Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS

Policy topics Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS is active on

What Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS has said (32)

• 2026-06-17 “Thank you very much, president, colleagues. Now there are many challenges, that face. And if we're going to talk about national security, there is a traditional picture that we see. We see borders. We see tanks. However, hybrid threats are different. Baltic states are subject to, hybrid attacks from, Russia and from Belarus. These really highlight the reality of, hybrid attacks. Data is extremely important for us in this era, and we need to, invest further in cybersecurity. We've seen that this has been ignored, for a long time, and that's true, across Europe. We've seen, data leak from the national authorities, And this is, obviously a result of attack, and we don't have sufficient security against this. We need clear initiatives and a clear investment in national security and specifically in protection of our citizens. The European Commission needs to come forward not just with initiatives, but need to understand the fuller picture so that we can fully protect individuals.”
  Surveillance equipment & spyware
• 2026-06-17 “Thank you very much, president. Colleagues. Now, there are many challenges that we face if we're going to talk about national security. There is a traditional picture that we see. We see borders, we see tanks. However, hybrid threats are different. Baltic states are subject to hybrid attacks from Russia and from Belarus. These really highlight the reality of hybrid attacks. Data is extremely important for us in this era, and we need to invest further in cyber security. We've seen that this has been ignored for a long time, and that's true across Europe. We've seen a data leak from the national authorities. And this is obviously a result of attack. And we don't have sufficient security against this. We need clear initiatives. We need and clear investment in national security, and specifically in protection of our citizens. The European Commission needs to come forward not just with initiatives, but need to understand the fuller picture so that we can fully protect individuals.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• 2026-06-16 “Dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, the recent restrictions on access to On traffic. Latest AI models should be a final call for Europe to wake up, because this is exactly how digital dependence looks like. Whatever the exact security concerns, the political lesson is very clear. A technology that European companies, researchers and public authorities may need tomorrow. It might be just limited by a decision taken outside of Europe. It does not always come as a crisis. Sometimes it comes as a very simple update to terms of access and export control decision, or a model that suddenly just no longer available. The Commission's new tax sovereignty package is therefore a necessary step. Europe needs stronger capacity in AI, cloud, semiconductors and open source. But we should be honest, announcing a package. It's not enough. We need implementation. Investment and public procurement. That, first of all, helps European solutions to scale. And this is not about closing Europe. No. We need partners, including in the United States. But partnership cannot mean a structural dependence. If we want resilience, we must first of all build it ourselves. And if we want sovereignty, we must be ready to pay for it, organize it and defend it.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2026-06-16 “Dear commissioner, dear colleagues, the recent restrictions on access to on traffic latest AI models should be a final call for Europe to wake up because this is exactly how digital dependence looks like. Whatever the exact security con concerns, the political lesson is very clear. A technology that European companies, researchers, and public authorities may need tomorrow, they might be just limited by a decision taken outside of Europe. It does not always come as a crisis. Sometimes it comes as a very simple update to terms of access, an export control decision, or a model that's suddenly just no longer available. The commission's new tech sovereignty package is therefore a necessary step. Europe needs stronger capacity in AI cloud, semiconductors, and open source. But we should be honest. Announcing a package, it's not enough. We need implementation, investment, and public procurement that, 1st of all, helps European solutions to scale. And this is not about closing Europe. No. We need partners, including in United States, but partnership cannot mean a structural dependence. If we want resilience, we must, 1st of all, build it ourselves. And if we want sovereignty, we must be ready to pay for it, organize it, and defend it.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2025-02-04 “E-000483/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The decision by the United-States (US) to impose export restrictions on advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) chips and the categorisation of Member States into different tiers goes against the core principles of the EU’s single market and technological sovereignty. While a detailed assessment of the impact of those measures on the EU is ongoing, the Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy and the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security already voiced their concerns to the US administration in a Joint Statement 1 . Europe aims to be among the global leaders in AI and is taking concrete steps in this direction. The Chips Joint Undertaking 2 has launched research and innovation calls on AI chips. The EU’s AI factories initiative and the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking 3 play a key role in this respect. To accelerate the development of the EU’s domestic AI capabilities, the Commission has recently announced the new InvestAI initiative, which aims to mobilise EUR 200 billion for AI investments. In parallel, it is crucial to ensure the access of EU operators to the leading AI chips and models. The Commission has also pointed, in its White Paper on Export Controls 4 , to ‘the lack of common EU voice [which] exposes individual Member States to strong geopolitical pressures’. The Commission also suggested concrete responses aimed at ensuring uniform EU export controls. To this end, the Commission will soon publish a recommendation to enhance the coordination of national control lists and has also proposed to make the update of the EU list of dual-use controls more flexible and reactive to technological and geopolitical developments. The upcoming evaluation of Regulation (EU) 2021/821 5 will further allow the EU to assess this framework in the evolving international context. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_255 2 https://www.chips-ju.europa.eu/ 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/high-performance-computing-joint-undertaking 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0025 5 Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items (recast), OJ L 206, 11.6.2021, p. 1; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/821/oj/eng”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2025-01-17 “P-000195/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Union Maritime Information and Exchange System (SafeSeaNet) 1 , hosted in the European Maritime Safety Agency, provides the maritime picture and surveillance to all Member States via the Integrated Maritime Services (IMS) in a fully protected domain. Member States already have full access. The IMS already allow Member States to track and trace any vessel by use of ship positioning systems (AIS, LRIT, etc.) in near real time. The IMS support to Member States could also be customised with additional information, on request, such as earth observation images (e.g. Copernicus), images from Remotely Operated Air (Drones) and/or Underwater Vehicles (ROVs). The same system is used to support Member States in the case of detected illegal ship-to-ship transfers or turning off the ship’s identification systems. 2. The EU port State control system 2 , as just strengthened in the revision of 2024, has a sophisticated targeting system aimed at inspecting substandard ships. Given that the EU already has an embargo on seaborne oil of Russian origin, any ship, irrespective of flag, cannot sail to any Member State port. The above-mentioned IMS support Member States in monitoring this prohibition. Under the EU sanctions and restrictive measures legislation 3 in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine, the EU has the power to designate specific vessels, including vessels that are part of Russia’s shadow fleet, engaging in deceptive and high-risk shipping practices contrary to international standards and which seeks to circumvent the EU/G7 Oil Price Cap. To date, the EU has designated a total of 153 vessels. These vessels are subject to a port access ban and a ban on provision of services. 1 Directive 2002/59/EC on Vessel Traffic Monitoring, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2002/59/oj/eng 2 Directive 2009/16/EC on port State control (OJ L 131, 28.5.2009, p. 57), https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2009/16/oj/eng 3 Council Decision 2014/512/CFSP and Regulation (EU) 833/2014OJ L 229, 31.7.2014, https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014D0512 and https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/833/oj/eng”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Thank you very much. Um, dear colleagues, I'd like to to thank, first of all, the rapporteur, uh, for a timely and relevant report. Uh, in today's context, the push for simplification must be carefully balanced with regulatory foundations that ensure financial stability. Because this stability is not just technical, it's essential for protecting taxpayers, preserving public investment capacity, and supporting social cohesion. We broadly support the report's direction. It's clear, thoughtful and analytically sound. That said, there are several proposals that we disagree with and others where the report could be more ambitious. And I'll try to address this through, uh, and also our group through the amendments, first on capital markets, union and supervision. The report points to a trade off between deeper integration and systemic risk, but this risk arises only when EU level supervision is weak, so deeper integration must go hand in hand with stronger centralized oversight, and the report should state that more clearly and more firmly. Secondly, macro financial risks and sovereign bank nexus. This is where we have the most concern. The report references high sovereign debt and deficits as key risks in recent history. It wasn't high public debt that triggered financial crisis, but rather the other way around. It was government intervention to save highly leveraged banks that cost public debt and deficits to balloon.”
  European Banking Union
• “I have a very good news as yesterday the committee voted for this opinion with a solid support. So there is good news on this opinion. To start with. I have seven points chair, keeping my intervention as close as possible. Firstly the objective of the program by the opinion of SETI must be not only build, develop secure, but protect and enhance the resilience. Enhancing the resilience is something to our mind, includes physical and cyber protection of critical infrastructure as well as operational efficiency and security of supply. I mean, no energy as we know, no movement at all. Then the focus of the program, indeed, the particular one on its eastern flank were the major threats might arise, as we know, because of what reasons and across its external borders, by supporting dual use transport infrastructure and related measures, enabling the rapid, seamless and secure movement of military personnel, equipment, goods, supplies and assets and transport corridors, enabling access to it. So then led me to come back on a third issue. The program is not just, as I said before, but to support investment in the protection and resilience of existing and planned critical energy infrastructure. This is very, very important to our understanding, including through enhanced physical protection, preparedness and cyber security measures. With a view of strengthening the union's energy security, ensuring and continuity of energy supply. So with this in mind, colleagues led me to focus on the fourth issue I want to bring to your attention, which is from our understanding, is to ensure adequate prioritization of projects located in member states must exposed to geopolitical risks, particularly along the union's eastern flank, where infrastructure gaps create strategic vulnerability affecting the security chair as he promised to be as close, as short as possible. Let me finally say that speaking about mobility, we should not forget counter mobility because, I mean, to deter and to stop those arrivals, you have to have this ability. Thank you and good luck for you.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• “Thank you. Commissioner. Colleagues. Europe used to talk about energy mainly in terms of market and prices. Today we clearly understand energy policy is a security policy. Energy keeps our homes warm and our industries running. And when Russia weaponized gas, we saw how dependence can be used against Europe, and that is why cooperation on clean energy today matters so much. When European countries connect their grids, build offshore wind together and invest in shared infrastructure, we are doing much more than just building turbines. We are building resilience, a system that is less exposed to geopolitical shocks and volatile fuel prices. And we see why this matter today. As the war in Iran pushes oil towards $100 per barrel and drives gas prices up again. Europe is reminded how vulnerable important fossil fuel makes us. And the more renewable electricity Europe produces itself, the less we pay for those shocks. And most importantly, our citizens are less exposed. So this is not only environmental transition, as some like to call it. It's a strategic transformation. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Dear colleagues, the United States imposed tariffs on EU steel and aluminium, and this action is not only unjustified, but it is also deeply concerning for the future of the transatlantic cooperation. And let me be clear, we do not desire this outcome. Imposing tariffs between allies is counterproductive and, frankly, an absurd. Nevertheless, the EU has to respond firmly. Even so, trade wars weaken our shared economic strength and global influence. That said, tariffs and targeted economic measures can be important tools when dealing with regimes that threaten global security and stability, such as Russia and Belarus. In such cases, targeted actions is not just justified, it is crucial. The Commission's proposal to impose tariffs on Russian and Belarusian agricultural products and fertilisers is a step in the right direction, helping to reduce dependencies, strengthen domestic production and diversify our supply chains. We must fully utilise this tool and remain united in upholding a rule based international order. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Moreover, there is no clear evidence of correlation between structural reforms in member states and increased international role of the euro. And what matters more, as highlighted in Draghi report, is the Creation of a genuine EU safe asset, and this would provide a deep, liquid euro denominated benchmark and make euro more attractive in global reserves. Unfortunately, the report is not mentioning this crucial point. Third, on Nbfi non-bank financial intermediation oversight and shadow banking, we strongly welcome the report's focus on the systemic relevance of non-bank financial intermediaries. Yes, Basel three and geopolitical risk assessment are important, but the mandates of asthma and SRB must be strengthened. Similarly, reform of the money market fund regulation must be accelerated and go beyond aligning with international standards, and must address specific EU vulnerabilities. Finally, liquidity margining and digital finance. We support the report's recognition of the liquidity stress triggered by margin calls during the recent crisis. Strengthening clearing infrastructure, collateral frameworks and margining oversight is essential. And yet a broader structural issue is missing the financing. Finally, financial realization of essential sectors such as energy and housing. And we must regulate speculative trading in energy markets and enhance oversight of investment flows into the real estate that inflate prices for the citizens. Thank you.”
  Financial regulation
• “And this is something where they underlined a big dependency on these listing platforms for many, uh, small businesses, particularly on the island. And I think this is something what other, uh, islands or on tourism heavily dependent countries can probably say like Spain, Greece, Portugal, um, or or Cyprus, that of course those platforms have now a significant impact. And it's of course also important for us to have effective control of them. Uh, there is also A significant development as regards the targeting high end tourists that should provide for the development of the sector with the less pressure as regards the environment and infrastructure, because, as I've said, Malta. Malta has managed to outpace the numbers even even before. Uh, before. Uh, before Covid. I'll stop here. Uh, with with this, I think, you know, as I said, it was extremely important, uh, important mission. Uh, what we have heard, what was underlined many times is that one size fits all doesn't work, especially in Malta. But I think we know that very well by by by taking our decision, by taking them into, into consideration. So once again, I want to truly, really thank all the colleagues who were present, um, who you constantly in all the meetings raised an important, important questions. And at the end of the day, that made a success of of our mission to get the true information which we can use in our further work. So thank you very much for the colleagues and of course for the staff members for organizing it.”
  EU strategy for tourism development
• “Dear colleagues, let me speak plainly every single day. Every single day that we delay the phase out of Russian energy. We are wiring billions straight into the war chest of Putin's aggression against Ukraine. Now, the commission's plan is definitely a significant step in the right direction. But let us be clear a step is not enough. Not when the challenge demands a significant leap. The Nord Stream chapter must be closed and closed for good. Because Nord Stream was never just about gas, it was geopolitical weapon. It bypassed Ukraine and Poland. It handed the Kremlin a tool to divide Europe, to distort competition, to threaten over 100 million people from the Baltics to the Balkans. And let's be honest, it weakened our solidarity when we needed it most. So, no, we cannot afford another strategic blunder, and we cannot afford to trade one dependency for another. So swapping Russian gas for fossil fuels or nuclear from other authoritarian regimes. That's not a plan. That's another trap. True energy sovereignty means renewables. Modern grids. The time for half measures is over. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Dear colleagues, there is no peace without justice. Every day this war continues and Ukrainian civilians pay with their homes, their children, their lives and their future. And a man who order it sits in a Kremlin untouched. I personally face criminal case in Belarus for flying a free Belarusian flag here in Europe. But those who ordered murders 30 and rape Europe has not prosecuted them. And that is not the justice we have the evidence the world has seen it. And yet accountability moves slower than Russian missiles and that must change. We need full support for International Criminal Court, a special tribunal for the crime of aggression and real compensation for Ukraine. Because solidarity without accountability is just a speech. And this Parliament has heard enough speeches. Slava Ukraini.”
  Support for International Criminal Court
• “Commissioner, last year Mario Draghi told us something uncomfortable Europe is drifting and not running. He reminded us that our companies, they pay energy prices 2 or 3 times higher than their competitors in the US. And that's not an abstract statistic that at the end of the day, a difference between investing here in Europe or actually leaving. And we have responded. Strategies, road maps, compasses. That's of course welcome. But between announcements and reality, there is still a long way to go and businesses are stuck walking through it every day. Where is the genuine single market for services? We are discussing that for years. Where is the one simple rule book that allows companies to grow from Lisbon to Vilnius without drowning in 27 different systems? Draghi was very clear. This should not take months. It should take days. Here in Europe now it takes years, not months. So my message today is straightforward. Let us create the 28 regime this year and make an affordable energy action plan felt in every household and every factory in Europe.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you, Mr. President. Dear colleagues, dear Commissioner. Three years into Russia's war against Ukraine, Europe is still paying billions to Moscow and every euro for Russian gas or oil, fuels aggression against Ukraine and support hybrid attacks against democracies here in EU. And this must stop now. We in Parliament choose action over delay. And we insist. Oil from Russia must stop in 2026. Gas and LNG must cease by 1st January 2027, a full year ahead of the original commission timetable. Our position is clear. No new or amended contracts. No temporary storage and no more loopholes. That allows Russian energy to reach our market through third countries. We also refuse any exemptions from certain member states, and this ban must apply equally to all. We ensure robust verification and full transparency and strict penalties. Now the council must match our ambitions because Europe's security cannot wait until 2028. Let's turn off the tap of Kremlin energy money permanently and prove that Europe stands united, dependent and independent.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Dear colleagues, let me start by, first of all, thanking the Commission for putting this brave proposal on the table. Let me thank our rapporteurs for a great work and also advise us. I know that they work tirelessly and very hard to finalise this file today. Europe makes a choice about who we are and what we will no longer accept, because for decades, our energy system was built on a dangerous illusion that dependence on Russian gas was somehow cheap, stable and harmless. And we see the truth. We see what is happening in Ukraine. That energy was used as leverage, as a pressure, as a weapon. And finally we ended by phasing out Russian natural gas. Europe is reclaiming its freedom. We are saying clearly that our homes, our industries and our future will never again be held hostage. Europe. Choose courage over comfort, and history will forever remember this vote.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Colleagues, there's no doubt that the single market is one of the greatest achievements of the European Union. However, today you've heard lots of figures. And how much of that potential of the single market, especially in these complicated times, we're not still using up. Each year, around €300 billion, around 2% of the EU's GDP is simply not taken and everything is related to growth, jobs, investment, Earnings. The development of the regions. All of this is untapped potential. Why? The answer is very simple because we lack the elementary political will when we are talking about the major job. I think firstly, this is energy, but how can we speak about energy as a strategic sector when starting from planning, designing to the implementation of the project? There is a timeline of ten years if energy is the strategic sector indeed for our companies. Why do we have different tariffs and uncertain prices and finances and access to capital today for companies, especially in the regions? It's practically mission impossible to borrow. The ECB investment banks present nice figures as to how they are investing each year, but the reality is that many companies lack access to these funds and this is unacceptable. Finally, SMEs, how can we speak about competitiveness when 10% of their time creativity is spent on bureaucracy? There's no doubt that we have to act. And for this, we need political will. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Okay. Um, Commissioner. Dear colleagues, the European Council will be a real test of our credibility on Ukraine, on solidarity, and most importantly, whether Europe can take responsibility when it matters. The Russian frozen assets are held across Europe. They are mainly in Belgium, but also in countries like France or Luxembourg. And this is not Belgium's or those countries problem. It's European responsibility. If Europe decides to use these assets to support Ukraine, which is absolutely critical at this moment. Europe also must stand behind that decision, and that means clear EU level guarantees. No member state should ever be left alone to carry the risk of decision that we are taking together. And that means a real European solidarity that can be understood across Europe. Ukraine cannot wait and Europe cannot hide behind legal doubts while asking one country to assume all the burden. So strategic autonomy, first of all, for us, means acting together. So this council must deliver a clear message. European solidarity is real and concrete, and it comes with responsibility.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “(10:08:38 – 10:10:26): Colleagues, there's no doubt that the single market is 1 of the greatest achievements of the European Union. However, today, you've heard lot of figures. And how much of that potential of the single market, exceptionally in these complicated times, we're not still using up? Each year, around €300,000,000,000, around 2% of the EU's GDP is simply not taken. And everything is related to growth, jobs, investment, earnings, the developments of the regions, all of this is untapped potential. Why? The answer is very simple. Because we lack the elementary political will. When we are talking about the major job, I think, firstly, this is energy. But how can we speak about energy as a strategic sector when starting from planning, designing to the implementation of the project? There is a timeline of 10 years. If energy is the strategic sector indeed for our companies, why do we have different tariffs and uncertain prices and finances and access to capital today for companies, especially in the regions, it's practically mission impossible to borrow. The ECB investment banks present nice figures as to how they are investing each year, but the reality is that many companies lack access to these funds. And this is unacceptable. Finally, SMEs. How can we speak about competitiveness when 10% of their time, creativity is spent on bureaucracy. There's no doubt that we have to act. And for this, we need political will. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Okay, excellent. Thank you very much. Dear colleagues, we will go now for the second round. But I have to announce that we close the catch the eye. So we start now with the second round. It will be chaired by the chair. Boris Budka. Dear Boris, the floor is yours.”
  EP seat in Strasbourg
• “No, you're very well on time, actually. Thank you very much. Thank you for your answers. So, dear guests, dear, dear colleagues, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your participation, for the dialogue. As you can see from the many questions that they were there. Tourism is extremely important sector for the European Parliament. It's clear from our discussion that rebalancing tourism, managing visitor flows emerge as top priorities for destinations at every level. Central to this effort is leveraging the symbiotic relationship between tourism and infrastructure, which is a key pillar of any sustainable growth model. So that concludes, uh, our tourism task force discussion and allow us to move to our next point of the today's agenda. So we'll do a very short break just to thank our speaker, and we'll move with the agenda forward.”
  EU strategy for tourism development
• “Thank you very much. We'll thank. In camera it would be even even more open discussions. But I think it was great. Um, sending great messages, especially on on the sanctions. We get quite a lot of these questions from, uh, from from society, from people why sanctions do not work. Uh, you clearly showed that they do, but still, uh, we should not forget that the other side is also working very hard. How to go around the sanctions? Uh, but thank you very much. Uh, thank you for your for your time. Thank you for your excellent presentations. And we look forward to further cooperate with you. We'll now move to the second question. I will ask the speakers to change just a short, uh, two minute break for for speakers to change. And we continue with the with the rest of the agenda. Yeah. Just one second. Uh, Mr. Bush, uh, you wanted to ask a question.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Thank you. Now we'll go ahead and I'll give the floor to the shadow rapporteurs from the both committees in order of the groups. Also, for the maximum of of two minutes each. We start with Martin Kemp.”
  EU political integration
• “Yes, thank you very much. Dear chair, dear Boris and good afternoon, dear colleagues. So without further ado, we'll go ahead and I'll give the floor to the rapporteur from both committees in order of the groups for a maximum of four minutes each. And we start with the co-rapporteur. Miss Camila Pejovic.”
  EU engagement with citizens
• “Dear Minister, your Commissioner, dear colleagues, the recent US tariffs don't just hit our exports, they strike at the heart of what should be fair and trusted partnership. Over 500 billion worth of EU goods could be affected. And behind that figure there are real people, our workers, our businesses and the values that we stand for. And the only correct response is with unity, with calm and with purpose. Yes, we have introduced proportionate countermeasures, but we are also keeping the door widely open for a dialogue, for an honest dialogue offering to boost imports of US goods by 50 billion to help restore balance. Still, this is much more than just a dispute. It's about Europe shaping its own path. Building stronger, more diverse partnerships and standing up for a global trade system based on rules and mutual respect across Europe. People also reacted. People are frustrated. Boycotts and anti-American sentiment are rising. But our message is clear we want solutions, not a trade war. And if the US is ready to negotiate, so are we. If not, Europe will stand tall, united and turn this challenge into an opportunity.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “The President of Parliament, the Council. Dear Commissioner, let me begin by welcoming the fact that 26 member States have firmly reiterated their commitment to providing Ukraine with regular and predictable support. And our backing for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders remain steadfast. Let us not make a mistake. We do want peace, but in these circumstances, peace needs to be protected. Ukraine must be equipped to defend itself militarily, economically and politically, and we will continue working with our allies to provide the comprehensive support it needs. And the recent talks that were held in Saudi Arabia showed that Ukraine is ready to negotiate. Ukraine is ready to take steps to de-escalate. But peace requires much more than just proposals. It demands political will. And so far Russia has shown zero of that. The return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian children, the release of civilians and the exchange of prisoners of war. They are not optional. They are humanitarian imperatives. They could be the first steps to show willingness to come closer. We must be prepared to further increase pressure on Russia with stronger sanctions, with tighter enforcement, until it ends its aggression. Peace can be achieved not with the surrender of Ukraine. Peace can be achieved when Russia withdraws its troops. Thank you.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “Dear colleagues, it is clear it is not just about the tariffs. It's about what kind of Europe we want to be. Right now, President Trump is simply trying to bully Europe. He says take this deal or pay the price. And if we do not agree, of course our exports could face huge tariffs. Up to now sounds like 200% on pharmaceuticals. And that of course means jobs at risk. Economic slowdown. But this is much bigger than just trade. When one leader uses threats and deadlines is not about partnership. It is pressure. Trump's approach is clear. Tariffs. First negotiation. Second. And that is not how we build a future for Europe. We cannot give in. We cannot trade away our values for a quick fix. But we do not know even if there is a stand still close on that. We need a deal that helps people and protects Europe's future. And that means clean industry and not dirty shortcuts for supply chains. With strong rights for workers everywhere and digital rules that protect freedom and privacy. The message to Washington is simple we seek cooperation and not capitulation. And Europe must show that it can be strong and fair at the same time. So let us show the world what we stand for, that we stand united as one Europe.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you. Commissioner. Dear colleagues. Nobody disputes the importance of the automotive industry, which directly and indirectly employs more than 13 million people. And it is not only in Germany, France, Spain or Italy, but it is all across Europe. However, the worse would be that our automotive industry would live a noxious moment where at some point it had almost 50% of market share. Cheer and then it just diminished. And the competition is not coming in combustion engine. Nobody cares. And nobody competes with European industry on combustion engine. Nobody wants to do a better turbo diesel or so the future of automotive. Like it or not, it lays in battery and software, as simple as that. And what we must do to truly protect our industry is to ensure that we secure supply chains. First of all, and from the Commission, we truly wait an important battery booster proposal. Secondly, we need a cheap energy. We cannot compete with the expensive energy, but that was a mistake basing our energy mix into the Russian hands. Thirdly, we need to ensure that we have a workforce, the workforce that is future oriented and able to compete. And finally, if we want an uptake from the market, we cannot fail our people. There must be, first of all, infrastructure which is not there. We are far behind the goals. And lastly, cheap energy that will help our industry.”
  Sustainability of batteries regulation
• “Thank you very much. Um, now we move to our speakers online. Uh, moving on. We will now hear from, uh, Miss Ponce. Uh, but before we do, I would like to remind you that yesterday, the Committee of the regions adopted an opinion on sustainable and resilient tourism with the focus for balanced and adaptive management. Uh, do we have online? Yeah. Okay. So, uh, we eager to learn about where you stand on this. Uh, yes. We see you. Please proceed. And I have to remind you that you have five minutes. Uh, so please keep it within the five minutes.”
  EU strategy for tourism development
• “Thank you very much. Dear colleagues, in this debate, I heard a lot of accusations and very little numbers. It's like, you know, partying while the whole night and then in the morning feeling bad and blaming a cookie. Because if you look at the ETS, it's actually responsible for less than 10% of the electricity price. And many of you said that ETS collects huge revenues, but you never said where those revenues actually goes. It goes to your national budgets. Is Poland, Czech Republic or others ready to actually let those money go and not to invest into energy efficiency, into innovation in their countries? That's the first question to be asked. Because, colleagues, when you speak about ETS, you always try to blame the EU. Like there is some sort of magic EU budget that ETS goes to. No, it goes to your national budget and you should ask your governments where those money are spent. Absolutely. Ets two also must be introduced very fairly and very carefully, because we should look at the real situation on the ground, and especially families struggling with their bills. But that cannot be a stoppage for a change that we have started, because the real pressure comes from our dependency on fossil fuels. Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you very much. And good afternoon, dear colleagues. Uh, welcome back. I hope you all had a great summer break. Um. Welcome to this joint Senate committee meeting. Indeed, as Miss Strzok Zimmerman said, a chair, uh, just, uh, just announced today, uh, presentation of this joint draft report by my colleague, Mr. Petras Austrevicius and colleague, Mr. Zile is taking place in the right time, as announced by the European Commission White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030. The Commission is currently working on a military mobility package, which will be presented by the end of this year. So therefore, it is the right time for our committees to express their views on the necessary measures to be undertaken by the Union to address the existing barriers hindering the movement of military forces within the Union. Our discussion on military mobility is also timely because the proposal for the next MFF was presented before the summer break. The proposal for a Connecting Europe facility three has a transport budget of €51.5 billion, two times bigger than the budget. We have this in this MFF. Quoting Commissioner Tzitzikostas, this figure reflects the importance of transport for competitiveness and security, but also the magnitude of the work ahead. This envelope includes €17.65 billion for military mobility, which means a very relevant increase compared to the current MFF. So this shows that military mobility has become integral to keeping Europe secure. I'm looking forward to listening to the views of our rapporteurs and our debate on this relevant matter. Before giving the floor back to the chair, I'd like to briefly explain how our meeting will be conducted today. The CTA and Tran rapporteurs will be given the floor for five minutes each to present their joint draft report, followed by said and shadow rapporteurs for two minutes each. Then, if time allows, other members will have the opportunity to take the floor for one minute during the catch the eye. We also have representatives of DG, DFS and DG move. They will be invited to take the floor for five minutes before the floor is given again to the rapporteurs for the final remarks.”
  Defence spending