Dolors MONTSERRAT

What Dolors MONTSERRAT has said (65)

• 2026-06-17 “(10:10:15 – 10:12:02): Thank you very much, president. Thank you, commissioner. A single market, common defense, and single rule book, there is no other way, but we need to speed up and we need to go further. We have to be pioneers. And if we don't do this, otherwise, as Draghi said, the death agony will be slow and painful. We need to speed up the single market. We need Thailand highways, and we need to make sure that it's not just about trade. It's about power and geopolitics. Secondly, security. European Defense Union isn't ideological. It's about survival. Ukraine is proving that Russia can be beaten, but Putin will be more dangerous as he feels weaker and weaker. And Romania, yeah, sounding the alarm bell, we're not listening. We need to make sure that we help Ukraine in its path to Europe. If we want the EU to be respected on the global stage, there has to be respect within the EU. Spain is the 4th largest economy, but there is so much corruption, and it hasn't really had a proper budget for 3 years. It doesn't fulfill its defense commitments. It tramples on the rule of law, and it strikes deals with enemies that jeopardize our future. And then we have this mass regularization of illegal migrants when we've just pushed through the migration and asylum pact. The commission cannot remain silent because otherwise, millions of Spaniards will be wondering what else needs to happen. Has the commission not learned its lessons from Orban's Hungary commission? If there is no political authority, there is no citizen trust. And without citizen trust, interruption by the chair.”
  Rule of law in Spain · EU-Ukraine relations · EU competences on defence
• 2026-03-12 “Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 19.5.2026 Written question The Commission does not comment on individual appointment procedures or candidates for membership in the board of independent fiscal institutions (IFIs). The relevant EU legislation (Article 8(a)(3) of Council Directive 2011/85/EU [1] as amended by Council Directive (EU) 2024/1265 [2] ) states that ‘Independent fiscal institutions shall be composed of members nominated and appointed on the basis of their experience and competence in public finances, macroeconomics or budgetary management, and by means of transparent procedures’. The Commission is in the process of assessing the national provisions transposing the amended provisions under Council Directive (EU) 2024/1265, including provisions covering independence safeguards. While the transposition deadline for Member States for the amending Directive was 31 December 2025, several Member States did not yet submit information detailing what transposition measures have been taken. The assessment will be based on formally submitted information from every Member State. The implementation of transposed provisions in practice is equally important. To safeguard the IFIs’ independence in practical terms, it is primarily the task of national actors (public authorities, elected representatives and the judiciary) to ensure a correct application of national law. The Commission follows the national debates and keeps contact with IFIs. In case of a systematic failure of national authorities to implement EU law, the Commission could take action under Article 258 of the Treaty [3] . In such instances, indications of measures, absence of measures, or practices of a Member State that are contrary to EU law are investigated by the Commission in cooperation with the Member State concerned in the context of an informal dialogue or an infringement procedure. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/85/oj/eng. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401265. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT:en:PDF.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• 2026-03-02 “answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 4.5.2026 Written questions E-10-2026-000855_EN E-10-2026-000857_EN The Commission is not investigating the matter in question. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive [1] requires that projects likely to have significant environmental effects undergo an EIA prior to authorisation [2] . Under the Habitats Directive [3] , projects that are likely to have significant effects on Natura 2000 require an appropriate assessment; authorisation is possible only if it is ascertained that the project will not adversely affect the integrity of the sites concerned [4] . Without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with EU law. The EIA Directive establishes review procedures enabling the public concerned to challenge the substantive or procedural legality of relevant decisions, acts or omissions. The Commission regards national means of redress as the most effective means to address individual non-compliance cases, complementing its strategic enforcement focused on systemic issues [5] . According to the Spanish authorities, the project in question has not been supported by the European Regional Development Fund [6] . In any case, under the principle of shared management, the Commission entrusts tasks relating to the implementation of cohesion policy programmes, including project selection and day-to-day management, to the Member States. As regards the Recovery and Resilience Facility [7] , the Commission has not assessed any measure linked to the implementation of this project. Projects are only assessed in the context of a payment request and against the requirements set out in the Council Implementing Decision approving the national plan. All supported measures are required to comply with the principle of ‘do no significant harm’ [8] . [1] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18. [2] Solar plant projects are referred to in Annex II, 1 1) of the EIA Directive (Industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam and hot water). [3] Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206 of 22.7.1992, p. 7. [4] Commission guidance document : https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/natura2000/management/docs/art6/EN_art_6_guide_jun_2019.pdf. [5] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022, COM(2022) 518 final — Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers. [6] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regional-development-fund-erdf_en. [7] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en. [8] Within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088, OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, pp. 13-43.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU · EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding
• 2026-02-05 “E-000462/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. According to the Spanish authorities, over EUR 112 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) have been allocated to investments in state-owned dams since 2014, of which EUR 35 million have already been disbursed for projects completed. Moreover, the Spanish recovery and resilience plan 1 contains Milestone 428, under investment 1 of Component 5 (C5.I1), which aims to ensure dam and reservoir safety. The Commission has not yet assessed this milestone or disbursed related funds. Milestone 428 is expected to be included in the seventh, and final payment request from Spain, for which all activities must be completed by 31 August 2026. 2. The above-mentioned ERDF investments support flood prevention, including the improvement of dam components, gates, spillways, valves, and monitoring systems. However, the ERDF does not support routine maintenance of infrastructure and therefore it has not supported day-to-day maintenance of dams. Milestone 428, under investment 1 of the Component 5 of the RRF, focuses exclusively on contracts related to the safety of eight dams and reservoirs across Spain and does not include funding for new dams or extensions. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/47a4cc03-061b-4158-a221f4ba10113a4c_en?filename=COM_2025_794_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v4%20%283%29_0.pdf.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-02-05 “E-000465/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. There are no specific EU requirements on the maintenance and safety of water dams as such. These matters fall under the competence of Member States and their national legal frameworks. Compliance with maintenance and safety obligations is primarily a matter of national law and the responsibility of Spanish authorities. Notwithstanding, the Spanish recovery and resilience plan 1 includes Milestone 428, under investment 1 of Component 5 (C5.I1), aiming to preserve the safety of dams and reservoirs. At this stage, the Commission has not assessed the fulfilment of this milestone, expected to be included in the 7 th, and final, Payment Request package from Spain. 2. For projects financed under cohesion policy funds, both ex ante and ex post controls ensure compliance with EU rules. These include monitoring, reporting and audit systems to verify that EU funds are used in line with EU law and financing conditions. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/47a4cc03-061b-4158-a221f4ba10113a4c_en?filename=COM_2025_794_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v4%20%283%29_0.pdf.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-01-27 “E-000323/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Several measures are implemented under the Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) that concern directly the maintenance, adaptation and modernisation of the Spanish railway network, most notably investments: C1.I3 – Measures to improve the attractiveness and accessibility of the railway network, C6.I1 – National transmission network European Corridors, C6.I2 – Trans-European Network for Transport Program, Other Works, C6.I3 – Intermodality and Logistics and C6.I4 – Support Programme for Sustainable and Digital Transport 1 . The Commission is yet to assess the satisfactory fulfilment of these railway measures, given that their completion is only due by the second quarter of 2026 and they are expected to be submitted in the last payment request. The Commission assesses the fulfilment of milestones and targets under the Spanish RRP in line with the requirements in the respective Council Implementing Decision 2 . Should the Commission deem that milestones and targets associated with the railway investments are not satisfactorily fulfilled, it can suspend the payment of EU funds pursuant to Article 24 of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation 3 . 1 Council Implementing Decision amending the Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Spain, 17031/25 + ADD1 + COR1. 2 Council Implementing Decision amending the Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Spain, 17031/25 + ADD1 + COR1. 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, pp. 17–75.”
  EU funding for transportation · EU support of rail transport
• 2026-01-27 “E-000322/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Recovery and Resilience Facility is a performance-based instrument in which the Commission makes payments to the Member States based on the achievement of specific milestones and targets measuring the Member State’s progress to implement specific investments and reforms. In order to ensure the national ownership in the design and implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs), the responsibility to propose reforms and investment falls under the remit of national authorities. The Commission’s responsibility is to assess the compliance of the Spanish RRP, including investments related to the railway network, with the criteria set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241 1 . The full list of investments and reforms that Spain selected and committed to undertake is set out in the Annex to the Council adopted the Council Implementing Decision (CID) of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Spain 2 . In particular, investments related to railway infrastructure and to works to be implemented on the railway network can be found under component 1 (Low-emission areas and transformation of urban and metropolitan transport) and component 6 (Sustainable mobility – Long Distance). 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/023c40c3-e2d0-4b78-84b09b0cb45da21b_en?filename=COM_2025_794_1_EN_ACT_part1_v3.pdf.”
