States who are members who are defending the opt out clause for member states, or even proposing to delete the category for the PTI scope completely. And in my view, it makes also sense to include also mopeds and motorcycles under 125 cc. And finally, and that's my last point on the testing on cars. More frequent testing of older vehicles can contribute also to reducing both Crashes and harmful emissions. And of course, we have to make it transparent the price and also affordable. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy · Air quality policy
• “Thank you very much. Uh, on the one hand, I'm very happy about this mission soil. And, um, but on the other hand, um, I think we know exactly what to do in order to have healthy soils. And we are completely aware and so is the commission of the need to implement a really a one health approach because as also Maria said, if we speak about climate, if we speak about water, soil, it is all linked. We know what to do to avoid erosion, to avoid. Therefore, we need to avoid bare soils. We need cover crops. We need more agroforestry. We need polyculture. We need to reduce chemical synthetic chemicals on the soil. We need to enhance diversity and above and below the ground. So and we need, of course, as I said already, reduce the risk of floods and droughts. And this approach will then lead to more fertile farmland. And please, let's do not spread disinformation. We know that intensive farming is bad also for the soils and for the water. But of course, if we have a livestock that respect the natural boundaries, yes, then we can speak that this could be hand in hand by protecting also the diversity of the soils, but saying that intensive farming is good for the soils, I found that a little bit. I don't know the word in English. Sorry for that. So we need to protect the water, the soils. And this is also in the interest of the health of the farmers, of the health of our citizens, and it's guaranteeing the future of agriculture, of our farmers and of our food sovereignty. So just let's act and use these 40 billions that are mentioned in a coherent way. Thank you.”
  Soil protection policy
• “Thank you very much. Dear president, I'm speaking on behalf of millions that don't have a voice. And about three remaining legislative files that are ready to be tabled and foreseen for the end of 2023. But because of the pressure of the lobbyists, they are retained. So I am speaking about legislation improving animal welfare for millions of animals. It is about slaughtering. It is about clear labelling on animal welfare. And it's about end the cage age where a successful ECI was asking for that. And the Eurobarometer is also very clear. Nine out of ten citizens demand stronger protection for the animals. So keep your promises, Commissioner. So this is all. Of the EU institutions. Thank you very much.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers