Kira Marie PETER-HANSEN

Policy topics Kira Marie PETER-HANSEN is active on

What Kira Marie PETER-HANSEN has said (34)

• 2025-10-13 “E-004018/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission reaffirms that the Pay Transparency Directive 1 is instrumental for the full realisation of the right to equal pay for the same work or work of equal value between women and men and remains fully committed to its effective and timely implementation. It expects all Member States to implement the Directive by the deadline of June 2026. The Commission recalls that Member States must transpose the Directive within the legal deadline. Should a Member State fail to notify its transposition measures on time, the Commission may launch infringement proceedings, starting with a letter of formal notice in accordance with Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission is actively supporting the correct and uniform transposition of the Directive into national law. Efforts to reduce any administrative burden focus on methodological guidance and other practical support measures. Between 2024 and 2025, the Commission organised four implementation workshops to assist national administrations and social partners in ensuring comprehensive and timely transposition and to promote the exchange of best practices. In addition, the European Institute for Gender Equality is preparing a step-bystep toolkit on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification for use by employers and social partners. It is intended that the toolkit will contain various methodologies specifically tailored to the size of employers. Furthermore, dedicated funding is made available to Member States and social partners to support the implementation of the directive, training and capacity building. 1 OJ L 132, 17.5.2023, pp. 21–44.”
  EU competences on social policies · Gender pay transparency
• “30s. Thank you very much. And thank you also for your speech. I fully agree with you. And I would like to ask you, because now we see that business Europe, but also some members of the conservative groups are pushing for delay and implementation of the transparency. And as a vice chair of fam, as a feminist, it's an important voice in the PPE. I would like to ask you if you can guarantee that you will stand for this directive and the timely implementation. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “Thank you very much. And thank you also for being here and discussing this. Um, my questions are for Commissioner Dombrowski and also for, for Mr. Kaplan. Um, because I think if we're forward looking, the dominance of banks will increasingly be challenged by the rise of alternative payment methods put forward by both Big Tech or Walmart. And given these developments, do you foresee any benefits in shaping the digital euro differently, uh, with the possibility to ring the store of value or its use as a monetary instrument in case of crisis? So that is my first question. And then more specifically to Commissioner Dombrowski, I'm following also the point that my colleague from the S&D raised. We also are very concerned about the Commission's Q&A on Meka, And we believe that it does allow for market access to US dollar backed stablecoins. Um, and I think it's difficult to understand, at least from my perspective, how the commission can continue to push for this permissive, uh, interpretation. Both disregarding political concerns but also supervisory concerns. Um, and I took note that you say it doesn't fall within your remit, but I would argue that this has quite a strategic implications for Europe globally. So I would like to ask you if you can consider reassessing, uh, the implications potentially together with the commissioners you finger and judge with this, um, on the, on the implications of the global role of the euro, um, and the EU strategic autonomy before it's, uh, before it's too late. Thank you.”
  Use of stablecoins
• “Very much, and thank you to both the Commissioner and the Council and the colleagues for for all of their remarks, I think today's debate has made it clear that we all care deeply about Europe. We care about the direction our union is taking. And listening to the remarks, some of you think this report is too radical, for others, it's not radical enough. And for me, that's actually what strikes a good compromise. So I'm rather pleased with the debate. Several of you have also emphasized European security and the importance of mobilizing spending for defense. I couldn't agree more, and I've tried in the report also with the shadows, to emphasize both the moral, economic and geo strategic importance of Europe becoming independent, both in the defense aspect but also independent of fossil fossil fuels that are that are currently a part of our energy mix. And several of you also mentioned the importance of the social dimension in the European semester. Also in the econ report and just taxation as a source of financing for public goods. And here I also fully agree. And in my view, the truth is that all of these are crucial priorities for Europe at the current juncture. And I firmly believe that we as European policymakers must face up to all of these challenges. It's our task to mobilise the investment necessary, both public and private, for achieving this common objectives and steering Europe in the coming years. So thank you again for the debate and I look forward to hopefully adopting it tomorrow. Thank you.”
  Defence spending
• “Thank you very much. And I would like to start by thanking the rapporteur for his great work and for his leadership on this file. It will be the weakest in society, and our children will have to pay the bill for the green transition and armament. If we let Donald Trump decide what tax policy we have to pursue in Europe. For Trump, he threatens other countries with tariffs if they treat American companies in the way they don't like. He's already torn up global tax agreements, and he has attacked countries who have introduced taxes on digital business. And that's unacceptable. Europe should have the right to determine its own taxes, whether it's taxation of American tech giants who are making huge money off European citizens but do not contribute to society's funds. We need financing for armaments, for green transition without harming our welfare, without harming our children. Otherwise they'll be paying the price in lack of teachers and lack of schools. With social inequality higher than it's ever been since the Second World War. We find ourselves with the richest 1% holding 25% of all wealth, whereas that creates an imbalance. That's why we need an effective tax system which European citizens can rely on. Thank you.”
  EU taxation policy (political compass)
• “In light of this uncertainty and the agenda set by the Draghi report, it has been my ambition as rapporteur for this year's report to maintain a focus on both the private and the public investments that Europe needs to mobilise and maintain growth and become more resilient and competitive. And although I recognise that not all political groups see eye to eye on the solutions, I am very pleased that we have managed, at least in committee, to find a broad majority behind this report. Those of you who have been here for many years know that that is not always the case for the semester report. And more specifically, I am pleased that we have managed to include in this year's report an emphasis on the importance of EU wide initiatives such as the RAF, ensure to tackle the economic and social consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic and that The report also calls for new EU level instruments for the provision of EU public goods. And I am also pleased to see that we have managed to include mentioning of the increasing housing prices. If today's vote was not enough across the European capitals as a serious macroeconomic and social issue that not only threaten the liveability of our cities, but also labour mobility, productivity and economic growth.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “Thank you very much. And let me first make sure that you all know that tomorrow's voting list, despite the fact that this report also mentioned housing will not be as long as the vote we had today. Thank you. And ask the rapporteur for the econ report. I'm very happy to present this year's report. And let me first start by thanking the different shadows and the political groups for their constructive work on the report. It's been a pleasure working with you on this file, because we are living throughout a period of extraordinary geopolitical and macroeconomic turmoil. The chaos and the burning oil fields in Iran and the skyrocketing energy. Energy prices are only the most recent examples of how geopolitical instability and macroeconomic uncertainty are closely intertwined. Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine and the resulting inflation spike, territorial threats to Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, transatlantic trade conflicts we've all seen in recent years and months how Europe is struggling to adapt in these uncertain times. And in light of this, the European semester and macroeconomic policy coordination remains absolutely vital for Europe's economic stability, security and prosperity. It's more important than ever. And I know politicians say that a lot that member states work together to achieve common objectives and above all, that of creating a more resilient, competitive and sustainable European economy.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “Thank you, sir. Thank you. Let me speak Danish, too. It's nice to hear you speak Danish here. I really look forward to it. You want to create a balance between a green and secure and competitive Europe. So I'm looking to one of the legislative proposals, the omnibus, and especially the one on due diligence and sustainability, because I'm afraid it will have really big consequences for children all over the world. Here in Parliament. We're still working on our final position, but I know the council agreed its position just before the Danish presidency, and I must say, I'm quite disappointed that they have removed the responsibility for liability for your supply chain, because otherwise companies would have had a liability for further parts of their supply chain, where we can really control whether child labour is being used. And I think that's deregulation, not just simplification. And unfortunately, there's 160 million children around the world who are working instead of attending school very far down the value chain, sometimes in fields and or in mines. The EU could make a real difference for them and they won't. Now because of this proposal. So let me ask our Minister of Industry, how will the Danish Presidency ensure that the legislation will not close its eyes to child labour as long as it happens with a subcontractor? And how will you ensure that companies will not breach labour rights, labourers rights further down the supply chain? But we will respect their conditions.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “Thank you very much, chair. And also thank you to the to the rapporteur for the draft report. I think I mentioned that shadow meetings that I'm very excited for this file as the 28 regime has a great potential because if we do it right, it can actually enable more innovation in Europe. It can remove administrative obstacles for cross-border companies, and it can ensure a strong and harmonised internal market. So I think there is a lot relying on us to to deliver. And regarding the draft report to to go into that, we do share some of the concerns raised by Allied for startups. You mentioned it also in your in your initial presentation when it comes to the legal foundation, because of course, being aware of the political difficulties, especially in the council, from our perspective, a directive based approach risk creating more fragmentation and new burdens instead of the opposite. So we do believe that the Parliament should be ambitious and push for for real harmonisation across member states and strive to remove fragmentation that holds back innovation and investments in terms of scope. We do not believe that we should limit the regime to only innovative companies, but also a possibility for SMEs, as they are the ones really struggling with a fragmented internal market. And I would also like to highlight that for us, we find it crucial that the regime is developed in close dialogue with both the start up community and the SME community, because if we don't do this, we do risk that the 28 regime becomes just an extra layer of legislation with no added value for those we actually want to support. Finally, let me highlight that for us, it's crucial that workers rights are safeguarded within the 28 regime, and we appreciate and support the rapporteur's approach in ring fencing the workers rights within this. And with this being said, I look forward to the cooperation with the rapporteur and the other shadows. Thank you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you. The commission work programme sets down the course for the next few years. The focus is on competition. That is, of course, important. We do need to have a society where you can establish a company and where your company can have a future. But we have also got to remember that we have a continent now where biodiversity is under threat, where the climate crisis is threatening us everywhere. And I feel here there is a clear lack of ambition in the area of green policy. Where are the goals of the Paris cop? They have simply been abandoned. We need much better policy for nature restoration. We need to impose the polluter pays principle. And we need much more courage. Of what? Of? For the convictions that we should have.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “11%. That is the current gender pay gap in the EU. We all know this, but we also know something else. We know that transparency works because when pay becomes transparent, Unequal pay becomes difficult to hide and discrimination also becomes harder to do. And that is why I was so proud to be the rapporteur for the EU Patrons Guarantee directive and see this. How strengthen women's rights with the new rules. The pay gap will become visible and actionable. Workers will gain access to information on how their pay is structured, and companies will develop methodologies on how to assess work of equal value. Unfortunately, business organisations and some member states are trying to shy away from implementing the directive and upholding their obligation. Their obligation to pay women fairly and to support a union of equality as enshrined in the treaty since 1957. So, Commissioner, I appreciate your words, but I also call on you to hold the member States accountable to the implementation deadline coming up this June. Women have waited long enough. We will not wait any longer. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “11%. That is the current gender pay gap in the EU. We all know this, but we also know something else. We know that transparency works because when pay becomes transparent, Unequal pay becomes difficult to hide and discrimination also becomes harder to do. And that is why I was so proud to be the rapporteur for the EU Patrons Guarantee directive and see this. How strengthen women's rights with the new rules. The pay gap will become visible and actionable. Workers will gain access to information on how their pay is structured, and companies will develop methodologies on how to assess work of equal value. Unfortunately, business organisations and some member states are trying to shy away from implementing the directive and upholding their obligation. Their obligation to pay women fairly and to support a union of equality as enshrined in the treaty since 1957. So, Commissioner, I appreciate your words, but I also call on you to hold the member States accountable to the implementation deadline coming up this June. Women have waited long enough. We will not wait any longer. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “Thank you very much. And and welcome back to the to the econ Committee. And thanks for, for all of your work. And I think if I really plays an important role in gathering different stakeholders but also feeding into the to legislative process, and I think it's interesting what you said on bridging the financial and sustainability aspect, and to create the corporate reporting and building a little bit into this, could you say how you see the developments of social reporting standards? There are, of course, some data points among the social, but it's it's rather underdeveloped and as well, when it comes to the sustainability standard, I know it's not within your remit, but how do you see the the role of Frank in evaluating the feedback you get from companies? I'm assessing this, simplifying data points and then looking at where is the impact, because I think, of course your work is highly debatable or debated these days because of the omnibus, but how do you see like what can we also learn from this process in ensuring good data points and good reporting standards from from the beginning? And then a last question on looking further on like towards the future, how do you think we can better or you can better as as frank ensure the like the institutional presence and perhaps also respect for the expertise that that you have within the both pillars. Because I think even though there are two separate pillars, ensuring that effort plays a key role when they have that role is quite important. So it could be interesting to hear how you see the we can you can kind of contribute to ensuring that the institutional respect and expertise of Africa. Thank you. Well.”
  Sustainable corporate governance
• “And of course, as a green, I am also particularly pleased that we've managed to include and maintain a focus on the challenges related to climate change and the green transition in a macroeconomic perspective, because increasing oil and gas prices from the current wars in the Middle East are yet another reminder. If we needed one, that the macroeconomic uncertainty that comes from Europe's continued dependency on import of fossil fuels across Europe, citizens and companies are once again looking nervously at the energy prices and fearing for the impact that they will have on their finances and future opportunities. And as Draghi reminded us, we Europeans will only truly free ourselves from those exposures and fears that when we set Europe on a path of sustainable energy sources to the benefit of both European consumers and competitiveness of European companies alike. And hopefully this report will contribute to a fruitful, fruitful way forward for Europe. And I look forward to the debate with both the shadows and other members taking the floor. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “30s. Thank you very much. And thank you also for your speech. I fully agree with you. And I would like to ask you, because now we see that business Europe, but also some members of the conservative groups are pushing for delay and implementation of the transparency. And as a vice chair of fam, as a feminist, it's an important voice in the PPE. I would like to ask you if you can guarantee that you will stand for this directive and the timely implementation. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “Thank you very much for the question, and I'm happy to see we have a proper debate in this House. I think looking at my own country, Denmark, actually gives you the answer because Denmark is quite highly regulated country. We've been pushing the market economy to fuel the green investments. We have strong Medicare. We have strong renewable energy sectors. And I think that's showing both that green aspects and competitiveness goes hand in hand, but also that, of course, we shouldn't fear steering the market economy. No one wants regulation just for the sake of regulation. But I think if we do it right, we will actually make a do a favor to Europe.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much. Three of my questions are follow up questions to my to my colleagues. Maybe starting on the defense related aspect. In one of the reports, you also mentioned that defense related investments can have a positive effect on economic growth, provided that the design of them are done in a specific way. Can you elaborate a bit what your thoughts are on this and how you assess this? And then following up on Mr. X question on housing, I look very much forward to to receiving the proposal by the commission this week. But can you say, how do you think that housing affordability can be addressed specifically within the semester process and and the CSR? And then a question that has not yet been asked is, of course, on climate. Now that we are two queens, we have to ask this. If you can say why you are not really making any substantive climate related Recommendations this year. Given that it is quite evident that they have macroeconomic consequences and financial risks. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much. And thanks for some some good presentations. It's also interesting to tackle the same questions from from three different angles. And I think at this point of figuring out what is the political goal, is it indeed harmonization or is it the innovation gap is probably good that we that we at some point decide I think I have two I have three questions. We see if I make them all. But just to understand, because you mentioned Professor Vogels, sorry, the lady from Bruegel that that you wanted to see a an aspect where you have like national tax and Labour labour rules also to create incentives for kind of competing on that. How do you see like because I would see some risks in that as well. So how do you how do you see that? Because it can create a new risk to the, to the bottom. And as well also the next speaker also mentioned this idea of including mobility rules. If you can elaborate a little bit what you mean with this. And of course, it's there's not a committee dealing with employment side of it. And then a question in regards to the scope, because if you want to include taxation, as you also mentioned, you would need the bigger firms in a way, because as you mentioned, the smaller ones don't necessarily care that much about the tax base. The bigger ones do. So how do you see the trade offs between the scope and then harmonizing? Harmonizing the tax elements within the 28 regime. And then lastly, if you can share a little bit more how you see the the different proposals for doing enhanced cooperation of pilot phase or staggered implementation, what you see as the pros and cons of each. Thank you.”
  EU competences on taxation
• “Thank you for all your time. Thank you, chair, and congratulations, Dan. It's been an interesting plan to read. This is a decisive moment. Our commission president said that this week is Europe's time, and I agree. I think that our citizens are now looking to the EU to solve the big challenges. So we need to remind each other that the most efficient way of creating a sustainable Europe will be through an ambitious green transition. No fossil fuels, and we shouldn't be tempted to try and get short term profits from investing in new gas projects, which has been suggested the road to lower energy prices requires massive investment in green energy. More sun, more wind energy. That is the quickest way to reduce our CO2 Consumption or CO2 production. More solar power and wind power is the best way to come. Away. To get away from our old fashioned visions, we want a competitive European industry, so we have to ensure that there's more green energy. We must invest in green energy. It's good for people, for the economy, for the world. And that's why we have our ambitious 2040 CO2 reduction goals. We can't just go on polluting and expect future generations to clean up after us. We need to make real change for normal people in their everyday life. More than 41 million Europeans are fighting to be able to pay their energy bill. And that's a political problem because no child should be left in the cold. So we need to invest more in energy efficiency, and we need to help those that can't make ends meet. Cheap green energy isn't just good for the climate, it's a social way to ensure that everyone can have a dignified life. It's the best help we can give, to give to companies that are now competing with the US and China. So we need to remove the hindrances for getting green energy in the electricity networks. What we can electrify. We should electrify. That is the way forward. That requires. That requires that we are brave. But as von der Leyen said, this is Europe's time and we're ready. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. Trump isn't replying, so I'm very worried to read that in this deal, the European Commission promises a sustainability human rights will not be sacrificed. Uh, for the US, the sustainability rules are there to make sure that companies don't make profits because of forced child labor, or forced labor, or child labor and so on. This is what has made, uh, this is extremely important. And values are something that we have to protect. We cannot let the US dictate our own policies. We cannot allow them to put pressure on us. We're going to protect our companies. Otherwise they will weaken and we'll be weakening our values and will be weakening our strong position that we've consolidated over decades. We have very high environmental ambitions, consumer rights and so on. We are ambitious and we refuse to be part of this race towards the bottom. So I appeal to the Commission to put an end to this and not give these gestures to Trump. I believe in Europe, Mr. Chairman, I am.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “Thank you very much. And thank you for coming to the Econ Committee and hopefully what is just before your summer holiday. Um, I would like to dig a little bit deeper into the CMG review as well because first of all, of course, one of the aims of the review was to expand the scope of resolution. I do you already have an idea on whether we've succeeded with this as co-legislators and how many banks would, would, would fall on the resolution now and and then secondly, before you've also mentioned some concerns on the conditions for the bridge. And of course, here we are also balancing principles on, on safeguards while also having a proper access. And do you think we reached this balance and what do you see also following up on this question is there as the pros and cons. Um, and of course, if you want to share what you could see as the next step for the banking union, this is of course one thing, but are there additional things we can do? And then my last question and I hope you have enough time to answer them, um, is on the on banks exposure to global stablecoins. And if you can say a little bit about how you see the the risks and resolution challenges when it comes to this. Thank you.”
  European Banking Union · Use of stablecoins
• “Thank you. Yeah. Let me do it very briefly. Thank you for your answer, but could you. Tell me more precisely how do you look into the value chain? If you hear that there might be a problem, why don't you want companies to proactively go in and take the responsibility for their value chain? I think that's a good democratic tradition. So why isn't that a tradition in Europe now?”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “Thank you very much. And thanks for some some good presentations. It's also interesting to tackle the same questions from from three different angles. And I think at this point of figuring out what is the political goal, is it indeed harmonization or is it the innovation gap is probably good that we that we at some point decide I think I have two I have three questions. We see if I make them all. But just to understand, because you mentioned Professor Vogels, sorry, the lady from Bruegel that that you wanted to see a an aspect where you have like national tax and Labour labour rules also to create incentives for kind of competing on that. How do you see like because I would see some risks in that as well. So how do you how do you see that? Because it can create a new risk to the, to the bottom. And as well also the next speaker also mentioned this idea of including mobility rules. If you can elaborate a little bit what you mean with this. And of course, it's there's not a committee dealing with employment side of it. And then a question in regards to the scope, because if you want to include taxation, as you also mentioned, you would need the bigger firms in a way, because as you mentioned, the smaller ones don't necessarily care that much about the tax base. The bigger ones do. So how do you see the trade offs between the scope and then harmonizing? Harmonizing the tax elements within the 28 regime. And then lastly, if you can share a little bit more how you see the the different proposals for doing enhanced cooperation of pilot phase or staggered implementation, what you see as the pros and cons of each. Thank you.”
  EU competences on taxation
• “11%. That is the current gender pay gap in the EU. We all know this, but we also know something else. We know that transparency works because when pay becomes transparent, Unequal pay becomes difficult to hide and discrimination also becomes harder to do. And that is why I was so proud to be the rapporteur for the EU Patrons Guarantee directive and see this. How strengthen women's rights with the new rules. The pay gap will become visible and actionable. Workers will gain access to information on how their pay is structured, and companies will develop methodologies on how to assess work of equal value. Unfortunately, business organisations and some member states are trying to shy away from implementing the directive and upholding their obligation. Their obligation to pay women fairly and to support a union of equality as enshrined in the treaty since 1957. So, Commissioner, I appreciate your words, but I also call on you to hold the member States accountable to the implementation deadline coming up this June. Women have waited long enough. We will not wait any longer. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “In light of this uncertainty and the agenda set by the Draghi report, it has been my ambition as rapporteur for this year's report to maintain a focus on both the private and the public investments that Europe needs to mobilise and maintain growth and become more resilient and competitive. And although I recognise that not all political groups see eye to eye on the solutions, I am very pleased that we have managed, at least in committee, to find a broad majority behind this report. Those of you who have been here for many years know that that is not always the case for the semester report. And more specifically, I am pleased that we have managed to include in this year's report an emphasis on the importance of EU wide initiatives such as the RAF, ensure to tackle the economic and social consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic and that The report also calls for new EU level instruments for the provision of EU public goods. And I am also pleased to see that we have managed to include mentioning of the increasing housing prices. If today's vote was not enough across the European capitals as a serious macroeconomic and social issue that not only threaten the liveability of our cities, but also labour mobility, productivity and economic growth.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• “Thank you very much. And thank you, first of all, to the rapporteur for the for the work. When Donald Trump is targeting our diversity programs, NGOs and US federal agencies, when he is rolling back financial and environmental legislation, we Europeans should not mimic his policies. Some in this chamber pushed for deregulation of legislation previously agreed by a broad chamber of this House, legislation intended to further the green transition to further social justice and to ensure financial stability. But Europe will only become more competitive if we ensure regulatory and financial stability, and if we intensify the transition to renewable energy and getting rid of shameful dependency on expensive imported fossil fuels. Europe must demonstrate to the world that our green, our social and our democratic economic model is the best. Competitive global is the best competitive economy. We should double down on our common values, not bow to Trump and copy his policies. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “30s. Thank you very much. And thank you also for your speech. I fully agree with you. And I would like to ask you, because now we see that business Europe, but also some members of the conservative groups are pushing for delay and implementation of the transparency. And as a vice chair of fam, as a feminist, it's an important voice in the PPE. I would like to ask you if you can guarantee that you will stand for this directive and the timely implementation. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “Thank you very much. As a fellow Scandinavian, dear colleague, I would like to ask you if you recognise that a green economy is a strong economy and that the green transition and competitiveness goes hand in hand. And why EP could support the taxonomy, the CSR, the CSR, triple D as a way to fulfil our transition goals, but now want to roll it back. Thank you.”
  Green Taxonomy
• “To withdraw the proposal on the EU horizontal Anti-Discrimination directive. I believe that this is a big mistake in a time where we see attacks on our fundamental rights. Withdrawing this proposal is the wrong way to go. I know it requires patience and courage to get this legislation over the finish line, but we've seen that it is possible to unlock equality legislation. So I urge the commissioner please don't give up on our anti-discrimination laws. Thank you.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “Thank you very much. And let me first make sure that you all know that tomorrow's voting list, despite the fact that this report also mentioned housing will not be as long as the vote we had today. Thank you. And ask the rapporteur for the econ report. I'm very happy to present this year's report. And let me first start by thanking the different shadows and the political groups for their constructive work on the report. It's been a pleasure working with you on this file, because we are living throughout a period of extraordinary geopolitical and macroeconomic turmoil. The chaos and the burning oil fields in Iran and the skyrocketing energy. Energy prices are only the most recent examples of how geopolitical instability and macroeconomic uncertainty are closely intertwined. Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine and the resulting inflation spike, territorial threats to Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark, transatlantic trade conflicts we've all seen in recent years and months how Europe is struggling to adapt in these uncertain times. And in light of this, the European semester and macroeconomic policy coordination remains absolutely vital for Europe's economic stability, security and prosperity. It's more important than ever. And I know politicians say that a lot that member states work together to achieve common objectives and above all, that of creating a more resilient, competitive and sustainable European economy.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “And thank you very much. No, I was just wondering because and thank you for for joining. And I'm also looking forward to the cooperation and all of that and know we are now waiting, all of us on the commission work programme. And that's of course, very exciting. We also hear rumours that there might be also a simplification package on on omnibus, on taxation. Can you say a little bit what from your side? Where do you see the merits in simplifying or deregulating or harmonising tax aspects? Because of course, you've all been tasked with with delivering to the to the burden reduction. So we're in in the eyes of tax. Do you see that possibility?”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “And of course, as a green, I am also particularly pleased that we've managed to include and maintain a focus on the challenges related to climate change and the green transition in a macroeconomic perspective, because increasing oil and gas prices from the current wars in the Middle East are yet another reminder. If we needed one, that the macroeconomic uncertainty that comes from Europe's continued dependency on import of fossil fuels across Europe, citizens and companies are once again looking nervously at the energy prices and fearing for the impact that they will have on their finances and future opportunities. And as Draghi reminded us, we Europeans will only truly free ourselves from those exposures and fears that when we set Europe on a path of sustainable energy sources to the benefit of both European consumers and competitiveness of European companies alike. And hopefully this report will contribute to a fruitful, fruitful way forward for Europe. And I look forward to the debate with both the shadows and other members taking the floor. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “And I would like to first thank the rapporteur for her wonderful work and also the team of shadows and I. I echo that I hope the Commission will take in a lot of the of the ideas, and with this I will switch to Danish. In Europe we pay twice or three times as much for energy as they do in China and the US. That is due to the fact that our electricity grid is not connected properly and it's too old. And that's a problem because it hinders our installation of sun, sun panels, solar panels and turbines. It is important that we do more when it comes to the green transitions. Our cars should run on electricity. We need more electricity in our houses and solar panels instead of gas and fossil fuels. All of this means that we need a modernized grid. We must also do this in a socially responsible way so that nobody is left behind in this green transition. Our electricity grid is the backbone of our energy system, and at the moment it is not prepared for what we need. We must invest, therefore, in optimizing and expanding these grids throughout the EU. In that way, we can have more solar power and wind power, and in that way we can have a cheaper, more accessible energy. What we need here is political will and the money to make a difference. We must ensure that green electricity reaches the consumers quickly and efficient way that will benefit the climate, our economy and citizens throughout Europe. Thank you so much for the work you've done.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Start by thanking the rapporteur for both the results and the good cooperation. Societas Europaea. I can't be the only one who struggles to pronounce the proposed name of the new corporate form by the 28th regime, but even though few under 40 ever had Latin in school, the vision is simple, making Europe the best place to establish your business and seeing it grow by harmonising EU rules, removing unnecessary burdens and making access to capital easier. The 28 regime will allow SMEs, start ups and scale ups to actually experience a single market, and it will allow Europe to overcome the innovation gap. However, if this vision is to survive and not become yet another missed opportunity. It must earn public support and that is why it is crucial for both me and the Greens that workers rights are fully protected. We should always harmonise to the highest standards, not the lowest. If we do this right, it can set Europe on a new, innovative and competitive track. So let's make this vision a reality. Thank you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation