Silvia SARDONE

Policy topics Silvia SARDONE is active on

What Silvia SARDONE has said (37)

• 2026-06-17 “Five years ago, when farmers asked us to start working seriously on the need to have plants that were more resilient to illnesses, the European Commission placed that request at the bottom of its agenda, and it was bringing out Green Deal regulations that were binding and meant that farmers had to deal with other things without taking care of their need to enter the market, without protecting their possibility to produce. And those binding regulations came down one by one, leaving to one side what could actually help farmers to be sustainable from an environmental and economic standpoint? We're not talking about GMOs today. We're still against those, but we're talking here about new genomic techniques. They're conceptually different, and we need to stop a misinformation campaign by the environmental Taliban. The usual suspects Brussels still owes a debt to farmers. But today, finally, we can give back to them the dignity that they deserve. Thank you.”
  New Genomic Techniques
• 2025-10-31 “P-004289/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Pact for the Mediterranean 1 sets out a new ambitious strategy. By investing in people, the initiative will reinforce the cultural, academic, social and economic ties that will make Europe stronger and more resilient. Southern Mediterranean partners will continue to benefit from the already existing opportunities under the international dimension of the Erasmus+ programme, including short term student exchanges, in accordance with provisions of the related regulation. These are not financed out of the core, intra-EU budget but from additional NDICI/Global Europe funding. Therefore, they do not have an impact on the budget available for EU students. Under Erasmus+, students study for a limited period (2 to 12 months) at an institution in the EU as part of their studies in their home country, returning to the home country after the mobility period. Overall, Erasmus+ promotes brain circulation, exchange and mobility of knowledge, skills, and talent across borders, not migration. Several international studies point towards the positive impact of international student mobility in terms of enhancing teaching and research quality, fostering intercultural learning, driving innovation, and strengthening universities’ global engagement. At the same time, international students contribute significantly to local economies. Beyond Erasmus+, migration and mobility if well managed can also be an opportunity, notably to address our labour needs in sectors facing workforce shortages. It is for this reason that legal pathways for mobility, including of students and researchers, will be addressed in line with EU and national competences. 1 https://north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu/joint-communication-pact-mediterranean_en.”
  Funding for EU Neighbourhood · EU development aid (migration conditionality)
• 2025-08-28 “E-003325/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The EU closely monitored the preparations and the holding of the local elections in Kosovo that took place on 12 October 2025 with the second round on 9 November 2025. This included the deployment of an Election Expert Mission, following an invitation by the President of Kosovo. The EU took note of the certification of two Kosovo-Serb political parties following a successful appeal process. The EU welcomed the peaceful, competitive and inclusive conduct of this first election round with the participation of all communities, as well as a free, fair and inclusive media coverage contributing to a transparent electoral process. Following the certification of results, the EU expects an orderly transition of local governance in northern municipalities and expects newly elected municipal authorities and government institutions alike to engage constructively in addressing the needs and demands of the population in an institutional manner and in accordance with Kosovo law.”
  EU-Kosovo relations · EU-Serbia relations
• 2025-08-28 “P-003326/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Responsibility for authorising, monitoring or closing places of worship rests with Member States, which are best placed to assess security risks and ensure compliance with national laws. Only a limited number of Member States have adopted legislation to enhance the transparency of foreign funding for religious or cultural entities. The Commission continues to monitor developments in this field and facilitates the exchange of good practices among Member States, in particular to encourage preventing radicalisation and safeguarding fundamental rights. As stated in the EU strategy on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life 1 , terrorism, violent extremism and antisemitism in all its forms are incompatible with European values and a threat to European citizens’ security and safety. In line with the ProtectEU: European Internal Security Strategy 2 , the Commission will enhance the EU’s capacity to combat terrorism through proposals to modernise rules on fighting terrorism and terrorist-financing and strengthen the European Investigation Order. 1 COM/2021/615 final and https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2022-07/cafjl_antisemitism-strategy-docen.pdf. 2 COM/2025/148 final.”
  Regulation of NGOs in Europe · Jewish culture and antisemitism · EU policy on Islam
• 2025-07-30 “E-003151/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Article 9 of the Sustainable Use of pesticides Directive (SUD) 1 allows Member States, by way of derogation from the general ban, to issue approvals under specific conditions to allow aerial spraying of plant protection products (PPPs), including by drones. Several Member States already issued such approvals. The Commission will further discuss with the Member States how to simplify the administration of these derogations, especially for drones. The Commission also intends to consider possible measures in this area in the context of the simplification efforts announced in the Vision for Agriculture and Food. Various Horizon Europe projects 2 have been addressing this topic. Notably, ICAERUS 3 , SPADE 4 and the recently concluded CHAMELEON 5 project have tested the use of unmanned aerial vehicles solutions, including drones, for spraying and other uses in agriculture. In accordance with the EU aviation safety legislation, drone operations are allowed following a risk assessment, considering factors such as the drone’s weight, payload and the population density of the area, with the operational authorisation setting the conditions and limitations for the operation. The European Aviation Safety Agency has issued pre-defined risk assessment PDRA-G01 6 to support specific category beyond visual line of sight operations, including those typically carried out in agricultural and forestry environments, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/947 7 . This does not address the use of PPPs, which are governed by SUD. Further facilitation may be considered where justified by emerging operational needs or new use cases. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/128/oj/eng. 2 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 3 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101060643. 4 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101060778. 5 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101060529. 6 https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/drones-air-mobility/operating-drone/specific-category-civildrones/predefined-risk-assessment-pdra. 7 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/947/oj.”
  EU policy on pesticides · Digital and precision farming
• 2025-05-14 “E-001948/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Pact on Migration and Asylum 1 sets out the rules and objectives of the EU in this area, based on a comprehensive approach that brings together border and migration, asylum and integration. With firm and fair rules, the EU rules are designed to manage migration for the long term, providing EU countries with the flexibility to address the specific challenges they face, and necessary safeguards to protect people in need. As part of a comprehensive approach, the Pact strengthens the EU’s capacity to prevent irregular arrivals and to manage the external borders, including through reinforced cooperation with partner countries, and promotes talent attraction to the EU and integration of legally residing migrants. The Commission does not maintain an inventory of all organisations invited to its events. Directive (EU) 2024/1346 2 harmonises reception conditions across the EU, ensuring dignified reception standards throughout the EU and reducing incentives for secondary movements. The amended Directive, adopted in May 2024, is based on a Commission proposal from June 2016 3 . There are no links between this amendment and the activity mentioned in the Honourable Member’s question. 1 https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1346/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52016PC0465.”
  Asylum & border control · Legal migration
• 2025-05-14 “P-001946/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission The European Research Council (ERC) promotes top-tier scientific research in Europe by offering competitive funding opportunities, supporting frontier research across all disciplines, to enhance innovative breakthroughs in all fields of science. The ERC has funded since 2007 more than 17 000 projects and over 10 000 researchers, across physical sciences and engineering, life sciences, social sciences and humanities 1 . This led to over 2 200 patents and other Intellectual Property Rights applications. More than 200 000 articles were published in scientific journals and the ERC grantees have been awarded with 14 Nobel Prizes, 7 Fields Medals, 11 Wolf Prizes and dozens of important prizes. The mentioned projects, addressing Muslim cultures and societies, explore topics like minority inclusion in democracies and changes in Islamic law 2 . These projects are world-class scholarly undertakings that advance the frontiers of knowledge. The ERC employs a rigorous evaluation process to assess all research proposals. Through a comprehensive, independent peer review process, proposals are examined for scientific merit and feasibility. In addition, the ERC maintains the highest standard of oversight and ensures that funded projects adhere to all relevant legislation and ethical standards. Proposals undergo a detailed ethics review by independent ethics experts and receive ethics clearance before grants are signed 3 . The ERC funds projects that push the frontiers of knowledge, aligned with the values of academic freedom and scientific inquiry. Projects are selected for funding by independent scientific panels in the respective fields of research, via transparent, competitive evaluations, based solely on scientific excellence. 1 Within the social sciences and humanities projects which represent around a fourth of ERC grants, topics span an extensive range of disciplines, including economics and finance, law and political science, sociology, psychology and linguistics, literature and philosophy, history and archaeology, geography and environmental studies, anthropology, arts and cultural and religious studies – the category in which falls the mentioned project. 2 Comprehensive information regarding the scientific methodologies and outcomes of the referenced projects is available through the following links: Nativism, Islamophobism and Islamism in the Age of Populism: Culturalisation and Religionisation of what is Social, Economic and Political in Europe ISLAM-OPHOB-ISM https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/785934; Openings to the Inclusion of Muslim Minorities in Today’s Democracies INCLUDE https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101001133; Mapping Change in Islamic Law, Rules and Practices MCILRaP https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101141682; Animals in Philosophy of the Islamic World |Mizan, Culture in Muslim societies and throughout the Islamic world: https://mizanproject.org/animals-in-philosophy-of-the-islamicworld/#:~:text=Scholars%20have%20explored%20ancient%20Greek%20and%20Indian%20discussions,and%20 on%20the%20types%20and%20uses%20of%20animals; Beyond Sharia: The Role of Sufism in Shaping Islam PIETY https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101020403. 3 ‘Annex A: The ethics review process’, Commission Decision C(2017)4750 amending Decision C(2014)2454 on the ERC rules for submission of proposals and the related evaluation, selection and award procedures relevant to the specific programme of Horizon 2020 https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/data/ref/h2020/sgl/erc/h2020-erc-se-rules-amended2_en.pdf and ‘Annex A: Ethics review process’, The ERC Rules of Submission, and the related methods & procedures for peer review and proposal evaluation relevant to the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/erc-rules-forsubmission-and-evaluation_he-erc_v1.0_en.pdf.”
  EU policy on Islam · EU research funding
• 2025-04-29 “P-001703/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The EU Roma Strategic Framework for Equality, Inclusion and Participation 2020–2030 guides Member States to improve Roma lives by supporting inclusion via EU funds and national programmes. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) promotes equal opportunities, employment, social protection, and inclusion. To tackle the complex challenges Roma face, it funds integrated actions in education, healthcare, jobs, and housing, while strengthening local and civil society capacity for lasting impact. Roma can be supported under all ESF+ specific objectives, and especially under ‘Promoting the socio-economic integration of marginalised communities including Roma people’, requiring a National Roma Inclusion Strategic Policy Framework in place. Roma targeted spending includes a total of EUR 1.8 billion to improve access to education, employment, inclusion 1 and to support civil society working with marginalised communities 2 . Moreover, under the European Regional Development Fund, EUR 22 billion have been allocated in 2021-2027, to improve access to inclusive, quality services and reduce socioeconomic and territorial disparities for marginalised communities, including Roma. The 2022 Horizon Europe Work Programme 3 funded relevant projects like EQUALSTRENGTH 4 , RAISE 5 , and UNDETERRED 6 . The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme also promotes Roma equality and inclusion through calls on equality, Holocaust remembrance and framework partnerships 7 . 1 ESF+ Intervention field 154. 2 ESF+ Intervention field 155. 3 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe/horizon-europe-work-programmes_en. 4 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101094527. 5 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101094684. 6 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101095020. 7 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/cerv.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination · Engagement of Romani communities in Europe
• 2025-01-26 “E-000332/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Issues regarding the wearing of clothing, such as the hijab, in the public sphere, are a matter for Member States, subject to judicial control by courts. The Commission is committed to promote and protect EU values and fundamental rights enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. These include pluralism, non-discrimination, and equality. The Commission has neither the competence nor the intention to take initiatives to ban the hijab in the public sphere. The Commission has been working and continues to work on combatting discrimination. Directive 2000/78 lays down a general framework for combating discrimination in employment and occupation, including on grounds of religion or belief. The EU strategy on the rights of the child 1 states that ‘access to inclusive, non-segregated, quality education should be guaranteed, amongst others, through a non-discriminatory treatment regardless of racial and ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, nationality, residence status, sex and sexual orientation’. The Commission is committed to protecting women’s rights, as set out in the Gender Equality Strategy (2020-2025) 2 . In its official communication, the Commission seeks to reflect Europe’s diversity in line with the values referred to above. Each service of the Commission has procedures in place to ensure that communication messages and visuals used on the Commission’s website, on social media and in any communication product are carefully selected and verified to ensure that they support the goals and achieve the intended effect of each communication action. 1 EU strategy on the rights of the child (COM/2021/142 final), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0142 2 A Union of Equality: Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 (COM(2020) 152 final), https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0152&from=EN”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• 2025-01-14 “E-000118/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission Violence against women, including sexual violence, is unfortunately present in all Member States and indeed across the globe. No section of society is immune from the scourge of gender-based violence, as illustrated in the EU-wide surveys on violence against women conducted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, EUROSTAT and the European Institute for Gender Equality 1 . Preventing and combatting all forms of gender-based violence is a key priority of the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 2 . As recalled in the Political Guidelines, the Commission is committed to do everything possible to prevent and combat violence against women, and this will remain a strong pillar of the Gender Equality Strategy post 2025. In accordance with Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, the EU is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the equality between women and men and the rights of persons belonging to minorities. The Commission is fully committed to promoting equality and combatting all stereotypes including those based on gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation. These are fundamental principles which must apply in all parts of European society. 1 https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2014/violence-against-women-eu-wide-survey-main-results-report ; 2024 FRA https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2024/eu-gender-violence-survey-key-results 2 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/genderequality/gender-equalitystrategy_en#:~:text=The%20EU%20Gender%20Equality%20Strategy%20delivers%20on%20the,significant%20 progress%20by%202025%20towards%20a%20gender-equal%20Europe”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2025-01-07 “P-000033/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The decarbonisation of energy systems is a key element of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions. At COP28 in 2023 in Dubai 1 , parties agreed, among others, to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems. In the EU, the electricity used to power electric vehicles is increasingly produced from renewable sources. As a result, the amount of GHG emitted per unit of electricity has halved between 1990 and 2023, and emissions are set to decrease further. These developments will be reflected in the carbon footprint of products, as required by EU legislation 2 . The EU does not have a trade agreement with China. The Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) concluded in principle in 2020 is put on hold. The Commission decided not to put the agreement to ratification when China sanctioned Members of the European Parliament, the Subcommittee on human rights, think tanks, and the Political and Security Committee of the Council. Those sanctions are still in place. To encourage China to decarbonise swiftly and peak their emissions before 2030, the EU continues to engage bilaterally under the High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue, and the Energy Dialogue. On 26 February 2025, the Commission adopted a Clean Industrial Deal 3 to accelerate the decarbonisation of EU industry while strengthening its competitiveness. In addition, the Affordable Energy Action Plan 4 will help reduce energy costs while strengthening EU’s industrial base. Further, the Global Energy Transition Forum 5 , launched by the President of the Commission in 2025 in Davos, seeks to unlock new clean energy investments opportunities for EU business abroad. In parallel, the Commission works to ensure that the EU continues playing a leading role in energy and climate diplomacy. 1 Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 2 As required by Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1542/oj; or by implementing legislation under Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 establishing a framework for the setting of ecodesign requirements for sustainable products, amending Directive (EU) 2020/1828 and Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 and repealing Directive 2009/125/EC (Text with EEA relevance), http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1781/oj 3 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/9db1c5c8-9e82-467b-ab6a905feeb4b6b0_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Clean%20Industrial%20Deal_en.pdf 4 The Plan has been announced most recently in the EU Competitiveness Compass: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_339 5 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/president-von-der-leyen-launches-global-energy-transition-forum-davos2025-01-23_en”
  Climate efforts
• 2024-11-30 “P-002703/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission wants to ensure that the EU remains a long-term global leader in the automotive industry, preserving jobs and manufacturing in Europe. Therefore, the President of the Commission has decided to convene a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Car Industry in Europe. The Commission will also develop an industrial action plan for the automotive industry, covering the entire value chain. The revised Regulation setting carbon dioxide (CO 2) emission standards for new cars and vans 1 , including a 100% emission reduction target from 2035 onwards provides a clear framework for the transition to zero-emission vehicles, essential to deliver on the EU’s climate objectives. It creates legal certainty for manufacturers and investors and supports the EU industry’s competitiveness, in a global vehicle electrification context, while allowing sufficient lead time for a fair transition. The sales of zero-emission cars in the EU have steadily increased since 2020. Several European manufacturers will launch cheaper electric car models in the coming months. In 2025, the Commission will prepare a progress report on the transition to zero-emission mobility 2 . In 2026, the Commission will review the effectiveness and impact of Regulation (EU) 2019/631 3 . The main instruments to support workers affected by restructuring are the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 4 , providing support for skills development and job search, and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) 5 which is intended to support active labour market policy measures and personalised services aimed at supporting workers’ job transitions, helping them to reintegrate into decent and sustainable employment as quickly as possible. The EGF complements ESF+ and national measures. 1 Regulation (EU) 2023/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 April 2023 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards strengthening the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the Union’s increased climate ambition, OJ L 110, 25.4.2023, p. 5–20, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj 2 Article 14(a) of Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 443/2009 and (EU) No 510/2011, OJ L 111, 25.4.2019, p. 13-53, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/631/oj 3 Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/631. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/european-social-fund-plus/en 5 Regulation (EU) 2021/691 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1309/2013, OJ L 153, 3.5.2021, p. 48-70, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/691/oj”
  2035 CO2 Emission Target for Cars
• 2024-10-31 “E-002373/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission As part of its comprehensive policy approach towards Iran 1 , the EU has responded strongly on human rights violations and abuses by Iranian authorities, including against the country’s ethnic and religious minorities. The EU is using all diplomatic venues, including multilateral fora, to repeatedly and firmly call on the Iranian authorities to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Iranians, as well as persons belonging to ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, including the Bahá’ís. Furthermore, the EU has so far listed a total of 269 individuals and entities under the sanctions regime adopted in response to serious human rights violations in Iran 2 . The EU will continue to use all tools at its disposal and will continue to be a strong supporter of the United Nations accountability mechanisms investigating the alleged human rights violations in Iran, including on the country’s ethnic and religious minorities. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/12/12/iran-council-approves-conclusions/ 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions-against-iran/#human-rights”
  EU-Iran relations · EU competences on human rights
• 2024-10-31 “P-002374/2024 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission The Commission respects the autonomy of sport and promotes gender equality as well as a safe environment in sport, including the fight against any form of discrimination through the European Union Work Plan for Sport (2024-2027) 1 . The Commission supports inclusion and diversity through the Erasmus+ programme 2 . The Commission has no legal competence to intervene in national decisions and actions as regards the issue in question, in accordance with Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission can however promote fairness and openness in sporting competitions and cooperation between bodies responsible for sports and protect the physical and moral integrity of people in sport. The Commission promotes equality for all in the EU. As the Gender Equality Strategy recalls 3 , women and men, and girls and boys, in all their diversity, are free to pursue their chosen path in life, have equal opportunities to thrive, and can equally participate in and lead the European society. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202403527 2 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/ 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0152”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination · Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2024-09-11 “P-001676/2024 Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 1 , horsemeat shall only enter the EU from third countries which, in particular, provide guarantees of compliance with the prohibition of the use of certain substances in farm animals laid down in Council Directive 96/22/EC 2 , provide guarantees of compliance with the prohibition of the use of the substances listed in Table 2 of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 3 , and have an approved residue control plan and are listed for equine in Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/405 4 . 1 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 of 6 September 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to requirements for the entry into the Union of consignments of food-producing animals and certain goods intended for human consumption (OJ L 304, 24.11.2022, p. 1 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/2292/oj). 2 Council Directive 96/22/EC of 29 April 1996 concerning the prohibition on the use in stockfarming of certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of ß-agonists, and repealing Directives 81/602/EEC, 88/146/EEC and 88/299/EEC (OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 3 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1996/22/oj). 3 Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 of 22 December 2009 on pharmacologically active substances and their classification regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal origin (OJ L 15, 20.1.2010, p. 1 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2010/37(1)/oj). 4 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 of 24 March 2021 laying down the lists of third countries or regions thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of certain animals and goods intended for human consumption in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 114, 31.3.2021, p. 118 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2021/405/oj).”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “Thank you. The policies of the European Union has helped China to emerge in technology and become a leader. What does one have to say with regard to this commissioner? Uh, you're maybe thinking I'm one of those dangerous patriots. No. Uh, what about Madame von der Leyen? For years, this particular disastrous approach that she's adopted for the competitiveness of Europe has led to, uh, China becoming a leader, a leader in green energy, a leader as well. And of course, uh, this particular green policies, uh, pushed forward with that impetus of the fanatic Greens as well, has led to the adopting of new objectives that are totally unrealistic. And once again, will lead us down that terrible path where we will fall behind. So, madam, I think the Commission von der Leyen, they really have to think about something that's good for Europe and not lead Europe down this terrible path. We want a Europe which is productive. Thank you very much.”