  EU funding for transportation · EU support of rail transport
• 2026-01-27 “E-000324/2026 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission Under the EU railway safety Directive (EU) 2016/798 1 , the responsibility to assess the status of the infrastructure of the Rodalies network falls under responsibility of the national safety authority, in this case the Agencia Estatal de Seguridad Ferroviaria (AESF). If the AESF, in the framework of its supervision role, finds that an infrastructure manager no longer satisfies the conditions for its safety authorisation, according to Art 17.5 of the Rail Safety Directive it shall restrict or revoke that authorisation, giving reasons for its decision. In case the Commission becomes aware of a potential lack of compliance, it may request to the European Union Railway Agency (ERA) to provide evidence on the state of implementation and application of Union legislation on railway safety and interoperability, according to Art 33(5) of Regulation 2016/796 on the European Union Agency for Railway 2 . On that basis, the Commission could take further steps, using the appropriate instruments under the Rail Safety Directive that aim to guarantee the highest levels of safety and ensure that each actor fulfils its responsibility towards it. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2016/798/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/796/oj/eng.”
  EU support of rail transport · EU transport infrastructure integration
• 2025-11-19 “E-004628/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The independence of national fiscal authorities is safeguarded by the Directive on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States, as amended in April 2024 1 , which complements the independence safeguards provided in Regulation (EU) No 473/2013 2 . Member States had to transpose the new or amended provisions of the Directive by the end of 2025. The Commission will undertake a transposition check in 2026. In compliance with existing EU legislation, and as further underlined in the amended Directive 2011/85/EU, the Spanish authorities must ensure that the Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility is autonomous and has the necessary resources to fulfil its tasks. The Commission will monitor the continuous compliance with the pension commitments of the recovery and resilience plan as reflected in the Council Implementing Decision 3 in the context of the subsequent payment request. 1 Council Directive (EU) 2024/1265 of 29 April 2024 amending Directive 2011/85/EU on requirements for budgetary frameworks of the Member States. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/473/oj/eng. 3 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-13695-2023-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• 2025-10-31 “E-004280/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The 2025 Rule of Law Report 1 recommended that Spain should strengthen efforts to address the challenges related to the length of investigations and prosecutions to increase the efficiency in handling high-level corruption cases, including by finalising the reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Second, Spain should strengthen the statute of the Prosecutor General, in particular regarding the separation of the terms of office of the Prosecutor General from that of the Government, taking into account European standards on independence and autonomy of the prosecution and acknowledge that while the then draft law regarding ‘accion popular’ stated objective, considering a ruling of the Supreme Court, was to prevent perceived abuses of this mechanism, some stakeholders had criticised the planned reform, considering its envisaged limitations excessive and undermining in practice the value of this mechanism. The Commission monitors carefully the implementation of all recommendations included in the 2025 Rule of Law Report and continues following national developments, including in Spain, and engaging with the national authorities and relevant stakeholders in this respect. The Commission’s assessment of steps taken to meet the recommendations will be set out in the next edition of the Rule of law Report in 2026. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-10-08 “E-003945/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission reports on developments related to the rule of law in Member States under the annual Rule of Law Report, including on the effectiveness of the fight against corruption. The Commission addresses recommendations to Member States on matters relating to the functioning of the rule of law, and these findings are the subject of further exchanges with the national authorities and relevant stakeholders and of continuous monitoring by the Commission. Regarding Spain, the 2025 Rule of Law Report 1 noted that work on the revision of the Code of Criminal Procedure is ongoing and more resources have been provided to reduce the length of investigations and prosecutions of high-level corruption. Some initial steps were taken to strengthen the rules on conflict of interest for persons in top executive functions. Political party financing remains a high-risk area and no steps have been taken to reform the electoral legislation in line with recommendations made by the Court of Auditors. Concerning specific allegations of corruption, Member States are responsible for maintaining law and order in their jurisdiction. Therefore, the Commission does not comment on individual cases. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en.”
  Rule of law in Spain · EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• 2025-09-30 “E-003791/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the existence of Spain’s Comptroller General of the State (IGAE) report and of the ongoing investigations carried out by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) mentioned in this parliamentary question. The EPPO is an independent body responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes against the EU’s financial interests, and it operates separately from the Commission. The Commission cannot interfere with or influence the investigations carried out by the EPPO and will await the results of the investigation once these can be disclosed. As the EPPO investigation unfolds, the Commission will carefully consider the findings and may take any potential necessary steps to safeguard the EU’s financial interests. This may include taking measures, if they are necessary and justified, such as interrupting or suspending payments, applying financial corrections, or recovering funds. If confirmed, all irregularities will give rise to a specific follow-up, and remedial actions needed to tackle the infringements identified, including underlying systemic issues, will be agreed with the programme authorities concerned.”
  Rule of law in Spain · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-09-30 “E-003792/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission As explained in the reply to question E-003034/2025 and in the relevant Commission Decision referred to therein, the aid scheme of the Solvency Support Fund for strategic enterprises was financed from resources of the State budget of the Kingdom of Spain and only individual recapitalisations exceeding EUR 250 million needed prior individual notification to the Commission. The reply also explains that the Commission and other competent institutions of the EU carry out controls, audits and investigations according to their competences to ensure the protection of the EU budget. The individual granting of recapitalisation aid with resources from the budget of the Spanish State to specific beneficiaries of the Solvency Support Fund such as Plus Ultra airline is, therefore, unrelated to the proper implementation of the EU budget.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget · Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2025-09-22 “E-003670/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission As for every Member State, the Commission monitors and reports on developments related to the rule of law in Spain, including the effectiveness of the fight against corruption, in the context of the annual Rule of Law Report. The sixth edition of the EU Rule of Law Report was adopted on 8 July 2025 1 . As regards the Spanish Office for Conflicts of Interest (OCI), the Commission concluded that Spain had made some progress on strengthening the rules on conflicts of interest and asset declarations of persons with top executive functions, including by reinforcing the independence and sanctioning power of OCI. On this basis, the Commission recommended to Spain to take forward the legislative process in this regard. The findings and recommendations of the 2025 Report will be the subject of further exchanges with the national authorities and relevant stakeholders. The Commission will continue to monitor developments in the areas covered in the Rule of Law Report, both positive and negative, in the context of the preparation of the next Rule of Law Report. Concerning concrete allegations of corruption, it is the responsibility of Member States to maintain law and order and safeguard internal security. The Commission does not comment on individual cases. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-09-22 “E-003668/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission The Commission decided on 31 July 2020 not to raise objections to the aid scheme of the Solvency Support Fund for strategic enterprises notified by the Kingdom of Spain and financed from resources of the State budget 1 . The scheme was considered compatible with the internal market pursuant to Article 107(3) (b) of the Treaty of the Functioning of European Union, which allows aid to remedy a serious disturbance of the economy of a Member State. The 2020 Commission Decision also underwent judicial review of its legality, which the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed 2 . The 2020 Commission Decision approved the scheme, within which Spain could grant individual aid. It also required individual notification to the Commission in certain cases, notably if the amount of the relevant solvency instruments exceeded EUR 250 million to individual beneficiaries, irrespective of whether solvency instruments were combined with senior loans. Since the amount of the participation loan (préstamo participativo) granted to Air Europa was lower than EUR 250 million, Spain needed not to individually notify the recapitalisation of Air Europa to the Commission. The relevant provisions in section 3.11 of the Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak, which provided legal basis under State aid rules for recapitalisation support of the kind at issue expired on 30 June 2022. 1 Commission Decision SA.57659(2020/N)-Spain-COVID 19 - Recapitalisation fund (OJ C269, 14.8.2020, p. 8). 2 Case T-628/20, EU:T:2021:285, case C-441/21 P, EU:C:2024:477.”
  EU Competition policy · State Aid
• 2025-09-17 “E-003590/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Services Directive 1 applies to all economic activities provided for remuneration, except those expressly excluded in its Article 2. Specialised markets, including those with a cultural or heritage character, are not excluded from its scope. However, the Services Directive allows Member States to introduce certain measures restricting the exercise of a service activity if justified for reasons of overriding public interest. This includes, notably, the protection of the urban environment or the conservation of the national historic and artistic heritage. Such measures should comply with all the conditions laid down by this directive. 1 Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market (OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 36).”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• 2025-07-30 “E-003144/2025 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission The Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition replied to questions raised by the Members of the European Parliament during her hearing with the European Parliament which took place before the Parliament’s vote on the composition of the Commission. The issues mentioned by the Honourable Member relate to the actions of the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. Consequently, it is not for the Commission to comment on these topics.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2025-07-30 “E-003146/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 1. According to the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment 2025 (EU SOCTA) 1 , criminal networks involved in organised burglaries and thefts are mostly mobile organised crime groups that travel from country to country to perpetrate criminal offences and maximise profits. The SOCTA reports that although motor vehicle theft facilitated by cyber intrusion is not yet widespread, its use has been observed and might become more common. The Commission therefore welcomes cooperation between law enforcement authorities along main road corridors when specific crime patters are detected. Member States cooperate on this specific issue via CARPOL 2 . 2. In accordance with the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Work Programme 2021-2027, which was amended in July 2023, the following Actions could be supported. i) Works aiming at the development of new safe and secure parking areas and upgrading the safety and security of existing ones certified or to be certified in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/1012 3 (including safety and security Information and Communication Technologies) on the road TEN-T (trans-European transport) network and its nodes for trucks and commercial vehicles; ii) works optimising the use of existing safe and secure parking areas for trucks and commercial vehicles through static and dynamic information including the collection, processing and dissemination of parking information. These interventions shall comply with Regulation (EU) No 885/2013 4 and apply Union standards (e.g. DATEX2) and Guidelines, set up methods for measuring accurate and reliable data monitoring devices and analyse priority zones needed, taking into account traffic conditions, infrastructure shortages or weaknesses and driving regulations. 1 https://www.europol.europa.eu/cms/sites/default/files/documents/EU-SOCTA-2025.pdf. 2 CARPOL is the network of EU law enforcement contact points for tackling cross-border vehicle crime established by the Council Decision 919/2004 of 17 December 2004. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/1012/oj/eng. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2013/885/oj/eng.”
  EU funding for transportation · EU transport infrastructure integration
• 2025-07-30 “E-003145/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission In the communication on the implementation of the EU 5G cybersecurity toolbox of 15 June 2023 1 , the Commission assessed that Huawei (and ZTE) present materially higher risks than other 5G suppliers and committed to avoid exposure of its own corporate communications networks to mobile networks using Huawei and ZTE as suppliers and to reflect this decision, in accordance with its competences under the respective governance rules, in all relevant EU funding programmes and instruments. The Commission also considered that decisions adopted by the Member States to restrict or exclude Huawei and ZTE are justified and compliant with the 5G toolbox. It urged all Member States to implement the 5G toolbox and take measures to mitigate the risks linked to these suppliers. The contract concluded by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior with Huawei can potentially create a dependency on a high-risk supplier in a critical and sensitive sector that would increase the risk of foreign interference. In line with the 5G toolbox and as announced in the ProtectEU Strategy 2 of April 2025, the Commission will look more broadly at the security and resilience of information and communication technology (ICT) supply chains and infrastructure in the upcoming revision of the Cybersecurity Act, with a view to avoid critical dependencies and de-risk our ICT supply chains from high-risk suppliers. 1 C(2023) 4049 final. 2 COM(2025) 148 final.”
  5G · EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure · Surveillance equipment & spyware
• 2025-07-24 “E-003073/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission According to Article 51(1) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, the Charter applies to Member States only when they are implementing EU law. Moreover, Article 6(1) of the Treaty of the European Union states that, ‘[t]he provisions of the Charter shall not extend in any way the competences of the Union as defined in the Treaties’. From the information provided by the Honourable Member, it does not appear that the matter referred to is related to the implementation of EU law. Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation 1 covers discrimination based on one of the following grounds: religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Based on the limited information concerning the envisaged reform, it does not appear that it would concern matters covered by Directive 2000/78/EC. Based on the limited information, the Commission cannot assess either whether the specific civil service jobs would qualify as regulated professions within the meaning of Article 3(1)(a) of Directive 2005/36/EC 2 , i.e. whether the access to or pursuit of these occupations depends on the possession of specific professional qualifications obtained via the two-year postgraduate course and exam 3 . To determine whether the Directive applies (or whether Article 45 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union could apply regarding potential restrictions of free movement of workers from other Member States), a thorough legal analysis of the planned reform would be required. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2000/78/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02005L0036-20240620. 3 And, consequently, whether Directive (EU) 2018/958 on a proportionality test before adoption of new regulation of professions (https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/958/oj/eng#:~:text=This%20Directive%20aims%20to%20establish%20rules%20for% 20proportionality,transparency%20and%20a%20high%20level%20of%20consumer%20protection.) would require a proportionality assessment to be carried out before the provisions in question are adopted.”
  Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-07-22 “E-003034/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission decided on 31 July 2020 not to raise objections to the aid scheme of the Solvency Support Fund for strategic enterprises financed from resources of the State budget and notified by the Kingdom of Spain 1 . The scheme was considered compatible with the internal market pursuant to Article 107(3) (b) of the Treaty of the Functioning of European Union, which allows aid to remedy a serious disturbance of the economy of a Member State. The 2020 Commission Decision required individual notification of solvency support that exceeded EUR 250 million to individual beneficiaries. The Commission is committed to ensuring that exceptional State aid granted owing to the pandemic is in strict compliance with EU law. The 2020 Commission Decision underwent judicial review of its legality, which the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed 2 . The Commission, the European Court of Auditors, European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office carry out controls, audits, and investigations according to their competences to ensure the protection of the EU budget. 1 Commission Decision SA.57659(2020/N)-Spain-COVID 19 - Recapitalisation fund (OJ C269, 14.8.2020, p. 8). 2 Case T-628/20, EU:T:2021:285, case C-441/21 P, EU:C:2024:477.”
  Conditions to access EU budget · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-07-22 “E-003033/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission decided on 31 July 2020 not to raise objections to the aid scheme of the Solvency Support Fund for strategic enterprises financed from resources of the State budget of and notified by the Kingdom of Spain 1 . The scheme was considered compatible with the internal market pursuant to Article 107(3) (b) of the Treaty of the Functioning of European Union, which allows aid to remedy a serious disturbance of the economy of a Member State. The 2020 Commission Decision required individual notification of solvency support that exceeded EUR 250 million to individual beneficiaries. The Commission is committed to ensuring that exceptional State aid granted owing to the pandemic is in strict compliance with EU law. The 2020 Commission Decision underwent judicial review of its legality, which the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed 2 . The Commission, the European Court of Auditors, European Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office carry out controls, audits, and investigations according to their competences to ensure the protection of the EU budget. 1 Commission Decision SA.57659(2020/N)-Spain-COVID 19 - Recapitalisation fund (OJ C269, 14.8.2020, p. 8). 2 Case T-628/20, EU:T:2021:285, case C-441/21 P, EU:C:2024:477.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-07-01 “E-002652/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is fully committed to fighting fraud, including that involving Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds. The Commission assesses the allegations and, if credible, reports them to the European AntiFraud Office (OLAF) or, where applicable, to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) for further investigation. OLAF and the EPPO have the authority to investigate fraud and corruption affecting EU funds. Member States must ensure the functioning of an effective and efficient internal control system to prevent, detect, and address fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest as well as to recover amounts unduly paid or misused. The Commission monitors compliance with these obligations and can take corrective measures if necessary. In this respect, the Commission has implemented robust oversight mechanisms for the RRF, including ex ante checks and ex post audits as well as cooperation with national authorities. Moreover, the Commission can also reduce or recover funds if serious irregularities are confirmed and Member States fail to address them 1 . Since the Commission has learnt about this alleged corruption case in Spain, it is working to ensure the protection of the EU budget as set out above. 1 Annex IV of updated Guidance on Recovery and Resilience Plans of 23 July 2024.”
  Rule of law in Spain · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-06-11 “E-002349/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The 2025 Rule of Law Report 1 noted that there are ongoing judicial proceedings in this case. The Commission has no competence to intervene in individual cases. This is a matter to be dealt with by the Spanish competent authorities. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3457bf3b-e321-49af-80fdde0617ef5b28_en?filename=13_1_63945_coun_chap_spain_en.pdf.”
  Rule of law in Spain · EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• 2025-06-05 “E-002275/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament are internal regulations that govern how Parliament operates. Regarding the invoked Rule 122, it should be noted that it concerns the consultation of and provision of information to Parliament within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, and as such does not pertain to EU consumer protection in the electricity sector. Nonetheless, the Commission would like to outline the relevant EU legislation, which includes Directive 2019/944 1 on Common Rules for the Internal Market for Electricity, particularly Articles 5 and 10, which address service quality and dispute resolution. The Commission is closely following the investigations into the causes of the recent Iberian blackout. Under the Electricity Risk-Preparedness Regulation 2 , the Spanish competent authority has submitted an ex-post evaluation report, including an assessment of the causes and economic impact of the electricity crisis. Also, in line with the requirements from Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1485 3 , the Expert Panel carrying out the investigation adopted in October 2025 a factual report presenting the facts and data about the incident 4 . A final report containing recommendations is expected in the coming months. The Commission will draw lessons from this incident where needed, on the basis of these reports. The revision of the energy security framework, due in 2026, will, among others, examine if and how the protection of critical or vulnerable customers can be strengthened. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj?locale=fr. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/941/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/1485/oj/eng. 4 https://eepublicdownloads.blob.core.windows.net/public-cdn-container/cleandocuments/Publications/2025/entso-e_incident_report_ES-PT_April_2025_06.pdf.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration · EU approach to electricity market and prices
• 2025-06-05 “E-002274/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The expert panel investigating the incident on 28 April 2025 has been set up in accordance with EU law. Several expert panels have been set up in the past years to investigate severe incidents in the same manner as the one investigating the incident on 28 April. The panels are led by experts with significant experience and technical knowledge from transmission system operators that were not affected by and with no self-interest in the incident, The panel investigating the incident on 28 April it is for this reason co-led by experts from the Austrian and Hungarian transmission system operators. Moreover, the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators is a full member of the panel and 11 national regulatory authorities from Member States are also participating in the panel. The Commission looks forward to the outcome of the panel’s work. The reports produced by the panel will be published and they will be therefore available to all stakeholders and experts. The Commission awaits the results of the panel’s investigation and its recommendations. The Commission welcomed the ex-post evaluation reports that Spain and Portugal submitted pursuant to the Risk Preparedness Regulation 1 describing among others the event that triggered the crisis, its economic impact and possible lessons to avoid that such an event happens again. 1 Regulation (EU) 2019/941 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector, OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 1–2.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• 2025-06-03 “E-002212/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 requires providers of designated very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) to assess and mitigate systemic risks linked to civic discourse, while protecting fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression and information. Under Article 17 of the DSA, providers of hosting services are required to provide a clear and specific statement of reasons for any restrictions of the visibility of specific items of information provided by the recipient of the service. These provisions apply to the providers of such hosting services. They do not impose obligations on public authorities. The Commission’s Rule of Law report 2 contains a dedicated chapter on media freedom and media pluralism. Where appropriate, the report includes specific recommendations addressed to the relevant Member States. The Commission will continue monitoring relevant developments in the Member States and remains committed to strengthening the Rule of Law in the EU. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-06-03 “E-002213/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has no competence to intervene in individual cases. This is a matter to be dealt with by the Spanish competent authorities. The Commission monitors and reports on developments related to the rule of law in all Member States, including Spain. The latest edition of the Rule of Law Report was adopted on 8 July 2025 1 . 1 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-05-15 “E-001956/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission The Commission decided on 31 July 2020 not to raise objections to the aid scheme of the Solvency Support Fund for strategic enterprises notified by the Kingdom of Spain 1 . The scheme was considered compatible with the internal market pursuant to Article 107(3) (b) of the Treaty of the Functioning of European Union, which allows aid to remedy a serious disturbance of the economy of a Member State. The 2020 Commission Decision required individual notification of solvency support that exceeded EUR 250 million to individual beneficiaries. That Decision also provides that solvency support could be cumulated with liquidity support in the form of ordinary debt. The Commission is committed to ensure that exceptional State aid granted owing to the pandemic is in strict compliance with EU law. The 2020 Commission Decision underwent judicial review of its legality, which the General Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed 2 . 1 Commission Decision SA.57659(2020/N)-Spain-COVID 19 - Recapitalisation fund (OJ C269, 14.8.2020, p. 8). 2 Case T-628/20, EU:T:2021:285, case C-441/21 P, EU:C:2024:477.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets · Financial regulation
• 2025-05-13 “E-001902/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission In line with the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) Regulation 1 , final recipients are defined as the last entity receiving funds that is not a contractor or sub-contractor. Public authorities such as Radiotelevisión Española (RTVE) can therefore be the final recipients of RRF funds. Since many RRF measures are geared towards improving the provision of public goods, which typically represent more costly, large-scale investment projects, public authorities are many times the final recipients. This does not mean that these entities will hold onto the funds, but that they are implementing measures for which such funds are also required, and which therefore will reach citizens and businesses. Regarding the risk of fraud, the Commission remains confident that the audit and control settings of the RRF are robust. Recent cases show that ex-post audits and controls at EU level can identify instances of fraud, corruption or conflicts of interest. The RRF Regulation provides for a primary responsibility for the Member States to ensure prevention, detection and correction of fraud, corruption and conflict of interest and double funding for the use of RRF funds. This is in line with the nature of the instrument based on performance-based payments at EU level and implementation of the RRPs by the Member States. The Commission undertakes checks on the adequacy of national systems and can recover funds in specific cases of serious breach of the Financing Agreement signed with the Member State and of fraud, corruption, or conflict of interest if the Member State fails to correct the situation. The Commission has not been notified of such specific cases regarding RTVE. 1 RRF Regulation (EU) 2021/241.”
  Conditions to access EU budget · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-05-07 “E-001844/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission does not evaluate actions of the system operator. This evaluation is the task of the Investigation Committee established based on Incident Classification Scale methodology, adopted pursuant to Article 30(1)(i) of the Regulation (EU) 2019/943 1 . The Investigation Committee involves experts from ENTSO (European Network of Transmission System Operators) for Electricity, Transmission System Operators, Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators and National Regulatory Authorities. The causes of the blackout are being investigated by the Investigation Committee. As per Article 194 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, each Member State has the right to decide the conditions for exploiting its own energy resources, choose between different energy sources and decide the general structure of its energy supply. Compliance of national operators with relevant European legislation, including the network codes and the guidelines adopted pursuant to Articles 59, 60 and 61 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943, as well as with the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)'s decisions, is performed by independent National Regulatory Authority, as per Article 59(1)(b) of the Directive (EU) 2019/944 2 . Compliance monitoring with national guidelines is done based on national legislation. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/943/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0944&qid=1747665297827.”
  Nuclear energy · EU approach to electricity market and prices · EU energy infrastructure integration
• 2025-05-07 “E-001843/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has been informed by the Spanish authorities of the national procedure to investigate the causes of the incident and is aware of the report prepared by a national committee and published recently. The Commission welcomes that this report is produced and published. In this regard, the Commission welcomed the ex-post evaluation report that Spain submitted pursuant to the Risk Preparedness Regulation 1 describing among others the event that triggered the crisis, its economic impact and possible lessons to avoid that such an event happens again. The Commission was well informed by the Spanish authorities early on 28 April 2025 of the declaration of an electricity crisis pursuant to Article 14 of the Risk Preparedness Regulation and regularly afterwards of the restoration process and national procedures to investigate the incident. According to EU law 2 , an investigation on the causes of the incident by an independent panel has already started. The panel is led by experts from European transmission system operators not affected by the incident and includes the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and national regulatory authorities from different Member States. The panel will produce a final report with conclusions and recommendations that will be published. 1 Regulation (EU) 2019/941 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector, OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 1–2. 2 Guideline on electricity transmission system operation, Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1485, OJ L 220, 25.8.2017, p. 1–120.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration · EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• 2025-05-07 “E-001845/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission By supporting the construction of the necessary infrastructure, the EU has been helping to better integrate Iberian peninsula to the European power system and it continues to do so 1 . For this purpose, the Commission will continue to work with the Member States, Transmission System Operators and National Regulatory Authorities in the framework of the High-Level Group on Interconnections in South-West Europe to accelerate the implementation of interconnection priority projects in the region. The Commission will also put forward a Grids Package by the end of 2025 with measures to achieve a more European approach to the identification of infrastructure needs and a more efficient use of existing infrastructure. Integration of the market is measured by price convergence 2 . While a lower interconnection rate may contribute to a lower integration of the market it is important to strive for maximum usage of the existing interconnectors. Stability of the power system can be measured in many different ways 3 . The level of interconnection is just one element contributing to power system stability which depends on several factors such as the locational distribution of the generation mix, network topology, network elements supporting grid stability, etc. Overall therefore, while higher interconnection rates support security of supply, low interconnection rates taken alone do not indicate that stability of the electricity system is compromised. 1 As an example, interconnectivity between France and Spain will double with the commissioning in 2028 of the Biscay Bay project, which is under construction and progressing well in both countries. The project was granted EUR 578 million of EU financial support under the Connecting Europe Facility. 2 The basis for calculating the offered capacity is indeed the thermal rating of the physical interconnection, though it is reduced due in the planning process, considering operational security limits (related to static and dynamic stability of the power system) and operational planning criteria (such as n-1). 3 I.e. static stability and dynamic stability such as rotor angle stability, frequency stability and voltage stability.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• 2025-03-25 “E-001241/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The manner in which a Member State organises its internal territorial administration and redistribution of applicants for international protection within its national asylum reception system is a matter that falls under national competences of a Member State and the Commission is not in a position to comment on it.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-03-20 “E-001206/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission Directive 2000/78/EC 1 aims to combat discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in the context of employment and occupation. Article 61 of the EU Financial Regulation 2 concerns persons involved in EU budget implementation. As the situation described by the Honourable Member does not seem to concern issues of discrimination or the implementation of the EU budget, Directive 2000/78/EC and Article 61 of the EU Financial Regulation have no relevance in this context. The Commission is not competent to intervene in individual cases, if they do not concern a possible breach of EU law. Employment matters unrelated to rules of EU law fall within the remit of the national authorities and courts. In addition, outside the implementation of EU law, it is for Member States to ensure compliance with fundamental rights in accordance with their constitutional order and their obligations under international law. 1 OJ L 303, 2.12.2000, p. 16–22. 2 OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-03-07 “E-001003/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Schengen Borders Code 1 defines a border guard as ‘any public official assigned, in accordance with national law, to a border crossing point or along the border or the immediate vicinity of that border who carries out […] border control tasks’. It follows that Member States have discretion in designating the public officials authorised to exercise the functions of border guards. In accordance with Article 39(1)(d) of the Schengen Borders Code, Member States are required to notify the Commission of the list of the national services responsible for border control. As for Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) Regulation 2 clarifies that the EBCG shall implement European integrated border management as a shared responsibility of the Agency and of the national authorities responsible for border management, including coast guards, as well as the national authorities responsible for return. Member States retain primary responsibility for the management of their sections of the external borders. It remains the prerogative of the Member State to designate the responsible national authorities to cooperate with Frontex in the implementation of these tasks. 1 Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code). 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-02-24 “E-000826/2025 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission The respect of the rule of law and of ethical principles are crucial and of paramount importance for the President of the Commission, for the Commission as a College and for all individual Members of the Commission. The Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition replied to all questions raised by the Members of the European Parliament during her hearing with the European Parliament which took place before the Parliament’s vote on the composition of the Commission. The issues mentioned by the Honourable Member in her question related to the Executive Vice-President’s responsibilities as former Spanish Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge are not linked to the exercise of her current responsibilities as Member of the Commission. Consequently, it is not for the Commission to comment on these topics.”
  Rule of law in Spain · Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2025-01-24 “E-000320/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the role of nuclear energy in contributing to energy security and decarbonisation. All zero and low carbon energy solutions are needed to decarbonise the energy system 1 . Projections show that decarbonised sources will generate over 90% of electricity in the EU in 2040 2 , primarily from renewables complemented by nuclear energy. The choice of the energy sources in the energy mix, including the decision to use or not use nuclear energy, remains within the remit of each Member State in accordance with the provisions of the EU Treaties 3 . The Commission does not intervene in such decisions. The EU and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) legal frameworks do not empower the Commission to make any recommendations towards the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. The EU supports and co-finances nuclear decommissioning programmes in Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia. 1 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: ‘Securing Europe's 2040 climate target and path to climate neutrality by 2050 building a sustainable, just and prosperous society’ (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A63%3AFIN). 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A63%3AFIN. 3 Article 194 of the Treaty on Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).”
  Nuclear energy
• 2025-01-21 “E-000233/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission Article 345 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates that the Treaties shall in no way prejudice the rules in Member States governing the system of property ownership. Hence, Member States may for instance act as economic operators and invest in and control companies. The rules for the control exercised over a company by a Member State based on its shareholding in that company, are then set by the relevant national corporate law provisions of each Member State. On that basis, each Member State has the right to act as a shareholder in a company, to the extent the exercise of such shareholding rights is in line with the relevant national corporate law and does not infringe relevant provisions of EU law, such as Article 106 TFEU (concerning possible special and exclusive rights) or Article 107 TFEU (concerning possible State aid).”
  Ownership of strategic assets · EU Competition policy
• 2025-01-13 “E-000103/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission As the Commission noted in its Rule of Law Reports 1 , the organisation of national prosecution services varies across the EU, without there being a single model for all Member States. The structure and status of the national prosecution systems is a competence of the Member States. However, institutional safeguards should be in place to guarantee that the prosecution is sufficiently autonomous and can carry out effective and impartial investigations without political interference. On the reform of third-party intervention, the Commission is following closely the discussions in Spain. The Commission is working with all Member States, including Spain, to uphold and promote the rule of law in the framework of the Rule of Law Mechanism. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/62fdb34b-78d4-4d53-b9ea67286facc01e_en?filename=23_1_52576_coun_chap_spain_en.pdf and https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2bd09a6f-ef56-494a-8303e0de808ee981_en?filename=23_1_58063_coun_chap_spain_en_0.pdf”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-01-08 “E-000047/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission On 28 July 2024, millions of Venezuelans voted for democratic change by supporting Edmundo González Urrutia by a significant majority, according to publicly available copies of electoral records (‘actas’). On several occasions, the EU has recalled its support to the Venezuelan people and to the upholding of democratic values 1 . In choosing to disregard the will of the people and, instead, reinforcing repression against the population – including members of the democratic opposition and their families – Nicolás Maduro confirmed that he lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president. In view of the situation in the country, on 9 January 2025 the Council decided to adopt a new package of targeted sanctions against 15 individuals responsible for undermining democracy, the rule of law or human rights in Venezuela 2 . Decisions and regulations on sanctions are adopted by the Council of the EU by unanimity. These measures are targeted and flexible and can be scaled or reversed depending on progress made towards the restoration of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in Venezuela. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/01/10/venezuela-statement-by-the-highrepresentative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-the-events-of-10-january-2025/ 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/01/10/venezuela-council-renews-restrictivemeasures-and-lists-a-further-15-individuals-in-view-of-the-situation-in-the-country/”
  EU-Venezuela relations
• 2024-12-16 “E-002957/2024 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission In its Rule of Law Report, the Commission recalled that, according to European standards, while courts are not immune to criticism and scrutiny, the judiciary must enjoy public confidence to be successful in view of its special role in society. This is particularly important in relation to statements by members of the legislative and the executive branches, as all powers of the State must foster and protect the trust of the general public in constitutional institutions including the judiciary. The Commission noted that stakeholders had raised concerns regarding public statements by politicians criticising the judiciary in Spain 1 . The risk that public statements from governments and politicians may affect public trust in judicial independence has raised concerns in other Member States as well 2 . The Commission will continue to work with all Member States, including Spain, to promote the rule of law. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/abdcd1f9-681e-43be-980bf4205c3e0556_en?filename=23_1_194017_coun_chap_spain_en.pdf, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/62fdb34b-78d4-4d53-b9ea67286facc01e_en?filename=23_1_52576_coun_chap_spain_en.pdf, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2bd09a6f-ef56-494a-8303e0de808ee981_en?filename=23_1_58063_coun_chap_spain_en_0.pdf 2 COM(2024) 800 final.”
  Rule of law in Spain · EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• 2024-12-04 “E-002757/2024 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The revised CO 2 emission standards for new cars and vans 1 provide a clear framework for the transition to zero-emission vehicles, which is essential to deliver on our objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050. The agreed 2035 targets create certainty for manufacturers and investors on the road ahead, with sufficient lead time to plan for a fair transition. They support the EU industry’s competitiveness and bring along new job opportunities, in view of the trends towards electrification observed in global markets. The President of the Commission has announced a Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry to be launched on 30 January 2025 under her leadership with a view to swiftly proposing and implementing measures the sector urgently needs. The Commission will develop an action plan for the sector, which will benefit from these discussions. By end 2025, the Commission will prepare a report 2 on the progress towards zero-emission road mobility, which will notably assess the impact on employment in the automotive sector and the effectiveness of measures to support retraining and upskilling of the workforce. In 2026, the Commission will review the effectiveness and impact of the Regulation 3 . As mentioned in the President of the Commission's Political Guidelines, getting to the 2035 climate neutrality targets will require a technology-neutral approach, in which e-fuels have a role to play through a targeted amendment of the regulation as part of the foreseen review. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj 2 Article 14a of Regulation (EU) 2019/631. 3 Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/631.”
  2035 CO2 Emission Target for Cars · Support for different mobility technologies Other Than Electric Vehicles
• 2024-11-15 “E-002552/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission On 7 February 2024 the Commission decided to refer several Member States 1 to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to finalise the revision of their river basin management plans, as required under the Water Framework Directive 2 and/or of their flood risk management plans as required under the Floods Directive 3 . As far as Spain is concerned, the failure concerns both Directives and is limited to the river basin districts of ES122 Fuerteventura, ES123 Lanzarote and ES125 La Palma in the Canary Islands. Therefore, the river basin district mostly affected by the recent tragic floods (ES080 Júcar) is not included in the scope of the case. The Court application was lodged on 3 May 2024 (Ref. C-331/24 4 ) and the written procedure before the Court has been finalised. The Commission assesses periodically the whole flood risk management cycle of all Member States and issues recommendations. The next such assessment will be published 5 in the coming months. The Commission has established working groups, such as the Working Group on Floods 6 and the Disaster Prevention Expert Group 7 , where it cooperates with the Member States and stakeholders to further policy implementation, including the exchange of good practice, advances on research and policy support tools such as the Flood Risk Areas Viewer 8 , Copernicus’ European Flood Awareness System 9 and the Risk Data Hub 10 . These tools support implementation but do not replace the necessary action at national, regional or local levels. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_265 2 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1–73. 3 Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks, OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, p. 27–34. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A62024CN0331 5 Publication of 7th Implementation Report, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/water-framework-directive/implementation-reports_en 6 https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/9ab5926d-bed4-4322-9aa7-9964bbe8312d/library/9560db96-04c6-4377bf82-84766955e54a?fromLink=true 7 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expertgroups/consult?lang=en&groupId=3733&fromMeetings=true&meetingId=26197 8 https://discomap.eea.europa.eu/floodsviewer/ 9 https://www.copernicus.eu/en/european-flood-awareness-system 10 https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/sites/default/files/files/Day2_12_DRMKC_overview.pdf”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-29 “E-002297/2024 E-002731/2024 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is aware of the Royal Decree 933/2021. It is currently assessing the Decree in the light of EU data protection law. 2. For travel agencies and tourism companies, the processing of certain personal data is usually necessary also for the performance of the contract itself. At the EU level, the Commission aims to overall reduce administrative burden and bring simplification in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises, including tourism businesses. The Commission Communication sets a target of reducing burdens associated with reporting requirements by 25%, without undermining the policy objectives of the initiatives concerned.”
  Privacy & law enforcement
• 2024-10-22 “E-002226/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the developments the Honourable Member refers to in the question. Royal Decree-Law 5/2024 was approved by the Spanish Government on 22 October 2024 and validated by the Spanish Congress on 30 October 2024. The Commission attaches great importance to the principles of media freedom and pluralism, which are fundamental pillars of democratic societies. The European Media Freedom Act 1 , which entered into force on 7 May 2024 and will apply from 8 August 2025, aims to ensure editorial independence of public service media providers, in accordance with their public service remit as defined at national level in line with Protocol No 29 on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States, attached to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 2 . Protocol No 29 recognises the Member States’ freedom to define, organise and finance public service broadcasting. Nevertheless, all Member States have agreed to a set of European standards and guiding principles relating to independence, the regulatory and policy framework, funding, appointments, accountability, management, transparency, and openness in this domain 3 . The Commission will continue to monitor developments concerning the public service broadcasters, both at national and regional levels, taking into account the provisions in the European Media Freedom Act. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act) (OJ L, 2024/1083, 17.04.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1083/oj). 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2012/pro_29/oj 3 Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2012)1 on public service media governance.”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media · Rule of law in Spain
• 2024-10-04 “E-001959/2024 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The annual rule of law cycle provides a process for dialogue between the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council together with Member States, as well as national parliaments, civil society and other stakeholders. The rule of law report serves as a basis for discussions on the rule of law in the EU as well as a tool to prevent problems from emerging or deepening further. Early identification of challenges and mutual support from the Commission, other Member States and stakeholders, can help Member States find solutions to safeguard and protect the rule of law. The Commission continuously monitors the actions taken at national level to address the findings and recommendations of the annual rule of law report. As part of this process, it has offered a meeting with the authorities of all Member States, including Spain, to follow up on the respective recommendations. Furthermore, the Commission presented in May 2023 a Directive to update and harmonise EU rules on definitions and sanctions on corruption offences 1 , and encourages the co-legislators to start trilogues as soon as possible. 1 COM (2023) 234 final.”
  Rule of law in Spain · EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• 2024-10-04 “E-001958/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The High Representative/Vice-President is aware of the intentions of the Russian government, its modus operandi and have detected and exposed several foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) operations coming from Russian state or pro-Kremlin actors. The European External Action Service coordinates closely with Member States and EU institutions on such FIMI activity in the context of the Rapid Alert System, including regarding Social Design Agency and other entities with links to such operations. The exposure and response to Russia’s FIMI operations and restrictive measures are part of the FIMI toolbox 1 , endorsed by the European Council in December 2023 2 , and developed to reinforce EU situational awareness, resilience and response, as well as international partnerships to tackle this threat to security and democracy. The EU’s response to FIMI evolves in close cooperation with the EU Member States and international partners to take account of new operations and malign activity patterns. Furthermore, Regulation 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act ‘DSA’) 3 along with the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation 4 provide a number of tools to address the spread of disinformation, while fully upholding fundamental rights including the freedom of expression. Political advertising can be a vector of disinformation and foreign interference. Once it fully enters into application in October 2025, Regulation 900/2024 on transparency and targeting of political advertising will ensure that political advertisements are labelled and subject to strict targeting requirements. Sponsoring political advertisements by third country actors will be prohibited in the three months before elections or referenda. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/tackling-disinformation-foreign-information-manipulation-interference_en 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/68967/europeancouncilconclusions-14-15-12-2023-en.pdf 3 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) (OJ L 277, 27.10.2022). 4 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/code-practice-disinformation”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · Foreign interference in Europe
• 2024-08-27 “E-001560/2024 Answer given by Ms Johansson on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission has no knowledge of follow up actions for the recommendations in the European Parliament report 1 which concerned local, regional and national levels. As regards the recommendations on the Directive on combating terrorism (CT Directive) 2 , the evaluation conducted by the Commission in November 2021 concluded that a revision is not needed. The Commission has ensured that Member States fully transpose the Directive, including by launching infringement proceedings when appropriate. The rights of victims of terrorism are also set under the main horizontal instrument on victims’ rights – the Victims’ Rights Directive 3 . To strengthen the rights of victims, the Commission adopted in July 2023 its proposal for the revision of Directive 4,5 . 2. The Commission condemns all acts of glorification of terrorism which Member States are required to criminalise, in line with the CT Directive, as public provocation to commit a terrorist offence if certain requirements are met. Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that the Member States themselves are responsible for the maintenance of law and order, and the safeguarding of internal security. Accordingly, what constitutes a public provocation in the sense of the Directive is for the authorities of the Member States to establish, and the Commission has no competence to intervene in the dayto-day running of the criminal justice system of any individual Member State. 3. The Commission’s Annual Rule of Law Report reports on developments in the Member States in four areas of systemic importance: national justice systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism and freedom and other institutional issues related to checks and balances. The Report does not cover the subject matter of the Honourable Member’s question. 1 Mission report of the Committee on Petitions following the fact-finding visit to Spain from 3 to 5 November 2021, in relation to 379 still unsolved murders committed by the terrorist group ETA, 25 April 2022, available at https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/PETI-CR-702917_EN.pdf 2 Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on combating terrorism and replacing Council Framework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA, OJ L 88, 31.3.2017, p. 6. 3 Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57–73. 4 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2012/29/EU establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, COM/2023/424 final. 5 The proposal for the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive is a core legislative action under the EU Strategy on victims’ rights (2020-2025), for further reference: COM/2020/258 final, 24.6.2020.”
  EU policy on victims' compensation rights · Rule of law in Spain
• 2024-08-16 “E-001514/2024 Answer given by Mr Reynders on behalf of the European Commission As reflected in the Commission’s 2022, 2023 and 2024 Rule of Law Reports 1 , according to European standards, while courts are not immune to criticism and scrutiny, the judiciary must enjoy public confidence to be effective in view of its special role in society. Damage to this confidence is particularly relevant in relation to statements by members of the legislative and the executive branches, as all powers of the State must foster and protect the trust of the general public in constitutional institutions including the judiciary. As regards the ‘Organic Law on Amnesty for the Institutional, Political and Social Normalisation of Catalonia’, now that the law entered into force on 11 June 2024, the Commission is analysing it in terms of relevance for EU law. The Commission remains committed to taking any necessary measures to ensure compliance with EU law and upholding the rule of law in all Member States and will continue to work with the Spanish authorities to promote the rule of law, including within the framework of the rule of law cycle. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022SC0509, https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023SC0809&qid=1658246569920&print=true and https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2bd09a6f-ef56-494a-8303e0de808ee981_en?filename=23_1_58063_coun_chap_spain_en_0.pdf”
  Rule of law in Spain
• “Thank you very much. Thank you president. Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come. One Europe, one market. And I would add a future together. Many years ago, Europe met in Lisbon and said that it would be the most competitive economy in the world. We were ambitious, but unfortunately, what we've ended up with is a labyrinth of red tape. Bureaucracy is not just paperwork. Bureaucracy is also an invisible frontier which divides Europe into 27 different markets and it leads to more expensive industrial production. It's also stifling innovation. And it's also causing losses, billions of losses for companies every year. This is why the EPP is dedicated very much to this concept of one Europe, one market. So let's be clear. We need regulatory simplification. We need to encourage new entrepreneurs. We need to have more trade agreements with more countries. We need to also have good energy for our industry. And we really need to commit to a digital transition and artificial intelligence. And that's why we turn to the commission. Don't just make this another promise. We need to make sure that the goals are met, that we have measurable targets that we can meet.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “So there will be a mandatory prescription requirement for all antibiotics harmonized in all member states, along with a warning label regarding their misuse and the possibility of further restrictions in the event of a threat of resistance. So when we are going to buy antibiotics with prescription because it has to be obliged, this prescription in the pharmacies, in the box of the drug, you will see inside a red card saying this is antibiotic. Be careful, has to be under prescription. If you have some doubt, um, go to your doctor or pharmacist and you have to follow all the treatment. Um, another point I wish to highlight is that this package recognizes the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacists, which are the first point of access citizens have to The health care system is in any town, even the most remote. Because Europe is so big. We have 27 countries and we have a lot of rural zones that. The first health care point, it is the pharmacist office. So we wanted to give this importance to them, and we have retained the provision allowing member states to authorize pharmacies to prepare compounded medicines for a limited period in justified circumstances for patients for whom no authorized medicines is available, provided they are prescribed by a doctor.”
  Antimicrobial resistance
• “00:38 – 10:02:17): Thank you very much, Chairman. European families are facing a very real risk of cost of living increases. Transport, energy, heating, all these bills that they have to pay are ticking off in a ridiculous fashion. Twenty-two to twenty-seven percent for transport and domestic heating could go up by thirty-one to forty plus percent. I personally am not convinced by ETS 2, and this is why I've listened carefully to our rapporteur because she has sought to give a clear-headed evaluation of the real cost impact and implications for families. We need this assessment and these figures. And the second thing the rapporteur has done is make it clear that it's possible for us to suspend the implementation of ETS, at least for residential property, and we could also introduce some sort of reimbursement for more vulnerable families. We could also envisage more social protection measures in cases such as emergencies in energy supply, for example, and we could have more social protection provisions to support families and vulnerable people in case of energy, transport, and heating cost explosions. So there needs to be something done from the public sector because we've got to ensure that the cost of decarbonization is not borne by the citizens. Europe has got to be fair and just. It has to be a Europe which thinks about its families and its citizens, and so it's good that the rapporteur has reflected this. Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you very much. President, the 11th of March is the anniversary of one of the worst jihadist attacks in Spain. So I'd like to take a moment to to remember the victims. They remain in our hearts. The Italian regime of Iran is violence and death. They kill women for not wearing the veil. They kill students who are protesting in favor of freedom. A factory of terrorist Hamas, Hezbollah and the regime itself are promoting hate and violence across its borders. We saw that in Madrid. They tried to kill a former member of this parliament, Alejo Vidal-quadras, because he was defending the freedom of the Iranian people. As a Democrat and as Spaniard, I feel shame and embarrassment that, uh, Hamas and the regime is publicly thanking our prime minister, Mr. Sanchez, for his support. This is a man, a leader without scruples, who is using a war for his political survival. He lies. He says no to war, but he sent a ship to protect the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier without the approval of Parliament. Uh. Uh. He apologized in private, uh, to, um, the US. Uh, and you have Iraqi who is manipulating the words of, uh, Ursula von der Leyen. We should never renounce our democratic European principles. The Spanish Socialists should be talking about how they're going to help Spanish families make ends meet at the end of the month with the increase in, uh, costs because, uh, you are simply there to ruin families. Thank you.”
  EU-Iran relations
• “President. Thank you. President. The EU is facing a housing crisis for young people. Defense crisis and a migration crisis. Without access to housing, young people can't plan their lives. We need more affordable housing, less taxes and, uh, easier mortgages. We have to fight squatters to young Europeans don't want speeches. They want solutions and real opportunities. At the same time, we support EU leaders on negotiations to bring an end to the Ukraine war. Despite the fact that Sanchez is notable by his absence in Spanish society. We support a sustainable, lasting peace for Ukraine and combating Putin's imperialistic plans for Europe. What people want from Europe is a response which matches Russia's level of ambition. We need a proper defence plan for 2030. The third challenge migration, mass regularisation of people, as the left are saying, and this rhetoric from all the extremes is not helpful. We need to have respectful implementation of European values, but we also need to ensure that we have returns agreements to stop these small boats operated by the mafia coming to our shores. It shouldn't be criminals, it should be the EU deciding who can enter the territory. Sanchez is now polarising society, turning his back on Europe and using immigrants of getting political mileage. What we need is safe borders and firm laws.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you very much. Madam president. Europe has strongly responded to the energy crisis caused by the war. Tax rebates and help for agriculture. Coordination between countries to better manage the oil and gas reserves. Elimination of trade barriers and an economic shield for families. This shows something essential that Europe is not improvising its planning ahead. But if we want a safer union with more energy sovereignty, we need more interconnection, more nuclear and more large scale storage, and particularly something that isn't coming out in any reports. We need to do away with governments who are sabotaging the European strategy from within. Those such as Pedro Sanchez and Commissioner Ribera, these are the two people who are most responsible for the blackout in Spain. Yesterday it was the year anniversary. This was an energy suicide which was on the verge of sweeping across the European Union. It wasn't sabotage. It wasn't an accident. It was a political decision. The electricity grid was given over entirely to renewables, and the system collapsed because physics doesn't understand ideology or climate ideology. Millions of people were affected. People were trapped in trains. Ten people died. It wasn't just the electricity that went out. It was also decency and truth that went out. Sanchez ignored the reports and the warnings and the alarms, and when the disaster happened, he opened the textbook of the perfect socialist. He failed, and then he attacked those who were demanding accountability. Honourable members, the blackout last year was a warning. While Sanchez is in power, Europe is in danger. And at the time of war, this is not just a risk, it's a real threat. Take note. Those people who are warning us are not traitors.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “And of course, we are celebrating the anniversary of accession of two countries to the European Union, namely Spain and Portugal, providing a strategic link to the Americas and to Africa. But at the same time, a saw the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law values which are now under threat in Spain. Just yesterday, for example, the European Commission published its annual report on the state of human rights in all countries of the European Union. And the report was really devastating for Spain. It really has its Democracy Now! Hanging by a thread. The man responsible for that, I will name Pedro Sanchez. We are seeing corruption and that is a covenant which is broken when one of the member states is governed by a prime Minister who does not govern, but rather attacks democracy. And that is exactly what Pedro Sanchez is doing. He is responsible for a criminal and corrupt organization. And we have two of his most close confidant, one who is now before the courts and the other who is in jail for embezzling millions. And we are seeing a huge rise in corruption and have done under his premiership, particularly when it comes to the opaque funding of political parties. And so, at a time at which we are calling on Europe to clamp down on corruption, we need to focus on Spain, because Pedro Sanchez really is the embodiment of corruption, whereas we need to be rooting out corruption across all corners of Europe. Thank you.”
  Rule of law in Spain
• “Thank you, Madam President. Thank you, president, for the proposals. We now need to move on to action now because our main allies increasing tariffs. China is moving forward as a increasingly as the geopolitical centre looking at Ukraine a fight for freedom and against tyranny. We need a fair, lasting peace. If Ukraine falls, that will be the beginning of the fall of Europe. Within our own borders, we face gigantic challenges. Competitiveness versus irrelevance, sovereignty versus dependence. Rural depopulation or supporting farmers. And we have threats inside to becoming too accustomed to what is actually unacceptable. Look at Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary or Spain, governments infringing upon freedom and rule of law, the judiciary attacking the press. We should not look the other way. Spain's Supreme Court ruled yesterday that the public prosecutor should be investigated for revealing secrets to a political rival and acting in the interests of the government of the over the day. We need to look at what Sanchez has been involved in. We need to ensure not only that we have the values, but the way in which we defend our values. Rule of law is not just a statement of principle. It is something which requires practical protection in the same way as our borders require protection. If our fundamental principles are undermined, then Europe will have Mohamed Shaheem.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “Thank you. Chair. Now your transformation must be better in Brussels has been exciting. In just five months, you've been the enemy of nuclear energy in Spain to become the proponent for it. Now you were supporting purchases of Russian gas in the past, but now you're doing everything you can to stop that. Now, this is interesting. Moving towards Incoherency now in Brussels, you're against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but in Spain you bought millions of euros of Russian gas. And as a commissioner, not one word, not one gesture. So can you answer to me? Russian gas is immoral if France buys it. But if Spain buys it, that's okay. With nuclear energy, you're contradictions are even more grotesque. There are two. Teresa Ribera is the minister who demonized nuclear energy and the commissioner who is driving it. And we know that nuclear is free, or rather cheap and clean. And in fact, we have some of the cleanest energy in Europe. But no, Miss Rivera, when she was in Spain, wanted to close all of the nuclear energy plants. But of course you were buying energy from France at the same time. Now you're authorizing state aid to prolong the life of two Belgian nuclear plants. So when are you going to require that Spain prolongs the life of its nuclear energy plants? So tell me, are you were you making a mistake when you were in Spain, or are you lying from Brussels?”
  Nuclear energy
• “Third, pursuing the economic sustainability of our national health systems that are universal in all Europe, in all our states members. And fourth, tackling current and future threats and medicines shortage, such as antimicrobial resistance that is a silent pandemic or this medicine shortage and increasingly serious problems in Europe. The most important results that we have achieved are as follows. First, this legislation ensures investment in research and innovation for the best treatments, particularly to develop medicines for diseases that currently have no treatment, such as rare disease and pediatric cancers, with a total data on market protection until 11 years with an additional year. In the case of adding antimicrobial voucher, not only have we protect the intellectual property and market presence of innovators, we have also ensured that generic and biosimilars can be able, from the very first day the market protection expired. So the day after the market protection expires, we will have biosimilars and generics. So this is the reason that we put the Bola clause. Third, I would like to highlight the response to what is now one of the main threats to public health, antimicrobial resistance. I have to say to you that it has been my obsession. Um, it's amazing. You know, every year 40,000 Europeans are dying for antimicrobial resistance. And for me, it is a silent pandemic and we have to focus on that to put solutions.”
  Antimicrobial resistance · Pharma IPRs
• “00:38 – 10:02:17): Thank you very much, Chairman. European families are facing a very real risk of cost of living increases. Transport, energy, heating, all these bills that they have to pay are ticking off in a ridiculous fashion. Twenty-two to twenty-seven percent for transport and domestic heating could go up by thirty-one to forty plus percent. I personally am not convinced by ETS 2, and this is why I've listened carefully to our rapporteur because she has sought to give a clear-headed evaluation of the real cost impact and implications for families. We need this assessment and these figures. And the second thing the rapporteur has done is make it clear that it's possible for us to suspend the implementation of ETS, at least for residential property, and we could also introduce some sort of reimbursement for more vulnerable families. We could also envisage more social protection measures in cases such as emergencies in energy supply, for example, and we could have more social protection provisions to support families and vulnerable people in case of energy, transport, and heating cost explosions. So there needs to be something done from the public sector because we've got to ensure that the cost of decarbonization is not borne by the citizens. Europe has got to be fair and just. It has to be a Europe which thinks about its families and its citizens, and so it's good that the rapporteur has reflected this. Thank you.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you, Dolores Monserrat. **Dolors MONTSERRAT Thank you president. Today, the president of the Commission has given us an important piece of news with the launch of the energy package, which moves away from mistakes in the past, and that focuses on nuclear, nuclear energy as one of the key pillars. New interconnections, modular reactors, energy for citizens. They're going to create something that a lot of people thought were impossible. We won't be depending on Russia. We have a competitive economy. We will be able to put safe, clean, clean, cheap energy into the market and make things easier for citizens pockets. And at the end of the day, we have put to one side ideological secularism. But it's significant that the parliament is debating a new energy strategy. And the first vice president, Teresa Rivera, the person responsible for climate, is not here to defend it. This means that she is perhaps not loyal to this Parliament. But do you know why she's hiding from us? First, because she's a coward. She is a coward because she is not able to explain why, when she was a minister, she bought nuclear energy from France while she was shutting down nuclear power stations in Spain. And secondly, because of irrelevance, the fact that Teresa Rivera is not here today shows that she doesn't have any weight or a voice or influence in Europe. And thirdly, she's scared. She's scared of the corruption that implicates some of her cabinet members while she was a minister. The case European funds were used for environmental projects and up to €5 million was assigned and ended up in the pockets of socialist ministers. We are seeing that she's not a good European commissioner. Europe is moving forward without her. Climate sectarianism is over for her.”
  Nuclear energy
• “Thank you. Chair. Thank you very much, Commissioner. In Greece. In Italy, irregular migration routes have been blocked, and Spain has become the major active route for illegal migration to Europe. Despite the help that you and Frontex have offered the Spanish government. It's surprising that we've seen no improvement. In fact, things have gotten worse. The data is very clear in 2024, which was a collapse of migration flows. Five. 45,000 people arrived in irregularly. You had 10,000 people dying in the Mediterranean in 2025. More than 10,000 people have arrived at the Canary Islands, and I'm sure this figure is only going to increase with the arrival of summer. Furthermore, the Sanchez government has decided to not hold up the Supreme Court ruling that obliges them to take charge of the thousand unaccompanied minors that have applied for asylum in Spain for. Furthermore, there are 4000 over 4000 unaccompanied minors who are in different, uh, local administrations and they have not been redistributed to different areas. So clearly Sanchez is using migration as a political tool. Sanchez doesn't want to fight against the Mafia operating in the Mediterranean and trafficking women, trafficking humans. He is denying the help that you are offering him that Frontex and technological support that they can provide. And of course, these numbers of illegal flows can only increase. So my question what can finally be done by closing this one last route that remains with a government that refuses to fight against mafias? These numbers are only rising and the government is using this as a political tool.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Thank you. Commissioner. In five seconds. That is how long the green transition left Mr. Pedro Sanchez Green transition left before the country went black. Sanchez said that Spain was the leader when it came to the energy transition. And the president of Red Electrica, who was appointed Merely as a result of his socialist membership card, said that Spain would not suffer a blackout, and a week before it happened, the minister said Spain would be green or not at all. And then, of course, it wasn't because it was neither green nor stable. We've seen that there are this, there is this climate fanaticism. And, uh, basically the country is, uh, the situation is dark and, uh, unfortunately, then you get blackouts and, uh, lives are lost. But the blackout was not negligent. It had been announced in advance, and the operator had said that they were going to invest in a nuclear power and renewables and without any kind of backup. Uh, obviously, there was a warning in the report that said that the network, the grid, would be weakened. So everything was announced in advance. It was all written in the report. It was all ignored and everything failed. And now, of course, neither Sanchez nor anybody else wants to assume their responsibility. But you have to realize that their incompetence has endangered the security of the grid, not only of Spain, Portugal and France, but of the whole European Union. So we would like to urge the Commission to take the leadership of an exhaustive inquiry of what happened, to see what happened, and also try and determine whether it could happen again. We want an investigation that's carried out by outside experts with expertise and knowledge. The brains behind this disaster that brought about this catastrophe and disaster is not in Spain, but in Brussels, called Teresa Ribera. And she was here in the chamber. She doesn't want to talk about her bad legacy. There hasn't been proper energy Protection, and there's been a delay in establishing interconnections with the rest of Europe. It's not a question of ideology, it's science. And the green transition is not beneficial. It's the threat. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “00:38 – 10:02:17): Thank you very much, Chairman. European families are facing a very real risk of cost of living increases. Transport, energy, heating, all these bills that they have to pay are ticking off in a ridiculous fashion. Twenty-two to twenty-seven percent for transport and domestic heating could go up by thirty-one to forty plus percent. I personally am not convinced by ETS 2, and this is why I've listened carefully to our rapporteur because she has sought to give a clear-headed evaluation of the real cost impact and implications for families. We need this assessment and these figures. And the second thing the rapporteur has done is make it clear that it's possible for us to suspend the implementation of ETS, at least for residential property, and we could also introduce some sort of reimbursement for more vulnerable families. We could also envisage more social protection measures in cases such as emergencies in energy supply, for example, and we could have more social protection provisions to support families and vulnerable people in case of energy, transport, and heating cost explosions. So there needs to be something done from the public sector because we've got to ensure that the cost of decarbonization is not borne by the citizens. Europe has got to be fair and just. It has to be a Europe which thinks about its families and its citizens, and so it's good that the rapporteur has reflected this. Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme