Anna-Maja HENRIKSSON

Policy topics Anna-Maja HENRIKSSON is active on

What Anna-Maja HENRIKSSON has said (33)

• 2026-07-08 “(11:18:27 - 11:19:38): on a world in which people, human rights, and sovereignty are respected. You very much, president, commissioner, colleagues. Faced with, heat waves, air conditioning is not a luxury. It's a public health issue. Over 40000 people have died in French France since 2000 and, thanks to the heat waves. Only, 24% of the population have air conditioning. When temperatures rise, we must be able to effectively protect schools, hospitals, and retirement home. In Nice, we have an action plan to, equip air conditioning, town with air conditioning. This doesn't mean that we should give up our fight. It means we need to invest in nuclear energy to produce decarbonized electricity. We need to make our buildings inhabitable in winter and summer. It's helping the most vulnerable. Real ecology is not a blame game. It's protecting citizens. Real ecology would never force us to choose between the planet and people. It protects both of them. Thank you.”
  Climate policy
• 2026-07-08 “(11:16:22 - 11:16:53): Thank you. I get the impression that miss Konechnow hasn't understood something quite vital. It was Russia. It was Putin that began the war against Ukraine. This war is continuing today, and we are doing everything possible to support Ukraine because we don't think that Europe should buy fossil fuels from Russia. We should live from what we already have. And we also want Ukraine to become a member of the European Union.”
  EU-Ukraine relations
• 2026-07-08 “(11:17:51 - 11:18:27): Miss Gnechner, of course, it would be amazing if peace came to Earth, but that doesn't mean that we can close our eyes to the climate disaster that's afflicting the world at the moment. We have to fight on every front. We have to fight every day against climate change. We have to eliminate fossil fuels. We have to move towards the green transition. And at the same time, we have to work”
  Fossil fuels
• 2026-07-08 “(11:13:50 - 11:14:56): Commissioner, dear members, we only have 1 planet, and it is burning. Extreme heat waves and other conditions are here. Climate change is here. We can see it in our own eyes, and dozens and thousands of people in Europe have lost their homes due to heat waves. In Finland, our children and grandchildren cannot swim in the sea like they used to do due to algae. Storms and thunderstorms follow 1 another, and people indigenous people in Arctic area suffer particularly from climate change. It is irresponsible that we still have policymakers who deny climate change. People in Europe have the right to ask for action. We have to abandon fossil fuels, oil, and coal. We need to pre prepare and prepare preparedness union and make sure that we implement, the measures that were recommended by, mister Nyniste.”
  Climate policy
• 2025-10-02 “E-003846/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The fitness check of the EU Seals Regime 1 is currently ongoing. It includes an assessment of the socio-economic impacts of the legislation on coastal communities and professional fishers, particularly the relevant Baltic Sea EU Member States. Extensive consultations have been carried out, including a public consultation, a Call for Evidence and targeted interviews with stakeholders such as fishers’ organisations, public authorities and hunting representatives in the Baltic Sea region. Once the fitness check is finalised, the Commission will consider whether any further measures are needed, with due regard to international commitments. 1 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/trade-seal-products_en.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-06-12 “P-002374/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission Since the start of the new College, the Commission has been actively engaging with successive Council Presidencies and individual Member States to reflect upon the legal and practical issues raised by the earlier discussions between the co-legislators on the proposed Directive discontinuing seasonal changes of time and repealing Directive 2000/84/EC 1 , and to examine the possibilities for the resumption of those discussions. As noted by the Honourable Member, the proposal was listed in Annex III (entitled ‘Pending Proposals’) of the Commission’s work programme for 2025 (point 61) 2 . In this context and following discussions on the proposal initiated by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Commission has decided to respond to a Member State call for further analysis to be undertaken on this matter. A study is expected to be launched in 2025, and the European Parliament will be kept fully informed of its progress. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2000/84/oj/eng. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/7617998c-86e6-4a74-b33c249e8a7938cd_en?filename=COM_2025_45_1_annexes_EN.pdf.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you very much, chair. And I also have a question to the commission. Uh, I would like to, uh, tell the commission about what this legislation now have led to in my home country. Uh, and I hope that the commission listens. Uh, it's, uh, the situation is that normally we as MEPs, we also try to have, uh, discussions with, with the voters, with the Europeans who are the ones who, who want to see us in the European Parliament. And usually we also advertise when we, uh, are in our home countries that please, I will be now available in your town. We will have a meeting there. You are welcome. But now, right now in in my home country, Finland, we have a situation that we Can't neither renew Europe or my party can make an advertisement in the paper News, the New Normal newspaper. And this leads now to a very, very complicated situation because there is different, uh, different. Situations in different media houses. So when it comes to the Finnish, uh, newspapers, for the Finnish speaking people, the system is quite okay. But when it comes to the minority, the Swedish speaking peoples situation, we have a situation now that I, as a Swedish speaking person, I can't reach out to those who I know that are our voters because the newspaper says that they can't do it this, this right now. So I just want you to be aware of this situation and this lead to inequality between also people, uh, And depending on where in Europe you live and how the media reacts. And this is of course, a situation that we shouldn't have. Thank you.”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• “Commissioner, we live in a dangerous world. And I think it's absolutely clear that Europe has to do more to ensure its own defence. The Russian threat has to be taken seriously. And in this chamber, we have to realise that it will exist, that threat. Hence we need a strong single market for defence and the Commission is on the right path. We need to do more. We need to do more together. We have to bolster our small and medium sized enterprises. We need to simplify procurement procedures, and we have to make sure that partnerships start to work seamlessly. That's how we generate possibilities to maximize our own security, to make sure that our citizens feel safe. For a long time into the future. And we need to continue to support Ukraine and at the same time, take advantage of the experience that we have seen there. For example, on drone defense and other aspects. So Ukraine's issue is ours.”
  EU competences on defence
• “So first of all, I would like to say how important this own initiative report is. We need a stronger single market. The geopolitical situation is challenging, and Putin's brutal war in Ukraine continues with there's a lot of uncertainty, so we need to look at our own backyard and do things that we, as EU member states and the European Parliament can bring influence to bear on. We need a strong economy. We need competitiveness, and certainly more now than ever. The best way of weathering the different storms is that Europe can stand on its own two feet. And to do that, we need to strengthen our single market. That is the key tool which can guarantee our competitiveness and enable us to reach our political goals. And at the moment, we're not using our full potential, the potential that we have with the 450 million inhabitants that we have. So this is a report with great potential to strengthen the single market and reduce the red tape for our companies so that many of our companies resources can be used to create new jobs and create growth throughout Europe. And as I keep saying, we need to stick to our central political goals. Climate protection, consumer protection, digital legislation.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “They also need to take their responsibility for implementing the rules correctly. And here I also think that there is a lot of work to do. So simplification, streamlining and better implementation. They are not goals in themselves. They are tools that we now need to use, and they are tools to unlock the vast potential of the single market. Tools that can make Europe more attractive for investments, and tools that allow our companies, especially the smaller ones, to focus on growth, innovation and the creation of quality jobs instead of having to put excessive resources towards compliance and bureaucracy. So we will continue now to discuss the amendments, and I believe that we have a real opportunity to unite around a clear message in this report and a message that we want simpler, more predictable legislation that remains firmly rooted in our values and in our core political objectives. So with these words, thanks once again. And when we have some problems, let's go and solve them. I think that there is always a way forward. So thank you all. And we will we will see you hopefully my my plane will leave tomorrow. So then I will see you tomorrow in the meeting. Thank you very much.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “For the news. Thank you very much, chair. And thank you very much, Commissioner, for for bringing your your perspective today. I would also love to go into the direction of, uh, of e-commerce. Um, thank you very much for laying that out and already answering some questions about that. I absolutely do think that the focus should be on stronger enforcement of the existing rules that we're having when it comes to e-commerce, instead of creating new ones. So thank you very much for explaining a bit that the Commission really takes it seriously for for abolishing the €150 duty free threshold, and also that the Commission is very well aware that we can only make this a success story with the digital events declaration coming at the same time. Um, so I'm happy to hear if you have something more to share there. But what I'm particularly worried about is the handling fee that the commission, um, is planning to to introduce. Uh, because I read this as a new additional tax that ultimately will be paid by every consumer, um, all in favor of being very strong and very hard against the unsafe products flooding our market from China. But we need to be aware that this is a de facto tax, an additional barrier we're creating. Um, so how can we how can we do this in a way that is not, uh, addressing the faithful players? Um, and that in the end, the European consumers will be footing the bill and that it will not be an additional trade barrier. Um, so maybe the commission is also it's a conversation about €2 per product and a parcel. So maybe the commission has plans to save the consumer €2 somewhere else. Um, or maybe ideally four, because it should not be an awesome game. Um, yeah. So maybe you have more ideas how to really, really target those unsafe Chinese products and not have the consumer pay for everything in the end with the new tax? Thank you.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “We need legislative sandboxes in innovation hubs in our member states so that new ideas can take shape. Digitalization and artificial intelligence could be used to ease reporting and administrative requirements. And for small and medium sized companies, it's particularly important that we see everything from a practical viewpoint. So that's why the committee has written into its report the idea of a digital one stop shop for small companies, so it could be easier for them to buy in their reporting. The requirements have to be proportionate and they should not contain new and disproportionate burdens for our companies. For that, we need impact assessments for the Parliament and Council, amendments to commission legislations to. We need to do better in the internal market. There has to be fair play for companies that engage in cross-border trade in goods and services. I would like to warmly thank all the shadow rapporteurs for all of the constructive work on the report. There are 300 amendments that we'll be voting on. And now I would call upon all of you to vote in favour of the report.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, Europe is lagging behind and this may carry on. So we have to bring together our powers and exploit our competences to the full. We have to raise our competitiveness. But how do we do this? Well, we do it by moving from words to deeds. Less. Talk and more action. So we need to have people enjoying an environment where they can take risks in a responsible way, push for growth and innovate. So we have to have growth at the same time as not giving up on environmental objections. I'm a rapporteur on how we can simplify and unify rules on the single market. I know all too well that there are huge expectations from our businesses, but also from small and medium sized businesses as well. The administrative burden has to be cut, and when we do that at the same time, build a well working capital markets union and have fair rules for state subsidy. Invest in the green and digital transitions. Then we can win this battle.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “(10:06:53 – 10:08:36): Madam chair. And today, our companies too often face 27 different legal interpretations, national gold plating, and unnecessary administrative burden. This creates uncertainty, hampers investments, and prevents new jobs for from being created, and it affects the daily life of many people. So now it's time to act, not just to talk. Thank you. Thank you, mister. Colleagues.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Minister, in this dangerous world where we live right now, Europe must become stronger and strengthening its competitiveness. Why? Because our competitiveness and our security go hand in hand. That is why we must finally complete the single market for us in Europe. This is a clear priority. Too often, businesses still face fragmentation, excessive administrative burdens, and poor implementation of EU rules across member States. Last autumn, this Parliament sent a clear signal when we adopted our report on implementation and streamlining of the Single market rules, which I was rapporteur for. The message was very clear. We need simplification and we must get rid of gold plating. The member states have to do their homework. It is not efficient to have 27 different rules for the same thing. So dear Commissioner, you are on the right way and now it is up to us, to the Member States, to this Parliament and to to the Commission to get the things done. Thank you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Yes. Thank you, chair and dear Executive Vice President, henna. Online platforms are taking on an ever greater role in our rapidly changing world. They already shape how we citizens communicate, access information, and participate in democracy. But we also see how these same platforms are exploited by dark forces. Deepfakes are being used to manipulate reality. Girls, women and children are exposed to digital abuse and very harmful and also illegal content. And democracies remain vulnerable, and platforms can be used by hostile third countries to manipulate elections. And all this is simply not acceptable. So I therefore also welcome the Commission's tougher enforcement under the DSA. I think that we have seen that now. And I would also ask you, will you continue with this? Will you keep the state stage and and can you assure us that the Commission will stay tough on the platforms? And then which measures will you and the Commission prioritise to protect children, women, societies and democracies better from abuse in the digital world? Thank you.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content
• “Yes. Thank you. Chair. I see that we have no interpretation from Swedish to English. So take it short in English. This is a very, very, very serious problem that we now face women face all over Europe. Uh, small girls, school, school girls, politicians. Every woman can be an. A crime object for AI crime. And thank you to the commission for the efforts you are now doing. Uh, I'm worried about that. We are doing, uh, too little, too slow because, you know, we have the directive, uh, of violence against women. It's a good directive. But as we heard from the commission 2027, the member states should have, uh, criminalised, uh, sharing deepfakes. And now it's 2025. There is a lot of women who can be, uh, targeted and whose lives can be destroyed in, in the period until that. So I would like to see us to do more and do faster because this problem is growing and it's it's a very, very, very serious problem we have in our hands. So people who are online, they should know that, uh, the crimes they do online, they are even as serious as the crimes that you do face to face in, in, in, in the so-called real world. So thank you. I would like to see that the commission still is trying to do even more. And also the member States, thank you.”
  Transparency and oversight of AI-generated content
• “President. Commissioner. Our most valuable resource is our children are young people. They need to be able to grow up safely online to today, that is not the case. Many are feeling unwell mentally because of things they've experienced online. Our responsibility as adults and our responsibility as the EU is to act. Act now all the alarm bells are ringing. This is a new public health problem which is affecting our children, our youngsters. That is why the platforms need to be held more accountable. We have algorithms based on creating addiction in children. They must be combated effectively. Children and young people being dependent on addicted to social media may be the most significant reason for increased ill health amongst young people. That is a public health problem. We need to put children's health first and platforms second.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “We've worked very hard to find balanced compromises. And in our view, there's something here which is good for all political groups. So we will be working on of these compromise amendments. We need to have a compromise that that suits everybody, not just my group, the renew group. I am fully convinced that we will be able to have a constructive discussion. There are some questions where we're looking for solutions, for example, the impact assessment of our legislation, also the omnibus regulations for the single market. Also the issue of the 28th legal framework. And the and the impact this will have on the single market for services. There are things that we need to resolve at technical level, but the discussions are going very well. Last, last yesterday we had the sixth technical meeting. And we are in agreement on most of the paragraphs. I would like to thank all of the technical teams from all political groups who have helped with this and who've worked in a very constructive manner and who've also created a positive atmosphere in the meetings. We'll have at least one technical meeting next week as well, but the work is ongoing and we are doing this because we want a good report at the end of the day.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Yes. Thank you. Chair. And dear colleagues, coming from Finland is is a is a good thing. Also today and I don't agree about everything that the previous speaker said. But now going to to this file. Thank you for to the rapporteur who isn't here now today for the good work on on this draft opinion. The most important thing right now is to strengthen Europe's defense and to continue supporting Ukraine as we strengthen Europe's defence and prepare for the threat posed by Russia through deterrence. A competitive European defence industry, a well-functioning internal market for defence products are central to our readiness and it's absolutely crucial that we have swift access to the defence equipment we need and to strengthen our strategic autonomy. This defence equipment should increasingly be available on the European Single Market for defence, a competitive European defence industry and a well-functioning internal market for defence products are central to our readiness and important for us all, and we need to both rapidly strengthen Europe's defence to deter the aggression from Russia that we witness on a daily basis in Ukraine, as well as strengthen the European defence industry and develop the single market for defence that enhances our security in the long term. So the draft opinion touches upon two directives on intra-eu transfers of defence products and on defence procurement, to which the Commission proposes changes in the defence omnibus. And that I'm also co-rapporteur for the proposals by the Commission are most welcome, and I'm happy that this is also reflected in the draft report. So we need to remove unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy. Also, in the single market for defence and the historic investments that the EU and its member states now must make, they must also be directed towards capacity towards equipment, ammunition, weapon systems and new technology, not towards administration and red tape. So on the whole, I welcome this draft opinion by the rapporteur and thanks for her work so far and I look forward to working together with all the shadow rapporteurs on this opinion. Thank you.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Yes. Thank you, chair. And dear colleagues, uh, these files, they are important because they affect how businesses and citizens deal with the EU rules in their everyday lives. And I would also like to thank the rapporteur for a very good touch on this file. We have already made clear in the Parliament that simplification is a top priority for us. And now regarding digitalisation, the overall direction is right. Less paper, faster and simpler procedures and more transparency and reliable information moving into the direction of a digital product passport. But as here has also been said, we have to keep in mind that not every everything can be digital. Some information, especially key safety information, still needs to be available on paper and elderly people also need information on paper. Usually. Still at least digitalisation is not an end in itself. It's a tool to reduce bureaucracy, make life easier for businesses and improve the functioning of of the single market. Uh, but when it comes then to the common specifications, our main goal from renew is to avoid a parallel system to harmonize standards and prevent fragmentation. Our businesses need predictability and coherence, and thus my amendments align these rules with other recently negotiated legislation, make common specifications a last resort, and ensure a transparent development process with stakeholder input. So overall, in short, we are supporting the chapter on digitalization and fixing the unclear parts of common specifications. And simplification isn't about less law, it's about better law. Clear, consistent and practical. Thank you.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• “It was in April. So in the last trilogue, despite of the efforts from the Parliament side to come with compromise proposals strongly supported by the Commission, the Council chose to maintain its original position with no flexibility, meaning that the negotiations did not yet lead to any result and the trilogue process will now continue. We have a lot of work in front of us in the days to come now, and work needs to be done in order to facilitate an agreement on the political points and on the file as a whole. And as we have stressed repeatedly from our side, from the Parliament, it will require flexibility from both co-legislators. So we have to do a lot of work still. And I will come back to this to this file, but I see it also very important that we can get some kind of compromise, because this is a package. And the other files, the one that colleague. Henrik Dahl here reported on. It's also connected to to this file. So we will do our best so that we can get a solution. But it also means that also the council have to have to be more constructive. Thank you.”
  EU political integration
• “Madam. Madam president, Monsieur le marché est un jour. Mais nous NE sont pas des régions du Conseil. Nous ont. Qu'il faut renforcer le marché unique. Lorsque les décisions sont la prise nous constituent des divergences de vous en tratamiento. Alors. Ces difficultés au sein du gouvernement national voulons nous réellement une plus fort plus competitive et l'Europe effectivement plus competitive. La réponse doit etre affirmative et pour se faire, nous devons entrar en mesure de nous renouveler de renouveler et l'Europe. Nous avons un marché. Des consommateurs, mais nous avons des commerciale avec des droits de soins de santé pour les services et nous. Today, our company is too often face 27 different legal interpretations national gold plating and unnecessary administrative burden. This creates uncertainty, hampers investments and prevents new jobs from being created. And it affects the daily life of many people. So now it's time to act, not just to talk. Thank you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Commissioner, we live in a dangerous world. And I think it's absolutely clear that Europe has to do more to ensure its own defence. The Russian threat has to be taken seriously. And in this chamber, we have to realise that it will exist, that threat. Hence, we need a strong single market for defence and the Commission is on the right path. We need to do more. We need to do more together. We have to bolster our small and medium sized enterprises. We need to simplify procurement procedures, and we have to make sure that partnerships start to work seamlessly. That's how we generate possibilities to maximize our own security, to make sure that our citizens feel safe for a long time into the future. And we need to continue to support Ukraine and at the same time, take advantage of the experience that we have seen there. For example, on drone defense and other aspects. So Ukraine's issue is as.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Uh, and I do feel that the work that was done by the shadow rapporteurs on this particular front is extremely valuable. Um, we also the work that we have done in Libe has been extremely effective. And we do feel that the work that's been done in Femm as well has been extremely useful. We would like to emphasize that as sexually victimized women. Uh, that we have to have a system in place, a system in place which allows for the determination of women in order to, uh, what will happen with their bodies and for them to be able to have that particular sense of security that is absolutely necessary, and we need to have a level of consciousness on the part of authorities. Uh, perhaps what would be effective also would be statistics, the tabulation of statistics as well, in order to deal with this particular issue at the European Union level, uh, with the system of regulation, which is broadly accepted, we can also, uh, get rid of the stigmatization which exists up until now. And we can have better reporting on this front. Uh, so that a no cannot be interpreted as a yes and that there can be no doubt on that particular front, also, particularly vulnerable groups, migrants, uh, people with special needs. It's important to include them in this particular legal framework as, as as well. I'd like to thank the Co-rapporteurs, the shadow rapporteurs as well for the very, very constructive dialogue which we've had. Thank you very much.”
  Sexuality and reproduction
• “Yes. Thank you very much. It might be that my colleague will come here, but let's see if she she will will do it. I will also speak in Swedish, so please take your headsets on. Mr. Ordförande. Best for the. Rapporteur for a To broadcast initiative and summons rapporteurs FM Abir Al-sahlani Sahar. The Renewal Act from. War group. Inner Heat and sound Voltex e at 40 stoned e or the specialty. Crop Voltex E at sarskilt allvarligt brott da should offer both vara starkt oberoende of vilket land brott share or therefore an grants over screed on the dimension of and which will provide for all. For gender equality and for bolstering the rights of victims. This is absolutely imperative. And, um, we need also a specialized, uh, system in place, providing for victims, for victims of rape, to provide health care for them and any sort of treatment. And those who have contact with victims also, they have to have the necessary education and training to be able to deal with these individuals in a sensitive fashion. We need processes in place which will, uh, uh, allow for the prosecution of, uh, victimizers of criminals and at the same time, a system of protection for the victims themselves in the prosecution process. And of course, it's not always simple to do that, but we need a proper system in place which is broadly accepted. We want to emphasize that, uh, uh, that the issue of consensuality, this is something that can be defined in different fashions. And, uh, when we were speaking about, uh, sexual behavior. Sexual behavior partners, it can't be something. Of course, it's something that is very, very nuanced. But we have to make it very clear, particularly when we look at the particular articles in the UN Human Rights Charter. Uh, in the Nordic countries, uh, we have, uh, special uh, regulations in place as well, and in a number of other member states of the European Union, in other words, that we make it clear the entire issue of confidentiality in the definition has to be clearly made extremely clear, so that there's no doubt whatsoever.”
  EU policy on victims' compensation rights
• “Thank you very much commissioner Sejeuner who spoke in his report about reducing bureaucracy contributing to the single market we all know what we should do we need to act we have plenty of work ahead of us. We have people who are in difficult situations who are facing redundancies these are the issues that we need to tackle problems facing young people unemployment is too high there are a lot of countries which are suffering because of this unemployment I'm thinking of my country Finland and also Spain it is not acceptable. We must strengthen the single market we must create more jobs all of this is interrelated we need to end this excessive bureaucratic burden we need to help SMEs and we need to dismantle these obstacles as the commissioner said it is time to act now because this is a problem that concerns all of us thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “I'd like to thank the rapporteur. Although he is not here right now, I'd like to thank him for his very constructive cooperation on this important proposal. It is clear to me that we need to improve the position of producers in the food supply chain and supervisory authorities. Supervising authorities need efficient cooperation across borders for this. So this is a step in the right direction from the renewed side. We've proposed amendments to support small scale producers with consultancy, access to resources and the importance of clear guidelines from the Commission. We also take the view that the costs that arise in cooperation between authorities should be borne by the authority who requests the measure. It is also important to consider national legislation in the member states and how national supervisory authorities work. I'd like to thank Adnan Dibrani and his team for their constructive work. It is important to ensure that the single market works for our farmers as well, and we have a task before us here to ensure that we make progress on that part. Thank you very much.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “That's to say EU airspace. That is entirely unacceptable. We need to put our foot down against Russia. And to do that, we need a Europe that can stand on its own two feet. Europe needs to ensure its own future. The question is, will we manage it? I'm convinced that we can do it. And to do that, we need to be prepared to renew ourselves. Colleagues, this report is about just that. It's about how we can strengthen our competitiveness and our internal market. How can we ensure that our European companies do better in global competition? In line with the proposals of the Draghi and Letta reports? The message from our companies has been clear administrative burdens must be reduced. To do that, we need to simplify and improve at the same time as we stick to our climate goals and our strong consumer protection rules and high social standards in all of our member States. The report has a number of concrete proposals that we hope that the Commission and Member states will take on board. We want to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for our companies. We want to cut red tape, as they say in English. Future legislation has to be written in a way that strengthens innovation and competitiveness.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Yes, thank you so much. And thank you to the Commission for for this proposal, I think I talk Swedish because this is a little bit more complicated. Thank you very much. This is a very welcome proposal. And the rapporteurs and the colleagues have mentioned some important aspects of it. What I'd like to recall is that a couple of weeks ago in Strasbourg, the parliament also approved a report on how we're going to strengthen the internal market. And I myself was rapporteur. And now we've got a number of different elements in these proposals, which uh, we in the Parliament are emphasising in particular the digital product passport. So that's a very welcome thing. We need to simplify things, but that needs to be done in a smart way and in a way that the consumers can use and understand and that companies find simpler. So that's a way to strengthen the competitive competitiveness of the single market. That said, there are a couple of small questions that I have about all of this relating to the common specifications. I know where there are no standards, that there's an attempt to find a solution to that. But at the same time, the commission has started a process to revise the European standardisation system as a whole. So you've got this attempt at this stage to. Improve the common specifications. But why not wait until you've got this revision of the actual standardisation system? There's also some concern in industry and in business, generally speaking, for these common specifications and how they might actually diminish competitiveness for our companies. So it would be helpful if we could get some answers to those questions. And I'm looking forward to excellent cooperation with the shadow rapporteurs. And I think this is going to land on my table as far as Renault is concerned. Thank you.”
  Product passport
• “Vice chair. Commissioner Séjourné. The strategy is very welcome indeed. In these difficult geopolitical times, Europe has to be able to stand on its own two feet and we have to stand on the basis of our single market. We have to use the assets that we have. That's to say 450 million consumers, the second largest economy in the world. But we don't exploit these advantages as we should. That's why this strategy is so welcome, particularly in the area of services. Services are worth 75% of EU GDP. And two thirds of the workers in Europe work in the services sector. There's a lot of potential here, but we don't buy from each other. We end up with services stopping at borders. We don't. We actually buy more services from countries outside the EU than we do from each other. We still have the same kind of barriers to trade that we had 20 years ago in the services sector. So I think that that would be a profitable opportunity to take for Europe's workers and companies.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you very much, president. Commissioner. We need to strengthen our internal market with our 450 million citizens in our 27 member states, make the EU one of the largest economic blocs in the world. We have all of the conditions in place to do well in global competition. But but we have an internal market which is not being used to its full potential. So how can we achieve the competitiveness we could have and the economic growth that we could create? To do it, we need concrete measures to strengthen the internal market and to reduce administrative burdens on our companies, particularly when it comes to small and medium sized companies. We have to get rid of unnecessary bureaucracy. We need measures that make Europe attractive for investment and innovation, and that in turn creates more jobs, more tax revenue for member states, and also more jobs and a stronger welfare state for all of us in the EU. But we live in times of great uncertainty. Russia's brutal war of invasion in Ukraine continues. Yesterday, we woke up to the news that Russian drones had been shot down in Polish airspace.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you very much. I will speak in in Swedish talk.Thank you very much, chair. Colleagues. Well, let me begin by thanking the shadow rapporteurs. My thanks to all the negotiators for your constructive contribution to this file and your spirit of cooperation. I am delighted to see that a vast majority of the groups has accepted our compromises. We are living through times of great concern when it comes to what is happening with Ukraine and Russia. And if you look at our relations with the Trump administration as well, well, that too obviously has an impact on our trade policy. So in these troubled times, it's very important for us to say out loud and say clearly that Europe can stand on its own two feet and we can be leaders. We need to see clear roles that work for our single market, clear rules that are also predictable. And that will not be too much of an unnecessary burden on our businesses. We must therefore simplify, digitise and ensure that we do not throw up hurdles to the single market to ensure that there are opportunities for growth, innovation and employment for a thriving Europe which provides well-being for its citizens. At the same time, we need to uphold our values and our principles. So, colleagues, this report is very clear in its aims. Simplifying does not mean undermining our aims. It's about levelling up. And that means that I would call on all groups to vote in favour of the report. In my view, I think that you will all be able to see the positive outcomes that could arise from it. And in this way, we'll be able to strengthen everyone in Europe and strengthen our businesses and create more jobs as well.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU