Matjaž NEMEC

What Matjaž NEMEC has said (29)

• 2026-03-03 “P-000868/2026 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Thus far, Nicaragua has not officially communicated any change of its visa policy to the Commission, nor the rationale behind its policy change. The Commission is currently establishing facts in order to be able to decide on the best way forward, in coordination with the Member States affected. Visa reciprocity is an important element of EU visa policy. The EU visa reciprocity mechanism 1 requires that third countries, whose citizens enjoy visa-free travel to the EU, such as Nicaragua, grant reciprocal visa-free access to citizens of all Member States. In case of non-reciprocity, the EU can take a series of steps, including temporarily suspending visa-free travel for certain categories of nationals of that third country, as per the rules of the EU visa reciprocity mechanism. Diplomatic contacts with the third country concerned constitute one of the first steps envisaged in the reciprocity mechanism in order to remedy the situation. Such contacts with Nicaragua are ongoing through the EU Delegation in Managua. 1 Article 7 of Regulation 1806/2018.”
  EU relations with left-wing Latin America
• 2025-07-02 “P-002710/2025 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the recent decision by the provincial parliament of the Austrian province of Styria to include the Dachsteinlied in the regional law on provincial symbols. The Commission does not intervene in decisions concerning regional or provincial symbols as such power is not conferred upon it by the Treaties.”
  EU competences on foreign affairs · EU competences on human rights
• 2025-04-30 “E-001734/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission The EU has a long-standing position of non-recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 and considers its settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as illegal. All cooperation programmes must respect the ‘Guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967’ 1 and all beneficiaries of EU-funded grants, prizes and financial instruments have to abide to these Guidelines. Under Horizon Europe 2 and Horizon 2020 3 Programmes Israeli legal entities as well as all other beneficiaries must sign a grant agreement that requires compliance with EU values, ethical principles, and relevant EU, national and international law, including the Charter and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and its Supplementary Protocols 4 . Under Horizon Europe there have been no projects involving the participation of Israel’s national water company Mekorot. Under the previous Framework Programme, Horizon 2020 5 , Mekorot received EUR 1.23 million in funding in six projects 6 , all of which have been completed. Mekorot was involved in the FIT4REUSE project 7 , under the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) 8 . The total amount received by Mekorot under this project, completed on 31 December 2023, was EUR 350 000. Mekorot has not been involved in any projects funded by PRIMA under subsequent calls. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52013XC0719(03). 2 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 3 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-2020_en. 4 See Article 19 (1) Horizon Europe Regulation https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/695/oj/eng. 5 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-2020_en. 6 AquaNES: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/689450, ULTIMATE: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/869318, STOP-IT: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/740610, SMART-Plant: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/690323, SuWaNu Europe: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/818088 and MARSoluT https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/814066. 7 FIT4REUSE: Sustainable Non-Conventional Water Solutions for Mediterranean Agriculture https://www.bioazul.com/en/projects/fit4reuse-integrated-use-of-water-resources/. 8 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/prima_en PRIMA is partly funded by the EU under Horizon 2020.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2025-04-02 “E-001366/2025 Answer given by Mr Serafin on behalf of the European Commission Commission staff, as every European citizen, have the right to freedom of expression which is a fundamental right enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 1 and the European Convention of Human Rights, and embedded in the Staff Regulations 2 (Article 17a). Yet, this right is not absolute, and according to the EU Courts, a fair balance must be struck between staff members’ fundamental right to freedom of expression and their statutory duties as civil servants, such as those of loyalty, impartiality and confidentiality 3 . The latter are fundamental principles of, and ensure public trust in, the civil service. In case of breach of the statutory obligations set out in the Staff Regulations, staff members can be subjected to disciplinary proceedings and penalties. The competent disciplinary authority imposed in the past penalties for the breach of the duty of loyalty, related to the nonrespect of the rules set out in Article 17a of the Staff Regulations. When a staff member is acting in their professional capacity (i.e., not in a private capacity as member of the general public) they are advised to seek internal means of expressions, e.g. express their personal views to the responsible hierarchy; approach the staff committee or a trade union; use the Commission internal online discussion forum, etc. However, staff members must avoid actions which may adversely reflect upon their position as a staff member 4 , i.e. refrain from any conduct that is detrimental to the dignity and respect due to the institution and its authorities and that may breach the relationship of trust between the staff and their institution 5 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. 2 Regulation No 31 (EEC), 11 (EAEC), laying down the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community. 3 See for example judgment of the Court of 6 March 2001, Connolly v Commission, Case C‑274/99, paragraph 48: ‘In exercising their power of review, the Community Courts must decide, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, whether a fair balance has been struck between the individual's fundamental right to freedom of expression and the legitimate concern of the institution to ensure that its officials and agents observe the duties and responsibilities implicit in the performance of their tasks.’ 4 Article 12 of the Staff Regulations. 5 Judgment of the General Court (Second Chamber) of 15 September 2017, Skareby v EEAS, Case T-585/16.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2024-10-30 “P-002324/2024 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission stands firmly against antisemitism and regards all forms as equally pernicious. The Commission is aware of the opinion presented in the European Middle East commissioned study referred to. However, the 2018 European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ survey 1 clearly shows that Holocaust-related statements are regarded by most respondents (95%) as antisemitic and Israel-related antisemitic comments are the most frequent form experienced online 2 . The non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) serves as a basis for the Commission’s work 3 , without this implying that the EU funding is conditional on using the IHRA definition of antisemitism. The IHRA definition states that criticism of Israel similar to that levelled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. The EU rejects accusations of antisemitism against the United Nations (UN) system. In its conclusions of October 2024, the European Council stressed the essential role of the UN and its agencies, and affirmed its full and unwavering support to the UN Secretary-General. The EU is a firm supporter of the UN and all of its entities, including the International Court of Justice, and all other bodies that uphold the rulesbased international order, such as the International Criminal Court. 1 https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2018/experiences-and-perceptions-antisemitism-second-surveydiscrimination-and-hate, p. 25. 2 This corresponds to examples 4, 5 and 10 of the IHRA definition https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism 3 25 EU Member States and several regional state authorities and civil society organisations use it.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · Jewish culture and antisemitism
• 2024-10-17 “E-002150/2024 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The EU took good note of the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in respect of the ‘Legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem 1 ’. The EU has a long-standing position of non-recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 and considers Israel’s settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as illegal. EU positions and policies are fully aligned on the United Nations resolutions regarding the status of the Occupied Palestinian Territory 2 and are therefore overall consistent with the conclusions of the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ. All cooperation programmes must respect the guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities in the territories occupied by Israel since June 1967 3 . The EU differentiation policy implies that goods originating from Israeli settlements in occupied territories since June 1967 do not fall within the scope of the EU-Israel Association Agreement 4 and therefore cannot benefit from trade preferences under the agreement. Member States will discuss further in the relevant Council preparatory bodies the impact of the Advisory Opinion on EU positions and policies. The EU has already listed nine individuals and five entities under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime 5 , for serious and systematic human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. Additional proposals are currently under discussion in the relevant Council preparatory bodies. 1 Advisory Opinion of 19 July 2024, https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/186/186-20240719adv-01-00-en.pdf 2 https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/ltd/n24/266/48/pdf/n2426648.pdf 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52013XC0719(03) 4 http://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020D1999-20240722”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2024-09-26 “E-001828/2024 Answer given by Ms Albuquerque on behalf of the European Commission The Second Payment Services Directive (PSD2) 1 and the Cross-Border Payments Regulation 2 (CBPR2) do not regulate the amount of charges that payment service providers (PSPs) levy for the use of their automated teller machines (ATMs) by payment service users (PSUs). PSPs are, therefore, free to determine such charges as long as they are in line with the principle of equality of charges enshrined in Article 3(1) CBPR2. However, the Commission’s proposal on the legal tender of cash 3 would require Member States to ensure sufficient and effective access to cash. Member States would be required to monitor access to cash based on common indicators, such as density of cash access points in relation to population and withdrawal and deposit conditions, including fees. If a Member State concludes that access to cash is not sufficient and effective, they would be required to take remedial measures. The Commission is not, at this stage, considering proposing caps on cash withdrawal charges. However, the final report of the Euro Legal Tender Expert Group (ELTEG) 4 concludes that Member States should report to the ELTEG and the Commission unjustified and/or disproportionate cash withdrawal charges, and if appropriate, the Commission should assess the need for measures at EU level on such charges, also taking into account the obligations under the CBPR2 regarding cross-border ATM withdrawals. Regarding the charges levied by the Nova Ljubljanska Banka and whether or not they can be considered fair, since PSD2 does not regulate the levels of cash withdrawal charges, the Commission is not in a position to assess those concrete charges under the provisions of that directive. The Slovenian national competition authority would appear well placed to assess whether such charges for ATM cash withdrawal services in Slovenia would be anticompetitive. The Commission’s proposal for a Payment Services Regulation (PSR) 5 states that, in order to be able to make an informed choice, payment service users should be able to compare ATM charges with those of other providers. Therefore, the proposal introduces, in Article 20, point (c)(ii), new enhanced information requirements for ATM withdrawals on charges to be paid by users. This proposal is currently being discussed by the co-legislators. The Commission’s proposal for a Directive on payment services and electronic money services in the Internal Market (PSD3) 6 also improves the availability of cash by, inter alia, allowing retailers, under certain conditions and without having to obtain a license, to offer a cash provision service, including in the absence of a purchase by a customer. 1 OJ L 337, 23.12.2015, p. 35–127. 2 OJ L 274, 30.7.2021, p. 20–31. 3 COM(2023) 364 final: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52023PC0364 4 Final report of the Euro Legal Tender Expert Group of 6 July 2022: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expertgroups-register/screen/meetings/consult?lang=en&meetingId=44035&fromExpertGroups=3754 5 COM(2023) 367 final : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023PC0367 6 COM(2023) 366 final: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52023PC0366”
  Cash as means of payment · Financial regulation
• “Thank you, chair, dear Commissioner, welcome. Uh, I also join my colleague Lena DuPont in welcoming the new visa strategy, uh, as it identifies some of key policy challenges and the way forward in the ever changing, changing geopolitical situation and world. Um, I'm convinced that the EU must be able to respond to the global events affecting affecting Europe, including on our visa policy. Uh, our EU visa policy must become more political and not only focused on migration, for example, or security. Um, however, it is somehow for me, disappointing that visa strategy fails to offer more concrete answers about individual third countries. Um, but allowed me to ask you, but the commission decided to adopt its latest report on the mechanism just 11 days before that. Uh, that seems to be done. I don't want to judge, but it seems so that to be I mean, it seems to be done on purpose so that the Commission avoided taking any position on the visa exempt third countries in line with the new the new mechanism. Um, my first question is, um, why did the commission not wait and adopt the report together with the EU strategy and with the new mechanism criteria? I also have another very concrete question. Um, gross violation of human rights and international law can now be a ground for triggering the visa suspension mechanism. This is one of the reasons that was worth to fight for. Um, and considering that one country in specific, Israel is continuing its military operation in Gaza, and the West Bank has taken steps to further annex the illegally occupied Palestinian land, has expanded the illegal settlements, has demolished Unwra headquarters, headquarters and is limiting the operation of NGOs. Clearly, the conditions under the regulation for triggering the mechanism are met. Or am I wrong? Um, when will the Commission trigger the mechanism for that country in particular, Israel. I don't want to go in a political field. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Novak. Allow me to ask. And when the when is the commission going to start applying its own laws? Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Since the last council meeting, the list of the brutal violations of the international order and law has grown significantly. Trump administration abducted Maduro, is seriously threatening Iranian regime. Announcing an aggressive takeover of Greenland, while at the same time maintaining close relations and cooperation with the Zionist prime minister of Israel, the one that will go down in history as one of the most brutal leaders of our time, the one who continuously destroys the international order and institutions such as United Nations. And they are all. How much more are we willing to tolerate? My message to the European leaders of tomorrow's extraordinary summit is the era of merely noting, condemning and urging leaders such as Trump, Netanyahu and Putin to respect international law and to act for something greater than own. Ego and greed is over. So colleagues, stop condemning, start acting bolder, stronger and united. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “As the rapporteur for the other section for 2026, I can confirm that we have carefully analyzed the request for transfer from the Committee of the regions, as well as the modification of establishment plan. I also want to thank you for providing replies to our follow up questions requests as well. Justified and we see no major reservations when I came. When. When it comes to staffing policy, we also consider the request. However, we do encourage the Committee, the Committee of the regions to continue their efforts to maintain low vacancy rate when it comes to recruitments in the future. So I can therefore confirm that as rapporteur responsible, my recommendation to the budget is a positive one, and I ask the committee and I ask the committee to support it. Thank you.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “Dear colleagues. The meeting of the European leaders has brought mixed conclusions. On one hand, I welcome the first ever discussion on housing, which is, together with the cost of living crisis, one of the most important issues for our citizens. The Commission must now follow up as soon as possible with a concrete plan for affordable housing. Unfortunately, on the other hand, the summit completely forgot about Sudan. It was also a missed opportunity for more decisive European response on the Middle East as the occupation and violation persists. Israel continues to carry out attacks even after the ceasefire. Since then, at least 240 Palestinians were killed. It is this how peace looks like? Dear colleagues, Europe must not turn away its attention for the from the region, but it must use its leverage to take meaningful action, including on sanctions. Otherwise, Europe just talks about engagement. While events move without us. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Dear colleagues, there is no ceasefire if one side breaks it over and over again. The UN warns that since the beginning of the truce, Israel has violated the ceasefire in Lebanon more than 10,000 times in one year and in Gaza in the last 60 days, more than 700 times. How can we there be peace when the killing continues, including children? How can there be peace if systematic violence goes unpunished in the West Bank? How can there be peace if there is occupation and apartheid persist? How can there be peace when the genocide continues? We must not turn our eyes from the Middle East. The violation of the ceasefire must stop. The killings of the severe human rights violations must stop now. What we need is a meaningful political process that will bring about real, just and lasting peace. The EU has a leverage, but it refuses to use it. The sanctions are on the a table and must be implemented. The EU can play a role if it is so chooses. It must now. Thank you.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Colleagues, allow me to begin with a bit of irony. Today we are discussing extreme left wing violence at a time when it's the extreme right, the one undermining the foundations of democracy and the international order. It is creating a political atmosphere where there is a lot of division, exclusion and attacks on diversity. This has become commonplace. The ideas of solidarity, equality and dignity for all are often the target of attacks in Slovenia. The Social Democrats set up an exhibition of gender equality, and this was demolished on the very same day. Such actions are the result of the values advocated by the extreme right wing. When we talk about this, I cannot ignore the policies exemplified by Trump and Netanyahu. Trump's administration, um, is undermining American institutions, and it's also threatening world peace and international order without any serious consequences. Unfortunately, even in Europe, there are parties that openly admire such policies. So let's be honest. The problem is not solidarity or equality. It is politics that uses hatred as a political tool. And this is what we should be discussing today.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “The commissioner. Dear colleagues, we are debating the 2007 budget at the moment of global volatility. But if we want the EU to be a credible geopolitical actor, we must put our money where it is truly needed. Yet our external funding remains a drop in the ocean compared to many challenges at our borders. At the current crisis in Iran does not help either. First, we must help resolve the crisis in the East. Second, we must address the human catastrophe in the South, including in Gaza, Lebanon and beyond. Thirdly, we must protect the values Europe was built on. This means long term support of international organizations, civil society and a budget that systematically promotes the right of women and girls. We must be the voice of reason, and we need to stand up for peace and international law again. And finally, we must stop treating and treating our diplomacy like a luxury we can afford, including by properly financing our external action and our 144 delegations. Thank you so much.”
  EU development aid (migration conditionality)
• “Thank you, Mr. Lewandowski. Mr. Nemec thank you, chair, and thanks to the rapporteur for for the report, which we consider a very good basis. What is important for the S&D group is protecting of workers at the same time. It is important to call to call out on certain decisions of the company, which were not financially sound and in line with the good corporate management. For example, the case of dividend payouts in years 2021 and 2024, when the company has already experienced financial difficulties and has even received state aid during the corona pandemic period. So I just wanted to underline this point. Thank you so much, chair.”
  Sustainable corporate governance
• “The events of recent days confirm the risk of hybrid attacks on our infrastructure, including cyber attacks. So these investments cannot wait. These reinforcements. Reinforcements are not only needed for the respective institutions, but for the whole EU, as the EU institutions are only as strong as the weakest link. We have also proposed reinforcement as a concerned staff. We propose to create 34 additional posts. While we do acknowledge the Commission's policy to keep staffing stable, we need to deviate from these selected areas where the staff available is not in line with the needs. The Commission itself actually recognised that there are substantive additional staffing needs in its proposal for the next MFF, next MFF, for which it foresees 2500 additional staff. But we believe that staff increases. We propose cannot wait any longer. I would particularly emphasise the case of the Court of Justice, which simply does not have control over its work land, as the rule of law is under threat globally and in and in Europe. I believe we should give the court the means necessary to do its work with the adoption of this package. We now enter a new phase in which we will have to defend our line with the Council as rapporteur. I will do my best to defend our common approach. I know it will not be easy, so I count on everyone. Everyone supports to defend the Parliament's position to achieve a good outcome. Thank you so much, dear chief.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• “Dear colleagues. Europe faces the most demanding. Partners, including the United States, are stepping back. We struggle to build new alliances, especially to the east. Mercosur comes to mind. We are deeply divided. Some traditional supporters of a democratic and united Europe are now aligned with increasingly extreme and destructive forces. Our double standards responding to conflicts are also eroding our credibility. The world around us is becoming more unpredictable, fragmented and dangerous. Unity, unity, unity and responsibility are no longer optional. They are a political necessity. The Western Balkans remain on the agenda. Yet without tangible progress, EU enlargement is a strategic investment in peace and security in the in the future of our continent and a political promise of our stability. Reform and shared values. Meanwhile, the Middle East continues to witness ceasefire violations and escalation of violence. The EU must clearly stand for international law. Thank you so much.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you, dear Commissioner. Dear Minister. Dear colleagues, tomorrow the European Parliament will vote on the European Union's budget for next year. A deal was reached on the early morning hours on Saturday 15th November. And this is a good deal for Europe and a good deal for our citizens. I wanted to sincerely thank the many people responsible for the result, but especially my colleagues. You, Commissioner and the Danish presidency. Despite extreme financial pressure and the negative margins of the European Union administration, together we did it. In particular, I welcome the fact that the European Parliament's negotiation team stuck together, united along the way. The final outcome includes significant increases of available resources for the key EU programmes and very important also key European institutions, especially those fighting for the rule of law and our most fundamental values. The Union is based on.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you, chair. Thank you. Dear colleagues, as the rapporteur of the other section, I can confirm that we have analysed the request for transfer from the European Ombudsman, one of 2026 and also the follow up follow up questions. The purpose of this transfer is to reinforce the item, uh 30 205 as regards the legal costs and damages by €35,000 to cover fees and an external lawyer. Following two new applications brought against the European Ombudsman before the court of the EU. I can confirm that as a reporter, my recommendation is a positive one as I asked the committee to support it. Thank you so much, chair.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “Our position is very focused, very reasonable and very targeted to real goods. However, certain differences between our institutions remain. But we have a common task to deliver for our citizens is it is them we serve, not ourselves. As the rapporteur reporter for other sections. My message is clear. We must enable to institutions, our institutions, to have enough staff to deal with their increased tasks and responsibilities and mandatory expenses, but also there need to be able to protect themselves from the new realities such as cyber security issues. More efficient and safe EU institutions are our common interests. So, dear Minister, dear Commissioner Seraphin, I am sure we will. We will be able to find a common ground that will be based on the real needs for each of our institutions. They are the backbone of the European Union, working for our citizens, but also the member States, and that the result in the end will be a good one. I look forward to today's debate and I thank you for your attention. Thanks also to also to my colleagues. Thank you so much.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• “Thank you, Mr. Lewandowski. Mr. Nemec thank you, chair, and thanks to the rapporteur for for the report, which we consider a very good basis. What is important for the S&D group is protecting of workers at the same time. It is important to call to call out on certain decisions of the company, which were not financially sound and in line with the good corporate management. For example, the case of dividend payouts in years 2021 and 2024, when the company has already experienced financial difficulties and has even received state aid during the corona pandemic period. So I just wanted to underline this point. Thank you so much, chair.”
  Sustainable corporate governance
• “03:20 – 16:04:09): Thank you Chair, Madam High Representative. We have always been critical on the Iranian regime and the violent repression on the Iranian people but you have asked in the very beginning how can we safeguard our core principles and values. I have a very simple answer by condemning the actions by everyone including the US and Israel who threaten human, I mean threatens principles and values on a daily basis. But let me ask you directly a simple question: was the initial Israel and US attack on Iran against international law and if yes when will see you condemn the attack and when will you stand up for international law and order? Thank you so much.”
  EU-Iran relations
• “Thank you sir. It's me again, this time on behalf of my colleague, Niels Ushakov's. So thank you for the for the mic. The planned relocation of the new premises in Abidjan appears well motivated, and particularly in light of the reinforcement of the delegation and the limitations of the current building. From a budgetary perspective, it would be helpful to better understand the different options that were considered. I would therefore like to ask, could the Eeas provide a comparative cost assessment between leasing new premises and Refurbishing the current building, including the long term financial application of both options on Armenia. Uh, the need to adopt the delegations promises in Yerevan. The current operation and security standards is clearly outlined and understandable. At the same time, given the financial implications of a new lease. It would be useful to have more clarity on the expected cost evaluation. So my question is, could they provide an overview of the projected total annual cost of the new promises compared to the current building, and initiate over what time frame efficiency gains are expected to materialize? And the last one on Paris, uh, renovating an EU owned assets in a prime location can make sense, but we are looking at close to 3 million for very small delegation. In times of budgetary pressure, we need clear evidence that this investment is justified. So therefore, my question is what is the expected return on investment of this renovation. And over what time frame will the cost be amortized through savings? Thank you chair.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “39:53 – 14:42:15): Thank you, Chair. Thank you for, thank you to the reporter for the draft report. Speaking on behalf of my group, the S and D remain firmly committed to the halogen process in the full EU membership of Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, as the reporter rightly notes in his draft, the ongoing disagreements between political actors continue to paralyze the country's process on its European path. The tragic recent history of war crimes and genocide committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina can never be erased and it must never be revised, denied, or glorified. At the same time, without genuine reconciliation, the country risks remaining trapped in political stalemate and further divisions. For this reason, it's particularly important that the report clearly condemns all forms of nationalism that divide society and glorify dangerous ideologies which intimidate or insult the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This concerns both secessionist rhetoric from political leaders, including that of Milorad Dodik on one side, and incidents such as the recent concert in Široki Brijeg of a far-right Croatian singer Thompson where slogans and symbols associated with fascist ideologies were displayed. Furthermore, as already highlighted by the reporter, it's crucial that the law on the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council and law on the courts of Bosnia and Herzegovina are finalized and fully aligned with the recommendation of the Venice Commission. Strengthening the rule of law and ensuring the independence, integrity, and accountability of the judiciary are essential steps for the country's progress towards the European Union. Equally important is the appointment of the EU chief negotiator, which represents another key step and the key step of the accession process. Let me conclude by thanking the reporter once again for his comprehensive work on this report. I'm confident that we will be able to continue constructive negotiation and reach a balanced outcome that supports Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thank you, dear Chair.”
  EU relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina
• “We need to be courageous in terms of solidarity. Solidarity with the forthcoming MFF. People need to be at the heart of this. We as Social Democrats want a budget that guarantees a sustainable development and equality. We have had enough of ambiguity and everything else that we've seen from people like Orban. We want to up cohesion funds, programs that promote European values and better financing of values for children. At the same time, what we need is that EU own resources are developed, and that's why we want to want to make sure that big international corporations are kept closer. Tabs on our goal is to make sure that Europe safeguards its own citizens and is investing in the future. And that's why we want an ambitious budget that supports our values as Europeans.”
  Size of EU budget · Own EU resources
• “In reality, it is a decrease of approximately 400 million in constant prices. And that, I believe, is the wrong message we are sending. While the S&D group. We would have preferred a bigger budget for the migration support, I welcome the adopt of MFF mid-term report of last week with a proposed 10% increase across all programmes. When it comes to the concrete proposal and my budgetary assessment, I express a certain level of criticism the way the fund has been structured and priorities set, for example, the absence of dedicated budget lines. Furthermore, increased flexibility also raises certain concerns in order to respond to unforeseen crisis. High flexibility could lead to the de-prioritization of long term integration in favor of short term security and border enforcement. Integration is the silent pillar of migration policy, and it should never be underestimated and underfunded. Without it, we create the social fraction that fits, especially populism. In this draft assessment, I am therefore proposing several safeguards. We therefore need indicators indicative, indicative, minimum allocation for asylum and integration to ensure that these objectives are not sidelined. We also call for increased spending transparency during the whole cycle. Therefore. Therefore, we must also expand direct funding for local and regional authorities. There are. Conclude because there are on the front lines of immigration. So for the conclusion, colleagues, the 2020 835 MFF must be budget of resilience but also must watch at values. Thank you chair. Thank you. We go to the shadows.”
  Asylum & border control
• “So, um, I speak, as I already mentioned, as you already mentioned, in speak of, uh, on behalf of Nils, uh, I send shadow. Um, so thank you for presenting the estimates for the 2026 budget. We will go over the proposals in detail and prepare our position for the steps to come. As you know, the Parliament has a strong mandate to defend and reinforce its priorities, and we will act accordingly. Uh, now, please allow me to present some priorities in respective, um, headings. I will focus on the main points. So starting with the first one, uh, investments in support of the social ecological transition. Research and innovation support for SMEs. Support for invest EU in light of risk of exhausting available funding by the end of 2025. So, um, heading to be in regards to the yuri line. Repayment of the interest. Costs of the debt. The European Parliament will insist that programmes should be safeguarded at all costs. Does the Commission have concrete estimates on how much will be needed in 2026? Um, importance of uh, yeah. So importance of EU's, uh, scheme. Pm sorry and US solidarity, especially at these very challenging times promoting social dialogue, social security coordination training for workers organisations. The social aspect should not be sacrificed on the altar of other priorities. The well-being and good living standards of our people should be our number one priority. Support serv Erasmus+. Civil society organization lines, Daphne Woman and LGBTQ plus rights in particular, looking at the importance of a vibrant civil society and of independent and free press for upholding democracy, democratic values, and rule of law.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you. Chair, today, uh, present my draft budgetary assessment for the successor to the Asylum Migration Integration Fund for the post 2027 period. As we transition into the next multiannual financial framework, we are not merely discussing budget lines and numbers. We are defending the European Union's capacity to uphold its values in an increasingly unstable world in order to support tourism, business and our economies to profit from the academic exchange, as well as help manage migration and integration. We need sufficient resources at union level and well functioning fund to finance it. With 59 active conflicts worldwide, the highest since World War Two, migration is no longer a seasonal crisis, but a structural structural reality from the instrumentalization of migrants at our eastern borders to the humanitarian imperatives in the Mediterranean, the ongoing integration needs of millions of Ukrainians. The pressure in our system is relentless. If we fail to resource our migration policy Adequately. We are not just failing the member states, we are failing the vulnerable individuals seeking protection and the European citizens who expect and and humane management of our borders. At this point, however, the Commission proposal does not follow up to the promises made in the Parliament. While in the new MFF, the board has found saw an increase of 250% and the fund for International Security even 350%. The new fund for Migration and Integration for post 2028 period appears to be an increase of 10% in current prices compared to 2021 period, but sadly, we must we must call it what it what it is.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Colleagues, there are people in Gaza and in the Middle East are still being killed every day in hospitals, in refugee centers and in the lines for humanitarian aid. We may have now narrowly avoided the escalation last month in Israel's Iran conflict into a full scale war, but the region remains far from peace. The people are still suffering with very little hope. A ceasefire must be achieved. Now, the review of the EU Israel Association Agreement confirmed violation of article two. Next week, the EU foreign ministers must urgently come to a decision on concrete measures, suspend the agreement, sanction those responsible for war crimes, stop trade with illegal West Bank settlements. Impose an arms embargo on Israel. Ban Is accessing EU funds and programmes and protecting the international law and institutions. Europe must act now, if not, EU leadership and institutions, including our own foreign ministers, will be criminally responsible for their complicity under international law, not in our name. Thank you, dear colleague.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine