Nicolás GONZÁLEZ CASARES

Policy topics Nicolás GONZÁLEZ CASARES is active on

What Nicolás GONZÁLEZ CASARES has said (80)

• 2026-06-17 “(15:27:19 – 15:28:42): You, president. In my land, Galicia, there's a plan for a new photoelectric plant while we electrify the 1 that we've already got. But here, at the same time, in this panel, we're seeing how the right and the far right are standing together to speak out against this electrification and trying to slow it down. So they're working against the people, the interests of my land, my country, and Europe. Another example, Louie talked about creating new data centers that are going to be fed by gas that we don't have in order to feed new AI models that anyone could connect to from the other side of The Atlantic while at the same time increasing the electricity bills of citizens in Europe. So then we're told that electrification shouldn't just happen. It should be clean and sovereign because of something we've learned from all the different fossil fuel crises is that we need to rely on clean energies. It will lower our power bills. It will improve our independence. Going a kilometer on electric car right now costs 4 times less than a car with a combustion engine. It means more energy efficiency. It means savings, and it means a true boost to our own sovereignty. Thank you. Is there a blue card for you? Okay. Please, mister Seer.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2026-03-16 “Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission 1.6.2026 Written question The Commission considers competitive and transparent markets as the best guarantee for fair consumer prices. It therefore pays full attention to the competitive situation in European petroleum markets on a continuous basis. The supervision of well functioning markets in the Member States is carried out by national authorities. The Commission is not aware of any general market failure or inefficiencies, including market distortions from presumed bad practices of wholesalers of petroleum products in the European market. The Commission has been taking various steps to improve transparency in energy markets and the European and global oil sector. The Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy publishes the Weekly Oil Bulletin [1] with retail fuel prices on the pump (and associated taxes) based on data provided by the individual Member State, and also monitors the wholesale prices on weekly basis. One important element of the final retail price of transport fuels, notably excise duty is subject to EU legislation. The Energy Taxation Directive [2] establishes the minimum excise duty rates that EU countries must apply to energy products for fuel and transport, and electricity. The EU legislation only sets harmonised minimum rates. Member States are free to apply excise duty rates above these minima, according to their own national needs, which allows for flexibility for situations like the current crisis. The Commission also closely monitors national measures taken by Member States to respond to fuel price increases. Where necessary, it may take action against measures violating the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Treaties. [1] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/data-and-analysis/weekly-oil-bulletin_en. [2] Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003 restructuring the Community framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/96/oj/eng.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices · Fossil fuels
• 2026-03-12 “answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 12.5.2026 Written questions E-10-2026-001045_EN E-10-2026-001097_EN E-10-2026-001125_EN E-10-2026-001287_EN The Commission is continuously monitoring and projecting potential impacts of the situation in the Middle East. While there are no immediate concerns for the EU’s security of supply, prices, particularly for refined products like diesel face significant volatility. This has direct consequences and dire economic and social implications for the EU, in particular for primary agricultural production and fisheries. As regards fisheries, pursuant to Article 26(2) of the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Regulation, the Commission has activated a crisis support mechanism in case of an exceptional event causing a significant disruption of markets [1] . The Commission invites Member States to proceed with the relevant processes to make support available to the sectors under their national EMFAF programmes and in line with the established EU rules. The Commission is aware that the situation may require going beyond EMFAF to support as efficiently as possible undertakings whose economic activity is directly hit by this crisis. Therefore, the Commission has adopted a temporary state aid framework which will allow aid for the primary production of fishery and aquaculture products [2] . Member States will be able to use the new temporary crisis framework, in addition to the standard state aid rules applicable to the fishery sector, to support the sector. The Commission has also put forward the AccelerateEU initiative [3] to alleviate the situation for businesses and consumers. Considering the importance of learning from crisis situations, the Commission underlines that sustainable business models and energy transition remain pivotal for the resilience of fisheries sector and its competitiveness. [1] Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/889 of 16 April 2026 establishing the situation in the Middle East as of 28 February 2026 as the occurrence of an exceptional event causing a significant disruption of markets: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2026/889/oj. [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_26_894. [3] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/accelerateeu-strengthen-eu-energy-resilience_en.”
  Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
• 2026-02-24 “E-000761/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission As indicated in the reply to parliamentary question E-003057/2024 1 , the Commission issued a reasoned opinion in this case INFR(2022)4121 2 given that the Spanish legislation, as adopted in 1988, 2013 and 2014, does not provide for the obligation to use an impartial and transparent selection procedure to award concessions to build permanent premises on the coastal public domain and carry out economic activities therein. Moreover, it does allow for the extension of certain concessions for up to 75 years. The Commission took the view that this legislation breaches both the obligations under the Services Directive 3 and the principle of the freedom of establishment enshrined in Article 49 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission remains in close contact with the competent Spanish authorities to pursue the constructive dialogue in relation to this case. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2022)4121&page=1&size=10 &order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32006L0123.”
  EU Competition policy · EU Single Market harmonisation
• 2026-02-17 “E-000673/2026 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission Fishery products imported into the EU are subject to official controls to verify compliance with EU food safety and animal health legislation, and controls to prevent the import of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing products. The outcome of both controls must be satisfactory to allow entry into the EU. The EU catch certification scheme established by the IUU Regulation 1 aims to prevent the importation of IUU fishery products. Member States check catch certificates submitted for importation 2 and, where necessary, carry out verifications to ensure the legality of the products 3 . Third countries need to send to the Commission their flag State notification 4 , certifying they have in place national rules for the implementation, control and enforcement of conservation and management measures that their fishing vessels must comply with. From a sanitary perspective, third countries can export to the EU only from vessels that are listed as compliant with EU food safety legislation. Accordingly, the list of establishments in TRACES (IMSOC 5 ) is not a fisheries control tool, but a list of the establishments that can export to the EU on sanitary grounds. The Ghanaian fishing vessels were listed in TRACES before the suspension of their fishing licence by the responsible fisheries authorities. However, the listing in TRACES does not mean that the vessels have a valid fishing licence, that is included in the catch certificate. In case of concerns as to the legality of the catch, Member States can request a verification to confirm that the fishery products were legally caught. If Member States are not satisfied with the replies provided by the concerned third country, they must reject the fishery products, preventing them from entering the EU market. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1005/2026-01-10. 2 Under Article 12 of the IUU Regulation. 3 Under Article 17 of the IUU Regulation. 4 Under Article 20 of the IUU Regulation. 5 IMSOC: Information management system for official controls to ensure compliance with agri-food chain rules.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2026-01-09 “Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission 17.3.2026 Written question The processing of personal data requires a lawful ground under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). [1] Consent is only one of the six lawful grounds for processing. [2] It is the obligation of the controller to select the most appropriate ground. [3] If the conducted activity involves storing or accessing information stored in the users’ terminal equipment such activity must also comply with the e-Privacy Directive which requires user’s consent, subject to limited exceptions. [4] That consent must comply with the GDPR. The enforcement of the rules of the GDPR and the e-Privacy Directive in individual cases, such as the case at hand, lies with the national supervisory authorities and courts. The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) [5] , which starts to apply in full in December 2027, introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers of products with digital elements, which may also cover browser extensions. Accordingly, manufacturers must follow a security-by-design approach. Amongst others, the products must protect the integrity of stored, transmitted or otherwise processed data, personal or not. The Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) [6] includes rules on high-risk AI systems which may apply depending on the intended use of the chatbot. The rules provide for risk management and cybersecurity requirements appropriate to the risks. Providers must therefore implement security controls, which may include securing the interface of the AI system when communicating with the browser extension. Requirements for high-risk AI systems should start to apply by August 2026, however, the Digital Omnibus on AI [7] proposes to postpone that deadline until standards and relevant tools are available to ensure a clear compliance pathway for providers. [1] Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation), OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1-88. [2] Article 6(1) GDPR. [3] Article 5(2) GDPR. [4] Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications), OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37. [5] Regulation (EU) 2024/2847. [6] Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act). [7] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2024/1689 and (EU) 2018/1139 as regards the simplification of the implementation of harmonised rules on artificial intelligence (Digital Omnibus on AI).”
  GDPR · Artificial Intelligence
• 2025-11-21 “E-004654/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission views Thailand’s recent adoption of their revised Royal Ordinance on Fisheries, as potentially introducing new risks related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Should these risks lead to a resurgence of IUU fishing activities, the EU retains the right to consider adopting similar measures to those adopted in 2015 in the framework of EU Council Regulation N° 1005/2008 1 (IUU Regulation), if deemed necessary. On social conditions, under the Forced Labour Regulation 2 , fishery products that are proven to be made with forced labour will be banned from the internal market. The directive on corporate sustainability due diligence 3 will require large companies to identify and address adverse impacts on human rights, labour rights, and environmental issues within their value chains, both in Europe and globally. 2. A comprehensive free trade agreement is being negotiated with Thailand based on the joint objective of reaching a modern, high-standard deal, with sustainability at its core. The trade and sustainable development chapter has already been closed in principle and includes commitments on the sustainable management of natural resources – also with respect to fisheries and on combating IUU fishing, as well as on the effective implementation of the fundamental principles and rights at work and continued and sustained efforts to ratify relevant Conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). With respect to future market access conditions, the Commission will duly consider specific sensitivities during the negotiations. Economically sensitive sectors, such as tuna, will be subject to carefully designed specific modalities for market access that aim at preventing any market disturbances. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1005/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3015/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1760/oj.”
  EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains · Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• 2025-11-13 “E-004547/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announcement to discontinue foreign subawards 1 . This is expected to have an impact on the participation of EU based organisations in future NIH calls. However, the NIH continues to support international collaboration and fund EU based organisations through direct awards 2 . Horizon Europe funding under Cluster 1 ‘Health 3 is awarded through competitive calls, therefore no specific ad hoc mechanism is foreseen to compensate EU research teams for the loss of NIH’s funding. It is in the EU’s strategic interest to cooperate with countries beyond the EU, particularly for multilateral cooperation on (global) health issues, such as International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) 4 , Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness (GloPID-R) 5 and Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) 6 . When there is a reciprocal interest, this applies also to United States based entities, who can participate in projects with EU beneficiaries and are eligible for exceptional funding in Horizon Europe Cluster 1 work programmes under a commitment, dating from 2008 7 . In line with the EU’s global approach to research and innovation, participation in Horizon Europe projects is not only open to the 21 countries associated to it, but also to participation (albeit on different terms) by entities from other countries and regions worldwide. This includes Cluster 1. Regarding biodata resources, Horizon Europe is funding the secretariat of the Global Biodata Coalition (GBC 2023-2026, Grant 101260366). 1 https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-104.html. 2 https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-155.html. 3 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe/cluster-1-health_en. 4 https://irdirc.org/. 5 https://www.glopid-r.org/. 6 https://www.gacd.org/. 7 https://www.science.org/cms/asset/e17dfe9b-e6e4-45bf-9740-e2125650e4b4/pap.pdf.”
  EU research funding · Strategic Screening in International Research Cooperation
• 2025-10-16 “E-004090/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is closely following the implementation of the United States’ Most Favoured Nation Policy and any potential indirect effects on the EU market. In the EU, Member States, in accordance with Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU 1 , are responsible for the pricing and reimbursement for medicines, which needs to respect Council Directive 89/105/EEC 2 . The Commission supports the cooperation among Member States on pricing, payment and procurement policies, for instance through the National Competent Authorities on Pricing and Reimbursement and Public Healthcare Payers (NCAPR). This includes the sharing of information on pricing developments outside the EU and their potential impact inside the EU. The Commission also funds various activities under the EU4Health Programme to promote price transparency and support Member States in making informed decisions about pricing and reimbursements. One of these initiatives is the European Integrated Price Information Database (EURIPID), where Member States voluntarily share information about medicine prices, sales volumes, and the existence of managed entry agreements. The anti-coercion instrument is first and foremost designed to act as a deterrent against economic coercion. Where coercion nonetheless happens, it provides a legal framework and sets out the means for the EU to investigate and take decisions. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:2bf140bf-a3f8-4ab2-b506fd71826e6da6.0023.02/DOC_2&format=PDF. 2 OJ L 40, 11.2.1989, pp. 8–11; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1989/105/oj.”
  EU intervention in private pricing of medicines · Pharmaceutical imports & exports rules
• 2025-10-16 “E-004076/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU 1 regulates several aspects related to the manufacture, presentation, sale, advertising, and sponsorship of nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes. These rules contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market and aim at enhancing consumer safety by setting requirements for and limiting exposure to electronic cigarettes, thereby reducing the risk of consumption of high nicotine doses and other harmful substances. On 16 December 2025, the Commission adopted the first EU cardiovascular health plan (Safe Hearts Plan 2 ) which includes a flagship initiative to propose a revision of the legislative framework in 2026, with the goal of fewer than 5% of adults to be using tobacco by 2040. The Commission is currently undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the Tobacco Products Directive and of the Tobacco Advertising Directive 2003/33/EC 3 . The evaluation also looks into the rules on electronic cigarettes, with a primary focus on addressing concerns about young people’s access to novel tobacco and nicotine products. The findings of the evaluation will inform the next steps in the decision-making process. The enforcement of the Tobacco Products Directive, including the rules on electronic cigarettes and refill containers, is the responsibility of the Member States. The Tobacco Products Directive establishes rules concerning its enforcement and the national provisions adopted under it. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02014L0040-20231023. 2 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/communication-eu-cardiovascular-health-plan-safe-hearts-plan_en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02003L0033-20030620.”
  Electronic cigarettes · Smoking regulation
• 2025-09-16 “E-003553/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), Galicia has been impacted by 242 fire events so far in 2025, and these fires burned 121,090 hectares (ha). Since 1 August 2025, Galicia suffered 151 fires events that burned 119,870 ha. According to EFFIS, the burned area affecting Natura 2000 sites in Galicia since 1 January 2025 was 39,257 ha, from which 39,112 ha were burned after 1 August 2025.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• 2025-09-09 “E-003490/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission 1. Multiple peer-reviewed papers 1 establish a strong link between climate change and the increase in frequency, intensity, and destructiveness of forest fires. Warmer climates create conditions more conducive to large and severe wildfires, such as drier vegetation, longer fire seasons, increased fire weather (e.g. heat waves), and more dry fuel associated with higher tree mortality. Other studies on recent increase in fire weather conditions found that Europe has experienced a marked increase in the intensity of fire-prone weather conditions 2 , and another found an increase in the area affected by severe fire weather conditions, especially in central Europe and the Mediterranean in spring and summer 3 . For Spain, statistics collected by the European Forest Fire Information System 4 show a clear increasing trend for both the number of fires and the area burnt since the measurements began in 2006. 2. Greenhouse gases spread globally affect the planet's climate universally (but differently across the globe), regardless of their origin. Local emissions reductions are crucial as every reduced tonne slows down global warming. However, more reductions in one region do not mean stronger local effects. 3. The Commission is familiar with the concept of ‘climate shelter’, and there are some EUfunded projects/initiatives 5 supporting these spaces in different regions. However, the Commission does not have a position nor criteria to classify a territory as such. 1 1. Burton, C., Lampe, S., Kelley, D.I. et al. Global burned area increasingly explained by climate change. Nat. Clim. Chang. 14, 1186–1192 (2024): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-024-02140-w; Costa, H., de Rigo, D., Libertà, G., Houston Durrant, T., San-Miguel-Ayanz, J., European wildfire danger and vulnerability in a changing climate: towards integrating risk dimensions, EUR 30116 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2020,ISBN: 978-92-76-16898-0, doi:10.2760/46951, JRC119980 https://joint-researchcentre.ec.europa.eu/projects-and-activities/peseta-climate-change-projects/jrc-peseta-iv/wildfires_en; Dennison, P. E., S. C. Brewer, J. D. Arnold, and M. A. Moritz (2014), Large wildfire trends in the western United States, 1984–2011, Geophys. Res. Lett., 41, 2928–2933, doi:10.1002/2014GL059576. Flannigan, M.D., Amiro, B.D., Logan, K.A. et al. Forest Fires and Climate Change in the 21 ST Century. Mitig Adapt Strat Glob Change 11, 847–859 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-005-9020-7. 2 Hetzer, J., Forrest, M., Ribalaygua, J., Prado-López, C., & Hickler, T. (2024). The fire weather in Europe: Large-scale trends towards higher danger. Environmental Research Letters, 19(8), 084017. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad5b09. 3 Torres-Vázquez, M. Á., Di Giuseppe, F., Moreno-Torreira, A., Gincheva, A., Jerez, S., & Turco, M. (2025). Large increase in extreme fire weather synchronicity over Europe. Environmental Research Letters, 20(2), 024045: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ada8c2. 4 https://forest-fire.emergency.copernicus.eu/apps/effis.statistics/estimates. 5 For example: https://eu-mayors.ec.europa.eu/en/Valencia-Climate-SheltersNetwork?utm_medium=website&utm_source=archdaily.com and https://climateadapt.eea.europa.eu/en/mission/solutions/mission-stories/storytelling-for-climate-action-in-athens-story62.”
  Climate efforts
• 2025-08-27 “E-003312/2025 E-003313/2025 E-003315/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has commented on the situation and assessment of the Natura 2000 network in Galicia (Spain) 1 over the last years. As mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Commission is handling infringement procedures against different Member States (including Spain) on account of the incomplete designation of sites of Community importance (SCIs) as special areas of conservation (SACs) and the establishment of specific conservation objectives and measures for SACs. The procedure against Spain 2 concerns several Autonomous Communities and Cities. Galicia has completed the designation process for all its 59 SCIs. However, following an analysis of Decree 37/2014 of 27 March 2014, declaring the SCIs of Galicia as SACs and approving the Galician Natura 2000 network master plan, the Commission considers that Galicia has not set sufficiently specific site-specific conservation objectives and conservation measures in all its SACs (therefore including those affected by the fires). These objectives and measures may include, when relevant, fire prevention. Spain has provided updates on the designation of SACs (in the regions where the process is not finished) and has adopted new guidelines for the Natura 2000 network in which general conditions are defined to set site-specific conservation objectives and measures in Natura 2000 sites. The Commission is assessing the information provided by Spain prior to deciding the most appropriate way forward in this structural infringement procedure. 1 E.g.: E-006694/2020, E-001117/2021, E-001437/2023, E-001657/2023. 2 INFR 2015/2003: https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumn s=decisionDate&refId=INFR(2015)2003.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• 2025-08-27 “E-003314/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) of the Copernicus programme, the protected area of Pena Trevinca (SAC code ES0000437) was affected by two wildfire events in August 2025. The first one, identified by EFFIS as id=278477, started around 15 August 2025 and it was finally extinguished on 30 August 2025. This wildfire burned a total of 25 230 hectares (ha), from which 5 319 ha were in Galicia region and 19 911 ha in Castilla y Leon region. This wildfire burned 4 916 ha in the Pena Trevinca protected area. The second one, identified by EFFIS as id=278347, started around 12 August 2025, and it was finally extinguished on 19 August 2025. This wildfire burned a total of 12 032 ha, from which 11 722 ha were in Galicia region and 310 ha in Castilla y Leon region. This wildfire burned 104 ha in the Pena Trevinca protected area. It is not possible to provide a precise assessment of the burned area in Pena Trevinca on 18 August 2025 due to low resolution and smoke contamination of the available satellite images on 17 August 2025 and 18 August 2025.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• 2025-08-06 “E-003202/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the ruling of the High Court of Galicia of 11 July 2025. The Miño-Sil third River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) reported by the Spanish authorities within the Water Framework Directive 1 (WFD) reports that the As Conchas reservoir (ES010MSPFES511MAR002400) is in ‘less than good’ general status, having moderate ecological potential and good chemical status. The data reported under the Nitrates Directive 2 shows eutrophication in this reservoir. The Commission consulted Spain about the measures envisaged in the implementation of the Nitrates Directive and asked for actions to tackle the situation. The Nitrates Directive requires Member States to designate areas draining into polluted waters as vulnerable zones and to notify the Commission on these designations. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 3 requires that, before a consent is given, projects likely to have significant effects on the environment should be subject to an assessment of their environmental effects. Projects listed in Annex I of the Directive must be subject to an assessment. For projects listed in Annex II the authorities must determine whether an assessment is necessary through a case-by-case study or through previously setting thresholds or a certain criteria 4 . Intensive livestock installations fall under both categories 5 . The competent authorities in the Member States are primarily responsible for the correct implementation of the above provisions. The EIA Directive provides for specific review procedures that allow the public concerned to challenge the substantive or procedural legality of decisions, acts or omissions subject to the Directive’s provisions on public participation. 1 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, as amended by Commission Directive 2014/101/EU of 30 October 2014, OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 32–35. 2 Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources, OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1–8. 3 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. 4 In doing that, the authorities must take into account the relevant selection criteria set forth in Annex III to the EIA Directive. 5 Referred to in Annex I, point 17 and Annex II, point 1 e) of the EIA Directive.”
  Water pollution · Use of fertilisers
• 2025-08-06 “E-003201/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) has been clear that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unbearable, and Israel must allow immediate and unimpeded large-scale access to humanitarian aid. The EU has consistently conveyed messages urging Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The HR/VP has maintained her regular engagement with her Israeli counterpart. At the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in May 2025, the HR/VP decided to conduct a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement 1 , with the support of a majority of Member States. The review was presented at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June 2025 2 and concluded that there are indications that Israel would be in breach of Article 2. On this basis, the EU engaged in a frank dialogue, which led to Israel’s agreement to take significant steps to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. On 29 July 2025, the Commission proposed a Council Decision 3 to partially suspend Israel's participation in Horizon Europe 4 . The suspension specifically concerns the participation of entities established in Israel in activities funded under the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council. This proposal can be adopted in the Council with a qualified majority. While working towards improving the humanitarian situation, the EU continues to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities 5 . 1 https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf. 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2025/06/23/. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1921. 4 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 5 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/cjtb3oep/20250626-european-council-conclusions-en.pdf.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2025-07-25 “E-003101/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission Following the exchange at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 20 May 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) announced a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement 1 . The review was presented at the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June 2025 2 . The foreign ministers agreed that the EU’s aim is to improve the humanitarian situation. On this basis, the HR/VP engaged in a frank dialogue which led to a ‘humanitarian understanding’ with Israel, which committed itself to take significant steps to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The details of these diplomatic negotiations are sensitive information and include clear benchmarks against which the EU can measure implementation. The EU will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the agreed actions and consider next steps, if necessary, based on developments on the ground. The HR/VP regularly reports to Member States on the progress of the implementation. There has been some progress in relation to some of the agreed benchmarks, but it is still not sufficient. Therefore, Israel needs to do more. On 29 July 2025, the Commission proposed to partially suspend Israel's participation in Horizon Europe. The suspension, which comes as a reaction to the review under Article 2 of the EUIsrael Association Agreement, specifically concerns the participation of entities established in Israel in activities funded under the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council 3 . For the Commission's proposal to be adopted, it must receive the support of a qualified majority in the Council of the European Union. 1 https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf. 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2025/06/23/. 3 https://north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-proposes-partial-suspension-israelsassociation-horizon-europe-2025-07-29_en.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid · Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2025-07-25 “E-003098/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU believes that the political dialogue under the EU-Israel Association Agreement 1 is an important channel of communication to deliver messages including criticism towards Israel’s actions. The Agreement can only be suspended by the unanimous decision of the Council of the EU. There is currently no consensus among Member States on the full suspension of the Agreement. At the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in May 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) announced a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The review, which concluded that there are indications that Israel would in breach of Article 2, was presented at the FAC on 23 June 2025 2 . The EU engaged in a frank and principled dialogue, which led to Israel’s agreement to take significant steps to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. At the July 2025 FAC, the HR/VP announced the humanitarian understanding with Israel and informed Member States that EU will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the agreed actions and report to Member States. The EU will also consider next steps, if necessary, based on developments on the ground. On 29 July 2025, the Commission proposed to partially suspend Israel's participation in Horizon Europe 3 . The suspension, a reaction to the review under Article 2 of the Association Agreement, specifically concerns the participation of entities established in Israel in activities funded under the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council 4 . While working towards improved humanitarian assistance, the EU continues to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities 5 . 1 https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf. 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2025/06/23/. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1921. 4 https://north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-proposes-partial-suspension-israelsassociation-horizon-europe-2025-07-29_en. 5 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/cjtb3oep/20250626-european-council-conclusions-en.pdf.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2025-07-25 “E-003100/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has declared several times that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unbearable and that Israel must improve access to humanitarian aid. Following the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting on 20 May 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) announced a review of Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement 1 . The review was presented at the FAC meeting on 23 June 2025 2 and its conclusion was that there are indications that Israel may have violated human rights obligations in Gaza. The EU Foreign Ministers agreed that the EU’s aim is to improve the humanitarian situation. On this basis, the HR/VP engaged in a frank and principled dialogue which led to Israel’s agreement to take significant steps to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. At the July 2025 FAC, the HR/VP announced the humanitarian understanding with Israel and informed Member States that EU will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the agreed actions and report to Member States. The EU will also consider next steps, if necessary, based on developments on the ground. On 29 July 2025, the Commission proposed to partially suspend Israel's participation in Horizon Europe. The suspension, which comes as a reaction to the review under Article 2 of the EUIsrael Association Agreement, specifically concerns the participation of entities established in Israel in activities funded under the Accelerator of the European Innovation Council 3 . While working towards improving the humanitarian situation, the EU continues to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of all hostages, leading to a permanent end to hostilities 4 . 1 https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf. 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2025/06/23/. 3 https://north-africa-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-proposes-partial-suspension-israelsassociation-horizon-europe-2025-07-29_en. 4 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/cjtb3oep/20250626-european-council-conclusions-en.pdf.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · EU competences on human rights
• 2025-07-08 “E-002771/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The traceability of consignments of sustainably certified fuels and of the raw materials from which they are produced is an important dimension of the global traceability and certification system provided for in the Renewable Energy Directive 1 and is key for the Commission. Once fully used, the global traceability tool, ‘the Union database’ (UDB), will help identifying and mitigating the risk of systemic irregularities and fraud in the global supply chains. The UDB is already in operation and has already about 31,000 economic operators as registered users. The Commission is now deploying efforts to ensure its mandatory systemic use with the support of the Member States. To strengthen the sustainability certification framework and bring about more transparency on the market data monitoring, the Commission is finalising a delegated regulation on the extension of the traceability of the UDB to cover raw materials, which will be adopted in the first quarter of 2026. In addition, more detailed provision on the UDB will be included in the revision of Regulation (EU) 2022/996 2 , on which the Commission is working together with the Member States. Its revision will also further strengthen the certification system in key areas like establishing a framework for cooperation in supervision of certification bodies or strengthening the rules on governance of the voluntary schemes and the audits standards of certification bodies, including on verification of data registered in the UDB. The simplification to sustainability reporting rules in the ‘Omnibus I’ as proposed by the Commission 3 are not expected to have a significant impact on potential fraud in biofuel feedstock supply chains. 1 Directive (EU)2018/2001 as amended by Directive (EU)2023/2413 (https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/2001/oj/eng). 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/996/oj/eng. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/omnibus-i_en.”
  Biofuels (RED II)
• 2025-07-03 “E-002721/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. As recalled in the advice from the Long Distance Fisheries Advisory Council and Market Advisory Council on the urgent need for effective implementation of import control rules across Member States, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) recommended in 2022 that the Commission needs to a) monitor that import checks by Member States are sufficient to address risks and b) take the necessary actions to remedy any shortcomings - both by 2026. This Commission accepted the recommendation. Over the past years, the Commission intensified its work with Member States to improve the tools available to them when performing checks and verifications on the EU border, to reinforce and harmonise import controls. Moreover, the Commission is currently finalising the process of CATCH implementation, the EU IT system for submission of catch certificates and related documents, for its obligatory use by EU operators and EU authorities by 10 January 2026. CATCH will be a key tool to ensure that no fishery products stemming from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) enter the EU market. The Commission will analyse the situation, after the use of CATCH becomes compulsory, and assess if other actions are needed. 2. The Commission does not hesitate to launch an infringement procedure, as recently done in the case of Portugal 1 , when a Member State fails to properly implement and enforce EU fisheries laws. However, infringement procedures are only one of the Commission’s tools to ensure Member States comply with EU rules. The Commission closely monitors the implementation of the obligation on minimum legal inspection standards by Member States and is in dialogue with them to identify the reasons for the low number of inspections reported. 1 (INFR(2025)2072), https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_1241.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-07-02 “E-002711/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission Extreme weather events are crucial considerations for Member States in drafting their plans under the risk preparedness regulation for the electricity sector 1 . The plans must include related information on future grid development to cope with the identified risk scenarios. Moreover, the EU has an increasingly rich policy framework for achieving climate resilience in different sectors, including energy, to address the increasingly frequent extreme weather events 2 . For example, the recently published European Preparedness Union Strategy will notably contribute to this objective, through the revision of the energy security architecture 3 . The main impediments to demand flexibility arise from incomplete implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/944 4 . The Commission will support Member States in implementing and developing new rules on demand response to reduce market entry and cross-border barriers. Interconnections between Member States are vital to enhance resilience to disruptions, such as nuclear plant unavailability. The Regulation on Trans-European networks for energy supports these goals by linking energy networks and fostering EU solidarity. Swift implementation of the electricity Projects of common interest selected under this framework is essential. The upcoming Grids Package will also support the modernisation of the existing infrastructure to make it more efficient, and the expansion of grids based on strengthened network planning and streamlined permitting procedures. Overall, with the Affordable Energy Action Plan 5 , the Commission has put forward actions to achieve energy autonomy and support citizens and businesses amid high energy costs in a technology-neutral manner and to complete the Energy Union. 1 Regulation(EU) 2019/941 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on risk-preparedness in the electricity sector and repealing Directive 2005/89/EC. 2 The European Climate Law (Regulation(EU)2021/1119) requires continuous progress towards climate adaptation. The Commission adopted the European Climate Adaptation Strategy in 2021 (COM(2021)82) and plans to adopt a European Climate Resilience and Risk Management Integrated Framework, including a possible legislative proposal, in 2026. 3 JOIN(2025) 130 final. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj/eng. 5 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en.”
  Nuclear energy · EU energy infrastructure integration · EU approach to electricity market and prices
• 2025-06-27 “E-002613/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission launched in 2022 the ‘Healthier Together’ – EU non-communicable diseases (NCDs) initiative 1 to support Member States and stakeholders in reducing the burden of NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases. The Commission has provided more than EUR 150 million 2 funding under the EU4Health Programme for effective and impactful actions on cardiovascular diseases, including their early detection and timely diagnosis. The upcoming EU Cardiovascular Health Plan is expected to support the integration of innovative and personalised tools and new technologies to detect people at risk as early as possible, and improve the management of cardiovascular diseases, including cardiomyopathy. In the development of the plan extensive consultations will take place in the Expert Group on Public Health 3 and a call for evidence 4 will be launched to gather the views of relevant stakeholders. 1 https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseasesinitiative_en. 2 See for example: https://jacardi.eu/ and https://www.preventncd.eu/. 3 https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/expert-group-public-health_en. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14755-EU-cardiovascular-healthplan_en.”
  EU competences on health · EU policy on mental health
• 2025-06-13 “E-002392/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Since the adoption of the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU 1 , notable public health gains have been observed, with decreases in traditional tobacco use and tobacco-related deaths. The Commission recognises the importance of timely action in tobacco control to protect public health. The ongoing evaluation of the tobacco-control framework is a particularly complex exercise, involving a thorough review of scientific, market, and regulatory developments. The Commission is fully committed to ensuring a high level of human health protection, especially for young people. The current tobacco-control framework regulates advertising bans for tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and refill containers in all media except television, including within Information Society Services. However, the Commission recognises the growing challenges of new marketing forms targeting young people. The ongoing evaluation 2 involves considering a wide array of scientific, market, and regulatory developments, including the emergence of evolving marketing practices. The next steps depend on the findings of the evaluation. The Commission is actively monitoring consumption patterns for electronic cigarettes among young people. The Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks has issued an opinion on electronic cigarettes, which includes an assessment of their use among youth 3 . In addition, the Commission uses data from various public sources, including Eurobarometer surveys, and studies commissioned under the EU4Health programme to support the ongoing evaluation. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02014L0040-20231023. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13481-Evaluation-of-the-legislativeframework-for-tobacco-control_en. 3 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/electronic-cigarettes_en.”
  Smoking regulation · Electronic cigarettes
• 2025-06-04 “E-002240/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The roll-out of offshore renewable energy is key to achieve EU’s renewable energy objectives. The EU framework enables a robust planning of offshore renewable operations and supports co-existence with other human activities while safeguarding the achievement of environmental and nature protection. The EU’s maritime spatial planning (MSP) 1 mandates Member States to manage their seas through an integrated ecosystem-based planning. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea highlights MSP as a key tool for mitigating conflicts between offshore renewable energy (ORE) and fisheries. Cumulative impacts assessment methodologies are being developed with the support of the Regional Sea Conventions 2 as also required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 3 , where Member States in their marine strategies also need to apply an ecosystem-based approach to the management of human activities. In addition, a Technical Expert Group 4 was established in 2020 under the Member States’ Expert Group on maritime policy 5 to support Member States with all data-related issues when developing and updating their plans. Furthermore, the Commission is working with Member States and sector representatives to ensure a close dialogue with the fisheries sector when preparing and revising maritime spatial plans. The Commission supports studies, projects and regional cooperation on co-existence and multi-use of the marine space as well as mitigation measures of ORE developments. Following recommendation from the European Court of Auditors (ECA), the Commission is conducting a study on employment, skills and social implications of ORE developments in the EU. The study will feed into a Commission report to the ECA before the end of 2026. 1 Directive (2014/89/EU): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/89/oj/eng. 2 For example, the Spatial Pressure and Impact assessment tool (SPIA tool) by HELCOM https://maps.helcom.fi/website/bsii/. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32008L0056. 4 https://maritime-spatial-planning.ec.europa.eu/msp-resources/technical-expert-group-teg-data-msp. 5 Maritime Policy Member State Experts Group (E01682).”
  EU policy on permitting for renewable energy projects · Off-shore renewables
• 2025-05-22 “E-002070/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. The meeting mentioned by the Honourable Member, between the Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry, was prepared in coordination with the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), as is standard for all stakeholder engagements related to DG SANTE files. The minutes of this meeting 1 with the list of topics discussed were made public according to the Commission’s rules on transparency. 2. As regards the discussion of United States’ pharmaceutical investments, in line with the Commission’s commitment to transparency, the minutes of the meeting were published in the Transparency Register 2 . The topics discussed are listed there and focused on the pharmaceutical reform and the EU regulatory environment for medicines. 3. The Commission has not changed its position on the reform of the EU pharmaceutical legislation as set out in its proposals for revision 3 and continues to engage constructively in the ongoing negotiations with the European Parliament and the Council. Its position remains guided by the objectives of the proposal and a solid evidence base. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/transparencyinitiative/meetings/exportmeetings.do?doc=1147aa8a-a6a3-4679-9b5908d464b0624f&host=no. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/transparencyinitiative/meetings/meeting.do?host=cdb3f8c0-d25c-4aad-bceaf6ed0fa66d82&page=3. 3 COM/2023/193 final and COM/2023/192 final.”
  Transparency of EU medicines governance process · Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU
• 2025-05-06 “E-001822/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is following the situation in the As Conchas reservoir, fed by the River Limia, and is in close contact with the Spanish authorities regarding the implementation of the Nitrates Directive 1 . According to the third River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) reported by the Spanish authorities within the Water Framework Directive 2 (WFD), the As Conchas reservoir (ES010MSPFES511MAR002400) is in ‘worse than good’ general status, having moderate ecological potential and good chemical status. The RBMP refers to urban discharges and overflows of sanitation systems following heavy rain and agriculture as significant pressures. In addition, the data reported under the Nitrates Directive shows eutrophication in that reservoir. The Commission services have recently consulted the Spanish authorities on the actions envisaged for the As Conchas reservoir in the context of the implementation of the Directive and have asked for actions to tackle the situation in line with the legal requirements. The Commission is aware that the competent authorities are examining the designation for this reservoir and has requested to be informed on the progress of the designation procedure. The Commission is supporting Member States, including Spain, in their efforts to appropriately implement the Nitrates Directive and will take all the necessary actions within its powers to ensure that all the legal obligations under the directive are being complied with in the EU territory. 1 Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1–8. 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.”
  Water pollution · EU policy on water management
• 2025-05-02 “E-001787/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The infringement procedure referred to by the Honourable Member 1 remains open, with an ongoing dialogue with the Spanish authorities. In the context of this infringement procedure, Spain has provided updates on its progress towards completing the designation process of the Special Conservation Areas across the country, including in the region of Galicia. Spain has also reviewed the methodology for setting site specific conservation objectives and measures at the time of adoption and/or update of the management plans, in order to provide a structural solution to the concerns expressed by the Commission. The Commission is currently assessing the replies provided in the framework of the dialogue it has engaged with the Spanish authorities. 1 INFR(2015)2003: https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=byCase&active_only=1&noncom=0&r_dossier=&decision_date_fro m=&decision_date_to=&EM=BG&DG=ENV&submit=Search&langCode=EN&version=v1&refId=INFR(2015) 2003&activeCase=true&dg=ENV&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=refId.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• 2025-04-23 “E-001621/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission The report 1 in question originates from a working group (WG) acting under the facilities of the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), which gathers national experts and cannot be considered as endorsed by the STECF. A disclaimer states that ‘this report does not necessarily reflect the view of the STECF and the European Commission and in no way anticipates the Commission’s future policy in this area’. Such a report has to undergo the scientific peer-review process conducted by STECF, which then leads to the actual STECF opinion 2 . STECF reviewed the WG report’s conclusions and validated certain but not all figures provided by the national experts. STECF presented figures on the loss of fishing days (-16%) and landings (-20%) as a total for the fleets of Germany, Ireland, Spain and France but stated that ‘the reduction in effort and landings cannot be considered as a final outcome of the analysis’, as they can result from ‘other effects that could have an effect on the socio-economic impact of the closures (e.g. fleet size, costs, markets or fishing opportunities).’ The statement ‘any long-term solution will need to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and the communities that have sustainably fished these waters’ comes from the WG’s report and has not been validated by STECF. The STECF opinion remains inconclusive on the quantification of the socio-economic impacts of the vulnerable marine ecosystem closures on the fleets at local level. More work is therefore necessary to quantify these impacts and the Commission is reflecting on the best way forward. 1 VMEs socio-economic impact assessment (EWG 24-09): https://stecf.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/d/stecf/stecf_24-09. 2 Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), 78th Plenary report (STECF-PLEN-2501): https://stecf.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/d/stecf/stecf_plen_25-01.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-03-20 “E-001184/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission addresses marine pollution through Directive 2008/56/EC 1 which requires Member States to achieve good environmental status in marine waters, including measures to prevent ship polluting discharges. To address sewage discharges from the land, Directive 3019/2024 2 recently strengthened urban wastewater treatment standards, nutrient reduction, and monitoring of emerging pollutants. International standards under the MARPOL Convention 3 , particularly Annex IV on sewage, are implemented in the EU through Directive 2005/35/EC 4 , recently amended 5 to cover sewage, enhanced satellite surveillance, improved information exchange, and strengthened enforcement efforts, particularly in sensitive areas such as Natura 2000 sites. However, Member States remain responsible for monitoring and penalising illegal discharges from ships. According to MARPOL, it is illegal for a ship to discharge sewage which is un-treated within 12 nautical miles from the nearest land 6 . The Commission also supports Member States in discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to improve environmental standards, including on sewage discharges. The EU endorses efforts to update MARPOL Annex IV 7 . This revision includes improving the lifetime performance of sewage treatment plants and updating the 2012 Guidelines on effluent standards and performance tests. Recognising the importance of record-keeping and lifecycle measures for wastewater treatment plants 8 , the Commission advocates for drafting of guidelines on the implementation of Annex IV for sewage treatment plants and guidance on obtaining data on the quality of treated sewage effluent. However, the adoption of such updates requires agreement within the IMO. 1 Marine Strategy Framework Directive - Directive 2008/56/EC (OJ L 164 25.6.2008, p. 19) - https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/56/oj/eng. 2 Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202403019. 3 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. 4 Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p.11). 5 Directive (EU) 2024/3101 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 amending Directive 2005/35/EC as regards ship-source pollution and on the introduction of administrative penalties for infringements (OJ L, 2024/3101, 16.12.2024). 6 This applies to ships en route at a speed less than four knots, instantaneously discharging sewage held in holding tanks, which is not comminuted or disinfected. 7 International Maritime Organization. 12 th session of the sub-committee on Pollution Prevention and Response. 27-31 January 2025. 8 As highlighted by Resolution WCC-2020-Res-028.”
  Water pollution · EU ocean policy
• 2025-01-27 “E-000337/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission According to the information provided by the national authorities, the project has not been financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Based on public information, there are indications that the project referred to by the Honourable Member may be financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). However, the Commission has no prior knowledge regarding the specific case at hand and its status. It works closely with the Member States to implement the recovery and resilience plans, and the implementation of specific projects resulting from the plans lies first with the relevant Member States. Therefore, we encourage the Honourable Member to also contact the relevant national administration to enquire about this specific project. Should the nature and the RRF funding of this project be confirmed, it should be noted that the RRF is a performance-based instrument. Therefore, disbursements are made only if the milestones and targets established in the Annex of the Council Implementing Decision 1 approving the plan are satisfactorily fulfilled. Member States are primarily responsible to ensure that RRF investments are implemented in line with EU and national law. Article 18 of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Regulation 2 also generally provides that the Commission and the Member States should ensure effective coordination between the RRF and other EU programmes and ensure complementarity, synergy, coherence and consistency among different instruments at EU, national and, where appropriate, regional levels. 1 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10150-2021-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj/eng”
  Rule of law in Spain · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-01-24 “E-000316/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with Article 3 of Directive 2024/1711 1 , Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 17 January 2025. However, by way of derogation, the transposition deadline for Article 2, points (2) and (5), which concerns the free choice of supplier and the right to energy sharing, is extended to 17 July 2026. The Commission is currently assessing the transposition measures notified by Member States. To support Member States in transposing the new provisions of the Electricity Market Design (EMD) and ensuring effective implementation, the Commission is holding dedicated meetings with national authorities. In December 2024, it provided Member States with a guidance notice and an explanatory document template for the transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1711. Additionally, the Commissioner for Energy and Housing is tasked to issue Citizen Energy Package to increase citizens’ participation in the energy transition and strengthen the social dimension of the Energy Union. If the Commission determines that a Member State has failed to transpose legislation within the legal deadlines, it may initiate infringement proceedings under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission publishes regular updates on its infringement actions. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1711/oj/eng”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• 2025-01-14 “E-000128/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission Trade distortions in the global shipbuilding sector are a long-standing concern for the EU. The Commission closely monitors the situation of the world shipbuilding market, including in the context of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Shipbuilding Committee’s work to monitor and analyse policy and market developments in nonShipbuilding Committee economies. Reports in this area demonstrate the rapid growth of the Chinese shipbuilding industry in recent years and the high number of support measures it has benefitted from. The EU is ready to address unfair trading practices where the facts justify it and in full respect of its international and internal legal obligations and remains committed to preserve the EU shipbuilding sector’s global competitiveness. The Commission will develop an Industrial Maritime Strategy to enhance the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of Europe’s maritime manufacturing sector, including shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion and equipment production. The Commission recognises the potential and responsibility of shipbuilding industries to drive the twin transitions, support Europe’s industrial competitiveness and improve connectivity 1 . In this context, the Commission has taken good note of the recommendations in the Mobility Transition Pathway 2 to regain sustainable competitiveness in strategic segments, including short sea shipping and inland navigation, and the Draghi report 3 to maintain the current industrial base (more complex and value added), regain production leadership in ferries, energy transport and research vessels, and gain global leadership in emerging blue growth markets. 1 Communication COM/2020/102: A New Industrial Strategy for Europe (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0102). 2 Transition pathway for the EU mobility industrial ecosystem (2024) (https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/57674). 3 The Draghi report on EU competitiveness (2024) (https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eucompetitiveness/draghi-report_en).”
  EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure · Trade relations with China
• 2025-01-13 “E-000104/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is closely monitoring the current revision of the 2015 fisheries legislation. On several occasions, Thailand has been made aware that any substantive relaxation of the current rules in place to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing would not be acceptable and that the EU is reserving its right to consider adopting measures as foreseen by EU Council Regulation N° 1005/2008 1 (IUU Regulation), if necessary. On social conditions, the Forced Labour Regulation 2 will empower the EU to prohibit and remove a product from the single market if it is demonstrated to involve forced labour. The directive on corporate sustainability due diligence 3 will also ensure that businesses address in their value chains, inside and outside Europe, any adverse impacts of their actions as regards human rights, labour rights and environmental considerations. 2. In the negotiating rounds held so far on a Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Thailand, the treatment of individual products has not yet been discussed. Discussions will start in the coming months and will include consultations with relevant stakeholders. Economically sensitive sectors are subject to specific modalities for market access which aim at preventing any market disturbances. As the negotiations enter a more advanced stage, a Sustainability Impact Assessment will be carried out in order to provide an in-depth analysis of their potential economic, social, human rights, and environmental impacts. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1005/oj/eng 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3015/oj/eng 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1760/oj”
  EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains
• 2025-01-10 “E-000079/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission notes the new measures related to the electricity prices and the Norwegian power market announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway is part of the single market and Union rules on electricity markets apply in all circumstances. The EU expects, in line with their obligations under the EEA Agreement, all EEA EFTA (European Free Trade Association) States to fully incorporate into the EEA Agreement and then implement all energy-related legislation in a timely manner, subject to any agreed adaptations. The Commission continues to work closely with the three EEA EFTA States on the full and timely incorporation and implementation of all energy-related legislation. Norway is connected with Sweden, Finland, and Denmark in a common synchronous power grid. The Nordic grid is then connected to the rest of Continental Europe bringing mutual economic and social gains stemming from interconnected energy markets, such as enabling decarbonisation and increasing security of supply. On 26 February 2025, the Commission adopted an Action Plan for affordable Energy 1 setting actions to lower energy costs for European consumers and businesses. As outlined in that plan, a swift and full implementation of the Electricity Market Design reform is crucial to reduce the impact of volatility on consumer bills and reduce the cost of electricity supply. As part of this plan, the Commission is also proposing additional actions to promote the uptake of long-term electricity supply and boost flexibility and demand response. 1 Action Plan for Affordable Energy: Unlocking the true value of our Energy Union to secure affordable, efficient and clean energy for all Europeans COM (2025) 79 final.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-28 “E-002280/2024 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) organisations are involved in many activities of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), including as members of the EMA Management Board and scientific committees, being consulted on disease-specific requests by scientific committees and working parties, taking part in discussions on medicines assessment and in EMA's conferences and workshops 1 , reviewing written information on medicines prepared by EMA, being involved in the preparation of guidelines. Besides these activities, patients and HCPs contribute to promoting the generation, collection, and use of evidence-based patient experience data for benefit-risk decision-making. Data from patients’ registries are taken into account during the assessment, though they cannot overrule results from placebo-controlled clinical trials, which are designed by default to produce the most valid results. The Commission’s decisions concerning the authorisation of medicines are based on EMA opinions 2 , which conclude on the benefit risk balance for a medicine, after having assessed all the evidence available on the efficacy, safety and quality of the medicine 3 . In the Commission proposal for the revision of the pharmaceutical legislation 4 , representation of patients and HCPs with expertise in all areas, including rare and paediatric diseases, are increased at the committee for medicinal products for human use (CHMP) and at the pharmacovigilance risk assessment committee (PRAC). Additionally, there would be dedicated working parties that represent patients and HCPs. This proposal builds on the good experience with the participation of patients and healthcare professionals in some of EMA’s committees and in EMA’s activities overall. 1 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/partners-networks/patients-consumers 2 In accordance with Article 10(1) of Regulation (EC) 726/2004 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2004/726/oj 3 Benefit-risk methodology; European Medicines Agency (EMA) https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/whatwe-do/regulatory-science-research/benefit-risk-methodology 4 https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/pharmaceutical-strategy-europe/reform-eu-pharmaceuticallegislation_en”
  Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU
• 2024-10-28 “E-002281/2024 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Several EU countries have recently imposed contingency stock requirements on supply chain actors. These national measures are taken in implementation of the current legislation on medicinal products which requires marketing authorisation holders and distributors to ensure appropriate and continued supplies in order to meet patient needs 1 . Nevertheless, these measures should be justified on grounds of public health protection and be proportionate in relation to this objective. As part of the Single Market Transparency Directive notification procedure 2 , the Commission assesses the compatibility of the draft national technical measures notified by Member States with sectoral legislation and internal market rules to avoid the creation of obstacles to the internal market. Furthermore, the Commission actively engages with Member States to foster exchanges of information and agree on common principles for national contingency stock requirements 3 . These common principles will focus on ensuring transparency, solidarity and proportionality of such measures to avoid negative impact on the availability of medicines in other countries. Finally, as part of the revision of the EU pharmaceutical legislation 4 , the Commission’s proposal requires Member States to inform the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on national measures taken to mitigate critical shortages and ensure supply of critical medicines. The Commission would also be empowered to take appropriate measures to improve the security of supply of critical medicines. 1 Article 81 of Directive 2001/83/EC http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2001/83/oj 2 Directive (EU) 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services, OJ L 241, 17.9.2015, p. 1. 3 Human Pharmaceutical Committee – Meetings: https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/pharmaceuticalcommittee-veterinary-pharmaceutical-committee-and-expert-groups/human-pharmaceutical-committeemeetings_en 4 https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/pharmaceutical-strategy-europe/reform-eu-pharmaceuticallegislation_en”
  Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU · EU policy against medicines shortages
• 2024-10-22 “E-002227/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. Conservation measures taken for the management of Natura 2000 sites under Article 6(1) of the Habitats Directive 1 are not directly connected to the designation of renewables acceleration areas (RAAs). Under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) 2 , Member States have an obligation to designate RAAs in their territory for at least one renewable energy technology, but they have flexibility regarding the actual scope and size of these areas, including the regions covered. Furthermore, the plans designating RAAs must establish appropriate rules on effective mitigation measures including, where appropriate, to ensure compliance with Article 6(2) and Article 12(1) of the Habitats Directive and Article 5 of the Birds Directive 3 . 2. Pursuant to the RED, Natura 2000 sites (except for artificial areas therein), as well as other areas identified based on sensitivity mapping must be excluded from RAAs. The Commission guidance on the designation of RAAs 4 calls for a swift completion of the Natura 2000 network to support timely RAAs designation. The Habitats Directive does not set a specific percentage for Natura 2000 coverage at national or subnational level, but in cases where there are insufficiencies in the Natura 2000 network, relevant areas should be identified and excluded from RAAs designation. In September 2023, the Commission started an infringement procedure against Spain 5 for failing to propose enough sites of Community importance (SCI) within its territory 6 . The Commission services are currently assessing Spain's reply. 1 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50). 2 Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652, PE/36/2023/REV/2, (OJ L, 2023/2413, 31.10.2023) 3 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version) (OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7–25). 4 Commission Staff Working Document Guidance on designating renewables acceleration areas: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/guidance-designating-renewables-acceleration-areas_en 5 Ref. INFR(2023)2037. Press release under the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_23_4367 6 Information available at : https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/inf_23_4367/INF_23_4367_EN.pdf”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-08 “E-001977/2024 Answer given by Ms Simson on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is addressing the concern over the increased footprint of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Europe’s energy system through various initiatives, some of which are mentioned below. The EU has set, since 2019, ecodesign requirements for servers and data storage products (currently under review) and adopted, in 2024, new rules to monitor the energy performance of data centres by collecting and publishing data, including on the energy, renewable energy, and water footprint of data centres. At the same time, the recast Energy Efficiency Directive 1 put in place new planning and assessment rules with a view to encouraging new data centres to be located where waste heat can be reused, and energy and water needs for cooling can be reduced. The Renewable Energy Directive 2 helps increase the supply of renewable electricity, in particular through faster permit-granting procedures. The recently adopted AI Act 3 envisages an obligation for providers of General-Purpose AI models to document the known or estimated energy consumption of the models and encourages voluntary codes of conduct, which could comprise environmental sustainability, including as regards energy-efficient programming and techniques for efficient design, training, and use of AI. Finally, in 2024 the Commission awarded an external study with objectives to explore the current and expected environmental impact of AI and to develop and operationalise a concept for a potential green AI label. It also has invested, through Horizon Europe 4 , in the research for energy-efficient AI technologies, as exemplified by projects like SustainML 5 , dAIEDGE 6 and ELIAS 7 . 1 Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on energy efficiency and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 (recast): http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/1791/oj 2 Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj 3 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act): http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj 4 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en 5 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101070408 6 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101120726 7 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101120237”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-23 “E-001789/2024 Answer given by Vice-President Jourová on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the developments the Honourable Member refers to in the question. The EU upholds linguistic diversity and the promotion of regional and minority languages. However, Member States are responsible for their cultural and linguistic diversity 1 . It follows that the legal provisions governing the use of languages fall within the exclusive competence of the Member States and must therefore be addressed at national level. Also, the Commission does not monitor the implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages 2 of the Council of Europe. The provisions of the European Media Freedom Act 3 aiming to ensure editorial independence of public service media providers and provision by them of a plurality of information and opinions to their audiences, 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 annexed to the founding Treaties of the EU 4 , shall apply from 8 August 2025. More generally, the Commission will continue to monitor developments regarding the situation of the public service broadcasters, taking into account Protocol No 29, in particular in its annual Rule of Law report 5 . 1 Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 2 https://www.coe.int/en/web/european-charter-regional-or-minority-languages/text-of-the-charter 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401083 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2012/pro_29/oj 5 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2bd09a6f-ef56-494a-8303-e0de808ee981_en”
  Rule of law in Spain · EU and national cultural identities
• 2024-09-23 “E-001788/2024 Answer given by Vice-President Jourová on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the developments the Honourable Member refers to in the question. The 2024 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Spain 1 , referred to the concerns expressed by some stakeholders about the use for partisan purposes of regional and local public service media. The Commission will continue to analyse the situation of the public service broadcasters, both at national and regional levels, taking into account the Protocol No 29 on the system of public broadcasting in the Member States annexed to the founding Treaties of the EU 2 . The provisions in the European Media Freedom Act 3 aiming 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, shall apply from 8 August 2025. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2bd09a6f-ef56-494a-8303e0de808ee981_en?filename=23_1_58063_coun_chap_spain_en_0.pdf 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2012/pro_29/oj 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401083”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media · Rule of law in Spain
• 2024-09-11 “P-001683/2024 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission The meeting between the Director-General of the Legal Service of the Commission and the Galician Regional Minister for the Environment, Territory and Housing, took place on 11 September 2024 per request of the Minister. The Legal Service of the Commission was not informed in advance that Mr Adrián Vázquez, Member of the European Parliament and former Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, would be part of the delegation. Mr Vázquez joined the meeting in full respect of the rules and principles applicable to the relations between the European Parliament and the Commission, which by no means prohibit such meetings between Members of the European Parliament and senior management of the Commission services. In case of such contacts, the Legal Service acts in line with the institutional obligations of the Commission under the duty of mutual sincere cooperation with the European Parliament (Article 13(2) Treaty on European Union). During the meeting, the Galician regional authorities provided information as to the situation of renewable energy in the region. The Commission services took note and provided explanations as to the applicable EU legislation in place. As regards the preliminary ruling case from the High Court of Justice in Galicia, the Commission services made very clear that the case is pending and ‘sub iudice’ before the European Court of Justice, and that therefore they cannot comment on the position to be taken by the Commission, as amicus curiae.”
  Rule of law in Spain · Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2024-09-04 “E-001618/2024 Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission The Commission, as part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, has taken steps to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2040. On 17 September 2024, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation on Smoke- and Aerosol-Free Environments 1 with the aim of better protecting people in the EU from exposure to second-hand smoke and aerosols. In addition, in 2022, as a result of a significant increase in the sales of heated tobacco products, the Commission adopted Delegated Directive (EU) 2022/2100 amending Directive 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the withdrawal of certain exemptions in respect of heated tobacco products 2 . As a consequence, in addition to prohibiting the use of flavourings in cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco, Member States have to prohibit the placing on the market of heated tobacco products with a characterising flavour and heated tobacco products containing flavourings in any of their components. Since 20 May 2024, the EU tobacco traceability system also covers tobacco products other than cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco which is a substantial improvement to the capacity of tobacco regulators and public authorities in better detecting potential fraud cases in the illicit trade of tobacco products. The Commission supports collaboration and dialogue with and among Member States and continues to fulfil its global commitment to tobacco control through the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the participation in its Conference of the Parties. The Commission is currently working on the evaluation of the EU tobacco legislation 3 . This evaluation is an important step towards a revision of the tobacco control legislation. 1 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-council-recommendation-smoke-and-aerosol-freeenvironments_en#:~:text=Details.%20Publication%20date.%2017%20September%202024.%20Author.%20Dire ctorate-General%20for%20Health 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022L2100 3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13481-Evaluation-of-the-legislativeframework-for-tobacco-control_en”
  Smoking regulation · Heated tobacco products · Restrictions of flavours in tobacco products
• 2024-09-03 “E-001612/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager on behalf of the European Commission All contracting authorities and contracting entities in the EU must respect the national rules transposing the EU Public Procurement directives 1 . These directives ensure that public procurement is opened up to competition and public funds are used efficiently. Member States are obliged to ensure application of the provisions transposing these directives to all public contracts and concessions the value of which is estimated to be not less than certain thresholds 2 . As specified in Directive 2014/24/EU 3 , the procurement shall not be subdivided with the effect of preventing it from falling within the scope of this Directive, unless justified by objective reasons. National courts are usually in the best position to assess whether contracting authorities and contracting entities respect their obligations under EU law. The transposition of the directives on remedies in public procurement 4 provides economic operators with rapid review procedures to challenge award procedures that they deem to be in breach of EU law, in the case at stake, before the Administrative Tribunal on Public Procurement of the Autonomous Community of Galicia 5 . Based on the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission cannot determine if these public procurement activities received EU funds. For EU funds under shared management, the Member States shall ensure that expenditure submitted to the Commission is legal and regular and prevent, detect, correct and report on possible irregularities. The Commission will raise the issue with the Spanish authorities and, should it identify a breach of EU law or a serious deficiency in a programme’s management and control system, it may interrupt or suspend the payment deadlines, and cancel the EU contribution. 1 Directive 2014/23/EU : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0023, Directive 2014/24/EU : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0024, and Directive 2014/25/EU : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0025 2 For concessions covered by Directive 2014/23/EU, the threshold is EUR 5 538 000. For public contracts covered by Directive 2014/24/EU and awarded by sub-central contracting authorities, the thresholds are EUR 5 538 000 for works contracts, EUR 750 000 for service contracts for social and some specific services and EUR 221 000 for all other service contracts and for all supplies contracts. For public contracts covered by Directive 2014/25/EU, the thresholds range from EUR 443 000 to EUR 5 538 000. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0024 4 Directive 89/665/EEC: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:01989L066520140417, and Directive 92/13/EEC: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:31992L0013 5 https://tacgal.xunta.gal/index_es.html”
  EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices · Rule of law in Spain
• “(10:30:50 – 10:34:15): Thank you, president, and welcome colleagues from Hungary, Macedonia, Kosovo, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Montenegro, Ukraine. Slovakia, Ukraine is first commitment from this parliament, and this brings me to the actual situation. The whole Europe is facing an oil and gas crisis, and I believe now the European Commission is right in the recent measures proposed: reducing fossil consumption, accelerating renewables and grids, and electrifying the economy as quickly as possible. These measures will benefit also the Energy Community. But we must not forget the essential. We are parliamentarians. This crisis has two signatures, Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Just as the energy prices crisis resulting from the invasion of Ukraine had the signature of the killer, Putin, this one also has a clear responsibility. Iran remains an undesirable regime, but now Iranians are worse because of the actions of the governments of the US and Israel. The European Commission was very vocal in holding Russia responsible for the previous crisis as it was. Now it's time for the Commission and her president to break her silence and speak loudly as she did with Putin. Dear colleagues, the acceleration and integration of the Energy Community into the European Union electricity and gas market is not just a technical and regulatory exercise. It is a strategic opportunity that can redefine the region's economic and energy outlook. But fully aligning national legislation with new rules, contracting parties can join the European electricity market coupling even before accession. Such integration will not merely be about connecting cables and grids—that is important, as was mentioned previously by some colleagues—but about connecting opportunities both for your citizens and industries. I think that participation in the electricity and gas markets offers a way to build resilience against new energy crises and against new possible aggressions. And I think the naturally aligned with the CBAM principles will ensure that regional industries remain competitive without facing additional adjustment mechanisms. Believe me, we strongly desire to have you into the EU and to have you better integrated into this Energy Community. But also, we are fighting against the dependence on fossil fuel because our competitiveness is at risk. So in the gas sector, let me ask you, how do you intend to ensure that integration with the EU market strengthens security of supply without creating new long-term fossil dependencies on stranded assets? I think this is also important to note. Thank you so much. Thanks a lot. And now on behalf of Renew, Miss Sigrid Friess.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Thank you. President. Last week, thousands of people were Savoring sardines. And in the next few days in Galicia, we will be doing the same thing. Why Galicia? And why in Portugal are we eating sardines in June? Because we know it's the best season to take advantage of the great nutritional properties. So we have a ocean based culture. We know the value of the ocean, the Atlantic, and we want that symbiosis between our culture, our society and our economy to be maintained. So, Commissioner, when it comes to the Ocean Pact, that applies and it comes to the success in these. We welcome this initiative in our group, but we wonder whether this is a pact that Europe needs. I have some doubts, because the rhetoric in the fisheries sector continues to be negative, and the commitments to coastal communities continue to be generic, defending the oceans, protecting them if necessary, ensuring that they are exploited sustainably. It is vital. We need to have a link to our existing activities, but we will be vigilant to ensure that this pact has overcome its structural weakness. We have a communication and it could just end up being empty words. Thank you.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• “I'm fascinated to see the EPP talking its marginal cost now in the electricity market design. This really is something the the electricity market design saw a number of points in that direction that were rejected. Energy prices are a significant impact and there's an impact on the gas market. So I think we need to work away from fossil fuel dependencies. The commission needs to evaluate the short term market in market design. And I think this is meant to happen in 2026. It could be brought forward to 2025. And certainly we cannot see us going backwards on this. I understand there's market overcapacity that could be dealt with by quotas, but we also need to be competitive in Europe in the production of steel. And that means energy prices need to be taken into account.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you very much. It's my first opportunity to congratulate you on your election. So thank you very much. To the rapporteur, to Sheena Bossa for all her work. There's a lot of basis for Agreement here, but I think we could also be more ambitious. When I was a child in my country in the 80s, we watched a man called de la Fuente who talked about the natural world, about natural systems, about endangered species. And I think, thanks to the life programme, in vain, we have helped the Iberian lynx, for example, that was at risk of extinction. And there's also been cases for the European bison in Poland and Romania. So I think this is quite inspiring for children from Spain and other countries. And so we need to continue with the life programme. It needs to be a stand alone programme with sufficient funds to ensure that our biodiversity and our natural world are safeguarded. I think life really embodies our European values in the same way that Erasmus, uh, does. There's been over 6000 programs, 6500, in fact, that have been financed. We, uh, talk a lot about competitiveness. I think we should be careful not to punish ourselves too much. Europe is, uh, competitive, but we also have to look at our way of life. We have a longer life expectancy. We have the lowest child mortality rates in the world. And that is because we also defend our environmental values, clean air and, uh, water and good management of our natural world. This is extremely important for our competitiveness as well. We should not forget that, uh, talking about this competitiveness fund? Uh, we are not just a business. We are a society. And we need to, uh, defend the competitiveness of our society as well. And finally, looking at the climate transition, not just mitigation, but also adaptation, we have a real opportunity to do some work in this, uh, committee to make a really good competitiveness fund. Thank you very much.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank you. President. Congratulations, Commissioner, on the work you are doing. This is a crucial proposal to eliminate imports of Russian gas since the beginning of the brutal invasion of Ukraine. We, as a group, we have called for to reduce our energy dependence from Russia. We are fully committed. We are fully committed to reduce our dependence on Russia. Dependence on fossil. And of course, our nuclear as well. We know that is not ready. But I think that we have to bear in mind this. The goal must be clear. Not one more euro to finance Putin's war. No more EU money. Use it as a weapon against the people of Ukraine. We have to ensure with a solid and legal basis, that it does not create legal or economic risk that can benefit Putin. Finally, so does the reason that we need a united and cohesive response for all the groups in this Parliament. I think it's essential. So, Commissioner, how are we going to ensure that we are going to create effectively a robust and solid legal peace?”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Thank you chairman. Thank you Commissioner. Thank you for being here today. Europe is heating up. We are seeing the cost of climate change, and the Court of Auditors have also drawn attention to this. We're facing greater costs in Europe than other continents in many ways, and I think. We need to be clear about this. One MEP has said we should have less investment in my country. That was someone from the EPP and in Spain we managed to be competitive. What we need to defend is the competitiveness and investment in the future and technologies of the future. I'm not going to talk about 2025 and the automotive sector. We need to keep those aims. We need to keep the 90% target for 2040. What I would like to ask about is mechanisms that could be introduced in the Clean Industrial Act, and we should look specifically at carbon differentiated contracts across the EU. There are instruments that could give certainty to companies to help them with Carbonization, and that could apply to entire sectors such as steel and cement. But there could be widening gaps between member states as a result of that. Does the Commission plan to use carbon differentiated contracts in the next few pieces of legislation that will be introduced, and if so, how?”
  Carbon leakage support
• “President. Thank you. President. Commissioner. Let me say it loud and clear. The future of Europe depends on the success of decarbonisation. In 2019, we started a path that was full of hope for the future of millions of Europeans. That was the Green Deal and rowing back on. That would be the worst thing we could do this century. Some people simply want to stop the Green Deal because they're feeling far right pressure to go in the opposite direction to that indicated by reason and science. Now we're moving towards a new economy. Clean energy sources will be at the heart of that. Let's not. Let's make no mistake, what has damaged our industry is our dependence on fossil fuels that we have to import. We need more renewables, more interconnections and markets that reflect the accessibility of this green energy. A genuine European energy union. Fewer fossil fuels. More Europe. I think it's important in this debate to highlight the wide consensus that we have to move forward along this path. This is our identity. Europe is committed to the fight against climate change. The clean industrial deal is the logical response to ensure that Europe is industrialized. And under the Green Deal, we're seeing a lack of stability in the United States. We have regulatory stability in Europe, and that needs to be used as a strategic value to attract investment. Simplification, yes, but we don't want to see deregulation. This industrial deal needs to be used as a spur to action. We need high quality jobs, etc.. Financing is essential and we welcome the efforts being made in that direction by the Commission. And to conclude, we have a wide ranging agreement here. We've all given something to achieve this resolution, but in the future we're going to have to implement all of this. So I would ask all of those who genuinely believe in the European project not to get distracted. We have to be specific here. Not everything that shines is clean and sustainable. Thank you very much.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you very much, chairperson. The last plenary in Strasbourg. All of us who are here, present right now, there was the discharges. We took care of the accountability, etc. for the European Union. We carried out an exercise of scrutiny. And I think many of the members of Parliament who are here would say that there's a certain lack of information for us here, a lack of transparency that we see in other European institutions as well. Therefore, I think a moment in time is going to come when this will not be sustainable. We're moving towards a. A structure which is very different in nature. We don't know what Commissioner, you depend on, for example, because it seems like on some issues you depend on one commission and other for other issues, or depend on other commissioners. So you must understand that we, members of the Parliament want to know who's in charge, who's giving you the orders that you respond to. So that's all not very clear in terms of the content of the actual work that the agency is doing. I recognize, yes, you're doing an excellent job, of course. However, there are some aspects that will be coming up in the future. That are of that we're concerned about when we talk about medicines, we're seeing the possibility there might be tariffs applied to medicines that might come to the European Union and be applied to tariffs applied to medicine, but also tariffs that could be applied in other countries and affect supply chains. So have you considered about how this might actually end up affecting the European Union? Are there any particular medicines, any drugs where you think that there might end up in the future being more dangerous or active ingredients or precursors that are produced in other parts of the world that we might have trouble with? In other words, what kind of thought have you been giving to the issue of the possibilities of the problems that tariffs might be causing?”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you. Now, first of all, I'd like to welcome you to this Committee for health, public health. Now, there's a lot here on the table. First of all, that is the legislative pharmaceutical package, which is a parliament position. But there's been a change of circumstances since the approval of this position. And we can see it on a day to day basis that they are threatening us. We're having to extend. Why do you have to instead extend these benefits to those who are threatening us? We must remember that data protection is for any manufacturer globally, any country of the world. We must connect this with this principle of autonomy and promoting innovation in Europe. I agree that data protection is a session essential. It has to be consistent, but it also has to be intelligent. You can't give the same things to the one who threatens the same rights you give to someone who is innovating and developing in Europe. And there's something that and here we have to find a solution in this sense, and it should be one of the priorities. Now, I was wondering, how do you consider that we can go ahead in this segment? This is with, uh, the concessions in Parliament, in Council. Then there's the other point, the Critical Medicines Act, which is also very important if we spend all its money in security and in defence, which is in weapons, there won't be money left for people, for people and to give them drugs. This is important. We also have to have safety or security of administering pharmaceutical products.”
  Pharma IPRs
• “Thank you. President. Competitiveness goes hand in hand with decarbonization. That is very clear. That is why we need sustainable aviation fuels that also offer industrial opportunities for Europe. If we do not support those who invest, others will fill in the void. Two more points. It seems that in third countries, tons and tons of French fries are being, um, fried. But miracle of miracles, without potatoes. And so we have waste oil streaming into the EU to be used. This is a fraud. And it's these kind of frauds that undermine the transition and the Green Deal We have to put an end to this. Sustainable fuels have to be a priority. Could the Commission please explain how we have problems with the supply of synthetic fuels for aviation and maritime transport? That should be a priority for these sectors because they don't have alternatives for decarbonisation. How is this going to work with road transport, or why will it go to road transport when there is already electrification? Let us prioritize where we should prioritize. Thank you.”
  Decarbonisation of aviation sector
• “Thank you. President. The clean industrial deal has the potential to be a driver of transformation, strengthening European industry. In other places. There is promotion of instability, but we need to head firmly Towards a European Green Deal, the only possible growth strategy. Some people here are promoting a return to fossil fuels, to gas, which was really the problem which undermined our competitiveness over recent years, increasing the prices of energy. So when you hear those groups talking about, once again promoting fossil fuels, you really know who's going to be pleased about that. It's Putin and Trump. So we need to continue in energy, which we hope will be renewable, and also for interconnectors. In addition, funding is a vital condition if we are to achieve these goals. We welcome the €100 billion, but we think that we need to press on in the new Multiannual Financial framework. We're in a hostile world, but we should not be distracted by anti-European propaganda. We must take advantage of our favorable position and what we have built together. Our standard of life is also part of our competitiveness.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Mrs. the first thing I would say to you is the Ets2 is having no impact on citizens bills yet because it hasn't been implemented yet, so that's simply false. We are paying fossil fuels at a higher price than in other areas because we don't have those fossil fuels. There are also external external factors when it comes to the use of fossil fuels. So it is leading to climate change. People are dying because of the effects of climate change, so we need to be aware of that too. It's not just acting in personal or political interests. You have to act for the good of humanity. Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Mr. president, Commissioner, in Galicia, we've seen. An end to primary aluminium production. Action. And that is, of course, a huge disappointment to the workers there. European aluminium production has fallen by 50% since 2021. Aluminium, steel and other products that we need to make turbines, cars and planes all that production has fallen. We can only bring these industries back to life. If we have affordable energy, that means more renewables. This fabric, this factory I was talking about in Galicia needs energy. If you don't support renewables, then you are jeopardizing jobs. If prices are high, if providers on the gas market are not reliable, then we need to decouple ourselves from the short term energy markets. We need to have PPE as we need to have a different approaches. This is something that we can do, Commissioner, if we're going to ensure that it's reliable for our industry?”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you. General director. You were talking about the lessons learned from the past crisis. And some we have learned that with renewables, We are more resistant to increases in gas prices. But then also, um, with gas, we're paying a lot more for electricity as well. So we need to reduce gas. And the fastest way of doing that, and the most effective way is using renewables and enhancing interconnections in this new, uh, affordable energy plan. I think you are looking at moving away from Russian oil, gas. All of this has to be left behind. I think that's logical. And we need to look for other reliable providers. But we're in this unpredictable, unstable climate now. So if we leave Russia and we turn to another supplier, for example, um, for LNG to the United States, and if at the end of the war there are some agreements that Europe might be happy with, and we could, uh, reduce the movement from the other side of the Atlantic, we know what kind of emergency we're going to be faced with. We need if we talk about reducing or announcing reductions, we're all going to see an increase in prices. So obviously we need to work on interconnections. That's crucial. And then finally, in the affordable Energy plan you are proposing a roadmap for digitization. Are you taking account of the risks of this disorderly rapid development, and are we going to have renewable objectives for 2040? We should also remember how important it is to electrify in order to reduce prices. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “And when we see that there is a lack of supply security, it's important for us to be able to decouple on a short term markets. The gas cap in January. We are more vulnerable now than just a few days back. And the European Union is isolated all the more over. So the paragraph that looks at revising the short term, the markets for gas. We need to make sure to we reduce inter barriers interconnections or lack thereof limit. The ability of Europe to have an integrated market without any obstacles. And. When we have contracts for difference, we need to make sure that there is a lack or there is less fragmentation on the market. This should be done Europe wide. Moreover And considering the action plan for affordable energy. We need to make sure that there is no, um, throwing off balance of the internal market. The market is currently a huge part of the ecological transition, and it means that Europe will be able to survive. It is not time for us to, uh, have any step steps back when it comes to the European Green Deal. Thank you.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you. The battery booster initiative is crucial for EU electrification. So that we can move to being an electro continent and stop being, uh, in inefficient and using fossil fuels. And on the one hand, we have flexibilization of the goal of low emission vehicles for 2025, which will contribute to to regulatory stability. But of course, we also welcome the battery booster. We need a diversified European value chain in order to diversify and have the kind of storage capacity that our economy needs. But how are you going to have a medium term support for the battery boosters strategy via this competitive, uh, fund? Uh, what about the IRA in the EU and the capacity of China moving into our market? It's a crucial issue. We need to give priority to this market and try and dispel the doubts along the way. If you have companies based in Europe, but with a Chinese. Parent company, are they going to be involved in the battery booster strategy at all? Are they going to benefit from it? Thank you very much for coming. I've got two questions and comments. The first is why don't we have more action from the structured dialogue in the omnibus, in the dialogue with the manufacturers, it was promised that the results of the revision process would be used as the foundation for necessary commission measures across all the departments. And of course, that it's all rather half hearted. And secondly, the manufacturers are criticising the fact that for more competitiveness they need more, uh, planning, uh, security. And there's also the argument of the goal for 2035 as far as renewable fuels are concerned. Green steel has been mentioned and the European car industry is. Being made increasingly development dependent on external suppliers. So what about planning security? How are you going to continue to guarantee that?”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• “Well, you said it yourself. It wasn't renewables. And, uh, you know that that's true. I mean, I can't agree with all your assessments, though, because, uh, I'm not here to defend a fossil based economy, which is what your party is doing. So I would say that, uh, we need, uh, Renewables. Patriotism confirms that as well. It's not other people's patriotism. Trump and Putin, the people you defend. I will not follow along your path. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you very much, Mr. Busca festival. I appreciate the Danish commitment that continues to focus on the green transition, the focus on renewables. I think this is an important political signal, but we will see that when we look at the 2040 target. How do you intend to achieve this with this 90% reduction? So we have the risk of flexibility. And when we look at the Kyoto Protocol, we have the risk of putting into question our commitments. There was a discussion on possible fraud, uh, in, um, raw materials such as using palm oil or cooking oil. Uh, is there a way to eliminate such practices? Are you looking at this? And then we completely support legislative measures. Um. We do not want to see a single, uh, euro more go to Putin. So how can we ensure that we have the right legislation in place, a strong, uh, legislation without any loopholes, any backdoors, uh, any escape clauses so that we can stop, uh, sending benefits to Putin. Thank you.”
  Biofuels (RED II)
• “Thank you. Chair. Something we're a bit concerned about When it comes to the compass. Well, actually, we're quite happy to see Mr. Grassi here, who's been working hard on the Green Deal for a number of years. And it's good to see that a number of the goals from the Green Deal are being maintained. This compass is setting north. And when we think about competitiveness, that's one way to get to our true north. So better jobs, better wages would be another way. That would be another way to get to a prosperous Europe. So we need to think about the growth strategy that we have and how sustainable it is. That's currently the Green Deal. So we mustn't lose sight of the Green Deal. We need to make sure that we keep on course and implement our plan in a timely manner, because. We need to think about CO2. We need to meet our targets. So let's not fall into the trap. Let's find solutions. For instance, for the automotive industry. Are you thinking of bringing forward the assessment of the electric market in the short term? And what about the electrification plan? I'd like to know whether we're going to have electrification goals and renewable goals for the year 2040.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Okay, I will speak in Spanish. I have lost interest in the study. One of the elements that's proposed is to have a hybrid. Now the idea here is to have a bilateral agreement. And in this agreement have elements that are a flexibility. Now, is that what you mean Or are you talking about renewables that include storage, or are you talking exclusively about renewable park sources, which include storage? What are you what do you mean exactly by civic PPAs? Do you mean a PPA which is renewable with elements for flexibility? And if you are talking about flexibility, then what type of flexibility would it be? What are you referring to exactly? Because we can see that in the study. This is a key element that says that as we advance in the area of decarbonization towards an electric system with more renewables, we'll see that we are using less those traditional flexibility elements. And so how can we get ahead of ourselves, get ahead with making sure that this happens? Because I'm in a country with reduced levels of interconnections with other member states And our flexibility is mainly reflected in a good grid, a good network that allows us to have lots of elements of flexibility. But as we advance in a more renewable and decentralized system, this probably won't happen. So what would be the solutions there?”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you. President. Let me begin by congratulating the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteur for my group, Mr. Toback. Now. A lot has been said about Spain and the blackout, and I just want to make something clear, because there are a lot of people who don't seem to know what they're talking about. Now, renewables had no role in the blackout. Renewables are a guarantee for a good future for Europe, and we need to continue moving down that path. But we do need a better network and more interconnections to ensure that renewables can work better. We need to further electrify our economy, continue to decarbonise and improve our networks. So three parties promoting investments and ensure that they are front loaded as the electricity market redesign says. And then we also need to connect our outermost regions and our peripheries. The Iberian Peninsula and other areas can't have fewer than 15% worth of interconnections. We need to move forward with interconnections and integrate our electrical market and include different energy sources. As sun and solar power in the south, water power in the east, wind power in the north. We need to ensure that decarbonisation is an opportunity to ensure that Europe becomes more competitive and that we have better networks. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Our commitment to Ukraine was limping, and now it has been reestablished. And this is an agreement to stop Russian gas import. And it would be even greater if we were able to ensure that not a single euro of the European economy could flow to Putin's hands through the purchasing of fossil fuels. That would be the greatest level of commitment. In Galician, we have the word CO2, which means to act pragmatically and with common sense. So I urge Saito in this situation when it comes to improving energy efficiency and renewables in Europe, the best fossil fuel in Europe is the fossil fuel that is not used now Russian or other fossil fuels. This is what we should commit to. We should ensure that this situation becomes permanent, that nobody is tempted again to reconnect to Russian gas. Europe will not be competitive as long as we're junkies, dependent on Russian or other gas. We don't want Russian gas. We don't want Russian oil. But what about uranium?”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. This proposal is extremely worrying. This is why we wanted to have the debate today, because of the huge impact that this commission proposal will have, primarily in the Bay of Cadiz. Cadiz. Initially, we were expecting a quota of 2300. Following the ISIS report, the TAC recommended now is tantamount to the closure of the fishery, because the fleet has already used up 2100 tons. And this at a time where we are still awaiting a further report in the coming weeks from ISIS on the stock. This is going to have serious repercussions. The purse seine fleet of the Bay of Cadiz is made up of 75 vessels that focus on sardines and anchovies and sardines only have a three month fishing period. The cuts. Actually will represent 75% of real catch, so it's of existential concern. The fleet is dependent on anchovy to the tune of over 75%. So it's extremely sensitive to any changes in the TAC. Of course, all of us are committed to the sustainable management of fisheries. My country, my government. Here are the members here. And the Commission should start trying to reflect on the real impact of their policies that they are not. Commission is not taking into account all aspects of sustainability, as Mr. Meerman has rightly pointed out. Not just the environmental aspect, of course that's important, but the social and economic impacts are conspicuous for their absence in the decision making process here. Quite sincerely, I hope that to what the the Commissioner has in his mission letter will be heeded. In other words, that the social and economic aspects of these decisions will be taken into account. Once again, this is a decision that is going to cause major alarm and is already having an impact on the economy of the area. I mean, I know this is being discussed in council, but please commission, reflect on this, withdraw this report, withdraw this proposal, come forward with a new proposal. That takes into account as well, that the natural year in the management of anchovy stocks.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Firstly, I think we should celebrate the fact that we still have conferences of the parties. We're still talking about climate change, and we are aware that we need to enter into commitments at a global level to deal with the greatest existential problem facing humanity, not just in the medium and long term, but now in the short term, because we are seeing the devastating consequences that climate change is having. And those consequences are particularly affecting the places in the world which have least contributed to the problem. And I would like to raise that here. It's not Latin America or the Caribbean that were guilty of climate change. The people who are guilty of the emissions were us. And so the efforts need to be shared. But they ought not to be symmetric. And some of us need to contribute more than others. And this is why we have this approach in Europe. It's true that we are a small part of the world, but we need to ensure that we maintain our will to decarbonise so that we can do our bit, even if it's just a bit, to put out the fire which is blazing in this planet. So Europe has been, must be and will be an important part when it comes to the cops. And we want to do what we can to contribute towards the green transition without forgetting the damage which is happening. So I wanted to say very clearly, United States has gone its own way. It separated itself from this multilateral path.”
  Climate efforts
• “This is a crisis for fossil fuels caused by Netanyahu and Trump. And I'm wondering why the EPP is constantly denying the fact that this is a crisis of fossil fuels. We need to move away from them because you're talking about Trump and Netanyahu. But why are you doing that, given that Chancellor Mertes is being said, that Trump is being humiliated by Iran because they didn't have appropriate plans for the war? So why does the EPP not talk about the realities of this conflict? Why aren't you saying that this is a fossil fuel crisis caused by Trump and Netanyahu, which is affecting Europeans?”
  Fossil fuels
• “Thank you very much. These are the views of the the far right on science. They deny it validity. They spread false information, lies about vaccines. And here I think we need to be responsible. And I'm calling on the center right. That still believes in science. Members of the European People's Party, the EPP, is that those are the people that you want to agree with. You want to. Do strategy with those that are against vaccines. Those are against the vaccines that we know these days are can help. So I call on you to show some responsibility. This is not a discourse or discussion that we feel happy about because it's anti-science. But I think that, uh, those from the EPP should have a think about what's being said by some in this House when it comes to the plan on beating cancer. I think it's very important to remember the issue of prevention. I was a rapporteur on an issue to do with this, and I remember on that the issue to do with smoking and use of tobacco is not really properly covered. The commission says that it wants to see a tobacco free generation for 2040. Is that still possible given the regulations that we have? I don't think it is because we are overlooking the risks of vaping and new forms of using nicotine. And until we tackle that, you're going to see new people who are addicted to nicotine. And they've been created by the industry there. And I think that the commission needs to shoulder its responsibilities and at least try and follow up on one of its commitments, because otherwise it will be responsible for the thousands of European Union citizens who are going to have cancer, cancer because of tobacco use. So we need to think about prevention. On top of making sure that the screenings and early detection methods are available to citizens, and that all those screening procedures are followed through right through to the end, unlike what has happened in Andalusia, where there were some problems through with echography of women who were facing serious risk of cancer”
  Smoking regulation
• “Now, we've heard for the first time in Iceland the mosquitoes. There's one place in the world that was free of mosquitoes. And a climate change means there's going to be more diseases, higher risk for health. We will have more storms. We already have more floods. So the climate change is accelerating. And faced with this, what we can't do in Europe is, is is hit the brakes. So Commissioner, we have Trump trying to blow up multilateralism. The European Union and above all this House need to be at the forefront of international cooperation. We cannot turn up to Cop 30 in Berlin with nothing in our hands, because the alternative to European leadership is a vacuum, and that vacuum will be filled by others. Now we have technological solutions to fight climate change. We have solutions to reduce emissions. We have solutions to hit the 90%. They exist and it also ensures European competitiveness, economy and reducing CO2. Work together.”
  Climate efforts
• “Well, just imagine a family with three kids in a small flat in a city in which summer lasts eight weeks longer in southern Europe. And you will find, you know, all the trees being cut down on the public squares. These are a result of the nationalist policies being pursued by the right, particularly in the south of Europe, whereas in actual fact, protecting human health is a duty. Fighting climate change does not only mean tackling root causes, but also adapting the way in which we live, the way in which we work. And making sure that our housing is fit for purpose, particularly and especially for those. Who have the fewest resources. Climate change should mean social justice. And failing to recognise that is irresponsible and is an attack on those with least. And we repeatedly have said that denying climate change costs lives. And it's not. Actually the most vulnerable who are gobbling up our resources. We need to tackle climate change. As I say, because it costs lives. Negation costs lives, whereas climate adaptation saves lives. That is the lesson we should take away from all of this.”
  EU climate adaptation and disaster preparedness
• “This file on biotechnology is, uh, I think, uh, very important. Um, it's important that we maintain In our intention attention on this. It's important for me because I think we need to make sure we're defending science. It should not be subordinate to ideological ideas or or religious beliefs. It's essential when it comes to our technological progress and for our human existence. So when you've seen some of the things that President Trump is saying in the United States, I think it's clear what these regressive tendencies are could mean. So from our group, we have put forward a number of amendments to this report intended to support the strategic autonomy of the European Union and ensure that we can promote a authentically European innovation that will mean proper competitiveness. We need to strengthen our scientific and technology base here. Therefore, we point out the importance of protecting and strengthening our efforts in education and public research. We need greater investment there in order to close the gap between basic research and clinical applications, and we need to strengthen public private partnerships here as well. We also need to remember the rights of work, labour rights of researchers. We need to ensure that they can continue to be mobile. And we also need to remember the importance of new technologies, which are going to be essential when it comes to developing prosperous biotechnology in Europe. We also need to remember are often diseases because they need more financing, more funding through, or that could come through our networks of excellence or bio regions. And we've also putting forward a focus on fairness. A public investment in science should help everybody. We need the right kind of price mechanisms to ensure universal public access to medicines, and to the solutions from biotechnology. Public money should not just, um, help private interests. So, uh, I think in this proposal, what we want to try and do is create an innovative sector which will be part of the competitive future of Europe, and we shouldn't lose sight of that. Thank you.”
  New Genomic Techniques
• “Madam president, when Russia began its war of aggression against Ukraine, about half of the gas consumed by the EU came from Russia. This was no coincidence. This is a weapon. A weapon the Kremlin used with direct consequences on the European economy, for our businesses and for our citizens. And I think with this agreement, we are now taking a firm step in the direction of closing by 2027, a phase that we never should have allowed. We will be reducing our dependence on Russian fossil fuels. This is an ethical decision by the EU to ensure that not one more single euro will pay Putin pay for Putin's war machine. This is a decision in favour of European security. For this reason, to think that we should replace this dependence by another is a mistake. I don't like these agreements to buy massive quantities of fossil fuels from elsewhere. I think we should invest in renewables in European energy produced in Europe. Commissioner, don't listen to these patriots, so-called patriots who claim to defend their countries. But then they don't want our own energy. They want to continue dependence on other countries for fossil fuels. Don't listen to them. They don't have any solutions.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “As the Hungarian presidency said, one of the legislative dossiers that's on the table and which is very important, is the revision of the pharmaceutical law. The Negotiations are quite slow and the incentives and data regulation are the sticking points. So do you fear that there might be a gridlock on that law because there's the issue of incentives. But on the other hand, you have the issue of data access and the two are pitted against each other. But then you and the presidency. Would you include a link between data and localization of the production of the medication? That's an EP amendment. And would that help with EU competitiveness? Then a final issue we've heard here that some are against anti-vaccines are anti-vaccine, some are against vaccines. That's unacceptable for me. Hungary is a so-called illiberal democracy, but you are at least trying to make a success of your presidency. I believe that you are a country that believes in science. So there are suspicions about populism because you work with the populists. So please be clear. Show clearly, unequivocally, once and for all. Show that the Hungarian presidency is in favor of science, that you defend vaccines, and you acknowledge that vaccines were helpful during the pandemic. Otherwise, how can we believe the rest of what you say?”
  Vaccination
• “Thank you president. Thank you so much. I will speak in Spanish. Um, uh, in April. In April this year we had a mission to Slovakia. Slovakia has a significant amount of potential for geothermal energy production. Now, we saw the challenges. There is a significant amount of potential to reduce emissions, and also to be able to heat our homes with economical and low carbon energy. But we still have to take a step forward when it comes to technology and what is more important funding the risk of drilling. This is essential, and I think that the European Commission should make an effort in its next strategy to move in that direction. We must not forget about some of the objectives, such as mapping the geothermal resources throughout the EU and also simplifying and streamlining the administrative and permitting procedures. But what is key when it comes to achieving adequate objectives is to help de-risk investments. When it comes to these types of technology, and over time, the costs will go down. But this is the time to push because Europe could be a potential leader in geothermal energy production. Thank you.”
  EU policy on permitting for renewable energy projects
• “And that's very bad news. But it would be even worse news for the United States in years to come, because the impacts of climate change will not spare anyone, and the green and energy transitions are not just an opportunity to make progress in combating climate change. They're not just an opportunity for mitigation and adaptation. It is also an opportunity for competitiveness. So anyone who denies that is also denying the availability of technological solutions which are important for their economies. So we should be building a coalition of people who want to agree. We mustn't set aside multilateralism as a way to make progress among equals, a way to cooperate and look for solutions in the face of this enormous challenge. Now, it may be true that in some cases there are people who are losing out. In some cases people benefits. But we need to look at balance, how we resolve imbalances, how we can help the sectors that might be struggling at certain times. But we must not deny and we must not delay. If people are saying that farmers might lose out in the transition. Well, they will be the people who are hurt by climate change. The people who are going to suffer the most harm are the people who make a living from the land, who have to make a living from the land. So let us not be deceived by people who try to promote denial or delay. The opportunity to live from the land is also in decarbonisation. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “(11:14:11 – 11:16:02): Gracias. Thank you, everyone. Thank you to all the speakers, and I agree with what's already been said. One key point, I agree with, which is what Ms. Diego Navarro said, is that global health is an issue of security, and Europe has to be aware of these priorities. Now I remember that we talked at a meeting about multilateral bodies and how we have to contribute to them, that's fundamental so that we have an effective response in times of crisis. Let me focus and I was at the WHO. Now let me just focus on something Ms. Diego Navarro said about the workforce and the European response teams for emergencies. How should these be structured? How should the governance model be organized in terms of emergency situations? And generally speaking, I think now is the time for us to realize that health issues, global health issues affect human health. And I think in terms of global health, we need to really focus on that in our work. We have to introduce the scientific evidence for better regulation. I'd like to hear what the speakers think on this.”
  EU competences on health (internal-competence axis, sharpened)
• “Thank you. Jojo. Thank you. I will speak in Spanish. My question is about sustainability. Because we want well developed artificial intelligence. But it's not very intelligent in terms of sustainable use of resources. And here we need to make efforts. Why? Because developing AI and new data centers is a challenge in terms of a strategic union, where we have the green transition and the digital transition converging. So sustainability is an essential element, but also sustainability in terms of the use of energy. Why? Because there are experiences in other countries in the US, for example, like in the state of Virginia, where the high level of development of data center services has led to an increase in consumer prices. This has also happened in some EU member states like in Ireland. So there is a sustainability issue we need to address. So I'd like to know how we can ensure that artificial intelligence and the data centres that we will have in the future can be more efficient in terms of sustainable use of resources. We have to fulfil our climate goals, after all, and when it comes to a data centre, needs to be placed in a region that can produce, that can produce decarbonised energy without creating new bottlenecks in terms of distribution and transport of energy. Thank you.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “Thank you, president. Thank you, Commissioner Jorgensen. Delicate proposals we are seeing from the Commission to address potential price crisis or disruption are like bringing a knife to a gunfight. We are purchasing gas from two lions that want to eat us. But we lack the tools to defend ourselves. Of course, we must implement what we have in progress as cmd without shortcuts and without dismantling the European Green Deal as some within the Commission seem to desire. Please remain consistent in this regard. Remain consistent in a renewable target for 2040. But the million dollar question is what will we do if Trump decides to reduce or cut off the gas supply to Europe? Putin has already done it, and it is conceivable that Trump might do the same pressure to us. What tools do you have planned for such a scenario that is not unthinkable nowadays. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)