Angelika WINZIG

Policy topics Angelika WINZIG is active on

What Angelika WINZIG has said (29)

• 2026-03-11 “Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission 11.5.2026 Written question The EU has a principled stance on freedom of navigation, in line with international law. It urges all involved in the conflict to fully ensure a toll-free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the strait disrupts the global economy and threatens global energy and food security. The EU is engaged in the region through operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES ensuring safe passage through the Red Sea. Its extended mandate [1] until 28 February 2027 comprises strengthening links with other EU initiatives, including (CRIMARIO) [2] , the EU’s critical maritime routes project, and collecting and sharing information on suspicious activities related to critical submarine infrastructure. It further contributes to capacity building by training Djiboutian maritime forces and by cooperating with the Yemeni Coast Guard . The first summit between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council in October 2024 highlighted the joint commitment to freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Red Sea [3] . The EU implements the UN sanctions on Yemen through its Council Decision 2014/932 [4] . In 2024, the EU designated individuals and entities for their support to the Houthis under its sanction regime regarding Iran’s military support to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region [5] . The EU monitors the evolving risks linked to organisations trying to unduly influence democratic institutions, including radical and extremist non-state actors, as well as interference from third countries. The Digital Services Act (DSA) [6] requires providers of very large online platforms and search engines to diligently identify, assess, and mitigate systemic risks on their services, including the risk of dissemination of terrorist content. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=OJ:L_202600439. [2] https://crimario.eu/. [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/k3wf2ewp/eu-gcc-joint-statement-final-2.pdf. [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014D0932. [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02023D1532-20241118. [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · EU relations with Gulf countries
• “Mr. president. Commissioner, high energy prices endanger European competitiveness. Quick action is required to reduce the cost pressure on all our businesses. Commissioner, you have presented a good approach. But one thing was missing for me thinking about the expansion of the grid. More and more citizens are trying to prevent important energy line projects, and infrastructure projects are not implemented as a result. And generally, citizens want buried cables which are significantly more expensive. This, of course, leads to investors often pulling out. Commissioner, I think we need a holistic approach. Member states and local authorities, the mayors and citizens all need to be drawn into this process to ensure that we can really achieve cross-border interconnections.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Yes. Well, I've been prompted to say something. I've founded two companies. Um, what do you need for that? Well, courage and a good education, particularly in Stem subjects. I think that's the important, most important thing at the moment because in these areas, um, investment can get returns. What I faced as a barrier was bureaucracy and red tape, which hasn't really been addressed here. Um. Funds are trammelled by bureaucracy, and we need to make sure that that doesn't happen excessively. If you look at the studies, if you look at women, for example, in rural areas, women begin with small companies. Men start with major projects. Here women can be supported as well. But I think please, the first thing to think about is excessive bureaucracy.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Commissioner. President. Well, I welcome this package because there are a series of core priorities of the clean industrial deal and the action plan. Commissioner, I hope you're already working on the energy union, because I think you're going to need that union because especially for countries such as Austria that has no nuclear energy to modernize our systems, we are very expensive. So we need to have clean energy investment and we need public and private money. Unfortunately, the colleague from the right side of this House is not here, but I can tell you that I'm energy independent up to 35% and anyone can do this. It's not a big deal. It's not very difficult. So why can't we do this all together? Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Herr President. Mr.. President. Commissioner. Colleagues. Stopping the importation of Russian oil and gas is a moral necessity, not just an economic one. Of course we need to focus on price stability and driving down inflation as well. But we are not going to fund your war any longer, Mr. Putin. Energy security is really important. Yes, but we are going to invest more in renewables and we are going to do so without any further red tape. Unfortunately, there's nobody here on from the right. But we're not just living in la la land. The reality is that we are investing in all these important energies and we'll continue to do so.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Mr. president, Commissioner, dear colleagues, let me begin by thanking our colleague, Mrs. Sterckx and congratulations. The electrification of industry is proving a challenge for Europe. We now we have an old electricity networks and we don't really have a genuine market for renewables yet. Now this is going to cost us around €584 billion by 2030, and that's going to be spent on modernising networks and better connecting member states. At the same time, we know that, uh, you can have the best networks, but if you have local resistance, you can't do anything. So you need to get citizens involved. We need financial involvement for them and have them have local plans and that can get citizens involved. There are good practices that we can look at in Europe which could help. For example, in Alsace there are some good projects, and for example, in Italy, inhabitants can get involved in new projects which are highly technological and modern. But we really do need citizens acceptance if we're going to push all these projects. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “President. Commissioner? Well, yes. Our European steel industry is suffering. But today, a gloomy day for our industry. I'd like to give you an example from Austria. By 2027, we're going to be producing, uh, green steel in Austria. And by 2029, that may well reduce emissions by 30% when compared to ten years earlier. This is significant in the Austrian context. It's important to deal with open issues such as ETS certificates after the year 2030. We still don't know about that. We also need long term investment in decarbonisation and research so that we can secure jobs. Thank you.”
  Carbon leakage support
• “President. President. Commissioner. Since 2004, we've been strategic partners with India. But at the same time, we have clear differences of opinion, whether it's about Russian fossil fuels or military exercises in Belarus and Russia. The fact that we're seeing a far reaching geopolitical change is. Relevant here. India, with its educated population, has a lot of potential for cooperation with Europe. The free trade agreement with India is something we should tackle urgently now, with this new strategic agenda, with laying down the foundation for a far reaching partnership that is going to be valuable both economically and in terms of the technology.”
  EU-India relations
• “Mr. President. Commissioner. Well, it is high time for a European digital tax. I am an Austrian businesswoman and I pay taxes like many entrepreneurs where I profit. I can't choose where I want to put my profits. Big digital companies have different possibilities, and particularly within member states, they can move around to cheaper taxation areas. We need to tax people companies where taxation is due. And we shouldn't turn to Trump. We should have a proper European digital tax.”
  EU competences on taxation
• “President. President. Commissioner. Ladies and gentlemen, the clean Industrial deal is the European Commission's primary industrial program. It promises industrialization and decarbonization and bringing them together. During the last period of Parliament, we devoted an enormous amount of time to the new Green Deal. Commissioner Timmermans promised. A new deal for industry. We waited without any success. It's time to bring industry back to the focus of the European Union. You can hear our businesses complaining about the lack of this. We can't have minimalistic growth rates, state technology, high energy prices, and a highly tense political background. Those are the conditions under which our businesses are expected to operate. Our business is in, particularly those who work in energy intensive sectors, need not only support to undergo an industrial transformation. They also near a clear recognition of the need for energy for industry in Europe. The main objective must be energy prices down via high performance cross-border infrastructure measures such as promoting and enhancing of the hydrogen economy. Also important. And the previous speaker pointed out that we have to do this quickly. As to the question of funding. If we want the West to, whether we use the industrial decarbonisation is something which, um, is not such a good idea because I think we have enough enough bureaucracy and red tape already.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Mr. president. Commissioner, I can only support what my colleague just said. It beggars belief to see that a business that's so successful is not able to stick to European rules. It's ridiculous. Google is dominant across the world of digital advertising. It means that competitors, quite simply, have no chance. This is why we welcome the Commission's initiative, and it shows that we need to have effective and enforceable instruments. The colleagues from the right side aren't here. I'm sad to see they were calling for more Europe, more European businesses. It's easy to create businesses in Europe. I did that 30 years ago and it's something you can do today.”
  EU rules on digital competition
• “Thank you, Mr. Muric. Mr. mishmash, doctor Weaver, thank you all for being here today. As rapporteur for the roaming regulation, I saw how important the European framework with tangible benefits for citizens can be. For example, through a room like roam, like at home. As shadow rapporteur, the charge for the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, I strongly supported the faster rollout of fibre and 5G. Cutting red tape and ensuring a practical implementation. Now, with the Digital Network Act, we are facing a reform that could reshape the entire telecom framework. For us in the EPP, the our priorities are clear. We want to safeguard competition, facilitate, facilitate investment and protect consumer rights. And I have two questions. How can we make sure that the DNA reform really delivers measurable reductions in bureaucracy and gives company, especially in smaller markets, greater room for investment without weakening competition or limiting consumer rights. And second, as of the 1st January 2026, Ukraine and Moldova will join the European roaming zone. At the same time, we are working towards a similar integration with the Western Balkan. What role can play in ensuring a smooth technical implementation, and how realistic is it in your view, that citizens there will also benefit from roam like at home in the nearest future? Thank you.”
  5G
• “(11:21:13 – 11:24:37): Thank you. Effective budget management at EU levels needs 2 conditions to be fulfilled. First of all, we need to understand how the EU budget is implemented and what our goals are. And secondly, we need to know what and how the funds are spent. We need reliable, accessible data, not only for parliamentary scrutiny, but also for well founded political decisions and for the confidence of our people. At the same time, the proposal, falls in the context of simplification, which is important. But we have to say very clearly that simplification should happen not only within the commission, it needs to happen within the beneficiaries in the regions. It needs to trickle down. Given our competitiveness and access to EU funds, particularly for SMEs, it is of great significance. We also, very much welcome the number of indicators, being reduced from 9 5,000 to 900. That's an important step. At the same time, this reduction should not mean that significant information falls by the wayside. Against this backdrop, in our draft opinion, we are proposing sectoral legal acts containing a possibility to provide for in additional indicators where it is essential. This is important because these programs for the new MFF are in parallel negotiations. We need to ensure that their specific goals and, structures at the end of the day are correctly reflected in the performance framework. At the same time, additional indicators should only, be in aligned with the goals and not create any additional red tape. The horizontal goals are already, laid down in the budget regulation. The performance framework should not redefine them, but cover the corresponding expenditure. Double creation in 2 different legal acts creates unnecessary complexity. We're particularly critical of the far reaching powers of the commission on central elements of the performance framework through delegated acts. According to the current framework, for example, in Annex 3, the commission would be able to make changes without involvement of the co legislator. We need to preserve the institutional balance and the role of, parliament and council needs to be protected. I'd like to thank the shadow, rapporteurs for their very valuable input. Although this is a very technical file, we should not forget that this regulation is 1 of the cornerstones of the MFF and is therefore of great political significance. I'd also like to remind you that, the deadline, for, amendments is tomorrow, 7 at 5PM. Thank you very much.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Commissioner, as a business person, I am convinced that we are on the right person. In the last legislative period, I certainly wasn't, quite honestly. Now, I think that the omnibus package for the economy is very important. So as regards the excess bureaucracy and that we want to lift the burden off our companies. I also look forward to the reports on sustainability that that is going to improve. And we should also not forget that we are, psychologically speaking, at a very important point to move forward. Now, in two weeks, the Midcaps will be defined and that will be very welcome. We are pleased to see that attention is being finally paid to our industry. And what I've also noticed is the strategies, how they mix in together and, um, across disciplines. And so I do have a question. And that's on the law on the acceleration of decarbonisation with the resilience sustainability criteria and European supply in energy intensive sectors, which should be promoted. I'm slightly concerned that we are going to increase bureaucracy there, and so I would be interested in knowing what was going to be in that law. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Commissioner. President. Well, I welcome this package because there are a series of core priorities of the clean industrial deal and the action plan. Commissioner, I hope you're already working on the energy union, because I think you're going to need that union because especially for countries such as Austria that has no nuclear energy to modernize our systems, we are very expensive. So we need to have clean energy investment and we need public and private money. Unfortunately, the colleague from the right side of this House is not here, but I can tell you that I'm energy independent up to 35% and anyone can do this. It's not a big deal. It's not very difficult. So why can't we do this all together? Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Yes. Well, let me begin by saying that I'm very pleased that we're talking about competitiveness, cost reductions and doing away with bureaucracy, because that's something we haven't talked about enough over the last five years. Now we've had the work programme presented by you, Commissioner, but you haven't really reduced the concerns I have with regard to European industry. The competitiveness compass should be a basis for the work plan, but the measures don't seem, uh, well, the measures are long, short term, medium term and long term. But what are we doing in the here and now for our energy intensive industries? And what can we expect for them from the action plan and how can the necessary network expansions be funded without us providing a more of a burden on our businesses, because higher network costs are risk damaging the EU's electrification targets? Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Chair. Commissioner. Invest EU supports the funding for companies and helps us to do something against the economic crisis. With the changes we are creating the framework Ask for an additional €55 billion of private investment. And as we know from this, has worked in other countries. Investeu involving old programmes. We should make sure that the resources are spent where they are needed. Projects under €300,000 €300,000 shouldn't be seen as major investments. We need to reduce the reporting requirements for these projects. It's a very important step forward. We don't want to. To admire entrepreneurial spirit in red tape.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Mr. president, Commissioner, as a business person, social dialogue is very important, and the European social model is something that supports that. The directive has supported a reliable practice over the years. Occasionally, however, I had the impression that something was being destroyed. Mandatory consultation before business decision cramps. The maneuver room for maneuver of businesses where, especially at a time when we find ourselves at a time where speed is absolutely essential for business success. The unlimited coverage of costs for dispute settlement as well is something that might lead to more conflict than solution. Also, the principle of subsidiarity is not really focused on, and I regret that in Austria we have a functioning social partnership with collective agreements And we've seen that with the metal pay negotiations where the employers and workers organisations came to a quick, successful result. And this is something that risks being lost. Democracy in the workplace is very important. However, I cannot support this proposal.”
  EU regulation on worker representation in company decisions
• “President. Commissioner, when we talk about clean tech and we're talking about the very future of our industry, our energy supply and our competitiveness. The European cleantech market is worth €176 billion, and that will triple in the future by 2030. That's why it's so important that we promote these technologies in Europe. We mustn't leave this to the US and China and put ourselves in their hands with the clean industrial deal and with the Net Zero Industry Act, we've put ourselves on the right path. Now we need to invest quickly and we must bring down unnecessary barriers. Austria is a very industrial country. We have innovative SMEs and we have excellent startups. For us, cleantech is a massive opportunity without any use of nuclear.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you, Madam Commissioner. The RF is an instrument for crisis based on European solidarity and on budgetary responsibility. Austria has directed its plan focusing on digitalization, climate protection and health. Despite the growth of 0.3% per year, with a positive spillover to Germany and Italy and Poland, even though the the RF was very important during the pandemic. But the Court of Auditors has shown us that there are other ways of dealing with these crises. Today we need to look at the paying payment, the returns and the paying back because if not, 20% of the EU budget will be taken to cover the debt. Nobody in this House wants to live in a union which is flooded by debt.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• “(11:38:23 – 11:38:48): you very much indeed for all of your input. Let me just highlight again, though, that the performance framework isn't going to provide any simplification, and it won't do away with the horizontal principles. We're still within the, bounds of the financial framework. So thank you very much, and looking forward to future cooperation. Thank you.”
  EU political integration
• “Vice president. Commissioner cash is really the basis of our payment system. Older people and people who are not familiar with the digital system. You can't ignore their needs. Moreover, cash is not just tradition, it's also economically relevant. 62% of all transactions in Austria are done in cash. And I don't think anyone wants to change that. Having cash payments means there's a cash flow within the country, and it supports, above all, smaller companies which don't have the infrastructure to accept card payments. But we have to have the courage to look at new and alternative forms of payment. The world does change and of course, Europe has to keep up. So that's why it's important to argue against the false populist assumptions that digital payment is going to replace cash. The fact is that Digital Europe introduced new forms of payments. And so by having that innovation, uh, we're going to no longer have to pay the high fees for, um, credit cards. So and I think if you're if you're afraid, you also die.”
  Means of payment (cash vs digital)
• “Let me begin by thanking the rapporteur for his comprehensive draft report. It rightly highlights many key aspects of financial stability in these turbulent times. From macroprudential oversight to geographical risk. From my point of view, however, I believe that some key priorities deserve more attention or stronger emphasis. First, I would welcome a clearer commitment to fiscal discipline and debt sustainability. Sound public finances remain the cornerstone of long term resilience and competitiveness, especially in times of growing public debt. Credibility matters. Second, I strongly support the push for a capital market union, but I also believe it must be driven tangible benefits to small and medium sized enterprises, not just large companies and capital hubs. Cmu must be a tool for all regions, not just for the few. And third, I would like to underline the principle of proportionality. Whether we talk about Basel three and BFI oversight or cyber resilience. We need smart risk based regulation to avoid overburdening Uh, smaller institutions, stability and competitiveness must go hand in hand, and I'm looking forward to working constructively together to improve this report. Thank you.”
  Financial regulation · EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• “Thank you very much. And thanks to the rapporteur, we've had a very constructive job of work. The European Semester is at a juncture where we have to be sincere in looking at the situation for business. Where do we need reforms? Where do we need to have better investment to keep our competitiveness? For me, it's clear we need to have solid fiscal state and the right conditions, and these all go hand in hand. And this is why the European Semester is a central instrument, because the challenges are genuine. We have an ageing population in Europe and that has direct economic consequences. Expertise and knowhow become a decisive factor for competitiveness for the whole continent. Moreover, we need the framework conditions in place to enable competitiveness and innovativeness. The European Semester cannot be used as a Christmas tree of political desires. It has to focus on real reforms in the previous term of office. We looked at competitiveness and we certainly damaged and neglected that, and now we're having to foot the bill. No high levels of growth, high energy costs instead of technological development. And if that weren't enough, we also see a geopolitical situation that's adding to the mix. What we need to do is strengthen competitiveness because one thing is clear only a strong economy can enable Social Europe. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “Mr..President, Commissioner and minister. And now yesterday was a very important day for women researchers. Indeed. I wanted to pay homage to that, those particular women and mention the particular fact that yesterday was an important day for them. Now, I think it's important not only scientific excellence, but how that excellence is going to be further distributed. And that is the core of the European Research Act to turn Europe into a place of knowledge, talent, science, where it can circulate. We have excellent research and when we have experience exchanged, when we have that knowledge shared, we can work more effectively. We have a fragmented national system right now which is in place and it isn't helpful to all. We need to work together concertedly so that we have joint research programs so that all can benefit. We need a better framework for researchers. Men and women, and we need to be able to work effectively together once again on innovation. During the last legislature, we discussed the competitiveness of our undertakings. But unfortunately, that was all neglected. Excellence in research and science. Let's not forget that this is the basis for for excellence in competitiveness as well. So once again we have to work together in that direction. Thank you.”
  EU research funding
• “Thank you very much. And thanks to the rapporteur, we've had a very constructive job of work. The European Semester is at a juncture where we have to be sincere in looking at the situation for business. Where do we need reforms? Where do we need to have better investment to keep our competitiveness? For me, it's clear we need to have solid fiscal state and the right conditions, and these all go hand in hand. And this is why the European Semester is a central instrument, because the challenges are genuine. We have an ageing population in Europe and that has direct economic consequences. Expertise and knowhow become a decisive factor for competitiveness for the whole continent. Moreover, we need the framework conditions in place to enable competitiveness and innovativeness. The European Semester cannot be used as a Christmas tree of political desires. It has to focus on real reforms in the previous term of office. We looked at competitiveness and we certainly damaged and neglected that, and now we're having to foot the bill. No high levels of growth, high energy costs instead of technological development. And if that weren't enough, we also see a geopolitical situation that's adding to the mix. What we need to do is strengthen competitiveness because one thing is clear only a strong economy can enable Social Europe. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
  European Semester (social dimension)
• “Mr..President, Commissioner and minister. And now yesterday was a very important day for women researchers. Indeed. I wanted to pay homage to that, those particular women and mention the particular fact that yesterday was an important day for them. Now, I think it's important not only scientific excellence, but how that excellence is going to be further distributed. And that is the core of the European Research Act to turn Europe into a place of knowledge, talent, science, where it can circulate. We have excellent research and when we have experience exchanged, when we have that knowledge shared, we can work more effectively. We have a fragmented national system right now which is in place and it isn't helpful to all. We need to work together concertedly so that we have joint research programs so that all can benefit. We need a better framework for researchers. Men and women, and we need to be able to work effectively together once again on innovation. During the last legislature, we discussed the competitiveness of our undertakings. But unfortunately, that was all neglected. Excellence in research and science. Let's not forget that this is the basis for for excellence in competitiveness as well. So once again we have to work together in that direction. Thank you.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “Mr. president. Commissioner. The clean industrial deal really promises to bring us competitiveness and decarbonisation under the same roof. And it is important that we provide support because we are talking about high energy costs. So competition in the technological sphere and very difficult, very tense environment geopolitically. I still have a few questions, although I support this effort. We've got new legislation coming in. So can it be smart without too much red tape, because member states are really trying to bring down the taxes on electricity and so on and re set and reset their systems, and they need some help here too. But we need to speed up decarbonisation on the basis of sustainable criteria is something that has left a few questions that perhaps we may need to discuss in the future. But it's important that our companies and businesses. Get some help and assistance, as promised in the industrial deal. Interruption from the chair. Could you please stick to your speaking time?”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Madam president. Vice president, this DNA aims at providing us with high speed networks to put a stop to fragmentation in the EU internal market and to strengthen our digital infrastructure. Now, these are the basis for all sorts of things, such as strategic autonomy and with 27 different frameworks, regulatory frameworks, obviously, uh, we are at a disadvantage against Asia and the US. It's high time, therefore, that we have a more innovative, friendly system. But of course these are networks that cost a lot of money 300 billion per year. So we have to think carefully about how this can be financed. We need to plan ahead. We need proper business models and economies of scale. But also we don't need to intervene too much in the markets. I was responsible for the roaming regulation report, and I therefore, you know, have a little bit of an idea of how important this innovation is, and I will continue to stand up for that.”
  EU policy on accessibility of digital infrastructure