Leoluca ORLANDO

Policy topics Leoluca ORLANDO is active on

What Leoluca ORLANDO has said (29)

• 2026-07-14 “(12:04:59 - 12:07:19): So thank you, chair, and thanks to Mr. Jorgensen for the presentation. We have always a lot of issues to comment on when we discuss our EU-US relations, but also especially the trade relations. I want to just focus on a few points that were already partially touched, but I would insist, especially considering the initial intervention of Mr. Jorgensen to ask for a bit more in-depth answers on the prospects of the Commission proposals to grant MFN treatment to a number of EU exports. I think this has been a very good practical engagement to rebuild the more positive momentum after the approval here in Parliament and in the institutions on our commitments on the tariff rates. And I want to support this action of the Commission, but also I would like to ask for some ideas on where we could realistically go on this topic in the next weeks and months. Also, I'd like to understand what is the attitude of the Commission towards the new unacceptable statements that we heard from President Trump directed at Spain that threaten, from the trade perspective, one of our member states. And finally, also because this has also trade the dimension, how we are looking as and I ask the Commission on that, their assessment on the developments regarding the International Criminal Court and the possible activation of the EU blocking statute. The expressions of US Secretary of State of yesterday of Mr. Rubio are very direct at attacking the court and to challenge the international rules-based legal order. So I would like to ask also on this specific point.”
  EU-US trade relations
• 2026-07-08 “(14:43:17 - 14:44:31): Chairman, Europe consumes enormous quantities of, drugs. Europe has become a high point of European mafias and Southern American criminals. This market is also fed by the Asia, Laos, Pakistan, Afghanistan. And we've and we've seen a lot of synthetic drugs now flooding the market. And these most ports in Europe are not being able to stop all of these drugs entering. It's urgent that we intercept, these criminals in their activities and that we stop their work at the source. We need to reinforce Europol and Eurojust in order to have a strong European response. And we need to coordinate our efforts to fight the narco traffickers, and we need to do that also through the financial institutions.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2026-06-24 “(12:16:42 – 12:20:17): Thank you, chair. You have seen how much this committee values the activity of Eurojust. And following on from what was done in 1999, the regulation that was approved by this committee, and then the Palermo Convention as well from 2000, December 2000, which are 2 pillars to fight organized crime in Europe and in the world. Why this premise then? Well, I think Eurojust has to continue with its activity today, the activity that we all value, but bear has to bear in mind the changing landscape, the changing scenario, fighting organized crime, which has changed itself. It's changed in Europe and in the world. What are the main challenges that you think need to be tackled in terms of the cross border nature of crime and Eurojust work in the present situation. Why has this scenario changed? I think, chair, this is because economic crime is not just an issue of money laundering or it's not just religious or other terrorism. We now have organized crime, which is both economic crime, which has an impact on freedom and economic security. And we have terrorism, which is putting our own freedoms under threat. So before we had different groups, the mafia, the Sicilian mafia, the Calabrian mafia. Now we have different groups, drug trafficking groups, groups carrying out fraud, and there are very few differences between these organizing organized crime groups. This is the new challenge, the new challenge to our security. Then on coordinating the relationships between Europol, Olaf, we do share your points on this, and we hope that things will improve. How are the relations between Eurojust and the International Criminal Court? Because the criminal court is under attack and doesn't have much protection at the European level?”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2026-06-17 “Colleagues. This is the first time we have spoken out so clearly on the governance of water to guarantee peace, human rights, human rights. In the world, we see that there is a huge opportunity for collaboration, but also conflict in defining water as a common good. Water is used as an arm of war. People struggling to get water. There are pretexts that are being used to upset the rule of law, and this is a compromise text, and I wish to express my appreciation to the shadows and to the staff. I very much hope that this text will be adopted with a solid majority, which underscores the importance of water and its governance to ensure that people can live peacefully together. Thank you.”
  EU policy on water management
• 2026-02-12 “Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 4.5.2026 Written question 1. On 10 April 2026, both Italy and Malta requested assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) [1] regarding the damages caused by storm Harry in January 2026. The Commission is carrying out a thorough assessment. 2. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programmes for Calabria, Sardinia and Sicily currently include EUR 352 million to prevent and manage the risks caused by natural disasters. As of 31 December 2025, EUR 196 million have been allocated to selected operations, while EUR 156 million are still available to support new interventions. The Commission is available to discuss with regional authorities how this financial envelop could be used to address the consequences of these events. The Maltese programme does not include specific allocations to climate adaptation, disaster risk prevention and resilience. Nevertheless, the ERDF could be used for the creation and the upgrade of infrastructure to improve resilience. 3. In the 2021-27 programming period, through cohesion policy funds [2] , the EU is contributing to prevention and preparedness measures with over EUR 14 billion across EU regions, focusing on the most vulnerable and exposed territories with a focus on nature-based solutions. In line with the Preparedness Union Strategy [3] , preparedness is set to be integrated into all relevant EU legislation, policies and programmes. For instance, civil preparedness was strengthened under the defence and the water priorities of the mid-term review of the cohesion policy [4] . In this context, both Calabria and Sicily allocated funds for civil preparedness [5] , investing EUR 14.7 million and EUR 167.3 million, respectively. The Commission proposal for the next multiannual financial framework suggests integrating preparedness across the proposed funding instruments [6] . [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012. [2] European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund, Just Transition Fund and Interreg programmes. [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025JC0130. [4] Regulation (EU) 2025/1914 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 September 2025 amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review. http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/1914/oj. The mid-term review of cohesion policy mobilised a total of EUR 11.9 billion for the defence priority, which includes interventions to strengthen civil preparedness. This will support Member States to develop disaster risk management centres, integrated multi-hazard monitoring, or warning and prevention systems, among others. Additionally, the water priority resulted in additional EUR 3.1 billion, under which Member States will address flood and drought risk management, and ecosystem restoration. [5] Specific Objective 3.3: ‘Developing resilient defence infrastructure, prioritising that of a dual-use nature, including to foster military mobility in the Union, as well as enhancing civil preparedness’. [6] The funding instruments include competitiveness and research funds, and also the National and Regional Partnership Plans.”
  Climate efforts · Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-01-14 “Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission 16.3.2026 Written question International law and the principles of territorial integrity and state sovereignty enshrined in the UN Charter must be upheld under all circumstances. Members of the UN Security Council have a particular responsibility to uphold these principles. This message was underscored in the 4 January 2026 statement by the High Representative/Vice-President supported by 26 Member States [1] , as well as by President of the European Council and President of the Commission in their public reactions to the US intervention in Venezuela. Territorial integrity, national sovereignty and inviolability of borders are universal principles. Greenland is an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. Decisions about the future of Greenland are for Greenlanders and Danes to decide. Mutual assistance in case of an armed attack on the territory of a Member State is an obligation within the Treaty on European Union (TEU). In case of need, the mutual assistance in accordance with Article 42.7 of the TEU will be addressed, among Member States, ensuring a close coordination with key partners including NATO. [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/venezuela-statement-high-representative-aftermath-us-intervention-venezuela_en.”
  EU-Venezuela relations · EU-Cuba relations · EU-US relations
• 2025-07-08 “E-002776/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The High Representative/Vice-President has been clear that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unbearable. Following the Integrated Phased Food Security Classification report of 22 August 2025 confirming famine in the Gaza Governorate, where Gaza City is located, the EU has reiterated its call to Israel to grant access to aid immediately. The EU has also consistently urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to protect health facilities and health workers and has condemned the repeated attacks on health facilities in Gaza 1 . Following the review of Israel’s obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement 2 , the EU engaged in dialogue with Israel with the objective to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground. Despite some positive developments in implementing the humanitarian understanding, the situation remains catastrophic. In light of this catastrophic situation in Gaza, on 10 September 2025, the President of the Commission announced during the State of the Union address a set of proposed measures, which were adopted by the College and presented to the Council 3 . The EU is also coordinating closely with Health Cluster 4 and is engaged with key partners, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization and regional actors, to advocate for predictable, secure and humanitarian channels for the movement of patients. The EU appeals for the urgent restoration of a medical corridor to the East Jerusalem Hospitals Network to ensure timely healthcare and continuity of care. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU is providing support to medically evacuate paediatric patients from Gaza to the EU. By 3 September 2025, 24 medical evacuations have been conducted, evacuating a total of 294 patients and 693 companions. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/israelgaza-statement-spokesman_en?channel=eeas_press_alerts&date=202508-26&newsid=0&langid=en&source=mail. 2 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/asso_agree_en.pdf. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/state-union/state-union-2025_en. 4 https://healthcluster.who.int/.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2025-05-16 “E-001971/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the report mentioned by the Honourable Members and takes note of the issues outlined therein. In line with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, the Return Directive 1 provides for concrete safeguards that Member States are obliged to respect when imposing detention in view of return 2 . Third-country nationals subject to a return decision must be afforded an effective remedy, and Member States must ensure that the necessary legal assistance is granted on request. In the context of the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism, the Commission with the Member States experts assesses the implementation of the return acquis, in particular the Return Directive, by Member States. Following the evaluation carried out in Italy in 2021, the Council issued recommendations 3 , which concerned, among others, detention conditions including aspects mentioned by the Honourable Members. Since the evaluation, Italy has reported on ongoing initiatives to upgrade the living conditions in the centres and is expected to continue working on this aspect to address fully the shortcomings identified in the 2021 evaluation. The Commission is closely monitoring the effective implementation of those recommendations, including by liaising with the Italian Ombudsman for the rights of detained persons. This is without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties and the possibility of taking any further action to enforce EU law, as appropriate. As a follow up to the Lampedusa 10-point plan 4 , a dedicated working group on returns 5 was set up on 25 September 2023. The group regularly meets to discuss return matters, including issues linked to detention conditions. 1 Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals, OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 98 –107. 2 The safeguards include taking into account the state of health of the third country national, paying particular attention to the situation of vulnerable persons, providing emergency health care and essential treatment of illness. 3 Council Implementing Decision 10415/22 setting out a recommendation on addressing the deficiencies identified in the 2021 evaluation of Italy on the application of the Schengen acquis in the field of return. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4503. 5 This is a tripartite working group between the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and Italy.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-01-14 “E-000124/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the report by the Council of Europe’s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. In the context of the Schengen evaluation and monitoring mechanism, the Commission with the Member States experts assesses the implementation of the return acquis, in particular the Return Directive 1 , by Member States. Following the Schengen evaluation carried out in Italy in 2021, the Council issued recommendations 2 , which concerned, among others, the detention conditions. The Commission is closely following up and monitoring the effective implementation of those recommendations by Italy. As a follow up to the Lampedusa 10-point plan 3 , a dedicated working group on returns was set up with Italy on 25 September 2023. The group regularly meets to discuss return matters, including issues linked to detention conditions. The findings of the Council of Europe’s report to which the Honourable Members make reference is discussed with Italy in this context. As regards the initiative carried out by Italy following the signature of a protocol with Albania, the implementation of the protocol under Italian law must not undermine or be detrimental to common EU rules. Moreover, it cannot prevent the aims and objectives of EU law, and it must be without prejudice to the rights and guarantees that persons in these situations are afforded by Member States, in line with their national law and obligations under international law. 1 Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals, OJ L 348, 24.12.2008, p. 98. 2 Council Implementing Decision 10415/22 setting out a recommendation on addressing the deficiencies identified in the 2021 evaluation of Italy on the application of the Schengen acquis in the field of return. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4503”
  Asylum & border control
• “Thank you. Chairman. Thank you, director, for your report. I appreciated it, I really enjoyed this. Now, obviously there's a reference to the role the EP will have to play. It's also obvious that there was some sort of consultation both with civil society and governments. So a question here. Now the consultation with civil society, will it carry on later to or is it only at the beginning when the pact is being set up? Then a second question of substance. Will the pact also contain or maybe in further action plans for next year? Will there also be innovative choices involved. Refer to the Mediterranean or is the Mediterranean just a geographic area where political, um, choices from different spheres of the commission will be dropped in? So. Right. So now and in future. Could there be anything new added to the general framework on the environment, on energy, on security, on peace, on migration? These are fundamental themes. So can we expect some sort of innovative experimental solutions, or will the pact just be an area where political choices coming from other sectors will be noted, and we don't know how the pact has been formulated. Is there anything new that you could you could draw to the attention of the committee? Thank you.”
  EU engagement with civil society
• “In Uh, tackling an opposed mafia. Uh, it may be dependent rather than sponsored. And another aspect which is not. Referred to to any great at any great length in this document is the Italian mafia. I think, you know, unfortunately, sadly, as it is to say, Cosa Nostra Ndrangheta, Camorra do have a certain reputation. Italy has unfortunately become known for some of these organizations and, uh, the Mafia in Italy and their relationship with, uh, big money, big finance and power systems, Blackfriars in London. And someone might be an interesting area to explore as well. So why not take a look at the Italian mafia as well? It might also be interesting to do a comparison. Because the UN Convention of December 2000, the Palermo Convention, which refers specifically to these issues, the UN convention Against Transnational Organized Crime. Zero tolerance doesn't work. Zero tolerance doesn't work because. Law enforcement is only one side of the equation, and you need to work on cultures and way of doing things there, too. It's like a wagon with two wheels. Both wheels need to be moving, otherwise it's not going to move forward. And so you need to look at the specific characteristics of this normal power system organized crime.”
  Anti-money laundering regulation
• “02:04 – 15:04:36): Thank you, and thank you, Madam Commissioner. Now you are the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, and I think this is a real opportunity to be seized. We've got a Pact for the Mediterranean. The next step will be the action plan, which has been announced. But I do think we need to make it clear that Mediterranean is a noun, not an adjective. You can't just add Mediterranean onto lots of other nouns. So when you're thinking about the responsibilities of other commissioners, how can the Pact for the Mediterranean and you as the Commissioner for the Mediterranean interact with other commissioners and other directorates general which are involved in international issues, environment, migration, dealing with conflict, human rights, and so on? So when we have an action plan, is it going to be a way of working out what that looks like in practice, or is it just going to be some more nice phrasings? Now, as the observer to the Board of Peace, I mean, it's Trump's Board of Peace. It's basically one person's board, isn't it? Now, this is an instrument which is being regarded as legitimate by lots of Europeans, but we already have the UN. So what is going to happen to Gaza because the Americans seem to want to abolish freedom for the Palestinians, and they just want to go in and do business? So by having the Commission present at the meeting, how do you reconcile that with the fact that the vast majority of member states are opposed to this Board of Peace, which is actually threatening the whole concept of peace and indeed the interventions of the EU as a whole?”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you very much. I'll be very brief. There's the institutional report on artificial intelligence as part of European integration. And here there are two key points sovereignty and trust. And I think the we need to look at this and understand that there is a lot of mistrust of artificial intelligence. And so we need a proper political decision to build up trust. And then at the same time, we need to make sure we have European digital sovereignty. And remember that there are major powerful private groups outside the European Union which need to be tackled. Can we do this? I hope we can. I'll give the rest of my minute to Mrs. Trigger.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “25:18 – 16:29:59): Chair, for having emphasized the importance of this report, I'd also like to thank the committee for having given me an opportunity to present this report on transnational governance of water in the interest of conflict prevention and peace. So we're not talking about something which is always in the spotlight, especially at this time of geopolitical crisis and war, but that makes it an even more important issue. It is an urgent issue that we need to address because water isn't just a minor detail in conflict prevention. No, it's a central pillar because water is vital to life. As you said, it's also a human right and it is a basic requirement for life and peace. Therefore, we're seeing growing pressure on water resources. We're seeing pollution. We're seeing excessive consumption. We're seeing the effects of climate change which is resulting in real problems around the world. And we're seeing a lot of armed conflicts and political issues ending up focused on the availability of water. Therefore, I should remind you that over half of all of our freshwater resources cross borders. So that means that we're talking about cross-border resources but there isn't enough regulation around these resources. Without an agreement—well, sorry—with an agreement can provide stability and consensus but where there is internal or international conflict, then failure to agree on how to use these finite resources can actually speed up the whole crisis process. There's inequality, instability, even migration which can arise. We see this in many regions like the Middle East, we're seeing it in Palestine, in North Africa, but also in Asia and Latin America. In Sub-Saharan Africa, we have seen water become weaponized. Access to water has been limited which has had an impact on infrastructure. So there were technical, administrative, and environmental factors but they are overlooked in favor of the strategic benefit. Then there's the question of energy. There are a lot of external relations policies that focus on international cooperation but all of the instruments should make our cooperation in this matter more effective. So we should be more proactive in our engagement with member states of the European Union by focusing on more coordination on cross-border resources and looking also about humanitarian solutions. We should look at everyone who is engaged on the ground. So transnational governance, which is obviously a very sizable challenge in the case of water resources, what that means is making effective use of this natural resource. So our report has a number of practical and constructive proposals that I think are worthy of your support but I would like to hear what you have to say on our proposals and I look forward to receiving your amendments and your feedback before then presenting an improved report. And I am confident that my shadow rapporteurs have vital input to provide on this report so I do hope that our committee will be able to make a contribution to providing recognition for the importance of transnational governance of water resources as part of a tool in our external affairs toolkit. It should be part of our diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts.”
  Transboundary water governance / water diplomacy
• “I'll be speaking Italian. Well, good job here, Commissioner. Good luck to the Mediterranean. A common Mediterranean space. Finally, a very clear expression after the ambiguous one that stemmed from Barcelona and the Euro-Mediterranean that led to a lot of misunderstanding. The approach was almost neocolonial. I think that it's important to underscore the importance of recognizing the interdependence of countries and peoples around the Mediterranean, European and non-European. We don't want to portray memoranda without, uh, conditions such as the rule of law, democracy and human rights being respected. Mediterranean. The Mediterranean should be, uh, see, that brings people together and doesn't divide them. We're talking about a humanitarian tragedy that's been unfolding. We have climate change and. So many other problems that the commissioner has recognized people, economy, security. T. We eagerly await your action plan. We want to understand how this is going to be fleshed out, how with what priorities, and so on. Of course, there are some hidden dangers here and some question marks. Peace shouldn't be just down to military victory. I think that we cannot give up the principle of conditionality when it comes to our relations with other Mediterranean countries. Now, migration. Oh, no. I'm sorry. My mobility, I should say, shouldn't just be looked at from a security point of view. It is vital to see migration as a positive resource. I think that there is a lack of consistency here. And we're not, uh, recognizing the fact that it's good for peoples to mingle and to, um, make contributions to each other. So I think that there is a lack of a systemic approach, and I think we really have to look at the issue of the Mediterranean University. I think that the local authorities and NGOs haven't been given enough strong enough role to play. And I see the Gulf countries, too, having a lot of clout. And the chair interrupts the speaker. So how will Africa develop without labour and energy? Anyway, congratulations.”
  EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood
• “Commissioner, a question on the European Commission that you represent, not on European general. And I think clearly there is a convergence between unbridled capitalism represented by Musk and this kind of Trump Putin nationalism, and they seem to be trying to prevent any kind of building of a global order. So the International Criminal Court, the European Union, any kind of organization that's built on peace, equality, etc.. So a very simple question. Don't you think we should criticize the European Commission, quite apart from what any member states are doing? I mean, shouldn't we be criticizing the Commission for the fact that the US are not allies because, uh, EU institutions are being insulted? We're being forced to buy US weapons tariffs. We're being forced to be complicit in Netanyahu's genocide. I think we need a strong voice from the commission. You can't simply hide behind the attitude of individual states because they're constantly tempted to stand behind Putin and Trump. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Commissioner, thank you for having admitted that the commission hasn't done anything following the requests based on the Pegasus cases. And thank you for having stated that you haven't done anything and in fact, you have raised obstacles when it comes to the Italian government vis a vis journalists. The Bruner Report 2024 on rule of law. I'd like to read that report on the rule of law. The commission is still done. Nothing in the face of the responsibility of the Italian government that used spyware Paragon on CSOs that were trying to save lives in the Mediterranean and indeed would even. Have assisted criminal organizations in Libya, exposing those social workers to violence. The Italian government prevented the Paragon Society that raised this formally to be able to acknowledge the spyware that spied on Italian journalists. No consultation has taken place, no infringement from the European Commission, despite the fact that there have been so many that have spoken out about this in so many statements. Madam Commissioner, the. You will see from this report, please read the report. You will see the contradictions and you will have to admit what I have just affirmed. Thank you.”
  Surveillance equipment & spyware
• “Thanks a lot. First of all, I wish to say thanks to the committee for giving me the opportunity to give some information about the report on transnational governance on water in the interest of conflict prevention and peace. And I think it's really interesting and relevant that it is a file of afet of the Commission, Foreign Affairs. This is not a topic that always occupies the center of our political debate, especially in these times of war and geopolitical crisis, but that does not make it any less important. On the contrary, it makes it even more urgent. Water governance is not peripheral in conflict prevention. It is central to it. Water is essential for life. Access to safe water is a human right and a prerequisite for stability and peace. Today, however, this right is under increasing pressure over exploitation, pollution, rapid population growth and the accelerating effects of climate change are causing extreme water scarcity in many areas of the world. At the same time, harm, the conflicts and political instability are restricting access to water. Putting this right under increasing pressure, let us consider the facts. More than half, more than half of the planet's fresh water resources are across national borders.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Thank you, chairman. Well, clearly. There's a requirement here to have a legally binding instrument. I mean, there are certain things that need to take primacy though obviously peoples people excuse me, rights and democracy. And I'm saying that. Because I think perhaps we should have a different way of expressing artificial intelligence. I mean, obviously the phrase artificial intelligence is widespread and I'm fighting a lost battle here, but I prefer to talk about intelligence that is artificial because the only real intelligence is human, whereas other kinds of intelligence would be artificial. But obviously I'm happy to use the phrase artificial intelligence, AI. But nevertheless, I do believe that we should ensure that people, rights, citizens and workers should come first. Now, my second point is that we absolutely need to have European digital sovereignty, because that would guarantee. That our values could be appropriately defended. I mean, at the moment everything's outside Europe at the moment. So we're not really looking for sovereignty here. It's more to have independence. Because at the moment the competition is far greater. Abroad than it is within Europe. We're really not up there. So I'd like to make a couple of comments on that. The first one relates to rights. There's a vast range of rights, and the second relates to freedom of democracy and electoral processes. And these are things that we'll have to pay appropriate attention to. And I do think that the observatory needs to be a tool of control rather than looking, dealing with things that have already been dealt with upstream. And I apologize for having artificially extended my speaking time.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “Thank you, chairman. Well, Mrs. Charles. You. Took the things said by Mr. Scott-railton and he talked about, uh, the fact that Paragon is similar to Pegasus and, uh, that there must be governments involved. Governments must be aware of what's going on. Now. He said that the European Union doesn't have the will or the mechanisms to take this further to deal with this. So I think we really have to wonder what Europe is doing with regard to these unacceptable ways of violating rights and this lack of respect for basic freedoms. So my question to you is, well, how do you assess the current approach of European institutions vis a vis spyware in general, and in particular with regard to the Paragon affair? Do you think the fact that DG. Well, DG connect may correct me or correct me if I'm wrong, but until today, I don't think the EU has even sent a letter to the Italian government asking for information on what's going on. I mean, do you think the way we're acting at the moment is the best way to prevent this negative use of this spyware? And. Also, do you think that your remit and your capacity have been used to the full. And what would you advise the Italian government to do? The speaker is cut off.”
  Surveillance equipment & spyware
• “Thank you, Mr. Commissioner. I just wish to mention the three pillars of your mission security, borders and migration. But only a simple question concerning all the three pillars of your mission. You know better than I that the Council of Europe has recognised that in some hub, some centre for detention of migrants, so-called the so-called the centre for respect of the rights of the migrants. I mean, just in Rome, Milan and Potenza. There were so many cases of tortuous and not human behaviors and treatments of the migrants. The Council of Europe has clearly recognized this violation of human rights, and I presented together with other 31 member European Parliament a written question, just asking what do you intend, what the Commission intends to do just to monitor, to check this violation of human rights and to start, where possible, eventual action to declare responsibility of Italian government about that. I have to say that the reply. Your reply, Mr. Commissioner, to say with the great respect was completely no reply, just was saying we are just taking note not about what you said. And we have discussion together with the Italian government about the replies the Italian government gave. My question was, and is, what do you think about the replies of the Italian government? What do you think about what the Italian government said about that? We have waited for six months. We will wait for another month, but it is not a problem for us. In the meanwhile, many persons, many human beings are tortured and we say that we are proud for the policy of migration of migration pact of European Union. Please, Mr. Commissioner, I ask your attention about that to respect the human rights of human beings.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Mr. President, the autocratic colonial alliance between Netanyahu and Trump continues there, violating all international law, and they're showing contempt for UN agencies and the international courts. We've had the genocide of the Palestinian people, and now we're seeing an attack on Iran, a land invasion of Lebanon as well. And that feeds into disorder across the world. And there are thousands of civilians who have fallen victim to these conflicts. We need to clearly say to the ambassadors of the US and Israel and call out this violation of international law. Eu bases are being used for by US troops. Uh, for the purposes of this award, we need sanctions to prevent genocide and these illegal conflicts. And we also need to prevent this war spilling over into Europe. The European Commission needs to support the Iranian diaspora and the courageous Iranian people. We need to say that they need to democratically decide how they can rid themselves of this bloody and theocratic dictatorship. Thank you. So you have a blue card from Mr. Madison. Do you accept it? Thank you. Okay, so please put your headphones on so that you can hear the interpretation. We'll switch the timer on, Mr. Madison, please.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Mr. chair, thanks for the Greens group. We need just a strong European Parliament as a fully equal co-legislator with the Council and with its own legislative and scrutiny rights. This is a long standing European Parliament, the Greens position. Europeans have a right to hold the truth to power, especially when Europe becomes increasingly powerful geopolitical actor with new tools affecting citizens daily lives. The framework agreement makes some good progress in improving the parliamentary prerogatives, especially the flow of comprehensive and detailed information to Parliament, the strengthening of the political responsibility of the Commission, the use of article 122 only in exceptional and justified circumstances. The strengthening of Parliament's right of initiative under article 225 of our treaty. More information provided during the negotiation of international agreements. But what is most important to consistently apply the agreement? Some commissioners show, happens much more actively to committee. They are asymmetry here. The same is the case for the timely flow of information. Often a member of the European Parliament, the letters remain unanswered or responses arrive very late without substantive explanation. Crucially, the European Parliament still lacks fundamental tools that normal national parliaments already have, especially the right of initiative and the right of inquiry. In the longer run, the European Parliament should become the lower house in a bicameral system as a part of European parliamentary democracy controlling an elected European government, replacing the present European Commission. This would be a truly transformative kind of framework agreement. We cannot have duct tape solutions but require a fundamental law of our system of government. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”
  EU political integration
• “Well, clearly your question suggests a position that isn't my position. I think that international law should be fully implemented. Also vis a vis the mullah regime in Iran. But applying international law is one thing, but it's quite another to, uh, act against the International Criminal Court. And then it's another again to carry out an illegal war. War is not a way of exporting democracy. You'll recall Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq. We constantly see this crazy US idea to try and export democracy, which actually causes civilian victims all over the world.”
  Support for International Criminal Court
• “More than 150 countries, more than 150 countries share a transboundary river basins, but assess and management of this shared resource is often insufficiently regulated. It means cows in many cases and where agreements. Exist, water can become a source of cooperation, prosperity and stability. When institutions are weak. When populations are in internal and external conflict, the lack of regulation of access to and control of water can instead be an accelerator of crisis, encouraging crisis inequalities and migration. And it is exactly the reality. Water management is therefore not only technical, administrative and environmental issue is a strategic and geopolitical one. In this context, the European Union is both opportunity and responsibility to act. Strengthening transnational water governance means investing long term and effective conflict prevention. The report, when drawing Up, puts forward some concrete and constructive proposals for action, which we hope will be worthy to support, and we will give it to this commission all the necessary information to be able just to check to control our work in Africa. Thanks a lot.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Thank you. I wanted to thank you once again for your comments. Chair. I also wanted to stress related money laundering. It's not only an issue of. Finance, but democracy and people's fundamental rights in member states.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “Good morning. Good morning. Chair. You're at the helm of a start up, which is looking for a European system that allows for the transition from a directive to a regulation. That seems to be the work you're involved in. And of course, Amla meets in its activities with resistance in particular, because there's the principle of interdependence and increasingly recently that comes up against obstacles. And as the International Criminal Court under the UN and the same happens in the EU, this attack on interdependence. And there are further obstacles that you come up against when you deal with the sensitive issue of anti money laundering. Uh, and you mentioned direct supervision and risk analysis that needs to be coordinated so that you can take that global leadership role, uh, not just on behalf of member states, but also in external actions, because, as you pointed out, uh, you know, money doesn't have a residence permit. It moves freely across borders. But I'd like to not look to the future, but to refer to a topical issue. What are the real problems that you encounter in cooperating between member states and non-member states? There is a refusal to accept this interdependence, uh, for reasons of national sovereignty. So what types of issues do you come up against in cooperating with member states and non-member states? My second question is. How about Mafia involvement and their assets? The European countries have different legislation in place when it comes to how to deal with the Mafia and the financial aspect. Does that create problems? Thank you.”
  Anti-money laundering regulation
• “Thank you. Chair. I'd like to express my appreciation of this study and share a few remarks. We're distinguishing between normal organized crime, if I can call it that, and organized crime as a kind of power system. So an interrelationship between a power system and organized crime. It's not only illicit interests and impunity. There are also aspects of exerting power using power. And that then interrelates with the government and the institutions of a country. And there are various different forms which you've referred to. It could be government opposed, embedded or sponsored. There are three different ways in which we can see this interconnection. But basically the organized crime is interacting with power, and that means government Institutions are involved in some way. An old Sicilian mafia boss was once accused by a journalist of not being serious and constantly changing party allegiances, and he replied, oh no, we we always support the same party. We always support the government. It's the government that keeps changing party, not us. And that's how you could perhaps understand the difference between traditional, ordinary organised crime and a an organised crime power system, if you like. And I think it's interesting to look at what happens when you take on one of those three forms when law enforcement succeeds.”
  EU policy on criminal justice
• “I have a very simple question for you. What has DG connect Done. Subsequent to these clear criticisms, are there some kind of infringement proceedings or whatever? Have they been triggered? I mean, I really think there is a need to be consistent with these reports. I mean, are these just words, empty phrases, or is something being done? So that's my first question. What has actually been done as a result of the report? And then a further question to, uh, the DG. I don't see that you're involved in the second part of this hearing on spyware. Now, subsequent to the Pegasus affair, and the Parliament clearly expressed criticisms, recommendations and things that need to be implemented. But I haven't seen anything implemented by the Commission subsequent to the Parliament's recommendations. And now we have Of another case which is just as serious as the Pegasus case is the Paragon case. And now we're going to be talking about that. I imagine, during the second part of this hearing, it's a very serious case, an attack on journalistic freedom. Freedom. And it's being used as spyware, of course. Uh, also with the consent of the Italian government. And this spyware, apparently. Provided data that came from the tapping of, uh, front page journalists, uh, phones, uh, front page being, uh, new media, uh, agency. So that's my question. What has been done? Thank you.”
  Surveillance equipment & spyware