  Climate efforts
• “Mr. Saldoni, I won't reiterate, you have to respect your speaking time since the others overshot. I will try to respect my speaking time. I would also like to talk about ETS. And I'll take a slightly different angle on this. I'd like to thank the Minister for having set out the priorities for the Polish presidency. I would like to dwell on what Mr. Tusk said yesterday when he set out the Polish presidency priorities for the European Council. He adopted a very critical tone at times regarding the European Green Deal. According to him, some environmental measures adopted over the last five years have led directly to high energy costs. They are damaging and undermining Europe's competitiveness in comparison to China and the USA. In particular, there has been great criticism of the ETS scheme, which leads to additional costs on fossil fuels until 2027. This is causing great damage. There weren't many of us who oppose the commission's proposals during the last mandate. If there had been more, perhaps we wouldn't have reached this. It's important to bear in mind decisions taken by President Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, which will give them a further competitive edge. I would like to ask what the vision of the Polish government is to reinforce European competitiveness in a global, global context, where we see growing competition from powers such as the US and China. Moreover, given the difficulties which the Have been underlined regarding energy and environmental policies. I would like to ask you what the Polish president's intentions are when it comes to reviewing some of the measures under the European Green Deal, in particular those which are part of the fit for 55 package. Don't you think the time has come for us to take a new look at the European objectives for climate policy, so as to enable us to support the transition, while at the same time enhancing and increasing Europe's economic competitiveness? Thank you. I think I stuck to my time. Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you. The package about modifications on cars is already drowning in criticisms. Stellantis has said that the proposals don't deal with the problems, and the German automotive industry body has said that the package is disastrous. European producers expect a. Some change in direction, but that doesn't seem to be happening in Italy. My country, an electric car out of five that is sold is Chinese. That's three times as high as the previous year. The Chinese giants are invading the market with low cost models because they don't respect labor and environmental standards. We also criticize the lack of opening openness to biofuels, because they only account for 3%, or even 1% for certain particular types of biofuels. The truth is that you are continue to go down the wrong track with regard to electric cars by focusing on light duty vehicles. They are not the solution. The efforts to develop a European supply chain have failed. We are net importers of batteries. Of 28 billion last year, 20 billion worth of batteries came from China. So that shows how it's all failing. And so why are you not taking account of reality? Why are you making innovation so difficult for innovative businesses? Because you are influencing what cars the consumers buy. Choose. When will you change track? Thank you.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market · Road transport environmental policy
• “A debate on the first hundred days of the new commission with all these triumphalist, uh, words, and yet for no reason, uh, madam von der Leyen said this commission is willing to face up to crisis. We need to work with speed and determination. This is a unique opportunity to build a stronger, safer, more prosperous Europe. This is quite a comical statement. In recent months, all you've done is put together plans on the Green Deal, on cars, and now looking at returns because you realized the huge mistakes that you yourselves had First of all, you damage consumers, businesses, families, and then you try to act often badly to to do something about it. You're ridiculous. Then this rearmament plan for Europe to try to rival Trump's United States. We've heard all of these slogans and you've had meetings and all we see is arrogance. The European citizens at the elections made it clear that you're doing wrong on everything, and you just pretend that you haven't heard anything.”
  Von der Leyen
• “Thank you. Commissioner, you said that the future is in electricity, repeating von der Leyen's words as well. But I'd like to ask you whether you know how many heavy vehicles and trucks were sold over the last few years in my country, Italy, in 2023. 72 in 2024? 213. So basically we're talking about 1% of the market. Ridiculous numbers actually. I'm sure you'd agree with that. So you treated the consumers as if they were absolute idiots, thinking that they would have easily swallowed this requirement for electrical vehicles. And as I said, despite the billions of public money being poured into incentives, they're not being sold. So you have to give people back once again, the freedom of choosing whether or not they're going to buy a petrol Diesel. Electrical. Biofuel. Hybrid. Hydrogen. Methane car. Freedom. You have to archive the Green Deal and put an end to your mania to impose, regulate and decide everything. And you have to have the guts to overturn the ban on the sales after 2035 of diesel and petrol cars. Your choices have only led to lost jobs. Enough is enough. Please stop it.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Well, we are tired of those people who want to criminalize fishers and sectors related to the sea. We don't want the new rules on the oceans being sought by the EU were once again ideology led, led by the proliferation of bands and attempts to, um, to affect traditional fishing. Huge efforts have already been made to fall into line with EU legislation, but the ecological transition can't be truly sustainable if it doesn't take account of the oceans and those who depend on them. So if we want EU fisheries to be protected, we should have agreements in all of the provisions, in all the agreements to ensure that everyone respects the same quality environmental and social standards as EU fishers. We cannot accept ecological rules which only penalise European operators. We also call for our fishermen from Europe being able to fish without having to face unfair competition from third countries ships, which are often involved in unsustainable fishing practices. If we want to defend, we want to defend national sovereignty on the basis of the disease as well, based on local requirements, without facing centralised provisions imposed by the EU, which add further rules and burdens to economic activities relating to the seas. Basically, yes, we should be defending our seas as well as those people who work in our waters. Thank you.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• “It's a tough crisis and we're seeing very, very high bills. What is your doing? Well, it's got a plan to accelerate the EU. What's in that plan. It has got solar panels more green deal. But it looks like you haven't understood a thing. The citizens are asking for something else. They want lower taxes, less bureaucracy, less environmental rules. They're looking at these spendings, and we've been asking for derogation from the stability pact. You did that for arms. So why can't you do it for the energy crisis? To help families and companies? No, that's not what's happening. Ursula and Dombrovskis are saying, first we need to have a recession. So that's like going to the, um, casualty and then giving the patient the medicine after they've died. Do you understand? We need to try to prevent recession. You need to treat beforehand. So do not let this disaster happen. Wake up.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• “There is a people who has been crying for freedom for years, and instead of supporting people who criticize the regime, the European Parliament has wasted time criticizing Donald Trump. Young people have never lived in freedom. Their protests were met with bullets, with detentions. In Iran, women are some subjugated. They are killed because they're wearing their veil wrongly. The European Union is doing too little to fight the Iranian regime. The regime that once it was cornered, decided to change their flag. They removed a lion and included a signal signs of Islam and Allah. Today, I want to make it very clear what the real symbol of Iran is. It's not the flag of the ayatollahs. Anybody showing this flag?”
  EU-Iran relations
• “Here we're talking about US Tariffs on European products. But in reality, the real tariffs that scare companies are the ones that are imposed by Europe. And it's not the right that's saying that as being anti-europeans. No, it's Mario Draghi that has said that a few months ago, he talked about an inability of the EU to address standards that are obstacles which are causing a problem for the development. According to the IMF, internal barriers in Europe are the same as a 45% tariff on products and 110% when it comes to services. So while we wait for any future agreement with the US, you need to think about, um, uh, referring to the approach taken. But we do need to address something that's been making us weak for decades. What is Europe doing instead of working with its companies? Well, over the past few years it has come up with a whole range of new standards. 300,000. Do you know how many? The U.S. introduced just a few hundred. So we don't need a suppressive bureaucracy because the damage is being done by you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you. I will speak Italian. So. Well. I'd like to repeat in the committee what I already said in the coordinators meeting. I can attest. Point four of the coordinators meeting of the 11th of February, asking, therefore, for a vote under two 20.2 of the Rules of procedure. If anyone from ECR here, I would ask Support the roll call vote. Otherwise, uh, the, uh, we'll see what the vote is, and it will be clear how this goes. What are we talking about? Well, on the 4th of September, 2024, uh, 2024, as I say, we agreed, uh, under one point to two of the working methods, uh, that talks about, uh, uh, provisions that go through Aster. The criteria was without an initial modification on the working methods. Uh, agreed between the coordinators with all of the political groups. And an agreement was struck, including the left, everybody. And, uh, ESPN and Patriots. So. As we see it, this is not acceptable considering that this committee has always, always, always, uh. Uh, instituted, uh, that files should be done through this, uh, bidding process. And we're the third largest group in parliament. And this could create, uh, unease. Among people, uh, using these points to, uh, take the files under the bidding process or the auction. So. As I say, we find it a totally incorrect. So, uh. I would repeat that we want to put this to a vote today. Thank you.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Putting forward these ideological and impossible objectives, like reducing emissions by 90% by 2040 every single day. Whole sectors of European industry are calling us to calling us to change route. Von der Leyen in Serbia continue to ignore the cries of alarm of businesses, workers, families and consumers who are being affected more and more by your short sighted views ideas. Your Green Deal will have cost by 2050, approximately €1.285 billion for Italy alone. We're talking about €40 billion a year. This money, the cost of buying new cars, renovating your house, paying green taxes will be borne solely by citizens and companies. We're in an enormous crisis. According to trade unions, European industry is losing 500 jobs a day. But you don't care about that. Let's be clear. According to some estimates, over the last ten years, the European Union has reduced emissions by 10%. Meanwhile, the rest of the world has increased its emissions by 120 points. In other words, ten times it's more, 12 times more. The people of Europe must realise that the European Commission is building a future for them based on degrowth, and the only people who like that are a few fanatics on the left. And I say that to you as well, Commissioner. And I'm sure that nobody would want to enable those green fanatics to win the day.”
  Climate efforts
• “Well I'm the coordinator for the PFE I didn't follow the procedure earlier but I note that the EPP missed our presence as ID a great deal in the tri logs and I would refer back to the voting committee earlier today where we managed to get one over the left I hope we'll manage to repeat that by standing together. Now this is the umpteenth tax which is a real blow to working Europeans this is ETS2 green ideology massive social injustice and we know that it will have an impact on the more vulnerable families in particular. There will be an inevitable increase in electricity and gas prices and for vehicle fuel as well who will pay the price it will be the consumer the greater costs for those providing fuel will be passed on to the consumer euros two thirty extra to be spent by each family every year that's the estimate for some people that's not very much but go to your cities and see whether citizens want to pay that amount and then costs for transport and heating could increase by forty percent by twenty thirty. People don't here don't seem to understand the difficulties of normal people and let me take you to the rural areas or mountain areas access to public transport is limited those people are going to be most affected. Europe cannot afford not to consider the problems directly impacting citizens and then what about our companies that are asking for us to get rid of this legislation but you are deaf to the concerns of those who work and the voice of the citizens and those who don't want to listen to Greta Thunberg. Do you realize that this type of policy is dragging Europe towards the abyss thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Novel foods, alternative foods indeed. That is part of something which is on the forefront right now. But we have to protect our citizens and the necessary labeling has to be in place. So we would be against the use of artificial or synthetic meat, or the use of insect powder, powder, or any sort of grandiose idea that might be out there in the future of that particular nature. I'd like to call upon you, president, whereof we're from the same tradition. So how can we move forward? How can we undermine our own culinary tradition? Undermine a wonderful tradition of voting in favor of, or supporting or telling our citizens that the wonderful ingredients that were in their traditional dishes are not what they thought they were, and not that they won't be what they were in the past, in the future. This is something we have to definitely express our objection to. Thank you. Thank you very much, madam. Sadhana. Sadhana. And it's important to look to the future, taking into consideration how we will react, how we will vote in the future on these issues. It's interesting to contemplate all of that now. I'd like to give the floor to Peter. Lisa, please. Thank you.”
  EU policy on novel foods
• “Yes. Thank you Commissioner. You spoke twice as long as was foreseen and you didn't answer any of the questions. So why did you come to this committee? Because you come here to have an exchange. Otherwise it's a political speech. Now, I imagine that it's difficult for you to find such a huge audience in general. But when you come here, you're supposed to answer the questions. Now we have the clean industrial deal. It's the same as the Green Deal. But you've changed the name just like you. Your name is Ribera, but it's. You're just like Timmermans. Timmerman. So the names changes, but the substance doesn't. Now, it's been months that you've been speaking of simplification and competitiveness, but your proposals keep adding burden and red tape. And even the simplification measures are just some attempts to correct the past. And anyway, these are your mistakes and the attempts are not very credible. We're speaking of reducing emissions by 90%, but I don't think it's possible because we had 55% for 2030 and that has destroyed our industry. You speak of cheap energy, but you don't speak of the new of nuclear energy. Yes, there is a small mention, but in the end, you're ignoring the only energy source that can guarantee attaining these goals. So how will you protect industry? The European industry against the other industry that doesn't have the same obstacles. So now what's happening in Germany? We're transforming the car industry into a war industry. Now, is this the green transition moving to a war economy? Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. Commissioner. I think it's very important to understand the collective strategy of Europe for the immediate future. We need a clear response from the Italian government right now. Is trying to make ends meet or trying to understand, get its head around the new Green Deal. Confindustria, the Confederation of Industrialists in Italy as well, has pointed out that there have been 13,000 regulations compared to very, very few in the United States as concerns the entire procedures that are involved in production as well. So we have this tsunami of regulations from the European Union which undermine the possibilities for production, for development, for research. It's quite clear that the 45% tariff right now that's on the forefront for services and for European products. Well, you can see quite clearly that Europe. Right now with it's only 7% contribution to global emissions, is bearing the brunt of the various sanctions that have to be footed by those who pollute. So indeed, the new Green Deal creates numerous different obstacles, obstacles. We've seen this in forestry. We've seen this in numerous different aspects of development of production. So I think indeed what's happening in the end is an undermining of competitiveness. And the hope would have been that the Commission would work together with the United States in an effective fashion in order to avoid any sort of trade war, and in order to create circumstances and conditions that are favorable to our producers, the numerous restrictions that are on the landscape now, on the forefront now with the new Green Deal, this is something which doesn't go in the right direction. We have to work together in order to reduce all those obstacles and create better and create a competitive market.”
  Climate efforts
• “You could write a book, How to Destroy the European Economy. So, Commissioner, you might be able to contribute a chapter of that book for the first time. The European Union has is importing more from China than it exports. We've heard from the European Commission that trade with the European Commission is now less than 6 billion. It was. In other words, it's been a 34% drop in our exports. Hundreds of thousands of jobs are under threat and others will disappear in the future. So the idea of relying purely on electrification is a mistake. We want technological neutrality. It's not your job to start telling people what kind of cars they should be buying. The alternative to biofuels is it is easy and can be a real boon for Europe. We know that the possibility of using biofuels is limited. Just 3%, just 1% of that would be actual of organic origin. And those rules come into force in 2035. This is a quite unacceptable and ridiculous proposal. So, Commissioner, I'm sure you realize that the freedom of consumers can't be limited. A fair transition, a just transition, cannot be imposed, thereby leading to the devastation of the European automotive industry. And this is what you appear to be doing. Thank you.”
  Powertrain choice: EV-only pathway vs. equal support for hybrids, e-fuels, H2
• “Well, thank you very much. Thank you very much. Our pizza, our different our different delicacies of our country. Many, many of them. Would you ever believe that in these wonderful treats, part of our tradition linked to our history, that they would contain insect powder Because of Brussels bureaucracy. So? So the question is what dishes from our culinary wealth contain this? And of course the most this is very, very interesting. This entire issue, the Mediterranean diet, diet, Unesco heritage. But it seems like things aren't going too well there. So you see that indeed insect powder is being used. It is a nutrient indeed, and it's now entering into our traditional gastronomical tradition and being part of it. And it's an undermining of a true culinary tradition of great wealth. So it is a tradition that everybody is envious of. So now this particular issue, The use of a particular ingredient, which is not part of it. This creates huge risks for human health as well, because, as has been said on numerous occasions. There are certain elements, allergenic elements in these insects that human systems have a reaction to. Human body has a reaction to. So we have to look at the different possibilities, for example, that exist there and the possible ways of rectifying the situation.”
  EU policy on novel foods
• “Let's not forget that this is a very complicated issue indeed, but we are against this particular approach. The the financing of laboratory, a laboratory product which enters into our food chain, which enters into our and undermines our tradition as well. Let's not forget also our farmers, our farmers that produce the products which traditionally go into our dishes. They are being undermined as well by this particular type of product. So this change of traditions, this change of customs, of ways that things have been done with and replacement of natural products with synthetic products, is something which is totally unacceptable. Let's provide for that excellent culinary tradition we have and support it in the future. Consumers have already had enough of these newfangled approaches which offer nothing and which in the end, may be quite dangerous. So as far as this particular regulation concerning novel foods, we are to raise our voices against it. It doesn't provide for the protection of consumers. Quite the quite the contrary. Because there are risks. There are allergenic risks which have been associated with this type of cricket or locust or insect powder. So. And if it is to be contained in it, if it is to be an ingredient, there has to be proper labeling. Proper labeling has to be in place which indicates what's the risks and dangers are.”
  EU policy on novel foods
• “Thank you. I will speak Italian. So. Well. I'd like to repeat in the committee what I already said in the coordinators meeting. I can attest. Point four of the coordinators meeting of the 11th of February, asking, therefore, for a vote under two 20.2 of the Rules of procedure. If anyone from ECR here, I would ask Support the roll call vote. Otherwise, uh, the, uh, we'll see what the vote is, and it will be clear how this goes. What are we talking about? Well, on the 4th of September, 2024, uh, 2024, as I say, we agreed, uh, under one point to two of the working methods, uh, that talks about, uh, uh, provisions that go through Aster. The criteria was without an initial modification on the working methods. Uh, agreed between the coordinators with all of the political groups. And an agreement was struck, including the left, everybody. And, uh, ESPN and Patriots. So. As we see it, this is not acceptable considering that this committee has always, always, always, uh. Uh, instituted, uh, that files should be done through this, uh, bidding process. And we're the third largest group in parliament. And this could create, uh, unease. Among people, uh, using these points to, uh, take the files under the bidding process or the auction. So. As I say, we find it a totally incorrect. So, uh. I would repeat that we want to put this to a vote today. Thank you.”
  EU political integration
• “The Commission's historic failure on automotive. We'll go down in the history books. She's. Von der Leyen said that Europe is in the front line in terms of a clean transition, so she just doesn't get it in terms of what this continent needs incompetent fanatics. It is a U-turn. 2035 is still there as a deadline. We've gone from 100% to 90% of emissions. That's supposed to be a U-turn. We're still throwing good money after bad. We're still going for electric vehicles, although nobody wants to buy them. Alternative fuels are taking timid steps too. So let's stop these absurd bans. Let's stop hitting the ordinary citizen hard, closing down factories and putting people out of work who are desperate.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Today we're voting on the proposal for simplifying the cbam regulation. It's a tax that applies to high carbon intensity imports. Once again, it's the umpteenth measure to try and correct the disaster you caused. It's following a very short sighted green ideology. This is a tax on importers, but it doesn't make the mechanism any more sustainable from an economic point of view. The ETS is the absurd instrument that you've invented to combat climate change, but it's a noose around the neck of our productive system in Europe. The logic behind the Green Deal is simply. Unconvincing. What we want to do is defend our companies and allow them to grow, create jobs, relaunch our economy before this green disaster becomes unstoppable.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Bad faith, ignorance and a lack of skills. Well, these Are the words of what's been said about what's being done to the car industry in recent years. I mean, you've introduced industrial policies, masters. Environmental policies, and you've increased unemployment in Beijing. They're celebrating then. Your policies have been ignorant. I mean, you didn't need to be a genius. You introduced these policies without studying their potential effects. And then you've also caused problems for families, workers and businesses without any environmental improvements. Now you're trying to put things right, but you're not doing enough. What you need to do is get rid of these targets for 2035 for petrol and diesel engines. Consumers want to see that happen. Are you waiting for the entire sector to fall apart? You should apologise and change course once and for all. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy