Lídia PEREIRA

Policy topics Lídia PEREIRA is active on

What Lídia PEREIRA has said (55)

• 2026-06-17 “(10:22:33 – 10:23:14): You very much. Explain to me. Explain to all who have voted how a country like Portugal with 10,000,000 people, how could we strike good trade deals with the rest of the world on our own? What makes the European Union so strong is that we have this weight. We have 450,000,000 consumers behind us. That's a big enough size and scale to make our voice heard and respected on the international scene. And, yes, let me tell you that Portugal is doing much better in the EU, much better than 40 years ago when we weren't in the EU, when we were isolated because of a dictatorship.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• 2026-06-17 “(10:20:10 – 10:21:49): Commissioner, colleagues. The debate on China is all too often reduced to false choices, cooperation or confrontation, openness or protection, dialogue or firmness. But Europe doesn't need to tie itself to these binary choices. It needs a strategy that reconciles these. China is our largest import partner and the 3rd biggest destination for our exports. So, yes, we do need to have more dialogue, but we can't have dialogue from a position of vulnerability. And we know to what extent European industry depends on value chains involving China. But it's not one-sided. China needs access to our market, so we need to make the most of our economic power and clout to ensure a level playing field for European companies. But this power and clout only matters, only counts if we speak with 1 voice. Sometimes member states visit China in search of bilateral agreements, and then China hears 20 different voices. But no 1 is strong enough on their own to impose themselves and be respected. Europe is stronger than the sum of its individual parts. We are our union. And let me speak directly to our Chinese counterparts. Europe is not seeking confrontation but a fair relationship. But such a relationship cannot be built on pressure but on trust. And this must be mutual trust. You can't demand this. You earn it through respect, reciprocity, and clear rules.”
  EU-China relations
• 2024-12-13 “E-002937/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges quantum computing’s enormous potential to transform and grow many industrial sectors, including Europe’s clean tech industry. The Quantum Technologies Flagship’s Strategic Research and Industry Agenda for 2030 1 highlights many use cases relevant to clean tech. To further harness quantum’s great potential and building on the Quantum Declaration 2 signed by 26 Member States, the Commission is preparing a comprehensive quantum strategy aiming to consolidate EU and national initiatives and boost European competitiveness in this strategic field, including measures to increase public and private funding, facilitate the transformation of excellent EU research into marketable devices and applications, build panEuropean quantum infrastructures such as advanced pilot lines (supported by, e.g., the Chips 3 and EuroHPC 4 Joint Undertakings), and promote quantum centres of excellence. It will prioritise skills development, working with universities and research institutes to foster European quantum talent and building on the initiatives in quantum funded by the Digital Europe Programme 5 . The new strategy will help Europe maintain a highly competitive position in both quantum technologies and clean tech, as well as many other fields. Moreover, European universities alliances can play a key role in developing skills and knowledge for a quantum economy through joint programmes, partnerships and coordinated investments in infrastructure, equipment and human resources. 1 https://qt.eu/media/pdf/Strategic-Reseach-and-Industry-Agenda-2030.pdf 2 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/european-declaration-quantum-technologies 3 https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/institutions-and-bodies/search-all-eu-institutions-andbodies/chips-joint-undertaking_en 4 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/high-performance-computing-joint-undertaking 5 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/digital-programme”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-12-13 “E-002935/2024 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass on 29 January 2025 1 . The Compass gives a clear strategic framework to enable the EU and Member States to steer policies in the same direction. It builds on the framework provided by the Draghi Report 2 , notably by setting out measures to underpin three transformational imperatives for competitiveness: closing the innovation gap, a joint roadmap for decarbonisation and competitiveness, and increasing security and reducing excessive dependencies. It furthermore sets out horizontal enablers of EU competitiveness and identifies key policy actions for the mandate. The Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report 3 , published at the same time, provides the analytical context for the Competitiveness Compass. 2. As explained in the Competitiveness Compass, a simpler, lighter and faster regulatory framework is a horizontal enabler of competitiveness. The new enhanced small and mediumsized enterprises and competitiveness check in impact assessments will become a stronger filter for new initiatives, also assessing the expected variations in cost differentials compared to other international competitors. 3. The Competitiveness Compass specifies that in the next multiannual financial framework a new European Competitiveness Fund should respond to the funding needs, covering EU public goods and multi-country investment projects. This should be in line with commonly agreed funding priorities, including de-risking, leveraging private investments, and supporting research and development. The Fund will operate in a more integrated fashion preventing the fragmentation of the EU budget over too many programmes with limited coordinated steer and high complexity for industry. 1 A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, COM(2025) 30 final. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en#paragraph_47059 3 The 2025 Annual Single market and Competitiveness Report, COM(2025) 26 final.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-12-13 “E-002936/2024 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The priorities of the new Commission are described in the Political Guidelines 1 and the Mission Letters. On 29 January 2025, the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass 2 , which is informed by the report by Mario Draghi and lays out the roadmap for the next years to increase Europe’s competitiveness. The Competitiveness Compass identifies flagship actions and initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal that will further implement the priorities set out in the Compass. The Commission has further published a Communication on a European Savings and Investments Union 3 , as recommended in the report by Enrico Letta. In the first 100 days of the mandate, the Commission presented a Vision for Agriculture and Food 4 by drawing on the recommendations of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture and Food 5 . Moreover, the Commission bases all its policy initiatives on solid evidence to which these reports contribute. Any policy initiatives will take account of the findings in the Draghi and other reports and will be based on instruments – legislative or otherwise – that allow meeting the pursued policy objectives in the most effective way. Speed, coherence and simplification will be priorities of the Commission. The Commission will screen the EU acquis to identify measures to simplify EU laws, without undermining the policy objectives, thus stress-testing the stock of EU laws. Improved competitiveness and small and medium-sized enterprises checks will be implemented in the working methods, in all impact assessments. The Commission will engage with stakeholders through a new consultation approach called reality checks, and each Commissioner will hold at least two implementation dialogues per year. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf 2 A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, COM(2025) 30 final. 3 Savings and Investments Union – A Strategy to Foster Citizens’ Wealth and Economic Competitiveness of the EU, COM(2025) 124 final. 4 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/vision-agriculturefood_en#:~:text=The%20Vision%20calls%20for%20devising,healthy%2C%20quality%20food%20to%20citize ns 5 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/cap-overview/main-initiatives-strategic-dialoguefuture-eu-agriculture_en”
  EU political integration (free access) · Climate efforts
• 2024-10-10 “E-002013/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager on behalf of the European Commission 1. It is for the Member States to assess if a specific measure involves State aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and, if so, to notify the measure to the Commission before granting it to the beneficiaries, unless it is covered by block exemption regulations. Sales of public shareholdings at terms that are in line with market conditions do not involve State aid and do not need to be notified in advance pursuant to Article 108(3) TFEU. The Commission services were involved in the process of the privatisation of Efacec Power Solutions, SGPS, S.A. (Efacec) to assist the Portuguese authorities in ensuring compliance with the State aid rules, as noted in earlier replies 1 . The nationalisation of Efacec in July 2020 predates the involvement of the Commission services in the privatisation of Efacec, which was a subsequent process. 2. It is for the Portuguese authorities to draw conclusions from the Report by the Portuguese Court of Auditors and ensure a follow-up, if appropriate. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2023-003256-ASW_EN.html https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-003870_EN.html https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-005241_EN.html”
  State Aid · EU Competition policy
• 2024-09-03 “E-001606/2024 Answer given by Ms McGuinness on behalf of the European Commission The Commission fully recognises the importance of financial literacy. The Commission has been and continues to be engaged in initiatives to enhance it. Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) gives the Commission a supporting role in education by encouraging cooperation between Member States and supporting their actions and the Commissioner-designate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union 1 is tasked with developing a strategy on financial literacy. The Commission supports various transnational projects and initiatives by stakeholders and Member States on financial literacy by providing funding through the Erasmus+ programme 2 , the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) 3 and the European Social Fund 4 . The Commission also encourages the exchange of best practices among Member States. Financial literacy is a high priority within the Commission's economic and financial policy framework. The Commission, together with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development International Network on Financial Education (OECD/INFE) developed two financial competence frameworks for adults, and children and young people in 2022 5 and 2023 6 respectively. In the Retail Investment Strategy 7 proposal of May 2023, the Commission proposes to require Member States to promote the financial education of retail clients. This proposal is currently with the co-legislators. Financial literacy was also a priority for the Belgian Presidency, from January to June 2024, which the Commission fully supported, including by way of a high-level conference and the adoption of Council conclusions by Finance Ministers. A number of Member States are working on national strategies on financial literacy. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/ac06a896-2645-4857-9958467d2ce6f221_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20ALBUQUERQUE.pdf 2 Financial literacy projects with adults, schoolteachers and adult education teachers are funded as part of Erasmus+, for example: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2021-1-AT01-KA220-SCH000032827 3 https://reform-support.ec.europa.eu/tsi-2024-flagship-digital-financialliteracy_en#:~:text=This%2520flagship%2520aims%2520at%2520helping%2520EU 4 The European Social Fund Plus also finances projects that include improving financial literacy, for example: https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en/social-innovation-match/case-study/projekt-domov 5 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-01/220111-financial-competence-framework-adults_en.pdf 6 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-09/230927-financial-competence-framework-childrenyouth_en.pdf 7 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/retail-investment-strategy_en”
  Financial regulation
• 2024-09-03 “E-001605/2024 Answer given by Ms McGuinness on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission put forward a legislative proposal to establish a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS) in 2015 1 . Since then, the Commission has frequently and consistently stressed the importance of EDIS and called upon co-legislators to complete the Banking Union 2 . The Commission believes that EDIS remains a crucial element for the resilience and financial stability of the Banking Union as confirmed in the Commissionerdesignate for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union mission letter 3 . It can also pave the way for increased market integration, thereby enabling a more competitive banking sector. 2. The Commission confirms that its 2015 proposal still stands. As discussions on EDIS were in stalemate for almost a decade, the Commission supports efforts to move forward the political discussion. Therefore, the Commission welcomes the fact that the European Parliament showed willingness to move forward with the EDIS proposal. The Commission notes that the report on EDIS adopted by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs in April 2024 is in line with alternative options for implementing EDIS that the Commission outlined in the past 4 . 3. There is no inconsistency between the Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance (CMDI) reform and EDIS. The proposed CMDI reform framework would be even more effective if combined with EDIS 5 . The creation of a common safety net for the protection of deposits would support national Deposit Guarantee Schemes in need, enhance the funding sources available to pay out depositors and handle failing banks (next to the bank’s internal loss absorption capacity and the resolution funds), enable reducing the contributions by banks into industry-funded safety nets due to pooling effects and further reduce the use of taxpayers money. 1 COM (2015) 586. 2 For example the 2017 Communication on completing the Banking Union (COM(2017)/592 final), the 2023 Communication on the review of the CMDI framework contributing to the Banking Union (COM (2023)/225 final). 3 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/ac06a896-2645-4857-9958467d2ce6f221_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20ALBUQUERQUE.pdf 4 The 2017 Communication on completing the Banking Union (COM(2017)/592 final) contains the idea of starting with starting with liquidity sharing before introducing loss mutualisation, Annex 10 of the impact assessment on CMDI (SWD(2023)/225 final) describes a potential hybrid-EDIS model. 5 Communication on crisis management and deposit insurance framework contributing to the completion of the Banking Union (COM 2023/225 final).”
  European Deposit Insurance Scheme · European Banking Union
• 2024-09-03 “E-001604/2024 Answer given by Mr Gentiloni on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has been working extensively to make taxation simpler, fairer and more efficient. On 18 February 2020, the Council agreed to the new simplification rules proposed by the Commission to reduce the administrative burden for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The new scheme will apply as of 1 January 2025. On 8 December 2022, the Commission also proposed the Value-Added Tax (VAT) in the Digital Age package (ViDA) 1 , including various initiatives to modernise the EU’s VAT system and make it work better for businesses. In the area of direct taxation, on 19 June 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for Faster and Safer Tax Relief of Excess Withholding Taxes (FASTER) 2 to simplify the procedures for portfolio investors to obtain relief from excess withholding taxes on cross-border dividend and interest payments. The Council reached an agreement on the proposal on 14 May 2024. On 12 September 2023, the Commission also adopted a proposal for a Head Office Tax System (HOT) 3 to give SMEs operating cross-border the option to interact with only one tax administration, instead of having to comply with multiple tax systems in the EU. Simplification remains a key political priority as outlined in the Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission 2024-2029 4 . 1 https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/taxation/vat/vat-digital-age-vida_en 2 COM (2023) 324. 3 COM(2023) 528. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf”
  EU rules on excess withholding taxes · Overall simplification of regulation in the EU (free access)
• “Thank you very much, chair. Um. So, dear Commissioner, the Commission's decision to present the delegated act on taxonomy as part of the simplification package marks an important step towards improving regulatory efficiency. I'm more optimistic than my dear friend Janusz. And these packages objectives have our firm support, particularly the facilitation of transition finance and encouragement of investments that achieve a net positive environmental impact. The reduction of reporting requirements by minimising data production and introducing a de minimis threshold is crucial to alleviate the the unnecessary administrative burdens and instead of increasing the administrative burden, we must help. Exactly. Companies to mobilize their resources for real and concrete investments. So, by streamlining the processes, we can foster a more effective regulatory framework that maintains transparency while allowing businesses to focus on delivering sustainable solutions without excessive bureaucracy. So with this said, I have two questions. And one is if there is some flexibility on the do no significant harm criteria, if you think this will be sufficient to ensure the they don't work as a killer criteria for investments with a net positive environmental environmental impact. And the second question is on the 10% de minimis threshold that applies to both turnover capital expenditures and 25% operating expenditures, which can vary in undertaking over time. So has the Commission evaluated the the option for having a higher threshold, or for either turnover or CapEx for further simplifying of reporting. Thank you.”
  Green Taxonomy
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Well, the time for report has already passed. Now it's time to decide once and for all. Will we simplify, invest and scale up? Or will we fall behind? We shouldn't be losing competitiveness for a lot of talent. We need to deal with bureaucracy, fragmentation and expensive energy costs for small and medium sized companies, start ups and scale ups. The diagnosis is already there. They need a simplification shock. They need less of an administrative labyrinth, less paperwork, less red tape. We need more digital solutions. We need less laws, but more solutions, more income. We need a single market that works. We need companies, need the single market. Mutual recognition is required. Seriously. We need predictable, stable rules and a report once only as a principle. Companies should not have to provide 27 different documents for to do one thing. So we need a single space for capital and knowledge where investment is matched with innovation. What's important is it it should be us here in this House deciding and deciding quickly for more competitiveness should not be an abstract debate. It has to be an objective that we accomplish.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “The possibility of having more money for the EU's budget from the gambling sector is worthy of consideration, with pragmatism and with an awareness of our responsibility here. This sector is exists? Yes. It cannot be avoided. But it's also true that many operators are acting beyond national borders. They are subject to different regulatory systems and they manage to evade both control, oversight and taxes. More than a €25 billion are lost every year as a result of this. Therefore, it does make sense to reassess this activity in order to fund the EU's activities. But let's be clear we're not. It's not enough to look for new own resources. We need a demanding and rigorous regulatory framework with better oversight and better cooperation between the member states. And what is most important is that we have greater protection for those who are playing. Because it is an addiction. It gives rise to addictive behaviour. It can destroy our citizens financial stability, families and damage mental health. I don't want an EU which is feeding off the income from the gambling industry. We have to look at the digital arena and traditional media to raise awareness of this. We need transparency. We need accountability. If we have regulation, that means we need prevention as well. And the EU needs to protect its citizens first of all. And only after that will we move on to protecting our budget.”
  Own EU resources
• “Thank you. President. I just wanted to shed light on things said by the member. Simplification does not equate to deregulation. Two different kettle of fish. We want simplification and streamlining. And I think we all agree on this. The question is this the question to the member? She really does not agree with the Commission's programme, including the competitive compass. How do you think Europe will have any economic leverage or clout? Because without that we that, we won't have a strong social state. We won't be able to fund a European social model. So what's your take on this? Do tell.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Well, I may well make up part of an institution, but I don't trust institutions. I would like this institution itself to do its work, but I would like also to trust our police forces and national authorities to ensure that laws are adhered to. That's my answer to your first question. Secondly, addiction has to be fought against, and I mentioned prevention. It is crucial that we have a pact to tackle addiction and addictive behaviour, which destroys lives in many cases and endangers the lives of many families. We're talking particularly about protecting the youngest generations because they are most vulnerable when faced with the dangers in the digital world. Thank you.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.)
• “President. In many eurozone countries, such as the case in Portugal, the economy depends strongly from obtaining credit in order to finance small and medium enterprises and families. Our. We have a fragmented system. It's incomplete and there are many inequalities, which means that there there's still very strong differences in the cost of access to banking services. In fact, madam, you you mentioned it when you mentioned what happened during the pandemic. So we need banks that are more competitive now. The the goal of regulatory regulatory simplification. Is very important. So the European Central Bank created the task force for simplification. So my question is what directives do you intend to simplify with this regulation. And how do you think this will affect banks specifically in making them more competitive and accessible to families?”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Speed up, simplify and empower. These are the three preconditions for completing the savings and investment union and giving our competitiveness new life. We've lost a great deal of time, and that means that we're losing scale. Europe needs an investment shock. We need quality public investment. But above all, private innovation focused investment in ideas being turned into startups and into big European businesses. First of all, we need to tackle our problem at the root, which is fragmentation. The integration and supervision package is a good opportunity, and it rightly identifies the cost of rule duplication and the inefficiency of 27 different legal realities for the same line of activity. I stress the urgent need for simplification. We need to speed up. Second, we need to scale up the retail side and lower the cost of capital. We need simpler, more accessible, truly European products with real incentives and portability. We need to simplify. Third, we need confidence and financial literacy. Families and businesses. Cannot yet participate in these efforts, but they need to be protagonists. We need to empower them. The savings and investment union cannot be an empty slogan. It has to become a pillar of our commitment to our competitiveness and to our prosperity. Therefore, Commissioner and Council, we have no time to lose. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “President. Thank you very much, Madam President. This debate is over 30 years waiting for the single market. We're all tired. At least. I'm tired of hearing people refer to the letter report, the drug report, and the main conclusion that the main overhaul that we have to carry out not only needs more Europe, but political boldness and courage to get rid of these frontiers that were creating ourselves, including the Council, which unfortunately isn't present at the debate every. Um duplication of a regulation is a problem that leads to a lack of experts exports. Every year there are European startups that flee Europe. Companies, especially SMEs, do not want subsidies. They want clear, stable and the same rules for everyone. They want predictability. They want Europe to be a market that rises to the occasion. So we need to tackle this head on in three ways. We need to focus more on competitiveness. We need to finalize the European Savings and Investment Union, so European money can fund European businesses and the single market of services, digital market and energy markets have to push ahead. This is the only way that we can create quality jobs. This is the only way that we can get European citizens to trust us again. It has come. The moment has come to end with diagnoses and to act.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you very much. Chair. President. Lagarde. Colleagues. Inflation falling, normalized interest rates, sustainable debts. That's all good news. But let's not ignore the challenges that still face us living costs. Inflation has dropped, but it's unequal in a number of countries and pressure is there on families. That's not economic normality for people. The independence of the ECB does not mean isolation. The decisions do have major impacts on people's lives. They require transparency and democratic responsibility to this Parliament on this side of the Atlantic. We can be proud of the results, but also with the independence with which they have been achieved. Thirdly, the awareness that monetary policy cannot solve everything. We cannot ask the ECB to do everything and fail in the reforms that depend on ourselves for more competitiveness and more growth and more democracy. We expect the ECB to be rigorous, but we need to be courageous and we need to be determined as well. Thank you.”
  ECB monetary policy
• “Thank you very much, chair. Um. Colleagues, uh, this regulation does exactly what it should. It protects sensitive sectors and prepares the ground for the for the opportunities that this agreement agreement, this trade deal offers and entail. So it is not a total liberalization as some argue. It is selective. It is with quotas and safeguards and much faster reaction times than in previous EU or WTO system. So I think we are in a crucial moment where we have to decide what we want, because when we criticise tariffs from the US and the deal between president von der Leyen and President Trump, we said we needed to diversify our export markets. When China restricts the access to raw materials. We said we had to reduce dependencies and strengthen our supply chains. Now we have a deal with one of the world's largest economic blocks, giving us access to resources and markets, accepting strong safeguards and protection clauses. And we accetate even if all the safeguards cover the majority or if not the entire, uh, claims from the different sectors in Europe. So I think this is no longer a caution. This is what is in front of us. It is sabotaging Europe's future and with it, the future of each one of our countries and our economy. So I strongly support and I very much appreciate the fast procedure that was put here, uh, for the safeguards that protect, uh, one of the most important sectors in our economies, the farming sector. Thank you.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “The digitization of our societies and our economies has for some time now no longer been a future challenge. Rather, the digital transition is a reality of today. And technological innovation is happening at a breathtaking pace and we need to keep up if we don't want to fall behind. This is why we need a digital euro. It will mean more financial freedom for our citizens. And of course we need to have a digital identity as well. To ensure access to public services or something as simple as opening up a bank account or getting insurance. It's clear that we need to have digital markets in order to increase the opportunities for our companies, particularly SMEs and startups. All of this is quite clear, and it's something that can be achieved through data. And while protecting privacy. It's not a question of progress or utopia. Rather, it's a question of digital serving the people. This is why we need to ensure that Europe's digital sovereignty becomes a reality. That's why we need to have more investment. Less regulation, more decision making and less bureaucracy in innovation. It's time to stop being the old continent. It's time to be the Europe of the future.”
  Electronic identity · Digital euro · EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “Thank you. President. Europe has a single market, but European companies have to face 27 different national laws, which cost time, money and undermines possibilities. That's why the 28th regime is so necessary. It will get rid of this legal and business fragmentation. It would be a harmonized system. If harmonized in the right direction, it would mean our companies, particularly SMEs, start ups and scale ups, will have a clear framework within which they can work and grow beyond our borders. A more economies of scale, more competitiveness, more security because it will simplify our company's lives. We are spending too many resources in redundant procedures. Straightforward procedures, digitised in particular with a once only report, is a way of innovating and creating jobs. The 28th regime adds to what we have nationally. It's not an aim in itself. It's a tool which will serve the European economy. If we want fewer reports and more results, this is a step which can no longer be delayed.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “I will speak in Portuguese. Chair and colleagues. There is the countdown now. Five months until Cop 30, which will take place in Berlin, which is in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest. But at the heart of this discussion as well are the expectations to restart our climate ambitions. Today we have a political contribution from the EPP for this other decisive moment. It's an important time to really strengthen leadership in Europe at a time when other economies are not taking account of the climatic emergency. We are living in a world that is highly complex at the moment, and defense and other aspects are becoming increasingly important. But we mustn't neglect this opportunity and the need to respond jointly to the climate crisis. The world is becoming increasingly fragmented and focusing on regional conflicts. It's less open to cooperation, but it's precisely at this time when we are putting commitments to the test, and Europe has to really focus on multilateralism and lead by example. Cop 30 will be the first conference following the global stocktake, which indicates that we are not on track to comply with the Paris Agreement. So we have to speed things up and not slow down. Some crucial points, uh, that, uh, are included in this resolution or discussion that are, uh, very important at the moment. We need to strengthen the role of European climate financing, but also demand more from the major emerging economies like China. We also need to define, uh, climate financing goals and have a specific fund for this. We also need to focus on climate adaptation and the progressive, uh, removal of, uh, fossil fuels, promote the role of indigenous peoples and farmers, and finally, focus on clean technologies, strengthen climate diplomacy in order to have clean solutions for industry. My view is clear we need to decarbonise and grow and show that those two things can go hand in hand. There needs to be green innovation and new technologies, climate justice and also economic opportunities and strategic sovereignty. Cop 30, in Berlin Is will test our ability to lead with a more responsible attitude towards the future. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “(09:59:32 – 10:01:32): The problem technique The next speaker is missus Lydia Pereira. Yep. Thank you very much, madam president. This debate is urgent. 30 years waiting for the single market. We're all tired. At least I'm tired of hearing people refer to the letter report, the Dragher report, and the main conclusion, that the main overhaul that we have to carry out not only needs more Europe, but political boldness and courage to get rid of these frontiers that we're creating ourselves, including the council, which unfortunately isn't present at the debate. Every, duplication of a regulation is a problem that leads to a lack of experts exports. Every year, there is there are European startups that flee Europe. Companies, especially SMEs, do not want subsidies. They want clear, stable, and the same rules for everyone. They want predictability. They want Europe to be a market that rises to the occasion. So we need to tackle this, head on in 3 ways. We need to focus more on competitiveness. We need to finalize the European savings and investment union so European money can fund European businesses. And the single market of services, a digital market, and energy, markets have to push ahead. This is the only way that we can create quality jobs. This is the only way that, we can get European citizens to trust us again. It has come, the moment has come to end with diagnoses and to act. Thank you. Mister Zingaretti.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Well, thanks a lot for that question. Well, I'll come back to you with another question. I think it's are you brave enough to go to a Portuguese company or a French company or a Spanish company? Let's say a Portuguese company? A small or medium sized company? Would you dare to go to them and say, forget about it. You can't invest in internationalizing, you can't export. You have to stay in this small market. What the European Union does is to use free trade agreements to leverage our geopolitical position in the world. So faced with these challenges, we've got two different options. Either we can put our heads in the sand or we can do what we have to do, and that's promote strategic autonomy.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “Donald Trump is Instrumentalising Using tariffs to impose his will. He's turning economic policy into transactional diplomacy. Everything suggests that he's going to force us to buy natural gas, and we're going to have to buy American military equipment. But Europe is the biggest trading bloc in the world. We have got challenges ahead of us. Trump is trying to stop us from completing our transition to clean energy, and he's trying to prevent us from building up a European military industry. Europe has been fighting its way through crisis and hasn't been anticipating enough. We need to diversify the destinations for our exports. We need to work together with India and Japan. We need to sort out the Mercosur agreement and ratify it. We need to increase our strategic autonomy. Washington is pushing us up against our limits, but we cannot hesitate.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Madam president, dear colleagues. Europe was born out of the courage to turn conflict into cooperation, to build peace through industry and energy. Today, we need that courage once again. The European climate law is more than targets on paper. It is a promise made to the next generation. Those people sitting over there. More important than setting a numerical target is making sure we stay on the right course, with ambition, with balance, and with real results. What truly defines European leadership is not an obsession with numbers, but the ability to deliver meaningful, sustainable progress without sacrificing the competitiveness that sustains our European social model and democracy. Because this is not just about saving the planet. It is about building a new economic model green, fair and competitive. But let us be clear our industries are under pressure like never before. Without investment, without innovation, without affordable energy, this transition will come at the cost of deindustrialisation. And that cannot happen. We need flexibility. We need to reduce energy costs. We need to invest in a new generation of technologies, ones that not only reduce emissions but capture them, that make emissions negative. Establishing a European Industrial Decarbonisation Bank with over 100 billion in funding could be a strong step forward. But private investment will also be essential. And above all, we must ensure no one is left behind. Compensation mechanisms such as the ETS must support Europeans turning the transition into an opportunity, not a burden. Our goals must be guided by science and by courage. That courage to act, to lead, to believe. Because this law is not just about the climate, it is about us and about what we leave to those who come after us. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “It is the climate neutrality by 2050 from the European continent, but not undermining the European competitiveness that we so need. So we need economic growth. We need our SMEs to thrive to pay for this transition. And in addition to this, we have a demographic challenge. We are one of the most old continents and we need to pay for the European social model. So with this in mind, I would like to to ask, um, when we we talk about incentives, um, from the different proposals, there was also a reference to the complexity of the um, regulatory framework, but there's a lot of, uh, proposals that have been discussed related to taxation in Europe, um, that have been frozen for the past years. And I'm referring specifically to Angel safe, faster, hot or be fit. So how do you see on the one hand, how do we see we can combine the national interests with European objectives with this fragmented, uh, circumstance that we have in the single market, especially related to taxation. And the second is, um, if you see, um, that there should be given some priority to one of the files that I just referred to. I shall say faster, hot or be fit. Or if we should just let them fall naturally. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much. Good morning. First of all, I would like to to thank our colleague for her work on this draft report report. We we share a number of important elements in this in the approach proposed. Um, we agree that the progress made in Liberia should be recognized even if it has been uneven. Um, and we also agree on the importance of maintaining close cooperation between the European Union and Liberia. And on the need for Parliament to play a stronger role in overseeing both existing vpas and future forest partnerships. However, I would like to raise an important concern. Um, if the VPA is terminated, we should move rapidly and in a structured way towards a forest partnership. So there should be no vacuum in EU Liberia cooperation on on the other hand, it is true that the flagged licensing scheme was never implemented, but it is also true that the relevant progress was made in a country facing major structural challenges and fragile institutions. And so in such a context, a formal framework in the European Union matters, and it can contribute to the consolidation of democracy, support the functioning of institutions and encourage reforms and dialogue. So I would also like to raise a broader question about the effectiveness of the VPA methodology itself. Vpas remain a relevant instrument, and in my view, they provide stronger, strong practical incentives than a simple forest partnership. But we also have to be honest. And since 2009, only Indonesia has reached the licensing stage, while many other Vpas have remained at an impasse or are now being terminated. I'm am really concluding. And for that reason, at a time when some vpas are still under discussion, it is fair to ask whether this methodology is fully delivering on its objectives. And coming back to Liberia, our message is very simple to support the transition, avoid vacuum, preserve the progress made. And as I was saying, use these moments to reflect seriously on the future and effectiveness of Vpas. Thank you.”
  EU policy on African region
• “I stress this because had we not acted now, we would have renewed in November an agreement that had never been respected. Secondly, we must not overlook the geopolitical dimension. Cameroon has steadily redirected its timber exports to Asian markets, particularly China and Vietnam, reducing the EU's economic leverage. So this shift highlights the need for a more strategic EU approach in the to trade and development in Central Africa, especially in the face of growing geopolitical competition in the region. Finally, there is an economic dimension that the draft report touches on only briefly. Terminating the VPA carries the risk of legal and reputational uncertainty for European companies operating in or sourcing from Cameroon. In my view, the Commission should actively explore alternative frameworks for dialogue and cooperation, including at the regional level, to safeguard legitimate business interests and encourage reforms without entirely severing the engagement. Um, so this is not so, um, reflected in the in the report that said, we as the EPP, we support the overall direction of the draft. Uh, still, we believe it would benefit from a stronger emphasis on monitoring geopolitical awareness and economic impact mitigation, particularly with regard to the protection of European companies that import from or export to the Republic of Cameroon. Thank you.”
  EU-Cameroon relations
• “Donald Trump has changed the US into a world where nobody knows what is going to happen. But in a world of such instability and uncertainty, one thing is sure the world has changed and transatlantic relations will never be the same. As such, we have to react united, but with a strategic vision. We shouldn't forget that we are a trade power. We have to act as such. Today, diversification of markets isn't an option. It's something that's urgent and has to happen quickly. An example spending five months since the Mercosur was signed, which is still being looked at legally and is caught up in the member states considerations. If we delay, well, we have to ensure that our companies become more effective because the world we're living in, the markets we're working with are ones where we need to act or Europe will lose.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much, President this week. Europeans, including millions of Portuguese, are paying $0.25 more per litre of diesel. Generally, fuel prices have gone up and Europe has not been at the table in discussions where prices have been set. And this is where the problem lies. We are vulnerable, we are exposed when it comes to fossil fuels and this undermines our competitiveness. There are conflicts around the world. There's a lot of uncertainty and such a dependency is a constraint upon us. It undermines our freedom and it undermines citizens trust in the EU. It undermines our values and our prosperity. Extreme climate events are increasingly frequent and devastating. They haven't been enough for us to move towards a true clean transition. So we need to ensure that we examine all the dimensions of this. It's about well-being, justice, and the future. It's not only an economic issue when fuel prices go up. It's about families, businesses. We need to ensure that we have an economic model that leaves behind those traditional emission patterns. We need a new pattern. We need a public sector that doesn't impose red tape and make things difficult, but acts as a driver for growth and makes things easier, makes things quicker so that we can move towards clean energy. That's not about ideology. That's not about wokeism, as the far right would have it. It's about necessity. We need interconnections that work. We need smart energy use, and we need to stop depending on imported fossil fuels. The time has come for us to do this together with a vision, with courage, so that our future will be in our own hands and will have a prosperous economy with decent wages to hand on to the next generation.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Now is not the time for doubts. Now it's the time to lead a clean industrial revolution. And to believe in the future of Europe. It's time to be proud to be Europeans. The clean industrial deal is not simply an opportunity. It is a commitment to growth and innovation. It's a commitment to build a Europe that will lead the energy transition, that will create wealth and create jobs, quality jobs we need to have our place in the world. Industry has always been key to our progress, and now we have the responsibility to decarbonize in order to grow. It's now time to act. To act quickly and with determination. We need to believe that clean energies will make the economy grow and will lead to energy independence. The Europe of tomorrow starts today with vision, with ambition, ambition. And it starts with all of us here today. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. The Draghi report well, we hear about it in this House every single day, and we need to talk about it less and act upon it more. There's no point applauding the proposals and then opposing the kind of decisions that make it real. Well, we've heard the diagnosis again and again over the last few months in the Parliament. We've heard again and again what Europe needs to do and what we need for future generations. No shortage of savings in Europe. The problem is transforming those savings into productive investment to companies that grow and create jobs. There's no magic formulas, but there are things we can do. And it's been said again and again by many colleagues. First of all, conclude capital market union fragmentation of our markets costs us in terms of competitiveness, productivity and investment. Secondly, we should free our companies, especially the small and medium sized companies of the bureaucracy that is smothering them. We also need to support companies that want to enter the market to innovate and start a business. And thirdly, public investment has to complement private investment. And we know what the priorities are there. Energy. Clean tech. Defence research and development. The world in which the Draghi report was written is not the same as the world we face today. We need to deal with an unpredictable international context and be well aware that the reforms we've been talking about for the last year are not going to implement themselves. The commission has expressed a political will, and we need to be ambitious in enacting that.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Well, thank you for your question. Even though, um, it came at the last minute. I hopefully you know this, but there's a lot of disinformation that comes from your part of the House. There are quotas for the imports of agricultural produce. There are control systems for sanitary air systems, and when it comes to about one steak and one, um, chicken breast for each European, that's the forecast for the imports from the Mercosur, because we already heard about the guarantees and safeguards from the Commission, which are set out in the agreement for the agricultural sector. We need to understand that we're talking about geopolitics. We are absolutely turned in on ourselves. We need to look for opportunities for economic growth.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Now, when it comes to the environment, Roger Scruton said that the natural world depends on our efforts to conserve it. Now, when we look at nature, we are looking in a mirror. Cop 30 is not just another conference of the parties. It's a decisive moment. It's one of the rare points where humanity can look in the mirror and decide who it wants to be. It's a meeting of different political wills fighting the skepticism that exists. And as Fernando Pessoa said, if as if humanity commits itself to it, then we will progress. This is something that Europe has shown leadership in. We lead with responsibility, but also with ambition. The future will not wait for us. It is not something there for us. We need to build the future. We need to move before. Beyond the idea of just saving the planet. We need to rebuild our future. We need to show that we can innovate and grow at the same time. We can use knowledge for the service people. We can live in conjunction with nature. We can respect ecosystems, protect communities, and we can put people at the heart of our policies. That's why the resolution we are taking to Cop 30 sets out some very specific measures. We want to continue with the leadership role that the European Union has. We want to adopt. The 2035 Climate Commitment. We want to continue speeding up the phase out of fossil fuels and removing removal of subsidies. We want to show that it is possible to decarbonize and grow at the same time. And finally, this is already happening in Portugal, my country. We've seen that new records of renewable energy and the end of coal. We can make this a reality. The Cop 30 is a test of our capacity, our can we put science Uh, and match it with our commitment. That's our role. And that's what we need to do now. On behalf of the socialists and Democrats, uh, Helen Fritzson, you have one minute.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you chair. I will speak in Portuguese. Um, well. A big picture, uh, fighter. Uh. Thank you very much. We already have. We've been giving a bird's eye view of the situation. The rapporteur and the European Commission have talked about this. We're in a transition phase that comes to an end next year. And the proposal that we're discussing now and that we're going to have to vote on soon, I believe, includes the necessary adjustments to make sure that Cbam is implemented fully. Since this is a part and parcel of more cross-cutting approach, there are two points that I would like to focus on and make very clear. First of all, the EPP is fully committed to reducing bureaucracy. We have on numerous occasions, not only now, but also in the previous mandate, asked the European Commission to make sure that it tackles this. Now, this isn't tantamount to deregulation. Reducing red tape is about simplification. Vacation. We want to streamline implementation and legislation. So let me repeat what I said, because I've heard a lot of people say that the EPP wants to dismantle everything, and we've been accused of this in plenary. So the EPP does not want to dismantle the Green Deal, and we don't want the environmental targets that we have fall by the wayside. But I think that the aspects that fill in cbam have to be solid. Now, cbam is a very important part of the whole EU package, and it can contribute to climate responsibility on a global scale. I do understand that not everyone shares the vision that the rapporteur has just outlined. She said that we have to adopt this quickly. There are administrative simplification concerns, but the European Commission is striking a balance between environmental ambition and administrative streamlining. I'd like to underscore one more time that we are fully committed to this proposal. We want this to be crowned with success. We want this to be implemented as quickly as possible. And that is why we decided not to table any amendments. We believe the proposal doesn't watered down this this commitment to fighting against climate change. And that is why, generally speaking, we're going to support this and we want to move ahead with this. Thank you.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Uh. Thank you. So in terms of Cop 30 this year, as we all know, it's going to be held in Brazil, and this is a new opportunity to define or redefine priorities. To emphasize our commitment to come up with very specific measures for a fair and efficient climate transition. And since the Paris Agreement, the global economic status has changed quite a bit. Some factors that we see in developing countries are actually obsolete at this point. And then there's other things that are very important in international trade. And on the impact they have on greenhouse gas emissions as well. We have to take into account not only GDP per capita, but also the ecological footprint and other factors. Having said that, polluting countries such as China or India must Assume the responsibility and application of article four of the Paris Agreement of the, uh. The trade, for example, in the ETS system, has to be analyzed within the current geopolitical situation. Climate transition demands a fair model that guarantees that the, uh, emissions exchange between countries does not have a negative impact on industrial competitiveness, nor perpetuate economic inequality. Also, the fulfillment of these nationally determined contributions requires robust plans with mechanisms that, uh, or with surveillance mechanisms, both for the private sector as well as for others. And having said all that, I would like to make two questions, the first of which is, in the current context, how do you believe that the European Union can continue to have a leadership role in this process of redefining? Finding the RI, the criteria for redefinition for developing countries. And what do you think about the integration of ETS and the global carbon market to guarantee, uh, climate justice and also prevent carbon leaks? Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you very much, chair. I wanted to first say that this is a very timely, uh, discussion. Um, but especially in, in some worrying, uh, context that we are dealing with. Um, but for me, one of the main critical issues so far has been this one, how we can. Because when we talk about tax policy, we are talking about mainly national competences. And so if we have national interests, how can we combine them with the European objectives that we have, especially on environment and on the green transition? I do agree that the green transition is actually an opportunity for Europe, especially if we talk about clean technologies. Um, given that we don't have resources in the European continent. So obviously our, uh, our advantage or our competitive advantage can be from the use of clean technologies. But how can we boost them? How can we make them accessible? We need to scale them up and we need the incentives. So, um, the base, um, the my main thought is actually how do you see, um, and perhaps more for, uh, the question that I would like to address is more to DHL, uh, Miss Kurban and the representative from Business Europe, um, Mr. de Souza, um, how can we actually combine all these complexity in, uh, delivering something concrete, which is two things.”
  EU competences on taxation
• “I will speak in Portuguese. Dear Commissioner, whenever I go to Coimbra, my home town, I am asked by people about what direction we are going in because they see that we are always asking for more. Here I'm talking about environmental policies and the effect that these have on the economy and so on. And they are saying, well, Brussels is this bureaucratic monster. On the national parliaments also come up with their rules as well. But I have to say that every year we hear that time is difficult. Our times are difficult. There are so many challenges before us that we need investment for defence. Now, uh, there are uh, tariffs which are being imposed. And then we have our European social model as well, which costs money too. And we all know that it's not actually addressing the demographic issues of our, uh, of our of our continent. Then there are problems for, uh, entrepreneurs, for workers, for everybody. And people feel that the development of the environment has led to more rules rather than more incentives. Incentives. You shouldn't be shouldering this burden alone. And so what is the message that we should be passing on for those that believe in green growth, but who today have this feeling that the more open the doors are, then the more the more difficulties we face. What can we do to increase confidence and trust?”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much, Mr. President. Often we Europeans, uh, downplay what we do. We often criticize ourselves, but at times we downplay the comparison with other countries. But we need to be courageous. What future would the planet have without Europe prior to the Paris Agreement? We were on a pathway for almost four degree increase. But now, with the result of European leadership, we've got this pathway down to 2.3%. But we know this is not enough. We need to continue to push ourselves so we can keep global warming to 1.5% and keep that aim alive. On Cop 30 in Berlin, it was clear that the the outcome document wasn't perfect, but there were some important steps forward. We, uh, had consolidated, um, commitments in the area of mitigation and reduction. There's also energy efficiency and increase in renewables. It was Europe with the UK, uh, which didn't give up on us on a strategy to to transition away from fossil fuels. So I'd like to, uh, say there was a good relationship between the European Commission, uh, with the commissioner and the European Parliament in our delegation. We also agreed on tripling funding for adaptation by 2035. We're going to support vulnerable communities which are already feeling the impacts of the climate crisis. Europe has shown that it is possible to decarbonise Carbonize and to grow at the same time. We want a better future for us and those who come after us. We want a future with new areas for businesses, for new jobs, for more jobs, for new markets, and for the creation of wealth. On top of this, we want to live in cleaner, healthier cities with better quality of life. The Conference of Parties is not just a climate summit. As commissioner clearly said, this Cop was a major victory for multilateralism. Europe continues to lead by example, showing that you can combine a competitiveness with climate ambition. Now we need to look at the major, the actual implementation of these commitments in front of us. We have an ongoing fight for climate, but a commitment to future generations.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much, chair. And I would like to start by thanking the representatives from, um, the representative from the European Commission for presenting this proposal to improve the implementation of the Cbam. So back in April last year, we have discussed important adjustments to this mechanism. Today we are looking at a proposal that keeps us in the right path and helps to ensure that the Cbam is applied effectively. I don't have any specific comments on the Anti-circumvention measures, but I would like to raise two points regarding the extension of Cbam to downstream products. First, even if we know that the implementation will be done through delegated acts, is there already an indicative timeline for when this extension might happen, especially for products containing iron, steel and aluminium or aluminium? Also, the EPP Group recognises that this is a necessary step to protect European producers from unfair competition. However, it is also crucial to avoid serious disruptions in supply and value chains, especially in sectors like automotive, metalworking, or furniture, which rely on thousands of components, many of them imported. And they obviously will need some time to adjust. I think everyone agrees, um, that a predictability is key not only for producers, but also for consumers who may face rising prices as costs move along the value chain. Second and last, I would like to ask, um, what, uh, importance will be given to Europe's actual production capacity of decarbonised materials? Green steel innovation is promising. I've been following this sector very closely, but it needs to be monitored so that the Cbam moves forward realistically, based on data and with the right timing. Thank you.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “In recent months, we have heard about many things that are lacking lack of investment, innovation and skills. All these things are lacking. But today I want to talk to you about excesses. Europe has an excess of regulation, percentages and inconsequential debates. In recent years, the EPP Group, the PSD, and I have alerted that there is an excess amount of regulation strangling European companies, preventing their ability to invest, create jobs and generate wealth. But now we have an opportunity to do things differently. So what we see is that there are too many percentages in political discourse. We talk about 99.8% of companies in Europe being SMEs. But we forget that there are 26 million companies behind this percentage. We talk about the 52% of added value that SMEs create, but we forget the 90 million workers behind this. We mustn't make decisions based on percentages, but we must act on behalf of people. Finally, we have too many debates. We have debates that accuse the commission of wanting to kill the Green Deal. But it was the president of the commission who came up with the Green Deal. And then we have the far right, which sees Europe as nothing more than a target to spread its propaganda. But we we are working in a different space, a space of moderation, where we try to release resources for companies so that they can comply with the Green Deal. We want to work within a space where companies can invest and create jobs, where they don't get bogged down in bureaucracy. To conclude, to say to Miss Bischoff in English. With everyone, we are just not ready to destroy whatever is left of our European competitiveness. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “This week, the president of the Eurogroup has told us that finance ministers are asked every day about decisions made by other, uh, countries, other finance ministries and their impact on the eurozone when it comes to tariffs, which are being imposed at the moment, it's only natural that there should be a reaction. Uh, and also to the peace negotiations in Ukraine in this geopolitical context. The president of the commission last Friday talked about relaxing budgetary rules, which we've touched upon in this meeting, and there should be more investment in defence. Some member states are even saying there should be an issuing of defence bonds, that's to say European debt to finance large scale in defense investments when it comes to economic governance. Do you think there's any space for reviewing the rules or applying the general escape clause? This has been touched upon already, but what about the issuing of joint debt? What kind of conditions is there will or political courage for advancing with these defense bonds?”
  Defence spending
• “I'm speaking on behalf of Mr. Liisa today. Thank you. Chair. I will speak in Portuguese. Minister. Dear colleagues. Europe has a historic responsibility yet again. But this is also a strategic opportunity. You're talking about climate. The environment. If we want to stick to our climate ambitions. It's not just about being consistent, it's about investing in our competitiveness. Investing in the European Union and as you mentioned, also investing in strategic autonomy. All of this is important for growth. The green transition is not just an opportunity. It's key when it comes to creating jobs and bringing about green industrialisation. That's why we need green innovation, clean tech. But then it's also about becoming independent when it comes to fossil fuels, independent of countries that don't necessarily share European values. This is one of the main lessons we can learn from geopolitical tensions. Of course, we need to have clear targets for 2040. But what's even more important than these quantified targets is. Having flexibility. Having consistent policies and having trust for businesses and people. Europe has to continue to take a leading role. And this has to become clear at the Cop 2030. We have to ensure that we reach our 2050 targets. I've got two questions for the council presidency. Now, first off, you mentioned promoting clean tech, using public funds to also incentivize incentivize private funds. What specific possibilities and options do you see here? When it comes to promoting our competitiveness. And then one more thing. A council meeting on clean technologies would be a great initiative to showcase that we want to shoulder responsibility in the green transition.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much for the question. The internal market. I presume you mean the EU market. I agree totally. We should be removing the barriers that exist, all the obstacles that still exist to trade within the EU. And as such, we need to see whether we can do that and respond robustly to the expectations of our consumers and companies, not just Portuguese companies, European companies, so they can compete internationally. And as such, I feel, yes, there are shortcomings that have been identified, not just in the Draghi report, but in others too. We do have some work to do at home. So our strategy is diversifying our markets for international trade and eliminating any barriers that exist to the internal market in Europe.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Tariffs and tariffs. This is on everyone's tongue right now. Fiat Volkswagen. And these are some of the most highly sold, um vehicles in Mercosur. They pay 35% tariffs. And what about our wine, which is recognized around the world at 27%. Reducing or removing tariffs. Would that not be good news? This is something they also have materials that we need for the energy transition. The the uh Baltic Electric grid has been integrated into the European one three days ago. What about the European defence system? We want low level, uh, satellites. We want, uh, Rafael rather than. And Eurofighters rather than F-35s. We want a defence system to be an alternative to the Patriot. Well, Brazil has 89% of certain, uh, um, materials that we need, and Argentina has lithium as well. Can we refuse this agreement? No we cannot.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “I will speak in Portuguese. Chair and colleagues. There is the countdown now. Five months until Cop 30, which will take place in Berlin, which is in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest. But at the heart of this discussion as well are the expectations to restart our climate ambitions. Today we have a political contribution from the EPP for this other decisive moment. It's an important time to really strengthen leadership in Europe at a time when other economies are not taking account of the climatic emergency. We are living in a world that is highly complex at the moment, and defense and other aspects are becoming increasingly important. But we mustn't neglect this opportunity and the need to respond jointly to the climate crisis. The world is becoming increasingly fragmented and focusing on regional conflicts. It's less open to cooperation, but it's precisely at this time when we are putting commitments to the test, and Europe has to really focus on multilateralism and lead by example. Cop 30 will be the first conference following the global stocktake, which indicates that we are not on track to comply with the Paris Agreement. So we have to speed things up and not slow down. Some crucial points, uh, that, uh, are included in this resolution or discussion that are, uh, very important at the moment. We need to strengthen the role of European climate financing, but also demand more from the major emerging economies like China. We also need to define, uh, climate financing goals and have a specific fund for this. We also need to focus on climate adaptation and the progressive, uh, removal of, uh, fossil fuels, promote the role of indigenous peoples and farmers, and finally, focus on clean technologies, strengthen climate diplomacy in order to have clean solutions for industry. My view is clear we need to decarbonise and grow and show that those two things can go hand in hand. There needs to be green innovation and new technologies, climate justice and also economic opportunities and strategic sovereignty. Cop 30, in Berlin Is will test our ability to lead with a more responsible attitude towards the future. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you very much, Chair. I will speak in Portuguese. Thank you. Thank you very much to the Commission and thank you very much for these comments. So in terms of COP-30 this year, as we all know it's going to be held in Brazil, and this is a new opportunity to define or redefine priorities, to emphasize our commitment to come up with very specific measures for a fair and efficient climate transition. And since the Paris Agreement, the global economic status has changed quite a bit. Some factors that we see in developing countries are actually obsolete at this point, and then there's other things that are very important in international trade and on the impact they have on greenhouse gas emissions as well. We have to take into account not only GDP per capita but also the ecological footprint and other factors. Having said that, polluting countries such as China or India must assume the responsibility and application of Article 4 of the Paris Agreement. The trade, for example, in the ETT system has to be analyzed within the current geopolitical situation. Climate transition demands a fair model that guarantees that the emissions exchanged between countries does not have a negative impact on industrial competitiveness nor perpetuate economic inequality. Also the fulfillment of these nationally determined contributions requires robust plans with mechanisms that – or with surveillance mechanisms, both for the private sector as well as for others. And having said all that, I would like to make two questions, the first of which is, in the current context, how do you believe that the European Union can continue to have a leadership role in this process of redefining the criteria for redefinition for developing countries? And what do you think about the integration of ETS in the global carbon market to guarantee climate justice and also prevent carbon leaks? Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Uh, thank you once again for the question. I'll reply very similar to what I said to another colleague. There are quotas for, uh, agricultural imports. There's also, uh, sanitary controls. So need to respect all of the safeguards and standards that we have. Um, for, for European production, I think it's time to reflect. I think we need to understand that what is in the final text and not have so many reservations. Without this agreement, we will be more dependent on other parts of the world, which can also decide to shut the doors to international trade. And what would you as say to your the businesses that you represent, and how would they continue to grow at an international level?”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner. Can I ask you about energy? We need to become independent when it comes to energy for our industrys sake. The energy Commissioner said that liquefied natural gas from the US was something we'd have to accept. We'd have to bring that in. But there are some criticisms of that. Recently, we've been phasing out Russian gas. And now now we're going to become dependent on American gas. And they certainly don't hesitate to use goods like energy as a political weapon. So are we going to increase LNG imports when Trump is imposing these tariffs on us? Wouldn't we be weakening ourselves if we increase those LNG imports? And then, of course, at the same time, we don't want to do anything that would undermine our energy transition, do we? Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Well, thank you very much for that question. Well, what I was explaining in my speech what we had to do, we have to take decisions. And decisions are only possible if we've got political parties who are committed to the European project and European prosperity. Sincerely. And unfortunately, I don't think your political group is that interested in finding solutions to make Europe more competitive and less bureaucratic. Rather, you want to destroy Europe very much.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you very much, chair. I will speak in Portuguese. Now here in the European Parliament, we didn't suddenly wake up to the subject of tax policy debate of all too often been divided along ideological lines or based on national political circumstances. But nevertheless, despite our divergences, we've been able to come up with concrete proposals. And the VAT in the digital age proposal is one of those. We ask the Commission to study the added value of creating a one stop shop for import VAT. The council followed our logic and proposed that this system should be optional. Now the problem is not the council's decision, but the speed at which it took that decision. So we're now two years down the line, waiting to advance with reforms that Europe's citizens and companies are waiting and expect. Now we are asking for a simplified procedure, because we would like to see a quick conclusion to this file, which should have been dealt with a long time ago. It's a question of the citizens. A relationship with the state tax is key to that. So our measures need to be speedy but well thought out. We need stability, predictability and security when it comes to tax policy. So it is high time we set a good example. Thank you very much.”
  VAT harmonisation
• “A compass helps you to find your way, but specific steps help us to get to where we are going. The diagnostics has been conducted and now it's crunch time. We need to make a decision. We want to slash red tape by half, because this red tape is bearing down on our citizens and companies that they have to grapple with this whenever they want to invest. 25% or 35% for SMEs. And companies need to be seen as baseline goals. There is a pressing need to free up resources, to finance fresh ideas, to generate new jobs and have better salaries. We'll be able to steer the energy switch, fulfilling ambitious yet flexible goals. Those looking towards innovative solutions when it comes to clean technology, we should be able to mobilize more private investment with a more favorable business environment to win over investors, whilst at the same time preventing capital fleeing Europe. We need a European Fund for competitiveness geared towards developing strategic technologies. There are national governments who are aiming to fulfil these priorities. Portugal is one example. For a year now we've been moving ahead with reforms. Other countries have not followed suit. Good ideas are gathering dust. There's no lack of enthusiasm and there's no lack of will. But things need to be enacted.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much, chair. And let me start by thanking, uh, my colleague Karin Karlsbro for the work carried out so far. Um, the, the draft report, it supports the determination of the voluntary partnership agreement with the Republic of Cameroon. And I want to say that I fully agree with its conclusions. Um, after 13 years without a meaningful progress, not even the implementation of the Flegt licensing system, it has become clear that Cameroon has no intention of honouring its political commitments. There are well-founded suspicions of fraud and illegal logging that has never ceased. And according to available data, we must regret the loss of 900 000 hectares of forest. So it is quite clear that this partnership has failed. Maintaining it or allowing it to be renewed would seriously undermine the credibility of the European Union as a global leader in forest protection and sustainable trade. But however, I would like to raise a few points that, in my view, deserve further reflection or consideration. First, as the rapporteur states, the problem with Cameroon was not the concept of the VPA. It was the lack of political will and implementation. And I fully agree with this. Vpas remain a valuable tool for strengthening forest governance and promoting responsible trade relations, but their credibility depends on effective monitoring and enforceable Benchmarks. Future agreements must include stronger incentives for compliance and solid review mechanisms to prevent the passive renewal of dysfunctional partnerships.”
  EU-Cameroon relations
• “Thank you very much, President this week. Europeans, including millions of Portuguese, are paying $0.25 more per litre of diesel. Generally, fuel prices have gone up and Europe has not been at the table in discussions where prices have been set. And this is where the problem lies. We are vulnerable, we are exposed when it comes to fossil fuels and this undermines our competitiveness. There are conflicts around the world. There's a lot of uncertainty and such a dependency is a constraint upon us. It undermines our freedom and it undermines citizens trust in the EU. It undermines our values and our prosperity. Extreme climate events are increasingly frequent and devastating. They haven't been enough for us to move towards a true clean transition. So we need to ensure that we examine all the dimensions of this. It's about well-being, justice, and the future. It's not only an economic issue when fuel prices go up. It's about families, businesses. We need to ensure that we have an economic model that leaves behind those traditional emission patterns. We need a new pattern. We need a public sector that doesn't impose red tape and make things difficult, but acts as a driver for growth and makes things easier, makes things quicker so that we can move towards clean energy. That's not about ideology. That's not about wokeism, as the far right would have it. It's about necessity. We need interconnections that work. We need smart energy use, and we need to stop depending on imported fossil fuels. The time has come for us to do this together with a vision, with courage, so that our future will be in our own hands and will have a prosperous economy with decent wages to hand on to the next generation.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)