Andrzej HALICKI

Policy topics Andrzej HALICKI is active on

What Andrzej HALICKI has said (17)

• 2025-10-24 “P-004199/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The Council, based on proposals from the High Representative/Vice-President and the Commission, has adopted several restrictive measures to further constrain the Russian shadow fleet and its enablers. Between July 2024 and October 2025, the EU has already imposed a port access ban and a ban on the provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport on 556 vessels 1 . The EU has also imposed full-fledged sanctions on several actors supporting the Russian shadow fleet 2 , including supportive or false flag registries that allow the continued operation of shadow fleet tankers by creating a fraudulent impression of compliance with certification requirements. The EU is now fully engaged in discussions in relevant formats with like-minded partners, including the G7 - Nordic-Baltic 8 ++ Shadow Fleet Task Force 3 , to further facilitate preparation of additional measures. The EU also continues conducting outreach to flag states to ensure that ship registers do not allow shadow fleet tankers to sail under their flag. Member States are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of EU sanctions. The Commission stands ready to support their national competent authorities. The verification of marine insurance remains with the Member States but has been addressed within the International Maritime Organization, whose member states have agreed guidelines for accepting insurance companies and certificates, financial security providers, and protection and indemnity clubs. At EU level, such acceptance should in the future be shared within the Union Maritime Information and Exchange System (SafeSeaNet) 4 , in relation to the recent amendment to the Vessel Traffic Monitoring Directive 5 . This amendment introduced a mandatory requirement for ships passing through EU ship reporting systems to also report insurance information. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/10/23/19th-package-of-sanctions-against-russiaeu-targets-russian-energy-third-country-banks-and-crypto-providers/. 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/02/24/16th-package-of-sanctions-on-russia-swar-of-aggression-against-ukraine-eu-lists-additional-48-individuals-and-35-entities/. 3 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/joint-statement-shadow-fleet-task-force_en. 4 https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/maritime/eu-wide-digital-maritime-system-and-services/unionmaritime-information-and-exchange-system-safeseanet_en. 5 Directive 2002/59/EC, as amended.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022) · Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons
• 2025-07-22 “E-003032/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The Emission Trading System for buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2) is key not only to support emission reductions alongside other policies and measures, but it will also raise revenues to finance the Social Climate Fund (SCF) and support lower and middleincome households in the transition. While the ETS2 framework already foresees strong safeguards to ensure a smooth start and keep prices in check, the Commission takes concerns regarding the future price levels and price volatility very seriously. The Commission welcomes constructive proposals put forward by Member States and other stakeholders, including suggestions related to the Market Stability Reserve. In the Commission’s assessment, forecasts exceeding EUR 140/ton CO2 are generally based on unrealistic scenarios that do not take into account complementary policies in addition to ETS, in particular at national level. These measures are key to reduce emissions in buildings and road transport, and to provide citizens opportunities to heat and cool their houses and travel in a sustainable way. Finally, the Social Climate Fund will start in 2026, one year before ETS2, financed with 50 million allowances provided by the ETS1. This creates financial room for national measures being deployed before the start of the ETS2, contributing to keeping ETS2 prices in check. In addition to the SCF, Member States are encouraged to use the ETS revenues to support vulnerable citizens and middle class to buy or lease heat pumps, to improve isolation in their houses and to have better access to public transport and affordable electrical vehicles.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme · Energy performance of buildings
• “And it was not very easy because the pressure was very hard. I can imagine also how difficult it was on the top ups, as Mr. Chairman said, close to 400. All together, we achieved all our priorities, gathered from particular political groups. So starting with mentioning Horizon Europe, more 20 million transport and energy. Eight and a half and 15 single market programme, EU four health, civil protection mechanism. More 10 million. Erasmus symbolically. But we have in mind that the governments would like to cut even more than 300 million. So all these cuts were restored, as I said before. Creative Europe Rights and Values programme BMV 10 million more military mobility 10 million more and the ISI. So both South and eastern neighbourhood all the expected amount 60 million was agreed. Humanitarian aid 35 million support for Turkish Cypriot community also digital Europe programme. Also two additional posts for the Cyber Security Agency in Bucharest are. The full package of pilot programmes was agreed and what is very important, this agricultural promotion 100 oh 5 million to to create promotion and support for especially young farmers are agreed. Also we have now any any cuts on eppo. It was rejected. The cascade mechanism was maintained. What else? I would like to. Say again, in the end that without our good cooperation, it could be very difficult to achieve. So I hope that in the coming months we will have also some good cooperation, as it was during the negotiations. Thank you very much for your support and trust. Thank you.”
  Size of EU budget
• “The first conclusion? Well, I fully agree with you. I fully agree with the list mentioned by by by our new colleagues from renew Group. But coming to the last point, if we are talking about, well, EU for health, of course we have a new committee. We have underlined the situation, which is the one of the priorities expected by the citizens to protect the health, to continue the education and so on. So we have to maintain the program even if it's very limited scale. We cannot accept any cuts. But concerning the security, I also would like to ask you because it was a big discussion between us. Yes, it is also expected, but we have also two agencies Europol, Frontex, especially Frontex. With the new challenge of having data exchange and having a new office. So I would like also ask you to support the budgets for these agencies on the well expected level, not cut it not cut, but because we have also this part of the issue on the list of our challenges, and we should have also a common position on that. Thank you.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Dear colleagues, thank you for this debate. Yes, we are facing new challenges. Yes, we are living in very tough times, but we have to be also offensive and responsible. And I believe in dialogue. We are different. But what I would like to emphasise, we had a good, good understanding of our priorities to building the strong, united proposal of Parliament and we cannot destroy this. This work from the Greens to ECR by renew Group, Sad and EPP. Together we have to build our strong united position to achieve the success during the negotiations which are achievable. Of course. So I would like to emphasise once again we cannot accept the cuts, especially on the flagship programmes like Erasmus+ or Horizon. We would like to have top ups on very important issues, including EU for health. We have a new committee and this is the first step for the better future. Of course initiatives, the first time we have support for external borders protection, including in the budget support so widely in the Parliament. Do not ignore that this is the first time. So I think that we are close to have also satisfied conciliation and the negotiations, including understanding from both sides, European Commission and and the Council. But we have to be united and strong tomorrow. So please vote in favour of this resolution and the proposal. Thank you very much.”
  Size of EU budget
• “For instance, we have two new commissions, like some committee with EU for health programme, uh, Cida Committee for security. One of the programs is also very limited. Uh, we can have the pressure from the other important committees to support for the Fireworks, etc.. Each committee has some priorities. Humanitarian aid, as Charles said, is our priority and we have to also. Give the the money to the to the to to the country, especially if USAID is canceled. On to the to the societies which are expecting our activity on that. We will not be able to replace U.S. aid, but we will do what we can in this limitation of the budget for the time being. Well, first of all, the the European Commission send us the first draft proposal at the very beginning of June last week. We've got proposal from the council. What I would like to say in the end, of course, from the council, we have some top ups and also some cuts. I would like to promise to restore all the cuts which are on the level now. 12,012,000,000. So not very big, but we will find for for the to restore the cuts, not to accept any cuts from, from the heading six. I cannot promise that we'll have a big amount of millions for having additional support for the other priorities, because the limitation is, as I said before, uh, well, well, visible. If you have any questions, I can.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• “The Minister. Dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, welcome to this debate on the position of Parliament on the budget of the European Union for 2026. The EU budget is an investment budget designed to provide the necessary resources to all European citizens who can benefit from common action. Experts agree to say that the EU budget is a crucial tool for a robust and stronger Europe, and this is also recognised by our citizens, who rightfully expect more and more from the EU budget. The latest Eurobarometer 2025 survey highlights Europeans expectations for security, unity and more resources to address global challenges in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. Citizens across the union are calling for stronger protection and greater solidarity, and this is exactly what Parliament's position is about. Back in April, Parliament adopted a strong set of guidelines for the financial year ahead of us, underlining the importance of strategic preparedness and security, as well as economic competitiveness and resilience. We made it clear that we expect the 2026 budget to provide people in the European Union with a robust ecosystem to deliver on their priorities in a prosperous Europe. Since then, the commission submitted its draft budget. Unfortunately, it does not come as a great surprise to the European Parliament that the Council cuts the Commission's proposal. The Council proposed to make unjustified cuts across a series of programmes. I would like to say flagship programmes without proper justification. Justification. We oppose, we oppose all these cuts. If it is expected from the European Union to enhance its action, it is not acceptable, acceptable to cut the funding of the union where it is needed. Overall, we support the draft budget of the European Commission, and we have looked at Parliament in a very responsible way to areas where funding has proven insufficient, where more is needed. We are deeply aware of the critical situation of the Union Budget, which is a victim of its success and provides for two limited availabilities compared to all the challenges ahead.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Yes, indeed. We had a very long process of of negotiations, a long one. And if I would like to share with my impression it was a rollercoaster, especially in the last week from very good, bad, very good mood in the, in the beginning, then very bad one, then several part of the negotiation, especially the day of the conciliation, was like the roller coaster of emotions. But in the end, I would like to say that we could be satisfied, as Mr. Chairman said. The level of of the whole budget and the amount of top ups, the amount of top ups is 65% of our expectation from the summer. So it's quite good result. If we have in mind that the governments would like to cut the whole budget, 1.3 billion. This is the first this is the first proposal coming from the council. So in the end I would like to thank you for the support for the unity for being together till the end. Till the night. We've been we've been united. We've been also very open. Exchange of views was also very transparent. And I would like to thank you. All the members of the our parliamentary representations from Greens to Patriots are really impressive. Also, I would like to thank shadows because without good cooperation and with good understanding we couldn't achieve our common proposal, which was also supported by all of you. Thank you. Thank I would like to thank staff, of course, because without the support of the staff, we couldn't achieve anything. But also, I would like to emphasize that the role of European Commission was very rational and very positive in this case. And we very often we have the slogan like honest broker, but not unexpectedly, I but I would like in this time it was real honest broker in this process, and I would like to thank also the commission of this very positive good work.”
  Size of EU budget
• “So this is the first important question mark. The heading five can be considered as frozen in two years, with virtually no margin available exactly at the time. When security and defense are one of our main challenges in a changing world. The current state of play is that the level of funding under heading five for, for instance, for EDP, is not up to the challenge and prevents us to work for more efficient investment in the in the defense sector. It's one of our priorities. Also of the Polish presidency, heading six was. Several priorities are straightened and still developing. We provide support to the pre-accession process both in the Western Balkans and Moldova. The heading finances, humanitarian aid and support for Syrian refugees are needed. Last but not least, the Ukrainian facility will provide €3.9 billion in grants and 6.7 billion in loans in 2026. The level at the available margin seems very limited to react in case of any new developments will take place. Another risk which has to be emphasized on the payment levels. The situation is more positive as Commission estimates the substantial substantial Increase will be needed in the level of payments, reflecting a good level of implementation for the. Penultimate year of the current MFF. This is very beneficial for our beneficiaries. So it's very important. Finally, I will conclude with the main issue. The situation of special instruments is more than worrying. It is shocking. Even the special instruments are virtually empty. We know what is. We know what is coming from. We had anticipated this and already discussed it on several occasions, so I cannot say that we are surprised, but But could.”
  Defence spending
• “President, Commissioner, members of the House tonight and this morning has seen an unprecedented event. We have had to defend a NATO country, an EU country. Drones were fired. And we have passed the test. We have solidarity. We've been able to react quickly. And I thank Dutch and Italian pilots, and I thank the commission for their resolute and rapid reaction. But now we have to think about whether or not this was by chance. This wasn't just was this really just a lost drone? Where's the real threat to be found? And who is that Putin is testing whether we stand together. He's testing whether we're ready to defend our security. The citizens of all European countries expect that we will be effective in this task. And I call on you. It's high time. Now, let's not look for enemies where there are none. It's Putin who's bombing schools and hospitals and stealing children. The Ukraine. Ukraine needs our help and we should help because it's defending our security. Are you going to keep saying on the right side of this house that it's not our war? This is also about the security of your citizens. You can't be calling yourselves patriots if you don't know what patriotism means. And to the left I say this. Our security is our priority. And if we want to be effective in other areas, strong economy, money for other things, competitive economy, then we have to stand together and ready to be to show solidarity, to defend Europe.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. The commissioner, madam Minister, colleagues, after a long procedure, it is with pleasure that I present you today, together with my colleague Mathias Nemets. The joint text of the budget for 2026 agreed during the Conciliation Committee two weeks ago. I am proud to inform you that we have secured budget for 2026, not only on increase in the amount, but also with the right focus on Parliament's priorities. The context in which we were involved was extremely challenging the last year of the MFF, but also the war, natural disasters and geopolitical threats, higher spending needs for EU budget as well as increased NGO reimbursement costs despite of all problems. We never lost sight of our main priority which remained providing secure, stable and stronger Europe for citizens. The negotiations started in very tense mode. That is why I am proud of our common achievement. We not only obtained our total top up close to EUR 400 million, but also secured increases for flagship programmes such as Horizon Europe, Connecting Europe Facility civil protection Mechanism. We ensured support for European farmers with the promotion of EU agricultural products for our health system, also for our students. But most importantly, thanks to this budget, we will make our union more secure by securing the border protection, reinforcing military mobility and supporting both southern and eastern neighbourhoods. Dear colleagues, I am particularly proud of what we have delivered. We have reached a good agreement.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Our shadow rapporteur in the name of EPP is Yuri Rattus. I have several questions from his side, but I have to agree with Madam Chair. This draft proposal would significantly reduce Parliament's power. So for this reason, we could anticipate a strong rejection from the Budget Committee and we would be clearly reflected to our budget. Budgetary assessments. The question I would like to raise to the Commission. First, on the mobilisation procedure, why is it so important to speed up the mobilization procedure? After all, once a decision is taken, the eligibility of measures is retroactive. You propose to reduce the time the commission spends on examining the application by four weeks. Still, the commission would have up 17 weeks to complete its assessment. Although although the regulation says that three months sometimes member states take up to six months to send the application in the first place. How are the Council and Parliament which they sweep? A six week Procedure a bottleneck in this. On the financing. How do you assess the risk that all the additional possibilities for support the AVL, the available budget, will be exhausted before the end of the year? What will happen then? Have you carried out simulation based on the proposed new criteria for support? On the proposed three fold increase of the amounts of technical assistance? Isn't there a risk that this will further further limit the available support to workers? What are the new needs given to? The description remains unchanged. I think that this question have to be answered. Thank you.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Dear colleagues, in Poland, we believe in freedom, democracy and security based on international law. Therefore, we believe that a strong Europe, a Europe with solidarity. This is the value that we need to enhance. Those who are undermining our community are basically playing into the hands of Putin because it's Putin, uh, who is a threat to our international order, to our security. And he's very frank about it. Those who want to undermine Europe are basically working for him. That much is clear. We need partnership. Let us look into the transatlantic community. I'm the vice president of the EPP responsible for foreign policy. And I'd like to say one thing. Neither the member states nor the Parliament, nor any European will give in to the blackmail. Trump wants to enhance the security of Greenland. That's what he's saying. But the answer is clear. Yes, he can do it with the founding member state of NATO, Denmark. Together we will be defending every square metre of our land against any aggressor Russia or anyone else. This is how NATO works. That much is clear. And if someone is saying something to the contrary, then then it begs the question about the efficiency of NATO. We need to be strong and we need to speak with one voice. Auburn is trying to weaken us, but we will resist. Auburn will soon belong to the past. We cannot surrender. We cannot yield in. If someone is trying to undermine our unity, we need to resist.”
  Relations with NATO
• “President. Thank you. I really do want to thank you, because I will be saying something that is not often said here. I want to say that I agree with Mariusz Kaminski from the Law and Justice Party, who very clearly said that road and gas also means the blood of innocent women, children and civilians. There is nothing ethically justifiable about trading with the Russians. This is trading with criminals who belong in the International Criminal Court. I would also like to address Mr. Suslov. No Polish patriot, no Polish representative of Polish society in this Parliament can be under any doubt as to the place of Nord Stream being on the bottom of the bowl. The North Sea. As a monument to this failing, there should be no doubts around this, regardless of whose project this was, because this is a project from 2014 which is now entering into force ten years too late. Nobody must doubt whether it is significant to our common security in Europe. Don't hold back. Stand behind this because our country's interests and the interests of Europe require this.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Mr. president. Mr. Minister and Commissioner, I hope that the number of our meetings will be not only obligatory cooperation but with a goodwill. We will go to the final good result because the voters and the citizens I respect him for. So today, representing the Parliament. I have to emphasise it because it is not only my opinion but my opinion which is agreed on the parliamentary level. I would like to present the position on the draft budget presented for the 2026. Unfortunately, it does not come as a great surprise to the European Parliament that the Council cuts the Commission's proposal. This happens every year, but the scope and the reasoning behind the cuts this year raise questions, and I would like to you to say several words on that. The most worrying for us members of this Parliament representing our citizens are the council's cuts of flagship EU programmes like Horizon Europe, Connecting Europe Facility, Digital Europe, EU for health mentioned Erasmus, Creative Europe citizens equality, rights and values of Frontex. Some others also are questionable. It shows that you do not listen to the expectations of of the people, of the citizens. People who want to live in safe Europe with protected borders, students having access to Erasmus scholarship, European researchers and the others. Also civil society organisations fighting for the rule of law and protecting democracy. It will not surprise you, but we have to restore, and this is our proposal to restore the draft budget, to restore council cuts. As a first, our point of the of the presentation.”
  Size of EU budget
• “This is why our position is reasonable, one which only proposes essential and targeted increases. I would like to underline a few priorities. We need to support our businesses, especially small and medium enterprises and our researchers who work for a better future in Europe. Therefore, we propose to reinforce Horizon Europe and the Connecting Europe facility. Some of our most successful programmes. We need to ensure the protection of our citizens. So we also confirm Parliament's strong support to further strengthen. Strengthen the Union civil protection mechanism. Agriculture is another key pillar for Union. Our farmers, and particularly young farmers, need continued support for the promotion of their products and to maintain profitability. This is also widely shared priority in this House. Security. Security is another concern of EU citizens along with the need to strengthen our defence capabilities. We propose to reinforce key programmes in these areas, namely on asylum migration, border management and military mobility. As we are living in a global world, we are directly affected by by what is happening outside our borders, including the continued illegal war of aggression by Russia and Ukraine. For this reason, we put forward essential increases of funds allocated to our southern and eastern neighbourhood, as well as humanitarian aid. Dear colleagues, we have a strong support for several groups. I would like to emphasise our very good cooperation with the shadow rapporteurs. We achieved this majority on the committee level. Now I expect that it will be adopted by by the whole Parliament and I am looking forward for the cooperation during our negotiations also with the European Commission and with the Council. Thank you very much.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you very much. As you know, the council under the Danish presidency adopt a position on the draft budget for 2026 in July. So I would like to to emphasize that the council position proposed a cut of the 1.3 billion in commitments because of the repayment of the cost of the next generation EU. The most important feature, uh, concerns the cost. As in previous years, it's very similar situation. Council is decreasing the amount of deemed necessary in 2026 uh by 303 million. But the real figures we will see in October when European Commission send us the the real figures. So then we will have better knowledge about that to finance a part of the overrun cost. The council is cutting several program allocations. So this is important very important for us because we have to protect, uh, the flagship programs. The budget lines are targeted for reductions. Uh, mostly heading one heading to be I have to to mention it. It's including horizon, Erasmus, EU for health. Um, but once again, I would like to emphasize that, uh, remembering our guidelines and also our strong position as European Parliament. I, uh, I also confirm that we have to be united and and strong on that. We have to protect this flagship programmes and not cut any euro on that simple market programme. I remember for Citizens Life programme, it was mentioned by by the other groups. Um, if I mean migration issue, it has to be continued as it was. Uh, we have to remember that the 5050 benchmark split between available flexibilities in the budget and the special instrument is maintained. It was also similar mechanism in the last year. The decisions justified the approach as budgetary prudence. So of course it's debatable whether it is prudent or not.”
  Size of EU budget