Salvatore DE MEO

Policy topics Salvatore DE MEO is active on

What Salvatore DE MEO has said (37)

• 2025-11-06 “E-004388/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission closely monitors ethanol imports into the EU, particularly non-fuel imports from Pakistan, for which preferential treatment was removed on 21 June 2025. Products that were on their way to the EU on that date were still eligible to preferential treatment when entering the EU; this was the case for some imports in July and August 2025. It should be noted that imports of non-fuel ethanol from Pakistan can still occur if the Most Favoured Nation duties are paid, which actually happened these last four months based on the preliminary customs data available 1 . According to this data, between July and October 2025 non-fuel imports from Pakistan decreased by around 37% compared to the same period of 2024. Concerning fuel ethanol imports from Pakistan, which are not subject to safeguard measures, they are also currently lower than average. Customs authorities use risk criteria set at EU and national level to establish risk indicators and create risk profiles used to target their customs controls. Classification and origin of goods are among such risk criteria used by customs authorities to target controls on goods which are prone to customs duties circumvention, especially when goods are subject to a change in the rate of customs duties or to other trade measures. On 1 December 2025 the co-legislators reached a political agreement 2 on the new Generalised Scheme of Preferences rules that will apply from 2027 until 2036. The European Parliament and the Council did not alter the provisions in Article 30 as they considered that this instrument can properly address serious market disturbance in the agricultural sector. 1 Source: DG TAXUD Surveillance. 2 https://gsphub.eu/about-gsp/gsp-review.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2025-05-27 “E-002122/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to implementing EU rules on deforestation in a spirit of close partnership, transparency, and open dialogue. Its aim is to reduce administrative burden for companies while preserving the goals of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) 1 . The Commission will continue to work very closely with all stakeholders, to ensure that EU rules deliver on reducing global deforestation and forest degradation in the least burdensome way for companies that should not jeopardise EU competitiveness. On 15 April 2025, the Commission published a package 2 of measures ensuring further simplifications and reducing the administrative burden to facilitate the implementation of the EUDR. The package included a draft Delegated Act to provide further clarifications and simplification on the product scope of EUDR. The draft Delegated Act has been subject to the mandatory 4-week public feedback. The Commission is currently reviewing relevant contributions received from stakeholders, including those provided by the latex balloons sector. 1 Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206–247. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_25_1063/IP_25_1063_EN.pdf.”
  Trade impact on forests · Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• 2025-04-11 “E-001517/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to implementing EU rules on deforestation in a spirit of close partnership, transparency, and open dialogue. Its aim is to reduce administrative burden for companies while preserving the goals of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) 1 . The Commission will continue to work very closely with all stakeholders, to ensure that EU rules deliver on reducing global deforestation and forest degradation in the least burdensome way for companies that should not jeopardise EU competitiveness. 1. On 15 April 2025 the Commission published 2 a draft Delegated Act to provide further clarifications and simplification on the scope of the EUDR. The draft Delegated Act has been subject to the mandatory 4-week public consultation. The Commission is currently reviewing contributions received from stakeholders, including from the leather sector. 2. The draft Delegated Act was part of a package of measures ensuring further simplifications and reducing the administrative burden to facilitate the implementation of the EUDR. The package includes updated guidance and Frequently Asked Questions providing companies, EU Member States' authorities and partner countries with additional simplified measures and clarifications on how to demonstrate that their products are deforestation-free. Both documents reflect the input from Member States, partner countries, businesses, and industry. This will also guarantee harmonised implementation of the law across the EU. 1 Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206–247. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_25_1063/IP_25_1063_EN.pdf.”
  Trade impact on forests · Sustainable fashion
• 2025-03-31 “E-001317/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has become aware through media reports that the Italian authorities have launched an investigation regarding a possible breach of the Italian airspace by drone(s). The Commission is responsible for the security of the Joint Research Centre site in Ispra (Varese); in this, it collaborates with the host country authorities and exchanges relevant information. The Commission has not observed any violation by drones of the no-fly zone above said site, nor is it aware of any related specific security threat. The security management system of the Commission encompasses the identification of threats, assessment and mitigation of risks to the Commission staff, assets and information. It includes people, information, physical facilities and technology, through the development and implementation of policies and procedures for all its sites. These are regularly reviewed. In view of the above, the Commission is not opening a specific inquiry, nor changing its existing security measures.”
  EU policy on screening foreign investment in strategic sectors and critical infrastructure
• 2024-10-08 “E-001978/2024 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission will continue to uphold and strengthen the Union of Equality during this mandate. This concerns the rights of persons with disabilities as well as other aspects of equality. The mission letter of the Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management 1 outlines concrete first steps for each equality area. On the rights of persons with disabilities, the Commissioner highlighted her commitment in her written answers to the European Parliament: ‘If confirmed, one of my early priorities would be to close the remaining gaps and contribute to a barrier-free Europe for persons with disabilities. Key areas for attention will continue to be employment, independent living, accessibility, and mainstreaming of disability considerations across all policy areas’. The combination of equality and the crisis management and preparedness portfolios can lead to positive synergies, helping ensure that no one is left behind in times of crisis, in particular persons with disabilities. Moreover, the Commission will continue to mainstream equality. This is also enabled by the designation of equality contact points in the cabinets of each Member of the College. Persons with disabilities have the right to live independently and to participate in society on an equal basis to others 2 . The Commission will keep working towards this objective within the framework of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 3 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 4 . The Commission will present a progress report on the implementation of the Strategy to date. It will be presented to the European Parliament, Member States and civil society organisations. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/faaf33ff-c8c7-49a1-b01d56681e11a5e6_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20LAHBIB.pdf 2 Including in education and the labour market. 3 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-socialinclusion/persons-disabilities/union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030_en 4 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-socialinclusion/persons-disabilities/united-nations-convention-rights-persons-disabilities_en”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• “Thank you. President. Will the Mercosur trade agreement is a strategic opportunity because it looks to boost European competitiveness, diversifying our supply chains and reducing our dependency on other markets. However, there are risks as well, particularly for the agro food sector, and we really need to look at those carefully before we finally approve the agreement. Our farms have to respect very high standards in terms of environmental sustainability, animal well-being, quality, etc. and that's not the case for Mercosur farms. So therefore, we need rigorous controls to ensure that imports stick to appropriate standards and that we don't face unfair competition. We also need to ensure that geographical GI products in Europe are safeguarded. You can't simply build a better Europe by opening markets. You need to ensure that we have high quality products and businesses as well. This agreement will be a good one if it guarantees new opportunities without sacrificing our food security and the future of our businesses. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “I think that Quality indicators. Sustainable indicators are a great strategy to strengthen the GDP of our producers on on foreign markets. Also, the label enjoy it's from Europe is recognized on international markets. But I would like to point out that in certain contexts, referring to national origin could also prove effective in terms of a generic European indication. So those two marks, European and National, should be able to coexist on a promotional material for European products. And we need to better coordinate between the the Commission and the promotional channels. We need to promote the well-being and also ensure that there is better optimization, reinvesting resources which haven't been used in other sectors. An example of this would be the fact that the study shows about resources for producing organic foods in third countries, but we haven't used everything up there. And so I would ask to think whether it's useful to revisit the limits to support after two consecutive or contemporary programs on the same product or system. And the regulation from 70 continues to raise critical points. So I think that the, we should assess the continuation of the policy on the basis of the results achieved rather than on specific aspects. So these are in general terms, the lines on which I think we can define an ambitious balanced promotion policy which aims at growth, always bearing in mind that promotion policies are based on on regulation 1144, which aims at ensuring competitive competitiveness and access to markets for European agricultural products.”
  Export of EU agri-food products
• “Thank you Commissioner. Thank you chair. I really do appreciate this proposal, which I think gives us some more ammunition for this regulatory framework, which I think is, um, does have shortcomings in some aspects. There are so many different farmers that are part of producer organizations. There are a lot of risks in contracts as well for farmers, particularly with big businesses in terms of promotion costs. And I think I really liked the idea that we heard of The Price Observatory during your hearing. Some of my colleagues mentioned the need in this new reform, this price observatory. Where do we stand with that? Are you thinking about using it to, um, to help producers?”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “Thank you. President. For too long, we have focused our attention on land or on coastal parts of our land without looking further afield on the horizon. And today we are looking at it well aware that our seas are our shared heritage, important for climate and also for our energy and food security also, that they are vital for strengthening our strategic autonomy. The blue economy in Europe involves about 4.5 million people and generates about four €650 billion in added value. And yet all of this is under pressure, not just because of climate change and pollution, but also because there isn't a safe regulatory framework which allows us to properly develop all of its potential. We need to have a. An ambitious policies in order to support coastal communities, businesses and citizens. It's an increasingly complex and delicate situation, and the Oceans Pact is not just a vision, but a clear roadmap for a bluer, safer, more sustainable future one that will help to bring about a stronger, more autonomous and resilient Europe.”
  EU ocean policy
• “Thank you. And thank you to the, uh, speakers who have confirmed the need for our regulatory framework to be updated and adapted to the ambitious challenges of e-commerce, which is of an ever growing importance in our transactions. I think we need to highlight the potentials of this new world. But there are also some criticisms, in particular remembering two goals one guaranteeing, uh, the safety of our consumers against non-conforming products and then unfair competition for our producers. I think it's important to encourage, through this debate, uh, and acceleration of the customs reform, because that's the only tool we have, uh, to ensure that the platforms, uh, can be made more responsible for marketing products that do fit in with the European standards. There are so many products that have been identified as, uh, conform. And if, as European Commission said that the system we system we have at the moment is working. I'd like to know if there's been any sort of improvements considered. Given the technological innovation we're seeing, and that could certainly help us with that. And then I'd also like to look at involving the platforms themselves because we can't demonise them all. There are certainly some of them that have been responsible, but there are so many others, of course, that I think need to be made more responsible. So I think it would be useful to understand whether they're willing to cooperate with us to ensure that this system can be improved thanks to their cooperation. Thank you.”
  Liability for online marketplaces
• “They face increasingly harsh and unfair competition day in, day out. If they respect tax and environmental and labor regulations, then they lose out to producers from outside the European Union who don't respect the same set of rules in order to bypass all checks. That is why we need to look at the burden on our entrepreneurs. Now, when it comes to customs, the scale of the challenge is huge. We have millions and millions of packages coming in day in, day out, and we are unable to check them all with such limited resources. And most of them realize that we have to have a strategic European vision. Now, of course, the European strategy is valid. We have to apply it stringently. We have to step up controls and also make sure that our control authorities have their resources boosted. Of course, we need to look at online traders outside the European Union and ensure traceability as well as transparency. At the same time, we have to make sure that we beef up those authorities responsible for product safety and introduce a digital passport to make it possible for us to trace back the origin of products before they arrive on the European market. We very much hope that we will see a speeding up of the European Customs code, and very much hope that there will be a code for the presumed importers, because in the case of the packages, which have a value of below €150, we find that they escape any control whatsoever.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Thank you very much, chair. The single market is not just a single economic market. It's a geopolitical space in which to transform the European economy into an area of global influence. Completing the single market is urgent to strengthen our competitiveness and our strategic autonomy. Unfortunately, regulatory fragmentation and bureaucracy is putting a brake on investments. Our companies need to be supported and we need to recognise, uh, international credentials and qualifications so that we can attract the best talent in a competitive global market. Our companies need clear and stable rules, not 27 bureaucracies. For this reason, we welcome the introduction of the 28th regime so that a single capital market can help European companies to grow competitively. We need cross-cutting competences, but I hope that Imco will be involved in every file to make sure that we have legal coherence to help the work that we've done so far.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you president commissioner the genuine strength of the EU has always been its single market is a driver of prosperity growth and economic well-being but we're seeing that it's being held back by too much bureaucracy too many overlapping rules that confuse our businesses particularly the SMEs. Lack of proper investment and a competition from foreign technology means that EU is strategically vulnerable so we need to change direction to see more harmonization simplification and a genuine digital integration. We don't need to just write new rules we need to genuinely change particularly when it comes to ecommerce this is a challenge for our young people the fact that there is no uniform regulation it means that we can see unfair competition. We don't need to see yet another European regime which will allow these to grow over the EU we need to ensure that we can save time money and increase certainty only a fully integrated single market will ensure that we can have an economy which will compete innovate and help us all grow together.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, before I run through the main aspects of this report, I'd like to thank the Secretariat for the support they've extended. And also the PRS for the study that included some very useful information to evaluate the critical aspects of the promotion policy. Now, this provides us an approach on efficiency and effectiveness of the policy from 2020 2015 to 2025, where 681 programs were funded. In terms of efficiency, the promotion policy proved to be a useful instrument to strengthen competitiveness and the visibility of agri food products in the single market and beyond the EU. The study shows in particular an improvement in recognition of agri food products, greater diversified access to markets and a strengthening of our competitive position in terms of efficiency. The study shows that for most of those people being targeted by a promotion policy, the benefits exceed the costs. But there are some administrative critical points. Now, I highlight there the complexity of of the processes and the administrative burden, particularly for SMEs paying particular attention to rural areas and mountainous areas where production costs have a serious effect on investment capacity. A further problem I highlight in the report is the lack of flexibility when implementing promotion policies. So we need to guarantee for beneficiaries that they could adapt or tailor the the programs financed if there are objective needs, for example, geopolitical tensions. If we're talking about promoting in third countries or adverse climatic conditions, which can affect programs. And in that respect as well, the smallest organizations are most penalized. Whereas the study shows that for the multi programs, they seem more flexible from a management point of view and they have transnational synergies. A further point I would like to focus on is the relevance of the European value added, understood as the ability to work on a supranational scale, giving credibility to our products in third countries.”
  Export of EU agri-food products
• “(11:50:16 – 11:50:45): You very much, chair. The single market is not just a single euro economic market. It's a geopolitical space in which to transform the European economy into an area of global influence. Completing the single market is urgent to strengthen our competitiveness and our strategic autonomy. Unfortunately, regulatory fragmentation and bureaucracy is putting a break on investments. Our companies need to be supported, and”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you president. Every year another 6 million vehicles in Europe at the end of their life. And we're talking here about the recycling of their parts to make new vehicles. I think that the industry therefore has to adjust itself to new challenges without, at the same time, really being a benefit to the circular economy. I think this needed to be better planned from the beginning for the reuse of recycled materials to reduce the long term environmental impact. When we are looking at what happens at the moment, we see that our end of life vehicles are often sold in poorer countries. However, we can't exclude the SMEs, which are very important, in particular in the demolition sector. I think that it is fundamental that we actually redefine what is expected of manufacturers in order that we can avoid a confusion among those who work within the automotive industry. We need a cooperation between those within the industry, but we also need to ensure that this cooperation generates certain new challenges and meets the challenges of environmental requirements. Also, we need to reinforce a key sector in the European economy and make sure that we have security within the sector for the manufacturers and for our European citizens. **Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ @Co-Chair: Colleagues for Catch the Eye. I have three names, so I will gladly take all of them. I start with the, uh, with Marta from the EPP.”
  Circular economy
• “Sir, I'd like to draw attention to the horticultural area, which is mostly one of the areas which is most exposed to volatility of price. It absorbs a certain proportion of the cap and it supports many producers. Now, we don't any longer have a horticultural fund. And would this mean to a limit greatly the competition between producers. And despite what the despite that the director asked us not to use the term nationalization. But I think the principle of subsidiarity that's proposed here will lead to a fragmentation of the market and unequal treatment between farmers of one member state and another. So I'd like some clarification about horticulture, because it's a sector which is a great income support for farmers. So And we need more contribution by the European Union here.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you. Chairwoman. I think today's discussion has confirmed the importance of using this specific instrument to promote our produce. And we are doing so at a time when we talk a lot about competitiveness and simplification. And so I hope that the following implementation will take into consideration the good practices, but also the problems that were shared with us here today. Now I just want to clarify to colleague I have no intention of saying that organic farming and traditional farming are the same thing, but I was just trying to explain that the promotion policy. Needs to have a specific reference to production when it comes to organic activities. These are very welcome, but they shouldn't be differentiated. Otherwise we risk undermining the activities of our farmers. Now our work will continue in this direction. I'd like to thank our shadow rapporteur, shadow rapporteur and our other colleagues. It seems we reached consensus on the idea of this promotion policy. We want to make sure that farming is seen as a strategic asset when it comes to this continent's economy, and we do so knowing that our farmers are facing challenges when it comes to the fight against climate change. And we are convinced that SMEs should be supported. So we hope that further simplification and reduction of administrative burdens can help this instrument, so that it can achieve its main objectives. I remain available. For because this work is very important, because we are talking here about our farmers and the importance of the cap.”
  Export of EU agri-food products
• “Dear colleagues, strengthening the position of farmers as part of the agri foodstuffs chain means that we, by extension, guarantee our food security. But we've got to strike a balance between the different stakeholders in the sector. But our position should be based on clear rules, transparent regulations and written contracts which set out foreseeable clauses. But all too often we find ourselves faced with high production costs and we have unfavourable competition And conditions and a skewed internal market. And all of this is to the detriment of consumers, and a very small fraction of the cost of processed products actually ends up in the pockets of our farmers. We need to pay. Those who produce exports are going up, but farmers incomes are going down and we are seeing them pay a disproportionate price. We've got to have genuinely sustainable European agriculture with a level playing field in terms of competition, and we've got to make sure that we are careful when it comes to defining the rules in the field, and we need to have proper incomes in what is a cherished sector.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “Thank you. I'd like to thank the rapporteur for the excellent work that's done, because indeed there was that improvement on the commission text following a review of the Council as well. Simplification, simplification for the protection of the environment and consumers as well. As far as the CLP, I think there's greater, greater flexibility with regard to labeling, uh, extension to 18 months for that particular, uh, time frame for the labeling as well. Um, this is very important because, as the rapporteur said, it's important to avoid, um, uh, to make sure that there's a consistency in the entire system, particularly taking into consideration the circular economy as far as cosmetics. Uh, very well put, the particular modifications. I think it's important to improve, to improve the definition of the terms in order for derogation, for alternative, for for sufficient time, for alternative possibilities, and as far as fertilizers as well. I do indeed agree with that particular issue of using a bit of ambition as far as the list of organisms as well. So indeed, I think the work that has been done up until now has been very, very successful. Thank you.”
  Chemicals regulation
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. In a context where technological innovation, environmental aims are increasingly intertwined, we need to if we want to strengthen the internal market, we need to have a modern and consistent applicable rules. This is for consumers and competitiveness of our companies. I'm happy that the rapporteur took into account some of the points from my report on electronic commerce, particularly with regard to the online sale of non-compliant products, which are a threat for the safety of consumers, but also for fair competition. We must insist that we have more effective traceability instruments like the digital product product passport and also strengthen the coordination of all surveillance authorities. And above all, we must create a single European customs authority. This is the only way we can ensure that the rules apply to everyone, that we can build a safer, more transparent and competitive single market where the digital transition, the ecological transition can move ahead together for our companies and consumers.”
  Product passport
• “On Ukraine. Unfortunately, Russia is still striking. Strategic infrastructure of Ukraine, and Ukraine appears to need more than ever air defence systems. Could you tell us how NATO is coordinating aid from allies and Ukrainian partners, and particularly with regard to the air defence capacity? Um, you have a new packages for support been agreed upon. Uh, on the 12th of February and the NATO. Ukraine Council secretary general Reuter talked about a change of mentality with regard to increased European defence spending. Could you also clarify what the Secretary General actually means in terms of this change, and explain in what areas the Europeans are stepping up their efforts and where there is still a lack or delay. With regard to the Naples and Norfolk commands which have been under US control up until now. Could you give us some idea with regard to the motivation for changes? And could you tell us if this is the beginning of a construction of a real European pillar within the transatlantic alliance? Thank you very much for your availability.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term) · Relations with NATO
• “(11:50:45 – 11:51:25): We need to recognize, international credentials and qualifications so that we can track the best talent. In a competitive global market, our companies need clear and stable rules, not 27 bureaucracies. For this reason, we welcome the introduction of the 20 eighth regime so that a single, capital market can help European, companies to grow competitively. We need cross cutting competencies, but I hope that Imco will be involved in every file to make sure that we have legal coherence to help the work that we've done so far. The next next speaker is Branislaw Androsh.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you. President. Over the past few days, the Winter Olympics have been taking place and Russian hackers have been attacking the Italian institutions. Wars are being fought not only with tanks and weapons, but in a hybrid manner. Striking at data and essential communication services, jeopardizing our institutions and indeed our democracy. That's why our action must not stop at weapons. It's about investing in security, in protecting our systems and our decision making capacity. This is not an ideological choice. It's a political responsibility. If we wish to protect our citizens, our freedom and our economy. A more responsible Europe when it comes to security, is not an alternative to NATO. Nato, it's about contributing to its efficiency, about preventing crises and making the alliance more solid as a whole. A united Europe that's aware of its geopolitical role will be a credible actor on the international stage, and that is how we must proceed.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• “Thank you. President. If we really want to maintain our deterrent, power and diplomacy, diplomatic power on the global stage, then we have to strengthen the single market for defence. However, the fragmentation in standards and regulations, the lack of standard approach means that we slow down investments, we weaken our potential and our credibility. We need clear rules that favour action between member states that involve the industrial level as well, including SMEs, to reduce our dependence on other countries. We have to support the shared industrial power we have. Joint programs need to be launched which bolster the presence of Europe in the transatlantic alliance. A more integrated defence market that's more competitive is not just a strategic choice for industry, but there has to be a military dimension to that as well, now more than ever. There's a necessity to reinforce our strategic autonomy and guarantee the security of our citizens and our economy.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Thank you. President. In the cross-border cross border market, where the authorities are not able to monitor and check unfair trading practices. This proposal is an important step forward. What we need, however, is improved coordination between national authorities. Otherwise, there is a risk of this regulation being a good thing, but only on paper. We support the proposal by Mr. Bononcini when it comes to improving checks and improving the exchange of information between Member States to guarantee coordinated investigations and effective coordination. The EPP believes that protecting farmers from unfair trading practices must also involve improving the resilience and transparency of the agribusiness sector, so as to ensure that we can guarantee consumers a fair price. The resolution we adopt will be voting on involves measures designed to fight against unfair trading practices, which unfortunately continue to prevail despite within a system which has various different problematic areas. Small farmers in particular are often forced to accept unfair conditions to stay on the market. Moreover, certain sectors such as fruit and vegetables are currently very weak. There's a great deal of fragmentation in supply and the consistent clout when it comes to negotiating prices for large distributors. This forces farmers to accept low prices, selling at a loss. We have to ensure that we provide legal certainty for operators, while at the same time guaranteeing the long term future of our farming sector. This is one of the areas of excellence we have in Europe and helps contribute to our food security, our food sustainability and of course, the sovereignty of our continent.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “Thank you very much. The strategy for fertilizers presented today is a first important step and necessary step for our farmers. That means a financial support providing for the use of organic fertilizers as well. Very important. It will give a breath of fresh air. Of course, to our producers, we have to reinforce European production because we want to reduce our dependence on third parties as well have a sustainable systems so that were not vulnerable during geopolitical crises. Of course, this is not enough. The issue of energy, the costs there and the boost of fertilizers cost as well. Agriculture has to be supported at this particular point. It can't be left alone. We need quick choices and a clear vision in order to be able to guarantee fair prices for our citizens. Supporting our farmers in is actually defending our continent and of course, providing for quality food. Thank you.”
  Use of fertilisers
• “Thank you. President. If we really want to maintain our deterrent, power and diplomacy, diplomatic power on the global stage, then we have to strengthen the single market for defense. However, the fragmentation in standards and regulations, the lack of standard approach means that we slow down investments, we weaken our potential and our credibility. We need clear rules that favor action between member states that involve the industrial level as well, including SMEs, to reduce our dependence on other countries. We have to support the shared industrial power we have. Joint programs need to be launched which bolster the presence of Europe in the transatlantic alliance. A more integrated defense market that's more competitive is not just a strategic choice for industry, but it has to be a military dimension to that as well. Now more than ever, there's a necessity to reinforce our strategic autonomy and guarantee the security of our citizens and our economy.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Thank you. The aim of this hearing was to exchange of views on the committee's reading for the operational part, and afkos her reading on the institutional aspects and its consistency with the provisions of the treaty. Unfortunately, I can see that we've basically abandoned it in the Parliament. The idea of insisting on a version of the treaties in this respect. But we think we should be asking ourselves about the legal basis for a concrete common defence. We will try and use the input of the experts who I'd like to thank. I think there are instruments available to us, but there's a lack of political will that has emerged clearly. So we need to decide if we are really going to build a common defence or just to talk about this in theoretical terms.”
  EU competences on defence
• “President. Commissioner. The recent tensions in the field of trade with the US remind us just how fragile the European economy can be, and how important it is for us to speak out with a single and strong European voice. Faced with the unilateral measures which are damaging in great swathes of our economy, the EU's response cannot be to either be either hesitate or to split. We have to define a clear and fully supported strategy. We have to remove internal barriers, barriers which hold back the internal market. We have to step up investment in our competitivity and technological development. Our real objective, however, should be more ambitious. We should build a structured economic relationship with the US and Canada. A zero tariff zone with shared common rules which will benefit consumers and businesses. We can't limit ourselves to following the choices made by others. The EU must ensure it be a leader when it comes to world trade policy. We have to speak with a single voice and strengthen our own economic sovereignty and make this more sustainable. Europe should no longer simply follow. We must lead.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Grazie. President Joe. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Madam chair, I'd like to thank all of these shadows and the Secretariat, because there is a great deal of convergence in relation to a text which is part of a regulatory framework which already exists. So this is a further step towards making sure that our consumers and companies can be safeguarded against the sale of UN safe products on online platforms by third countries. Thank you once again and have a nice day.”
  Liability for online marketplaces
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, I listened very carefully to the shadows and other colleagues. Thank you to them for the support they intend to give in improving this text. Let me stress that it's been thought of in a pragmatic, balanced way without going into some details, which could render this a more divisive, divisive text. I think we all agree on the fact that from the analysis of this decades long program, it becomes clear that procedures need to be further simplified, particularly to guarantee for US guarantees for organisations and SMEs. We need greater flexibility and therefore programmes already funded should be revised in terms of extraordinary situations. And we all agree, and I am open to receiving amendments to ensure that the specific agro food characteristics of the EU can be further supported by a promotion policy. I'm happy to hear that people want to assess the question of national origin not being excluded and substituted by European origin, but rather it could be used to strengthen our hand on some reservations now, which were expressed by the Greens. In the report. Explicit reference is made to the fact that this promotion policy is intended to support the aims of public health. That doesn't mean, however, that we want to specify an ideological ways that certain products should be ruled out. Where I think that most political groups would support us in trying to ensure that this instrument remains true to its main function, which is to make our agrifood products more competitive, particularly in third countries, where we really can flag our quality and the protected origin of so many excellent agri food products.”
  Export of EU agri-food products
• “Thank you very much. President. First of all, of course, I would like to thank Commissioner McGrath for being here and for having recognised the urgency of facing up to the challenges of e-commerce, particularly imports from third countries. I believe there is a meeting of the minds between all colleagues who recognise that the number of packages coming into the EU require consumer protection as well as customs safeguards, because there is an unfair advantage for those who do not abide by our rules. And that is why we are grateful to the Commissioner for increasing the checks and also making sure that we work on the DSA and the platforms, and the CPC regulation important to clamp down on dangerous products, as well as clamping down on manipulative products, as well as a lack of clear information for our consumers. This report clearly is aligned with the European E-commerce directive, and I think constitutes a first step to a more modern, consistent and effective regulatory package. We need to have more resources for the competent authorities and also call on a level playing field for our companies, and also to clamp down on counterfeiting, digital dumping and unfair competition. That is why I invite all colleagues to support resolutely this text and exhort the Commission to bring forward recommendations, to act with determination to overhaul the customs code, which is more badly needed than ever before, and make sure that we step up. Controls and sanctions at European level is only by working together, getting commission, council, parliament and national authorities to pull their resources that we will have an e-commerce environment which is safe, secure, reliable as well as in compliance with the rules. So sincere thanks to all colleagues from all political groups who have been willing to contribute with their skills and seriousness to a productive job of work, and which I believe will constitute a decisive step towards a stronger e-commerce environment.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Thank you. President. The single market is the greatest success of European integration. The strength of Europe made greater over 400 million citizens, which has generated growth, innovation and opportunities. But 30 years on from its creation, it's still incomplete. There are too many normative and administrative barriers which make it more difficult for our companies, the small ones in particular, to grow, invest and compete at European level. Therefore, completing the single market strategic need to strengthen our autonomy against an increasingly Competitive global backdrop. So we need to intervene on certain crucial aspects which are still breaking the development of our markets. That's why we fully support the the regulation on the 28th regime, which would allow people to operate across the EU with harmonised rules. But we have to speed up the capital, union energy, union defence as well, to mobilise investment to really free up our markets. And we also have to simplify mobility for workers in Europe, ensuring a recognition of qualifications and removing red tape. Finally, we believe in a European law on products so that we can strengthen safety, traceability and competitiveness of our industry. The single market has to continue to be the cornerstone, but it's only by completing it, integrating it and making it digital, we will be able to strengthen the role of Europe and our strategic autonomy so that we have a market which is growing, competing and innovating.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you, Mr. Gougeon, as the chair of the European Parliament delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I wish you a very warm welcome here. And thank you for having accepted our invitation to update us with regard to the meeting of defence ministers of NATO on the 12th of February. That meeting was held at a very significant juncture. I think I understood that the Secretary for defense of the United States was not present, and that absence can be interpreted by public opinion as the latest sign of a weakness of the American security commitments to Europe. But I welcome the fact that thanks to NATO, the primarily the Greenland crisis has been overcome. And, uh, you can confirm that work is ongoing for security guarantees in the Arctic in the difficult geopolitical context. I wanted to highlight the importance of building a real European security architecture and strengthening the transatlantic links and promoting stability in the eastern and southern parts of Europe. The continued support for Ukraine and the presence of NATO in the east is also important. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine is a prerequisite for security in Europe.”
  Relations with NATO
• “Thank you. President. The regulation on the digital markets is not just a standard. It's an instrument that we've chosen for the single European market to be more open, generally competitive, more competitive is good. It's no good having great rules on paper unless they're applied properly. They need to be applied efficiently and citizens expect more. They expect the freedom of choice. They free. They expect more freedom to innovate and also exploit the web. We can't rely on external people to the EU. We have rules that should apply to everybody, no double standards, and the Commission must act firmly using all tools in its toolbox. We need to have regular updates, rigorous controls, and we know that sanctions can make a difference. We need to update things to make things even better. We need to be a step ahead of the cloud and artificial intelligence. We know that we can set the standard for the world. We need to display our force to push this right to the end. Thank you.”
  EU rules on digital competition
• “Thank you. Thank you Sven. I wanted to highlight the importance of this hearing. It's the first time that Afco and CDI committees have met together to hear from experts, their technical contributions as well as scientific contributions, which can help us, together with our colleague Herbst, on this report. And I thank him for that. And this is part of the framework that the European Union is trying to build with regard to the challenge of European defence. The war in Ukraine and geopolitical context has highlighted that Europeans could not be taken for granted. You must enhance its defence capacity and therefore it's necessary as of now, to give thought to the institutional and legal framework of defence with specific attention to the role of the treaties. And this has already been expressed in a resolution of 2023 by the Parliament. This emergency, therefore, means that we need to open a new chapter. The geopolitical context means that we need to surmount the rule of unanimity, which often prevents the European Union from acting quickly. But in the meantime, we need to see how to use the instruments which are already foreseen by the treaties based on enhanced cooperation or passerelle clauses. I think that those who wish to move towards a defence integration and security integration must be able to do so, leaving the door open to others but without being blocked by a single national vetoes. Therefore, it would be worthwhile. And here I'm referring to the speakers to see what legal framework would allow the European Union to implement 42 article 42 seven, the Lisbon Treaty, in concrete terms, and also maintain our transatlantic solidarity, which is necessary for our defence. Um, the Founding fathers already showed courage by overcoming differences, and we need to do the same in this context. I'm looking forward to hearing from our experts.”
  EU competences on defence