Veronika VRECIONOVÁ

Policy topics Veronika VRECIONOVÁ is active on

What Veronika VRECIONOVÁ has said (53)

• 2026-06-15 “Thank you very much for the floor. I'm glad that we have managed to strike this deal. A trade war would not have been good for us or The US. It would benefit our global competitors such as Russia or China. When you view it from the perspective of the farmers, they might, it may seem to us as though they have been sidelined and that industry is being is getting preferential treatment, but that's not the reality. Trade agreements are not the main issue facing European agriculture. We create our own problems through excessive regulation and restrictions. That said, it is necessary to make sure that our standards are always maintained and that the high quality of our agricultural products is kept. Mutual trade ultimately creates well-being and prosperity for society as a whole and opens up new opportunities for farmers.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2025-08-21 “P-003269/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The assessment of active substances by the Commission is based on the Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 1 , which does not require the Commission to carry out a comprehensive assessment evaluating the availability of alternatives or the impact on production costs when restricting or withdrawing the approval of active substances. However, the Joint Research Centre did conduct a study to evaluate how farmers reacted to the 2013 restrictions 2 . Furthermore, the Commission did consider the availability of other approved insecticides, but an overview of alternatives for each crop is not available as plant protection products and their uses are authorised at Member State’s level. Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 does also not require the Commission to publish a follow-up report of the restrictions on neonicotinoids and, given that the approval of clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid expired after the withdrawal of the application for renewal of approval by the respective applicants, a reassessment of the restrictions on neonicotinoids is currently not planned either. However, in the Vision for Agriculture and Food 3 , the Commission committed to carefully consider any further ban of pesticides if alternatives are not yet available, unless the pesticide in question represents a threat to human health or to the environment. The historic development of yields, area and prices is available on the Agri food portal 4 which gives a comprehensive overview of the general production data for the EU since 2002. Furthermore, FAOSTAT 5 makes an estimate of post-harvest losses per commodity category (e.g. 2.8 million tonnes of ‘wheat and products’ for EU27 in 2022). 1 OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1. 2 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC103967. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0075. 4 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/data-and-analysis/markets_en. 5 https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/FBS.”
  Reduction targets for pesticides · EU policy on pesticides
• 2025-03-26 “E-001266/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission As announced in the President’s political Political Guidelines 2024-2029 1 the Commission has adopted a Water Resilience Strategy 2 ‘to ensure sources are properly managed, scarcity is addressed, and that we enhance the competitive innovative edge of our water industry and take a circular economy approach’. In this context, the strategy addressed the need to boost innovation and consider innovative financing solutions, including private investment. In recent years, key pieces of EU water sector legislation 3 have entered into force regarding drinking water 4 , urban wastewater 5 and water reuse 6 . These set ambitious requirements that necessitate innovative solutions, including treatment technologies, leakage management, energy management and circular water use. Innovations in these areas can further strengthen the competitive advantage of the EU water sector. The Water Resilience Strategy includes a number of proposals to mobilise the necessary public and private financing. The Cohesion policy funds 7 recent mid-term review 8 proposed by the Commission provides exceptional incentives for investing in water including up to 100% EU financing for this purpose. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/water-resilience-strategy_en. 3 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water_en. 4 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/drinking-water_en. 5 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en. 6 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-reuse_en. 7 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/cohesion-fund_en. 8 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/communications/2025/a-modernisedcohesion-policy-the-mid-term-review_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you. And now I would like to ask the Court of Auditors for your replies or remarks. If you have. So you have three minutes each and then the commission.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Maybe. Colleagues, I will start. We have here first point adoption of agenda. Their members, their colleagues. I would like to welcome you to this second joint committee meeting of the Committee on Budgets, on the Committee of the Regional Development and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, which follows the first exchange of views on the regulation for And we had with the commissioners in charge last month. If there are no objections, the draft agenda is adopted. I think yes. I don't see anybody. The chair's announcement I we have interpretation to 20 languages. And I also would like to thank really a lot all our interpreters for their help and also of the staff of Parliament of all our committees that they helped organize this our meeting today, this our negotiation is the meeting will be web streamed as usual. So. And now we are at the point three establishing the European Fund for economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion. Agriculture, Fisheries and Maritime Prosperity and Security for the period 2834. Their colleagues, on behalf of our three committees, I would like now to welcome the members of the European Court of Auditors, Madam and Mr. Blanco Fernandez, and thank them for being here today to present the court's opinion on the National and Regional Partnership Fund.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “(15:19:13 – 15:19:21): I would like to thank Mr. Hayek for his introductory presentation. And let's start with discussion for our coordinators. You have 2 minutes each. And first will be EPP vice chair Buddha. So the floor is yours, the colleague, Danielle. Thank you,”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you Dario. And let's start. So compromise one who is in favor, who is against who abstained. It was adopted. Compromise two who is in favour. Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Compromise three who is in favour? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Compromise four. Who is in favour? Who is against? Who abstained? Adopted. Compromise five. Who is in favour? Against. Abstain. It was adopted. Compromise six in favor against abstain. Adopted. Compromise seven. Who is in favor is against. Abstain. Adopted. Compromise eight. Who is in favor is against who abstain was adopted. Compromise nine who is in favor? Who is against with abstain is it was adopted. Compromise ten. Who is in favor is against who abstained. Adopted. Compromise 11. In favor against. Abstain. Adopted. Compromise 12 in favor. Who is in favor against. Abstain. Adopted. Compromise 13 in favor against. Abstain. Adopted. Compromise 14. Who is in favor against. Abstain. Adopted. Compromise 15. Who is in favor against. Abstain? It was adopted. Compromise 16. Who is in favor? Who is against? Abstain adopted. Compromise 17. Who is in favor? Who is against? Abstain. Adopted. Compromise 18. Who is in favor against? Abstain? It was adopted. Compromise 19. Who is in favor against? Abstain? It was adopted. Compromise 20. Who is in favor? Who is against? Abstain. It was adopted and final vote by roll call. Vote. I open the vote.”
  EU political integration
• “Madam president, the European Union is in a crisis, a crisis it refuses to admit we are lagging behind our partners in the United States and behind our competitors in China. In many respects, we are no longer leaders of innovation. We are no longer pioneers. We, uh, seem to know only to regulate, especially to our detriment. If we want to protect our future in Europe, our future prosperity. We need to stop, uh, strangling people and companies. We have to limit ideological regulations such as the Green Deal. Uh, and we need to stop thinking that we know best how people should behave and how businesses should do business. If we don't stop doing that, uh, Europe will remain a huge open air museum where Americans and Chinese will only come to take pictures of castles.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen. The increase in food prices is a thorny issue for many citizens. There are some things that we cannot influence, such as the weather. However, there are factors that we can influence and we have to immediately start working on these issues. We have to stop increasing food prices by going for overregulation. We have to tweak the Green Deal, and we have to stop causing a lack of phytosanitary products. And then we have to look at the issue of the soil and the environment. We have to make sure that we have enough affordable food products as well. And we have to check whether the food markets are working in our countries or whether they aren't manipulated by the big supermarkets. Thank you.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “It has been four years since Russia invaded Ukraine. And in these four years, Russia has violated every written and unwritten rule of humanity. The massacre in Bucha, the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia, the bombing of schools and hospitals, the deliberate killing of civilians. And now we are seeing the recruitment of citizens from other countries who are being sent to the front lines under false promises. It began with citizens of Nepal. Now they focus mainly on countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia. We see again and again that Russians are behaving like barbarians, showing no restraint, and they have excluded themselves from our circle of civilization. Our task now is to support Ukraine's heroic struggle and invest in our defence capacities.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “(17:22:25 – 17:28:07): Thank you. And now the commission, please. Elizabeth. **European Commission representativeThank you very much for this very rich discussion. And of course, I agree with the members that this is not a simple solution. I would like to address several points, four to be precise. The first is on the market. It is not an easy to follow market, the fertilizer market. There is not a lot of transparency and not a lot of quotation of prices because it's also very difficult to buy fertilizer across member states' borders. And it's also difficult because we don't have good definitions or a single market for bio-based fertilizers. So this is one first thing to work on. The second thing, as was rightly said, is the importance of energy in the fertilizer prices in the overall production. This is also why the whole thematic around ETS and CBAM is so central to the fertilizer debate. But we consider that both ETS and CBAM are central elements of our climate framework. The challenges that we see now in the fertilizer market don't have their origin in these two, but they have their immediate origin now in the Middle East Crisis. And first, we have already taken a number of actions. One that I didn't mention earlier was the one year suspension of customs tariffs on key nitrogen based fertilizers. This was adopted by the council in May. But second, also at the beginning of the year, we have a 1% markup on the default values for embedded emissions for the CBAM sectors, and it's a very special treatment that we're giving to the fertilizer sector here. Nevertheless, we do think that CBAM is important to ensure that those exporting into the EU meet the same standards as we apply ourselves to those producing fertilizers inside the EU. But we will have this ETS review. There will also be a CBAM review, and we will look very carefully, including in these questions of reallocations and auctionings to see also how these revenues can benefit the further development of the sector. Now the questions of the renewal and digestate and new types of fertilizer solutions. In the Fertilizer Action Plan, it almost becomes an industrial policy to develop this new market here. And we really want to use also this integration with this question of the revenues to accelerate the emergence of a market for homegrown, decarbonized bio-based fertilizers. And here, I want to confirm, clearly, there is a role for hydrogen for the decarbonization as well. What we want to try to achieve here is that a European fertilizer industry is not lagging behind in terms of access to funding also from the innovation fund to benefit from some of these solutions. Now to renewal and digestate. As you know, since February 2026, renewal fertilizers can be used above the limit for the application of the nitrates directive as processed manure. With this, the member states and the farmers have the possibility to replace some chemical fertilizers with renewal fertilizers already. This can be done safely, and it is entirely possible today already. On digestates, we want to create more possibilities so digestates that result from biogas production can be readily used as fertilizers, and we want them also to be integrated into the agricultural system to close this nutrient cycle and to really come to circular economy. They could partly replace synthetic fertilizers and minimize the waste. For this to happen, we are also strengthening the scientific evidence, understanding the condition. And yes, this will also have to be looked at then as part of the nitrates directive evaluation. But I also want to say, as others have said here, local solutions in themselves are fantastic, but they don't work for all of Europe because the distribution of where this manure or digestate occurs is not necessarily the one where the farmers who have the crops that need it most are located. So here, also, a role for research, but also, I think, for the European Competitiveness Fund to support new types of manufacturing. And we have proposed here also the idea of a blending mandate to integrate new types of fertilizers with the synthetic ones because precisely that gives a chance for a new market to emerge. So I will close by just referring to the annex to our communication. 25 actions, seven of them are the short term actions. All the others are more structural ones. They are all equipped with a tentative timeline. So please follow-up. Don't let this opportunity go to waste. Thank you.”
  Use of fertilisers
• “Amendment 35. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 37. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 38. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 40. Who is in four? Zero? Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 42. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Amendment 43. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 46. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 47. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Amendment 50. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 52. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Amendment 53. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 54. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 55. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? I think it was rejected. But please, let's check it. I open the vote. 5555. I close the vote. It was rejected. And now my final vote by roll call vote. I open the vote. I close the vote.”
  EU political integration
• “Okay. Thank you very much. And both shadows from are not there. So I take the floor instead and I speak again. Check. Uh, yeah. First of all, I would like to thank the Court of Auditors and Madame Ivanova for the work you have done. Controls of public money is absolutely essential, and it is doubly more so in the case of the agriculture, because it is a major amount in the European budget. Farmers need clear rules for clear support so that they know where the money goes or flows. That is why such audits are so important. I have a few questions. The new cap promises to eliminate bureaucracy. Do you think that this new model will bring a simplification of administration for the farmers, and will allow for a full traceability of European money to the final beneficiary? We have long spoken about European agricultural subsidies. Based on your findings, can the capping and digressively stop? The problem that the money stops with the big holdings and then. The connection of different companies. This may be a problem in certain countries. Can we trace the connections of different companies and can we find the final beneficiary? Thank you.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “(10:15:43 – 10:19:51): Honorable members of the Energy Community, dear colleagues, it's a pleasure and honor to address you today in Brussels, the parliamentary plenum of the Energy Community. I come from a country which, in just a few years, has overcome a profound transformation. The Republic of Moldova for years was dependent on a single energy source, dependent on politics. In just a few years, it has managed to move from a state of energy dependence to a rapid champion of renewable development and regional integration. Accelerating the integration of the Energy Community into the European Union's electricity and gas markets is not only a technical objective. It's a strategic necessity for the security, stability, and economic development of the entire region. For the Republic of Moldova, this process represents the backbone of our European path. The year 2025 marked a decisive turning point. We reduced our dependence on fossil fuels, diversified our offering, and aligned ourselves with the European network. In the current year, 2026, we are witnessing substantial progress. Over several weekends, there have been periods during which electricity consumption was covered 100% by renewable sources. This is not merely a symbolic milestone. It represents a vital necessity for the whole nation of Moldova. Our objective is clear: to achieve a 40% share in renewable energy in our electricity mix by 2030. These achievements demonstrate that our investments, policies, and reforms are delivering tangible results. We have successfully launched organized electricity markets, including the day-ahead and the intraday markets, thereby establishing the foundation for a transparent and competitive energy sector. At the same time, we have advanced in the process of liberalization of the natural gas market, opening the sector to competition and international suppliers. In this context, the Republic of Moldova is making substantial investments in its energy infrastructure. At the same time, we are actively advancing the coupling of our electricity markets with Romania and, by extension, with the European Union market. This process will ensure access to competitive prices, enhance market liquidity, and reduce the weak points of our energy systems. In view of the importance of coupling Moldova's electricity markets with those of the European Union and in accordance with the procedures established by the European Commission and the Energy Community Secretariat, the Ministry of Energy has submitted the necessary documentation to initiate the electricity market transportation verification process. We count on the support of the Energy Community Secretariat and the European Commission in facilitating and potentially accelerating this process. Energy integration is not only about the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova. It is about our shared European future. Thank you for your attention.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Thank you. It's my pleasure to open this first panel discussion on a topic that lies at the very heart of the Common Agriculture Policy: ensuring a fair standard of living for farmers. This is not only a treaty objective but also prerequisite for food security and for generational renewal in agriculture. Our debate comes at an important moment. The Commission has recently presented its proposal for CAP after twenty seven alongside the first projections for the next MFF. Earlier this month the European Parliament adopted its position calling for stronger CAP budget without cuts and without any steps to our renationalization or merging funds with other EU instruments. The challenges we face are clear. Farm incomes remain vulnerable to market volatility while young farmers encounter major barriers to entry such as high land prices and limited access to credit. At the same time we expect them to deliver on subsidiarity, competitiveness and food security. Without fair remuneration we risk discouraging the very generation that must carry European agriculture into the future. The Commission's proposal to ring fence six percent of the CAP budget for generational renewal is welcome but percentages alone will not suffice. What is needed are real conditions that allow young people to enter farming, invest in innovation and build viable businesses. I would also highlight the broader concern of subsidiarity. Greater flexibility for member states may bring advantages but it also risks fragmentation and an uneven playing field. This panel gives us the opportunity to reflect together on how to secure farmers' livelihoods and encourage the renewal of our farming communities, both of which are essential for the future of European agriculture. I warmly welcome the distinguished panelists who have joined us for this discussion and that Minister Jensen who will contribute with a video message. These perspectives will help set the scene for what I am sure will be a rich and forward looking debate.”
  Agricultural funding
• “(15:53:09 – 15:53:56): The commission proposal published in December 25 is part of the omnibus simplification package and aims to reduce administrative burden across several environmental directives, including the industrial emissions directive. The proposal is of direct relevance to our committee as it introduces targeted changes affecting the agriculture and livestock sector. A rapporteur, Madam Singer, has prepared a draft opinion on this basis, which will be presented today. So there, Madam Singer, you have the floor now for 5 minutes.”
  Industrial emissions directive (IED)
• “So what do you envisage proposing? Are you thinking in terms of market intervention? Are you thinking of drawing on the reserves? That in itself, of course, can pose challenges. We've seen that in the past, but I'd like to know how you're thinking is evolving and what you're intending to do to try to address these issues and ensure that we have fairer prices for producers on the market. That really should be your goal. Thank you very much. Milk prices, of course, have been going down since September last year. And the milk market, the Dairy Market Observatory has given us a good picture of that. Production costs are 45 to $0.50 per kilo. In Denmark, the price is about 38. It's the same in Germany, but there are also dairies where the price is only 25. In Belgium it's maybe 32 to 34. It's 36 in the Netherlands. Anyway, I'd like to congratulate the French government because their legislation has at least meant that 42 to 44% is the average. But you can see that that's all below well below the production costs. And that is really the problem. We have an example from 2016 16 of a positive intervention, which is by voluntary cutting supply quotas.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “Our speakers. But I would like to have also one question and I speak Czech. First of all, Commissioner, I would like to thank you very much for your constructive approach. And I have two questions myself in the EU or in a number of member States, certainly in the Czech Republic, we are beginning to feel urgently a lack of veterinarians specialized in farm farm animals. Most veterinarians want to care about home pets rather than agriculture farming. Within European law, do you see some space for a better focus in veterinary medicine and the respective schools on farm animals in early stages of of the study program or curriculum, or even separate programs in agricultural universities. And as for the end of the cage age, do you see scope for step by step approach? And what specifically could the first step be in, for example hens for egg production. And now the floor goes to you.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• “Okay. Thank you very much. And thank you for this very important discussion. And just now I would like to start with our point number five on, uh, December 12th, 2020, for agri coordinators decided to prepare an opinion on the own initiative report of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. The report looks at how to support women entrepreneurs in these regions, with a focus on access to finance, training and digital tools. The rapporteur, Madam Lucas, will present her report on the committee on October 13th to ensure agrees views are fully reflected and our rapporteur, Madam Anna Stoltenberg, will present her draft opinion today. So, Madam Stoltenberg, you have the floor for five minutes.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much, chair. So let's start now with our three co-rapporteurs. And I have to inform you that each of you shall have three three minutes. So, first batch EPP report. Karlo. Ressler. So, I repeat, you have three minutes.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you very much. And I'm sure that we are also gone in this discussion next time. So and now let's move to the point number nine, exchange of view with the Commission on the upcoming modifications of the. I know of the Association Agreement with Ukraine. But this point the negotiation will be in camera. That is the reason just now.”
  EU enlargement
• “Okay. Thank you. And now let's start with coordinators round the first EPP Herbert Dorfman. So you have two minutes Herbert.”
  EU political integration
• “Chair. Commissioner. Entering into trade deals is key for the EU, for our enterprises, for jobs and for. For our competitiveness. The deal on tariff quotas with the US is far from ideal, but a customs war with the US is the last thing that we need in today's complicated times. We are exporting industrial goods and cars and US is providing us with technologies and energy. Our farmers also have much to offer. European farmers are among the best in the world and they need fair conditions in the global market. Our enterprises and farmers need security and predictability in mutual trade relations. This is why it must be our objective to create a long term trade deal with the US. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “And let's move to the next point. Uh, cooperation among enforcement authorities responsible for the enforcement of directive 19 uh three 633 on unfair trading practices. And I would like to give the floor to Mr. Bonaccini because he is a reporter and he is going to inform us on the first trialogue held on the on 16th October, concerning the proposal on cooperation among enforcement authorities responsible for the enforcement of the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. Mr. Berlusconi, the floor is yours to update us on this, on the outcome of this exchange and the next steps in the negotiations.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “So, madam, interpreters ask you to slow down a little bit. Thank you. **Jeroen VERHAGEN (European Commission – DG ENV): Okay. So the co-legislators, um and where the European Parliament had a strong voice, have decided to limit the contribution of food and feed crop based biofuels towards the renewable energy targets. So in order to avoid food and feed competition with bioenergy and also to limit the contribution or, or that they cannot contribute to other legislation targets like the aviation fuel. So the refuel aviation regulation and the maritime fuel targets. Um, and the contribution towards renewable energy targets of biofuels from feedstocks that have a high indirect land use change risk, which we call iluc. These compete with food and feed production, but they are also associated with deforestation. And therefore, the co-legislators have decided to gradually phase out their contribution towards the target until 2030, unless they meet specific criteria by which their sustainability can be can be proven. So this policy has been in place since 2019, and what the Commission is tasked to do is to regularly review the data, especially also the deforestation data. And this is what we have done recently. So we have not changed the methodology. The methodology has been in place since 2019 and we have reviewed the data. But I would like to underline that, importantly, these rules do not represent a ban. Member states can decide to continue promoting biofuels produced from high iluc feedstocks or also from soy. It only limits the limits only apply for counting towards the renewable energy targets. So in that sense, they do not affect the other uses of feedstocks or the primary use of feedstock, for example, as animal feed or food for human consumption. The commission has said, has the obligation to regularly review the data. And this is what we have done recently. Um, the data that underpin the delegated act and um this, um in, in this delegated act, we have to, based on the data layout, which feedstocks um qualify as high and indirect land use change. **Jeroen VERHAGEN (European Commission – DG ENV): And it was found that beyond palm oil that has been already part of this, uh, data for several years recently. Also soybean data qualifies soybean as high indirect land use change risk feedstock according to the existing methodology. The commission therefore revised and was under the obligation to revise the delegated act and has submitted it to the European Parliament on 10th of April, and we hope that the Parliament can support it. Of course, our work does not stop here because we are in parallel working on other important elements to the puzzle, for example, on the rules of certification. So that such a few soy fused, produced sustainably can be certified as low risk of indirect land use change. Um, and also that biofuels produced from intermediate crops can be, can be considered in this, in this context. And for doing this, we are revising our implementing regulation on certification. And that revision is ongoing. It will include new rules on certification that we hope will, will help, uh, help producers in this respect. And this revision is due before the end of this year. And to ensure that the rules work for European farmers, we are working closely with the Sustainability Committee as well as the experts from. So with our colleagues from the from the Directorate General for agriculture, DG agri, and the Commission considers that the use of intermediate crops for the production of biofuels had has great potential and will also provide European farmers with new opportunities. Thank you. And I'm handing over to the colleagues from DG environment.”
  Biofuels (RED II)
• “So thank you, Bert. Thank you very much. Thank you. Colleagues. Thank you. Uh, professor, I will be quite brief because, you know, uh, thank you very much for this very important and useful presentation. Uh, I think that you understand that this topic is very, very important for agri members. And definitely I will inform them about the results. Uh, but, uh, you know, I would like to know your opinion because you are saying that the mirroring is not a good option for us and trade. But what do you think? What specific Pacific instruments outside the framework of trade policy. Put more effectively support the competitiveness and sustainability of EU agriculture and trade restrictions. So it's just my question, but definitely I will I will, uh, give all this information to my colleague in agri committee. Thank you.”
  Pesticides & trade
• “Well, first of all, I didn't say that I want the United States to support the war. No, they need to support Ukraine, not the war in Ukraine. Of course, I have read the National Defense Strategy, and therefore, I say that it is possible that the burden of support may lie on Europe's shoulders. And it's in the interests of the Czech Republic and Europe that Russia is kept as far away from our borders as possible.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “It was adopted. So let's move to the point. 11 discharge 2024 General budget of the EU. Commission. The rapporteur doesn't want to take the floor and its single vote. Only by no. It's roll call. Vote. I open the vote. I close the vote. It was adopted. The next what we will vote is production and marketing of plant reproductive material in the union, in the in the union. And the rapporteur is Herbert Dorfman. I don't know her. You don't want to take the floor. I it's again roll call vote. I open the vote. I close the vote. It was adopted. And the last point is welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. It's again. Roll call. Vote. I open the vote. I close the vote and it was adopted. So. And last is. So it's on the wine. And again roll call vote and I open the vote. I close the vote and and it was unanimously adopted. Thank you colleagues. So we are in the end of the vote. And now it's only any other business. Nobody wants to take the floor. And thank you very much. We are at the end of our committee meeting today, and date of the next meeting is January 2829. And then February 2324. Have a nice evening. Bye. Happy new year.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “Okay. Thank you. Or colleagues. Uh, so we are in the end. Thank you also, Madam Ivanova. Thank you also, Madam Verner. But I think that in the end, the or doubts and concerns expressed by our committee and also the Court of Auditors has published are still on the table. So I'm looking forward for the next discussion. Thank you very much, colleagues. And let me now of where is it. Oh, here. It's here. I have one information for you. As announced by email Monday, the point of consideration of amendments of the Competitiveness Fund is moved to our next meeting. So thank you very much. And I just open any other business I don't see any colleagues. And in this case I have the last information. The date of our next meeting will be 18 19th March in Brussels and eight and 9th April, uh, also in Brussels. Have a nice rest of this day and bon appetit. Bye.”
  EU political integration
• “Currently these are. Christine Singer and Maria Walsh this year is organising an exchange of views on the high relevant topic of generational renewal under the title Generational Renewal is a gender Issue. Women as key drivers from generational renewal in the European farming and rural community. Three experts from across the union will share their experiences, projects and ideas, and how to promote and encourage young people to choose farming as a profession. We will first welcome Margaret Fisher, Managing Director of perspective Landwirtschaft and NGO that connects farmers without successors with young people wishing to enter farming. The second is Josephine O'Neill, president of Macra, the young farmers organisation in Ireland. The third, Francesca Gironi, chair of Copa-cogeca Women Committee. The three experts will first deliver the online interventions, followed by statements from our two standing rapporteurs on gender mainstreaming network. So Mr.. Mrs.. Colleagues And Walsh, as well as representative of the political groups and any members who wish to take the floor. Awards. Experts will be invited to respond to questions released. Before I conclude the meeting, the Commission will also have an opportunity to speak before. Giving the floor to Madam Fisher, I invite you to listen to the video message from President Metsola.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you sir. And I think that we are in the end, but we will continue our discussion on the draft performance regulation about which our committee should adopt its opinion on the 14th of July. We will examine the amendments tabled on this proposal and the work of our rapporteur, Maria Noichl and shadow rapporteurs on the matter. The Maria Noichl cannot be with us today and. But, she replies, but that is the reason she is replaced by our by our vice chair, Erik. Giacomo. Eric, the floor is yours now for five minutes.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much. And I would like to start now the round of coordinators. So first up EPP Herbert Dorfmann. So you have two minutes please. Herbert.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner I understand the concerns of our farmers in respect of terrorist duties under this agreement. That is why we need to negotiate and find acceptable solutions. How I am. However, I am deeply convinced that free trade is good for competitiveness. It's good for fair prices for consumers and investments. European companies and farmers are offered new stable markets, the access to critical materials and new commodities. The agreement also includes standards and control mechanisms. The agreement is also an opportunity for European companies at a time where there is a risk of trade war with the US, where we have Putin's aggression and China is a security risk. That is why I am in support of this agreement. Thank you.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “I should like. To see a cap that is further oriented to small farmers that are stewards of the landscape and contribute to rural life. We shouldn't give subsidies to those who so are thousands of Hectares. We would not. We will not have enough funds and therefore we have to be more effective in our spending. We should cap subsidies and verify the links amongst corporations. This should prevent a piling up of subsidies amongst just a few beneficiaries. Let us not be afraid to do.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “Commissioner. This policy is indispensable for resilience and vulnerability for our farmers. Maintaining budget continuity and predictability is crucial for planning for investment decisions of our farmers. Therefore, any debates about reducing the budget are inadmissible. At the same time, we need to continue working on simplification of our legislative requirements. Budget for 2027 needs to increase investments into agricultural research and innovation into digitalisation in order to support generational renewal, or for projects which deal with sustainable water management or rural development. These are areas which are somehow dealt with by every member state and we need to financially support them.”
  Agricultural funding
• “So, dear colleague, I would like to ask you to take a seat because it's time to start. But at the beginning, I would like to welcome here 17 guests of Carmen Crespo Diaz, our colleague, mayors, mayors from the province of Huelva, from Andalusia, from the village Arroja. So welcome here. And now let's start with structured dialogue with Commissioner Oliver. I welcome you here. So I will it's I welcome you here in context of the structured dialogue. As you know, this is an opportunity to exchange on the state of implementation of the current commission work programme, as well as on the priorities to be reflected in the work programme for the next year. Tomorrow we will have the same discussion with your colleague, Commissioner Rayhanson. I wish to recall that the. Prepare for today's meeting. The Secretariat has forwarded to the commissioner a list of questions from the political groups. Members are, of course, free to ask any other questions during this meeting. I also wish to recall that the outcome of this discussion will be collated in the yearly summary report that the Conference of Committee Chairs will adopt in June, and that will serve as a basis for a resolution by the political groups to be adopted in plenary in July. So Commissioner, again, welcome here. And you have just now 15 minutes for For your initial speech, please. The floor is yours.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you. Before I give the floor to the commission, I would like to say a few words on this topic. I've been approached by a lot of representatives of small and medium sized forestry businesses from many European countries, and also some agriculture ministers from certain member states. And mainly they talk about two topics deforestation and monitoring. Ring. They are fearing this legislation because the monitoring is deemed by them and. I also believe that further collection of data is very redundant and it will add to further bureaucracy. We have enough data available at the moment and we think, and I'm convinced that this is redundant. It's a redundant piece of legislation. As for deforestation, I am happy that being pressured by the European Parliament, the Commission has agreed to postpone the coming into effect. But I think we need to open up the discussion again on this topic because in the form in which it has been approved, it will represent a great burden for SMEs. It will bring about a lot of administrative burden and it will be unrealistic. So I would be happy if we could come back to this topic again.”
  Management of EU forests
• “Take the floor because I'm shadow VCR and I will speak Czech please. I welcome the attempts and the efforts to resolve certain issues, and I thank the Commission for tabling this proposal. We need to respond to certain situations that create unnecessary complications in practice. I am still studying the proposal, and I will mostly focus on whether these changes will help control organs and farmers. Currently I have two notes. Two remarks. Firstly, in some places terminology is quite unclear and can be interpreted in different ways in practice. For instance, certain definitions that talk about animals, for instance terms like adults. It is unclear whether these terms should be judged by age or reproduction or functionality, or sexual maturity of the animal. This can then lead to various member countries to interpret these terms differently. So I think we should consider making these terms more precise. Secondly, uncertain technical rules. For instance, on poultry, there is the question whether current limits are in accordance with reality on the ground. For instance, the chickens in commercial farming can be, under certain circumstances included into the farm only until certain age, because otherwise they could face higher mortality rates in transport. Perhaps we should review these limits again, to bring them closer to the reality on the farms, and to improve the conditions that animals are kept in. And to conclude a broader remark, in the past years, we have seen that the rules of bio farming are complicated and difficult to apply in practice. Therefore, I would consider it useful to in the future, start a broader discussion on making them Simpler, for instance, based on commissions reports. Thank you.”
  EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers
• “And can I go on or you want to repeat it? I go on. Okay. Um, so. My colleague, uh, from from the another, uh. Committees informed us that we are just now, all of us standing before the new Architecture of the funding. And therefore, I would like also to thank the rapporteurs of our committees for their commitment and ideas to overcome the challenges ahead. Regarding the Cap, you know that the European Parliament adopted its position last year, and I will not further develop it here, as we made clear that we are calling for a stronger cap budget without cuts and without any steps toward to towards renationalisation and without merging funds with other EU instruments. Securing farmers livelihood, encouraging generational renewal in agriculture and ensuring the commonality of the cap to provide farmers with an even playing field will be central to our concerns when negotiating the new cap. Moving some articles from the draft and regulation to the Cap regulation as proposed by president von der Leyen and as currently discussed in the Council, are instrumental in achieving these objectives and we are looking forward to reaching a common understanding on this any time soon. Now, I would like to invite our distinguished guests from the European Commission to present an Arab Fund proposal, and I will first give the floor to Mr. Serafin, Commissioner for budget. So, Mr. Serafin, the floor is yours.”
  Agricultural funding
• “I would like also to welcome Madam Ivanova, member of the Court of Auditors, who kindly accept to join this exchange and reply to requests related to Cap, together with court's opinion on the cap for 34, which was published earlier this month. This opinion on the NRF fund comes at the right time to provide our committees with expertise, point to challenges ahead and flag potential risks related to the new funding architecture proposed by the Commission. Your outsider's views, if I may so I may say so, will provide very useful in the preparation of a report on the Commission's proposal and at a large stage in our interinstitutional discussions. They are particularly relevant for the agri committee, which I am chairing. Given the links between our fund and cap regulation and the need to ensure coherence between their provision, and it's also my pleasure to welcome here, Madam Monika Hohlmeier, vice chair of batch committee and of course, chair of committee. Our colleague Dragos Benea. Sorry. It was written here that your vice chair will be here. So welcome here. And now, where I am. Yes. And I would like just now to give the floor to Monica. I'm sorry. It's. The floor is yours.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you. Chair. And good afternoon, all colleagues. Thank you for giving me the floor. I am speaking today on behalf of the agri Committee regarding our opinion on the proposed regulation. Because of the extremely tight deadlines, agri wasn't able to vote an opinion under rule 57. Even so, we considered it essential to provide you with a clear and constructive contribution. The opinion was adopted in agri this morning. You will also find attached several amendments that we agreed on within the limited time available. Let me highly agree the main concerns. First, the agricultural sector will be disproportionately affected by the agreement. We expect a significant increase in imports of sensitive products such as beef, poultry and sugar. Those comes from countries which must lower production standards. The second, the safeguard mechanism proposed by the commission, is not strong enough. It lacks automatic triggers, it relies on high volumes thresholds, and it requires lengthy investigations. Such procedures do not reflect the reality of perishable and highly volatile agricultural markets. The Sirs agree strongly insist on full reciprocity of standards. Imports benefiting from preferential access must comply with equivalent rules on animal welfare, plant protection and sanitary rules. We are also deeply concerned about environmental and social dumping. Poor traceability, weak border controls and the risk of trade circumventions are finally safeguards. Alone will not address the structural impact of this agreement. We must strengthen internal market stabilisation instruments. Crisis management tools and targeted support for the most vulnerable. Reasons I agree fully recognises Inter's lead competence. However, this file has major consequences for European farmers and for the union's food security. We therefore respectfully ask you to take our concerns and the annexed amendments fully into account when finalising your report. Thank you very much for your attention.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Can I ask you please? The interpreters have problems. They don't hear you. Maybe if you can speak slower and. And let. Little louder, please. **David VIDANES (European Commission – DG BUDG): Yes. I apologise for this. I'll try to do it. So the the regulation, as I was mentioning, consolidates in a single document provisions on the performance framework and the support to horizontal policy objectives that was previously that were previously scattered across multiple regulations, creating inconsistencies and preventing degradation of results at EU budget level. In that sense, the performance regulation represents a step forward and addresses these issues. And examples of simplification, for example, include the harmonised approach towards the no significant harm principle and the harmonization and simplification of streamlining of performance indicators. The proposal also creates a single entry point for all the performance of the EU budget, including the consolidation of all funding opportunities regarding coefficients which were mentioned here. The approach used by the Commission is aligned with the OECD biomarkers, which uses a three tiered coefficients zero, 14 and 100 and is also aligned with the current MFF, and this will help achieving comparability regarding the type of indicators. The regulation focuses on outputs and results, as they are the most useful to monitor annually the effects of the EU budget as impacts take usually longer to materialize, and its relation with the EU budget support is often more complex to. To establish. Nonetheless, the. The impacts will remain important and they are compatible with the performance regulation will mainly be done and assessed through the evaluations regarding the controls. The proposal is a horizontal regulation covering all programmes and all management modes, and it should be read in conjunction with the sectoral regulations such as the regulation. So the specific controls and accountability framework depends on its programme and its specific implementation rules. For example, whether the Commission of Member States will be implementing the budget, such as in the shared management and the NPS. As such, the performance regulation does not define additional control requirements. In addition to those from the financial regulation and the sectoral regulations. Finally, the performance regulation also allows the Commission to provide additional information on the performance indicators. Additional methodological information. So finally, the Commission is ready to provide stands, ready to provide assistance and clarification throughout the negotiation process. Thank you.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you very much. And now I would like to ask David Vidanes From DGs batch. You have now three minutes. **David VIDANES (European Commission – DG BUDG): Good afternoon, dear chair. Honourable members, thank you for the opportunity to provide the Commission's position and thanks also to the Court of Auditors for its opinion on the performance regulation, which is a key element of the 2834 MFA proposal. The court's opinion acknowledges also that the proposed regulation creates conditions and potential to improve performance reporting and integration of EU horizontal policy objectives in EU budget and to reduce administrative burden. These are indeed the core objectives of the proposal. The regulation consolidates in a single legal document. Provisions on the performance framework, on the support to horizontal policy objectives that were previously scattered across multiple regulations. This fragmentation has led to inconsistencies such as the current. Different approaches for the application of the. Principle and limitations on providing an aggregate view on the results of the EU budget. The performance Regulation represents a step forward and addresses these issues by enabling harmonised framework across programmes. This will bring greater consistency and simplification.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Good. Good morning colleagues. Good morning everybody. Uh, I think that we can start the point with our committee meeting today. The first point is adoption of agenda. I don't see any objection. It's adopted. The point two chair's announcement during today's meeting is web streamed, and we have interpretation to the 18 languages. I have one remark here that Swedish interpretation is granted only in passive form. Swedish members can speak their native language, but they will not benefit from the interpretation into Swedish. The. And I also would like to thank really a lot to all our interpreters, to the staff or all our colleagues from from our Secretariat of Agri Committee. Also, thanks really a lot to everybody who helped us to organize this meeting today. Uh, the point three adoption of minutes from the, uh, from the committee from 2420 5th September and, uh, the 2nd of October if I don't see any objections. So it's, uh, I consider the minutes of the last meetings approved. So and let's start with the point four. It's, uh, exchange of views you on gender equality and diversity. Since 2020, the annual Gender Equality Week has taken place in the European Parliament. The committee has actively participated each year by organising a dedicate, even with the support and cooperation of the members of the Gender Mainstreaming Network.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “And let's move to the point seven award of the European. Schellmann Youth Prize. The European Parliament, together with the international Schellmann Prize award. The European Charlemagne Youth Prize annually one of the scholarship holder for 2425. Irene Perez Beltran from Spain has carried out a research project on the topic how can new spaces for dialogue with farmers facilitate the implementation of EU nature restoration legislation. I am delighted that Madame Perez Beltran is with us today to briefly present the key elements of her research project. So, Madame, you have the floor now for five minutes.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “So please, I think that we can continue. We have here commission now. And, uh, let me again welcome here Madame Siracusa and Madame Goncalves. And, uh, because, you know, we, uh, we already start with, uh, introducing this item. But now I would like to give you the floor for your presentation. And you have eight minutes, uh, in total.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you very much, president. If we want proper peace in Ukraine, we must not stop supporting the country militarily and economically. I hope that we will see this happen, but we need and we hope that the USA will be involved. But perhaps this will be down to Europe to ensure this is the case. The most acceptable solution is the reparation loan. But I do understand the fears of the Belgian government that freezing assets, Russian assets could have negative effects on Belgium. Therefore, I believe that Western countries should support Belgium and also provide guarantees not in line with what the new Czech government is saying. Because otherwise this could reach our borders and this could have a huge negative political impact.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “Compromise. Compromise 91 and 99 amendment. Pardon. 91 and 99. We will vote together. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Amendment 96. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment five, who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment six who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment nine who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment ten who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 13 who is in favour? Who is against? Who abstained? I think it was rejected. But please, let's check it. I open the vote. I close the vote. It was rejected. Amendment 17. Who is in favour? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 28. Who is in favour? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Amendment 33 130. Who is in favour? Who is against? Who abstained? Again? Please check it. I open the vote. I close the vote. It was adopted. Amendment 27. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 33. 33. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected. Amendment 34. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was rejected.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “I close the vote. It was adopted a compromise nine. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Compromise ten. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Compromise 11. Who is in favour? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Uh, amendment 60 and 253 are identical. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? It was adopted. Amendment 64. Who is in favor? Who is against? Who abstained? Let's check it. I open the vote. I close the vote.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “The commission rates. Now, now it's again. Time is here for you. For you have 15 minutes for your answers and reply.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon colleagues. The influx of agricultural products from Ukraine causes much concern in the farming community. I acknowledge that the new agreement will provide a stable framework for business, and that it maintains restrictions on access to the European market through import quotas for sensitive products and safeguard clauses. All these aspects are positive. I also understand that this agreement is a clear step forward in the gradual integration of Ukraine into into the single market. In this respect, I would like to put the following questions. First, in concrete terms, how does the Commission intend to ensure that Ukraine and its products. Effectively implement European production standards? The second similar way. Can the Commission detail the way of monitoring the import quotas when they apply? And finally, the Commission has started stated that it intends to consider measures to help Ukraine exporters reach their traditional markets in the third countries. Could you explain us how it intends to proceed to that end? Thank you very much.”
  Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports
• “Now, Mr. Borsdorf, Reggie and shadow rapporteur, please. The floor is yours. **Irmhild BOẞDORF: Thank you for the floor. From the ESM. We are also very distrustful of the fact that these funds are being put together. And the definition of the priorities and also defence has been addressed several times here, and we were against that from the beginning. That defense should be included in this fund. We would very much like to know with which measures we put in place to avoid overlaps, because with respect to the bureaucracy in particular. So we know that in Germany, over the last few years, there have been a very large number of jobs have been created simply to deal with bureaucracy. And we have to pretend that happened. We'd also like to know how the distribution distribution between the member states will be.”
  Defence spending
• “Okay. But I mentioned it at the beginning. So just now we are, you know, in proceed. So let's start with the shadows. And first I would like to give the floor to Madame from EPP. And you can speak Polish if you want.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions