Andreas SCHIEDER

What Andreas SCHIEDER has said (40)

• 2024-10-22 “P-002207/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission adopted on 21 October 2024 its proposal RESTORE – Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction 1 . It provides flexibilities with regards to cohesion policy resources to support Member States affected by unprecedented climate-related disasters. Member States affected by natural disasters that have occurred since 1 January 2024 will be able to allocate an amount not exceeding 10% of their European Social Fund Plus and European Regional Development Fund national allocations to support reconstruction and repair measures and to alleviate the negative consequences of such disasters. Member States will benefit from additional pre-financing and high EU co-financing rate. The co-legislators reached an agreement and the amending act entered into force on 24 December 2024. It will be up to Austria to decide how best to make use of the flexibilities and how much funding to redirect to tackle the effects of the floods. The EU Solidarity Fund can also be activated at the request of Austria within 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred. 2. + 3. The President of the Commission made a public announcement on 19 September 2024 in Wroclaw informing that around EUR 10 billion cohesion policy resources could be mobilised with higher pre-financing and 100% co-financing for the regions affected by the floods. 1 This is a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund and Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) (COM(2024) 496).”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you, chair. And thanks to to the colleagues from the ECB for for this very interesting studies. And thank you also for providing us with, with, with the links which, which will lead us also in other issues. May I start, uh, with some, some remarks because the, the, the, the financial crisis in 2008, uh, started also somehow in the housing market with, let's say uncontrolled, uh, investment bubble that bursted. So the systemic risk of an uncontrolled housing market, I think is, is an evidence which we also have to take in consideration. Now, secondly, also, uh, what your study also shows that institutional investor demand is rising, the housing prices and having, let's say, an effect on on the housing prices and also on the affordability. So I think therefore the answer of saying we simply have a supply problem, we need to build more, uh, is is not true and is not seen also by the historic, uh, analysis. So my, my, my question is first from macroeconomic stability, which is also ECB. Uh, main task is a stable housing market. Uh, I think is quite important. And the high investment, uh, activity can be also negative in the sense it depends from whom it comes and in which market. Uh, it goes.”
  Financial regulation
• “Thank you for the question. I can just clarify thing. We don't want to ban short term rentals. They're important part of the tourism market. What we shouldn't do is that the business model of short term rentals to tourists is more Um, viable than providing housing from those who want to live in cities. That's why we need rules. Many cities and mayors, Barcelona, Vienna are looking for these rules. And we must give them the possibilities to intervene in the market so that people who want to live in cities, so that they can conduct those policies.”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• “Yes, thank you chairman. And I think that this discussion has also shown that Albania is a country which already undertook a dramatic and in deep reforms. But like also a lot of other Western Balkan countries, still needs to continue. And the European enlargement process is one process to support also the path in the in the right direction. And I think it is also the moment in the country where we have to to strengthen and underline, especially what is important for us, which also was worked out in, in in the debate now like continuous in maybe even more effort fighting corruption in all means in politics, economies and uh, generally in this society, but also continuing, uh, reforming the country to the benefit of the people, meaning that their life standard and their perspectives gets higher in the European Union is a major tool. And therefore, we are also happy that 93% of the population of the country have a pro-European opinion. And I think this is the strongest asset, which can be also used for the points which we raised in the discussion, because the pro-European, uh, wish of the countries also exactly the wish to have it reformed in a way which we discussed right now.”
  EU enlargement
• “Yes, thank you chairman. And I think that this discussion has also shown that Albania is a country which already undertook a dramatic and in deep reforms. But like also a lot of other Western Balkan countries, still needs to continue. And the European enlargement process is one process to support also the path in the in the right direction. And I think it is also the moment in the country where we have to to strengthen and underline, especially what is important for us, which also was worked out in, in in the debate now like continuous in maybe even more effort fighting corruption in all means in politics, economies and uh, generally in this society, but also continuing, uh, reforming the country to the benefit of the people, meaning that their life standard and their perspectives gets higher in the European Union is a major tool. And therefore, we are also happy that 93% of the population of the country have a pro-European opinion. And I think this is the strongest asset, which can be also used for the points which we raised in the discussion, because the pro-European, uh, wish of the countries also exactly the wish to have it reformed in a way which we discussed right now.”
  EU enlargement
• “Are they the national parliaments shape housing policies and, among other responsibilities, also approved national budgets and oversee the implementation of housing strategies. They established a legislative framework for land use planning, social housing provision, tenant protection and the rental market regulation for those. For these reasons, their insights are essential for understanding what works on the ground and where gaps or or need or needs need needs are emerging. The housing crisis can be tackled more effectively when national authorities and EU institutions work closely together. Contributions from national parliaments can help identify areas where EU support could be further strengthened. Today's meeting. Today's meeting therefore represents an important moment in strengthening our dialogue with the national parliaments and in advancing a more coordinated European approach to the housing crisis. One that brings together local expertise, national responsibility and EU level support. So with any without any further delay, the word further today is quite true. So with delay but no further delay, I would like to give, uh, to invite our guests to take the floor and share their thoughts with us. And we begin, uh, with, uh, the representation from the national parliaments, where in total we, we have foreseen a time slot. The first would be our friends from Spain. Where from the Senate, the two spokespersons for the housing Committee, Mr. Jose Javier Izquierdo Roncero and Senor José Ramon Diaz de Revenga, Albacete, are here with us. And also we have for the Congress of Deputies from Spain. Madam Isabel Maria Borrego Cortez will be later. So we start with the Senate and we give each of you two minutes to speak. Welcome.”
  EU housing policy
• “Uh, greater transparency and civil society involvement is one thing which is needed in the country. Uh, on the rule of law and corruption, we realized the welcome that the judicial reform and the vetting process are progressing. And, uh, the Albania is the country which made the deepest cuts. But concerns remain over efficiency and lengthy procedures. Uh, corruption remains one of the biggest issues in the country. Stronger track record of high level investigations and convictions is required, then media freedom and fundamental rights. We stress the need for stronger media pluralism and transparency of ownership, and also of protection of journalists must be strong, ensured and especially safeguarding of minorities. Vulnerable group LGBTQ persons is also essential in this perspective. The social economic reforms is one of the focus. The major focuses of this year's report, the participation in the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is welcomed. And, uh, but the structural weaknesses, uh, in the country persists, which is a strong informal sector, a low productivity of growth, uh, and difficult business environment. While Albania made huge progress on tourism and other sectors, I think we have to look also deeper behind, uh, to the other sectors. And of course, environment and climate policy need also to improve.”
  EU-Albania relations
• “Thank you. Chair, and thanks for the presentation. I think and we think that all what we discussed on the long distance only works if we also solve the first and the last mile issue. Therefore, this is, I think, a very important topic what we're discussing here. But we have a bottleneck linked to urban nodes. And especially sometimes we are quite blind. We don't have the data exactly where it is. So my first question is also as the implementing act is still missing, or what is the real reason for this delay? And when can we expect to to have it? And also how how we then can ensure also that these bottlenecks which are linked to urban nodes can be addressed and efficiently also then integrated in the European network. And yeah, I maybe I leave it for, for the moment like it is.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration
• “I think it's about differentiating between private short term rentals when somebody wants to rent their home over the summer and the commercial big firms who do that. Secondly, we must make sure that subsidized housing, for example, in communal housing, isn't used for Airbnb purposes. We must make sure that we have maximum limits. We need to have a mix in society and in cities. I think that's necessary. And that would be our proposal. Thank you, Mr. Shida. The next speaker. Giorgi.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Thank you chairman. Thank you. David. Uh, and thank you also for this introduction, which is also describing what we, uh, also try to put in in the report, in the draft report. So, uh, Albania is, uh, together with Montenegro, usually called as one of the front runners of the EU accession. And this is, of course, because of this remarkable pace in in negotiations, all chapters were opened within 13 months, which is also a reflecting the strong political commitment to EU membership, is the number one goal of everyone in the political sphere, but also in the in the civilization itself. There is a clear strategic alignment. Full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy is a significant asset also of the country. And if the target 2027 concluding all the negotiations, uh, and this, of course, remains an ambitious but feasible uh, target, as you mentioned, the elections and political climate are not the best one. There is a competitive electoral framework in place. There is ongoing concerns, misuse of administrative resources, allegations of vote buying, pressures on voters, but also this persistent political polarisation which is undermining institutional trust and parliamentary oversight, and especially in the last weeks and months, it became again radicalized, uh, to try to make politics, uh, via this street and not via the parliament chambers.”
  EU enlargement
• “We need a reform of the state aid rules to liberate our mayors, in order to make the politics for which they are elected. We need also to support the green transition in order to have sustainable housing. Slower heating prices and renovation of already existing housing is not only about building new ones. We need to find. Fight homelessness and not to ignore the problem and just look away when we see tens of people sleeping in the underground stations. This is also a part of not only social issue, it's also a housing issue. The weaker the housing market is. And at the end I want to say also as housing is a fundamental right, it means also that, for example, tenant rights are important because otherwise it is only a market issue. So therefore tenant rights for us is also an important issue. But thank you for being here and thank you for the work. Probably also the big plan which you present in in due time will be the starting point for the next years in order to tackle this really pressing issue.”
  EU housing policy
• “And I think putting these numbers together makes clear where the train should go on regulating, uh, the, the, the short term rentals. Secondly, you mentioned mentioned also the Vienna model. And as I'm coming from Vienna, and I had the opportunity also to be with the commissioner together in Vienna before Christmas to speak about this model. I think the importance is it is a combination of, let's say, nonprofit sector, as you described. But also giving space for a private sector is not not. So. Those which are more in favor of private sector. Don't have to be afraid that the private sector gets lost. So this is also maybe an invitation to to take the positive things on on the payment. The question I wanted to ask you on on this, you speak about tenant protection. Also, maybe you can elaborate a little bit more on this, because sometimes we are more focusing on squatting than tenant protection. And secondly, the commissioner asked for this definition of stressed areas. Maybe you have also a help for for the commissioner. What what could be stressed area for implementing a stronger housing policies?”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Thank you for the question. I can just clarify thing. We don't want to ban short term rentals. They're important part of the tourism market. What we shouldn't do is that the business model of short term rentals to tourists is more Um, viable than providing housing from those who want to live in cities. That's why we need rules. Many cities and mayors, Barcelona, Vienna are looking for these rules. And we must give them the possibilities to intervene in the market so that people who want to live in cities, so that they can conduct those policies.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “So, uh, as you mentioned, uh, there is the question of, of who invests the purchasing activity, who is it linked to housing needs or is it linked to pension funds, investment funds, uh, speculation. Secondly. Uh, so and on the other side, maybe affordable housing. Could be also a macroeconomic stabilizer because then also with tenant protection and this this kind of of issue also stabilizing the the institution. Second point I wanted to make is on uh, money laundering speculation, major bankruptcy, how you see the housing sector infected especially by this because this is, uh, very often. And then the last question is on the macroeconomic, uh, perspective, uh, because what we also face is a crisis of disposable income, of purchasing power, uh, by, let's say, uh, the people. So, uh, this is linked also to the the more you pay for your housing, the less you have to, let's say, to pay for whatever cars, jackets, bread, butter, whatever is needed. So there is a linkage to the disposable income. The purchasing power is going down in this activity. So there is uh, let's say how would you see the, the the effect of a controlled housing market on the aggregated, uh, demand of, of our economy?”
  EU housing policy
• “And when we speak about social economic reforms, I think it is also important to bring the results of the growing economy also to the everyday life of the people in terms of income, high employment and therefore also better social security and public institutions. Finally, the overall conclusion. The extraordinary technical speed and also technical exactness of the negotiations of the country is really remarkable. Uh, but the priority now, with the upcoming progress must also shift from opening chapters to closing chapters. But not only to close chapters, but also to implement sustainable reforms which are also doing the change, which is required, uh, by the reforms. So the path until 2027 is not only a goal, I think it's a realistic goal and it is open, but like always, it's also not guaranteed. So this means also that now in this second phase of the negotiations, uh, these additional points must come forward. Finally, I have also visited the country several times in preparation of the report. I want to thank also the people from the staff which which helped us like like Olga and others on doing this. And I'm looking forward of good cooperation with our dear fellow shadow rapporteurs from the different groups.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you, Madam President. And thanks to the commission also for for explaining the issue. I think it is important to to underline that unilateral approaches and solutions, of course, is creating additional risk in the rail sector of undermining the ability to remain a competitive and efficient mode of transport. And especially in this geopolitical context, the impact of different transport modes and the resilience of rail, I think, was also highlighted and therefore is even more important for rail to play a more prominent role in the transport system. And therefore, we have to maximize also the effort to deliver efficient, reliable and well coordinated European rail network. And this unilateral approaches let's say contradict this, and I am. I also took note of of the, let's say, positive approach that the Commission is expecting that Switzerland might let's say, come into the orchestra again. So my question to you, Mr. Schmidt, would be also as part of the revision of the mandate of the European Union Agency for Railways of, of the the era if you are considering also the expansion of the era's mandate so that the rail safety rules agreed by national safety authorities become also binding rules in the sense and that era is given a greater oversight to ensure that there is consistent implementation across member states. I think this would be a very successful and useful step after all these issues.”
  EU support of rail transport
• “Uh, greater transparency and civil society involvement is one thing which is needed in the country. Uh, on the rule of law and corruption, we realized the welcome that the judicial reform and the vetting process are progressing. And, uh, the Albania is the country which made the deepest cuts. But concerns remain over efficiency and lengthy procedures. Uh, corruption remains one of the biggest issues in the country. Stronger track record of high level investigations and convictions is required, then media freedom and fundamental rights. We stress the need for stronger media pluralism and transparency of ownership, and also of protection of journalists must be strong, ensured and especially safeguarding of minorities. Vulnerable group LGBTQ persons is also essential in this perspective. The social economic reforms is one of the focus. The major focuses of this year's report, the participation in the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is welcomed. And, uh, but the structural weaknesses, uh, in the country persists, which is a strong informal sector, a low productivity of growth, uh, and difficult business environment. While Albania made huge progress on tourism and other sectors, I think we have to look also deeper behind, uh, to the other sectors. And of course, environment and climate policy need also to improve.”
  EU enlargement
• “And when we speak about social economic reforms, I think it is also important to bring the results of the growing economy also to the everyday life of the people in terms of income, high employment and therefore also better social security and public institutions. Finally, the overall conclusion. The extraordinary technical speed and also technical exactness of the negotiations of the country is really remarkable. Uh, but the priority now, with the upcoming progress must also shift from opening chapters to closing chapters. But not only to close chapters, but also to implement sustainable reforms which are also doing the change, which is required, uh, by the reforms. So the path until 2027 is not only a goal, I think it's a realistic goal and it is open, but like always, it's also not guaranteed. So this means also that now in this second phase of the negotiations, uh, these additional points must come forward. Finally, I have also visited the country several times in preparation of the report. I want to thank also the people from the staff which which helped us like like Olga and others on doing this. And I'm looking forward of good cooperation with our dear fellow shadow rapporteurs from the different groups.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you chairman. Thank you. David. Uh, and thank you also for this introduction, which is also describing what we, uh, also try to put in in the report, in the draft report. So, uh, Albania is, uh, together with Montenegro, usually called as one of the front runners of the EU accession. And this is, of course, because of this remarkable pace in in negotiations, all chapters were opened within 13 months, which is also a reflecting the strong political commitment to EU membership, is the number one goal of everyone in the political sphere, but also in the in the civilization itself. There is a clear strategic alignment. Full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy is a significant asset also of the country. And if the target 2027 concluding all the negotiations, uh, and this, of course, remains an ambitious but feasible uh, target, as you mentioned, the elections and political climate are not the best one. There is a competitive electoral framework in place. There is ongoing concerns, misuse of administrative resources, allegations of vote buying, pressures on voters, but also this persistent political polarisation which is undermining institutional trust and parliamentary oversight, and especially in the last weeks and months, it became again radicalized, uh, to try to make politics, uh, via this street and not via the parliament chambers.”
  EU-Albania relations
• “Thank you, Madam Chair and Mr. Vice President, for being with us. And, uh, you mentioned also that housing is not only a social issue, but it's much more as a strong economic, uh, impact. Also, we have to say the business cycle is directly reacting on, on housing, uh, but also let's say indirect economic impact, as you mentioned, climate and other issues. And I would say even if we are able at the end to provide for the, for the middle class working people, bureaucrats, uh, and so on, affordable housing in a good quality close to their working and living spaces. We could also avoid a lot of, uh, lengthy sustainability reports, uh, traffic jams and other issues. So therefore, I think the contribution of of the EIB to the system is, is very important, especially in this area where, let's say, not a strong social housing model is, uh, established because then your your cheap loans are extremely helpful and very important. And I, I also appreciate that you mentioned the affordable housing plan from the commission and also our probably next week adopted a housing plan of, of the European Parliament, which, uh, then we can act together, but I may I, may I ask also because you also mentioned the lending model where you go through business, uh, classical business banks, let's say in financial institutions, uh, providing. And of course, sometimes I think we should look also on our governance model, how to be quicker in providing, let's say, the answers to be less bureaucratic in order to, to support. And, uh, the question is, if there is also running a program to evaluate what, let's say, governance model of the EIB governance model of classical business banks, but also governance model of of public authorities, which are also, let's say, at the end, because a lot of stakeholders also told me the most important, beside having cheap money and having, uh, an area to build on is also to have a quick decision to be able to build on.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you. Housing is a problem for European citizens, and it's the same for people in every country. Rent has, on average, increased by 26% in the past few years, and people on the lowest incomes are paying 40% or more of their income. Um, and using that for housing. Housing is a basic right. It is a basic right. And so that's why we must do more. We shouldn't just be using cohesion funding for that. We need to do much more. We need 300 billion in European money. We need to stop speculation. We need to look at short term rentals like Airbnb and regulate them and slow that down. We need to make sure that there's also, um, housing for the middle class as well. We need to strengthen them to we need to make sure that they're protected from illegal ending of their contracts. And we have to think about climate change as well, because we need money for thermal renovation as well. Because, ladies and gentlemen, housing is a fundamental right that everyone in Europe should be able to afford.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you, Commissioner to be with us here today. I'm deeply convinced that the housing crisis and the numbers which we know that the prices went up, that the availability is going down, that especially the young generation, has problem to find. Affordable housing is due time to react. And we have the full trust in you that the affordable housing plan will be also the answer which the European level can give in order to support. Also the other levels who is most affected. And I think the crisis hits the urban area, the rural area and also the islands. And so therefore we need answer for all all these sectors. And it is a crucial moment, as I have said before the one issue is we need more investment into housing and probably the 10 billion which we are told by the cohesion Commissioner, let's say for for far, not enough. We even have studies which speak about 300 billion necessity of investment. Secondly, also, we need a strong regulation of short term rentals in order to have a level playing field in the market between those which want to live their daily life in an apartment, and between those which just making holidays.”
  EU housing policy · EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Madam president, dear colleagues, President Aliyev from Azerbaijan has criticised the European Parliament and it's become his obsession. And this is quite normal when an autocratic leader doesn't understand the basis of democracy in a Parliament. From a talk of rule of law, talk of human rights and international law, and. And. We also need to do this when things are politically uncomfortable. Uncomfortable. Our resolution are based on concrete concerns. For example, the situation of the Armenians following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. There's also protection of basic fundamental rights and issues related to cultural heritage. Now, the relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan is of paramount importance, but we can only ensure sustainability when there is media freedoms, whether basic human rights and these are the basic components of democracy. And. Obviously, we need to continue looking at these issues. We want to focus on dialogue and. But dialogue is only. Criticism and improvement can only come as part of dialogue. And obviously we need to speak out against them adrift into autocracy. And we need to highlight these issues because how human rights are important for humans across the world.”
  EU-Azerbaijan relations
• “Thank you. Thank you very much, Commissioner. You've presented quite a bit on the issue of costs. Uh, what's on the offer side and what's on the construction side? Uh, we ought not forget also the issue of security, the security of workers that are working in this particular sector and frequently, uh, are the victims of substructures and subcontracting and sub this and that and the next thing. So, uh, so once again, on the cost issue, sustainability. Sustainability is extremely important and protection of workers. Now something else is how can we create affordable housing for individuals. And building more is not the only response. Spain over the last 20 years has built more apartments than any other country in Europe, but nonetheless, there's a lack of affordable housing. So how can we invest in affordable housing? That's the question. Now, you mentioned short term rentals. It's been spoken about quite a bit here. Now. The commission president what she said she she spoke about legislation on this particular issue. And I think this is very important. And I do feel that Madame von der Leyen is right. We have to have legislation on that front. Thank you.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Yes, thank you chairman. And I think that this discussion has also shown that Albania is a country which already undertook a dramatic and in deep reforms. But like also a lot of other Western Balkan countries, still needs to continue. And the European enlargement process is one process to support also the path in the in the right direction. And I think it is also the moment in the country where we have to to strengthen and underline, especially what is important for us, which also was worked out in, in in the debate now like continuous in maybe even more effort fighting corruption in all means in politics, economies and uh, generally in this society, but also continuing, uh, reforming the country to the benefit of the people, meaning that their life standard and their perspectives gets higher in the European Union is a major tool. And therefore, we are also happy that 93% of the population of the country have a pro-European opinion. And I think this is the strongest asset, which can be also used for the points which we raised in the discussion, because the pro-European, uh, wish of the countries also exactly the wish to have it reformed in a way which we discussed right now.”
  EU enlargement
• “President. Commissioner. Colleagues, in the conclusions of the European Council, there is an important topic for the citizens of Europe. That is the issue of affordable housing. We must urgently deal with this issue of affordable housing. Many citizens cannot deal with cannot afford these increasingly steep Prices. It must be affordable housing of high quality. What does that mean in concrete terms? Housing is not for speculation. We mustn't leave this to the whims of the markets. No, it's a basic right. So policy makers and politicians need to ensure that we provide more money and better rules. And we need to have legislation, including legislation on short term rentals in tourist areas. We need all of that. We need social housing and we need policy underpinning that, as is the case in my native Austria.”
  EU housing policy · EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “President, Commissioner, colleagues spoke about supply and demand. That's wonderful and fine. But in the housing sector, we see that the market has failed and hasn't really made the possibility of affordable housing there for people. And the reason for that, because it's not a good it's it is a fundamental right of individuals. It's not a good as such. And a huge number of people say that they want the European Union in this particular field to regulate. And I think it's very good that the Commission today comes to, to us with this particular housing plan, because we have to do something at the European level. We have to have EU money going in that particular direction. We need to support, uh, to support housing for those with limited resources. And that's why we have to take a look and revisit the competitiveness rules that we have. And we have to bring an end to speculation in the real on the real estate market. We have to fight that. We have to protect rents. And of course, at the same time, we have to regulate short term rentals. This affordable housing plan is not the end of the discussion. It is the beginning of our work in Europe for affordable housing. Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you president and happy New Year everybody. And especially to to our commissioner. And thank you also for presenting at the end of last year, the affordable housing plan. I think this is extremely important to start this debate. And as I said in the plenary, it is only, let's say, the beginning of our work together with all the other stakeholders and communities to to fight for affordable housing. Today, I wanted to raise one issue because you're speaking about also boosting the housing supply, and the one is mobilizing money for new construction. The other pillar must be also to mobilize, uh, for renovation and especially for renovation, which is, let's say, keeping people living there where they live. So the idea is also to have it updated and accessible for everyone, like in the form of a new EU renovation loan. I don't know, maybe by the EIB or others with clear social criteria also to deliver a renovation wave. This is not only about housing, it's also about the cost of living and energy, because the better it's renovated. Of course, also the the heating and these issues become better. And it's also a tool to protect low income households for displacement, because I think this must be important when we speak about renovation, not this kind of gentrification where people have to move out and others come in, but to keep people also living there, but on a better standard. So this is also a point, additionally to the point which you mentioned and which I think we have to focus in the future, and I would be pleased to to listen. What's your opinion on this.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you chair. And I try to to to stick to it. So I want to thank the Court of Auditors for for the report and I think many points which we as S and D also were taking on also and criticized. Also in this mentioned in your opinion, and I, we hope that we can manage also that the Commission final draft will also take it on board, especially this excessive flexibility is is a crucial thing because it bears the risk of reducing predictability for partner countries. Also, it bears the risk that the original intention of of the Parliament, for example, is not fully respected. And this underlines a call for clarity and prioritization, which we're still missing in the in the in the draft. The conclusion out of this is we need more predictability for partner countries, but also importantly for candidate countries who need a real support and not only broken promises, which they also had in the past, so I have some questions remaining. Also, having studied your report or opinion, the one is on point 57, uh, where it's on awarding grants for private entities under global Europe. As it is stated in the opinion, the Commission proposal does not specify the criteria for reasons for direct award. So do you have any ideas how awarding of these grants, uh, would work? Uh, second question would be on point 65, whereas on the 90 billion loans for the Ukraine for 2627, could you please expand on that in relation to the loans for the Ukraine proposed under global Europe? Would there be also be non provisioned and how do you see it? And my last question and I'll try to stick it in the seconds is point 87. Is there any instrument in use that has the annual performance reporting. You prefer to. So have you a best practice example. Thank you.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Yeah. Thank you. Uh, and thank you for presenting, trying to present this in a study, uh, to us today. And, uh, I, I honestly, I was always a little bit regretting that we didn't get the study earlier. And now, after the presentation, I'm even more regretting, because I think it's a very useful tool for, for the work of, of our committee and also probably for the work of the commission, uh, to, to tackle the housing, uh, crisis. And therefore, I'm very thankful also for the recommendations which you make. And I hope that we will also be able now with the amendments, to integrate as much as possible of your study into also our final report and to to try to to reflect the key findings. Uh, also in our report finally, uh, I thought, uh, because also to the debate, which we had before, maybe, uh, interesting. You speak about roughly 1 million, uh, housing, housing gap of of missing apartments, which we should have. And also, you say it's 4 million is the short term rentals, and they have an impact of 40% of increase of of the rent.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Okay. Uh, then then I'll try also to be short. I want to thank the, the experts for, for giving this input, especially as I think, uh, renovation plays a major, uh, importance because we see very often when it's this famous gentrification taking place in, in, in urban areas that at the end the, the, the prices level, but also the characteristics, uh, is moving up and not the people leaving continue can continue living there. So, uh. And on the other side, we see a lot of quarters where the renovation has to be done. And also the question which we discussed before from climate issue, heating, energy efficiency, but also intergenerational living, higher standards of, of, of living, uh, elevators and these kind of things play a major role. So therefore I am, uh, very much a fan of an integrated approach, which means when you undertake a renovation, uh, you and then public money is also introduced as a minor part, but as a part, which is, let's say, indicating energy efficiency or increasing the standard level of the house, that also there must be a model that you keep the people living there. So as we call it, soft renovation. So to to make also as one condition to give this money that people can live there and also can live on a limited price there. So let's say not the same exactly like it is now. Because also they should pay a share of the renovation, but not the whole cost. Uh, of this, uh, renovation. And I think this is very important also to keep the characteristics of our, of our cities and centers there. And on the other side also do this. And I think it's also clapping two flights with, with one club, because it's also when you increase the energy efficiency. Also the living costs in the future of those living in is getting cheaper and the quality is getting higher.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “Thank you. And I want to express my my gratitude also to the experts of the think very usable uh inputs uh here and also its different countries. But I think we see one thing and what we talk about here is, uh, also to get, uh, our goal is, let's say to have affordable housing. So the question is what tax policy, what incentives can it give or what incentives sometimes gives to shift also preferences, uh, maybe in the wrong direction as we have an undersupply of affordable housing places. We have to ask this question. And what I did not hear in your, uh, introductions was about, uh, financialization, which is also the question about, uh, fixed asset and security assets, uh, and detects incentives, which it has also on the housing markets, uh, then also tax incentives or privileges, which are reducing the supply on the market for affordable long term residential housing. So like taxes on short term rentals or the question of short term rental and their tax situations, and also, uh, the role which especially this text trusts very often play, and they very often also do with share deals, a lot of real estate, uh, deals at the end and reducing the, the supply of affordable housing. Uh, and then I wanted to know a little bit more about your idea or how what do you think about capital gains tax on real estate? Uh, especially when it's sold. And also the question of, uh, property, soil tax. What what does it play in this? For example, in my country, in Austria, the property tax on soil is has to be paid by the tenant and not by the house owner, which again is, I would say a very problematic one. And then which was not touched at all is the question of taxing vacant apartment. So the question of how to take empty apartments, which are kept empty by speculation or other reasons.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner. Now, rumors about the MFF proposals from the European Commission, uh, to put it mildly, rather irritating. And we're talking about the challenges that we have to face in external policies. And also internally, the European Union needs to be strengthened, and it has to become a European Union for the people, which is why it's so important, you know, that we need to be strong and, and, and big in our ambitions. We have to focus on cohesion and the just transition and financing these and these are the issues that I think need to be focused on carefully. There are three main things a European fund for housing because housing and the cost of housing. This is a central interest to our citizens. Secondly, we need money for infrastructure and we need a fast, you know, a railway system in Europe. And finally, we need a social fund, a European social fund. If we're wondering where the money is going to come from, a digital tax might be a good idea.”
  Size of EU budget
• “And when we speak about social economic reforms, I think it is also important to bring the results of the growing economy also to the everyday life of the people in terms of income, high employment and therefore also better social security and public institutions. Finally, the overall conclusion. The extraordinary technical speed and also technical exactness of the negotiations of the country is really remarkable. Uh, but the priority now, with the upcoming progress must also shift from opening chapters to closing chapters. But not only to close chapters, but also to implement sustainable reforms which are also doing the change, which is required, uh, by the reforms. So the path until 2027 is not only a goal, I think it's a realistic goal and it is open, but like always, it's also not guaranteed. So this means also that now in this second phase of the negotiations, uh, these additional points must come forward. Finally, I have also visited the country several times in preparation of the report. I want to thank also the people from the staff which which helped us like like Olga and others on doing this. And I'm looking forward of good cooperation with our dear fellow shadow rapporteurs from the different groups.”
  EU enlargement
• “Commissioner, I think the message from this report is quite clear. The housing emergency must be fought with at all political levels. The people in Europe are expecting the EU to act, and the housing crisis doesn't stop at national borders. In our report, it shows that at the European level we can do a lot. We call on deregulation of short term rentals, more investments in affordable housing and and fighting speculation. Its housing policy, if I can put it like that. My red Vienna, my home city, which is a an example for a successful housing, which is affordable for people and of high quality. And now it's up to the European Commission and we as the European Parliament to enact these proposals, because it's high time that this topic is tackled, because housing is absolutely a fundamental right.”
  EU housing policy
• “Honourable members. President. One of the biggest problems that Europeans face is the cost of living, in particular the cost of housing. Housing should not be a luxury, but a basic right. We need Affordable housing to be built. We need an affordable housing plan. We can make a real difference to improve the lives of millions around Europe. Families are forced out of their homes because they cannot afford rent. They are spending more than half their income on rent. Young people aged 35 are still forced to live at home, have to wait to be able to afford to move out. There are children living on our streets. We've heard a lot of promises. This is a central issue. We need action. We need the affordable housing plan. We need tangible measures that must be implemented swiftly. Europeans cannot wait. They cannot afford to wait one minute.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you, Madam Chair, and good morning, Vice President. Thank you for being here. And as you also mentioned in your in your statement, we all recognize that Europe is facing a serious housing challenge, let's say, or crisis with many citizens, especially the young ones, and also the low and middle income households, which are struggling also to have affordable homes. So this is precisely also the reason why the mid term review of the cohesion policies is so important. And therefore my question is how will the Commission ensure that cohesion policy investment is genuinely prioritizing affordable and social housing, and to not unintentionally contribute also to rising prices or speculative dynamics, which is one danger? And the second question would be, can you clarify what safeguards will be put in place so that the EU funds are effectively targeted towards public interest objectives? In particular, this, as I mentioned before, the supporting social and non-profit housing, uh, providers, uh, and, uh, as you know, the parliament and the parliament committee is always standing ready to work constructively with the commission. But I think what we need is really to have a stronger social focus, ensuring that housing is treated not only as a market issue, but as a fundamental right and a core pillar also of social cohesion policy in our European Union.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “I think it's about differentiating between private short term rentals when somebody wants to rent their home over the summer and the commercial big firms who do that. Secondly, we must make sure that subsidized housing, for example, in communal housing, isn't used for Airbnb purposes. We must make sure that we have maximum limits. We need to have a mix in society and in cities. I think that's necessary. And that would be our proposal. Thank you, Mr. Shida. The next speaker. Giorgi.”
  EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Uh. And, uh, so therefore, uh, giving also his remarks. But I share them completely. So it's our our sad remarks on this. We think this report is, uh, both ambitious and urgent and without repeating what has been already said and which is important, it is clear that Europe can no longer afford delays or obstacles when it comes to military mobility and the ability to move our forces and our equipment, and also humanitarian aid quickly, is the very condition of our collective credibility at the moment. And this is also the best way to protect our citizens, our territory and also our values. And this requires lifting overly burdensome procedures, improving coordination among member states, and adapting also our infrastructures. The draft report points in the right direction, and together he hopes. Helio hopes that we can move towards a military Schengen, which, while strengthening synergies with all our allies and engaging also our partners such as Ukraine and other ones. The time is running out. We want a Europe that is able to defend itself and ensure its security, and we must translate our recommendations into concrete actions without any delay. And therefore, it is even more important also from a trust perspective, to say it is about interconnectivity and intermodality modality, modality which speaks about harbours, ports, railroads and so on. And I think especially the train infrastructure and railroads is crucial because it's the only way to transport especially heavy, uh, duties. And therefore, uh, this uh investment and uh, is of, of double use and it's the best moment. It is a necessity, but also a chance to improve our networks.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Thank you. President. Colleagues. President von der Leyen talked about a Europe as something which is no longer in favour of the Europeans as a whole. We've seen a massive increase in prices, and we've seen that a lot of areas where people should be living in the European Union are no longer livable. So in the European Parliament we have a committee which relates to all these. But we have to make sure that deeds now follow words, that the platforms have to be regulated, that there are more resources from Europe which support housing and housing renovation. And, uh, we need to ensure that, uh, people who are in the middle income bracket need also support for their housing. 1.2 million people are without a home, uh, throughout Europe. And we really have to combat this increasing homelessness.”
  EU housing policy