Ondřej KRUTÍLEK

Policy topics Ondřej KRUTÍLEK is active on

What Ondřej KRUTÍLEK has said (38)

• 2026-06-16 “The access to advanced AI models shows our dependence on, foreign technology and what that means for our competitors. It's positive that the commission has taken measures for, AI in the EU. We need European solutions, European digital infrastructure, and progressive European chips. 3 points. We we need geo geographical balance. I'm convinced that the the gigafactory project in The Czech Republic supports that. The US and China are of way ahead, and this it'll be difficult to catch up. The European Union can blame itself. We've done we've gone too far in regulation of AAI. We shouldn't cut ourselves off from the rest of the world. It's important to work with partners like South Korea and Japan.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2026-06-16 “The access to advanced AI models shows our dependence on foreign technology and what that means for our competitiveness. It's positive that the Commission has taken measures for AI in the EU, we need European solutions. European digital infrastructure and progressive European chips. Three points. We. We need geographical. Geographical balance. I'm convinced that the. The Gigafactory project in the Czech Republic supports that the US and China are way ahead and this. It will be difficult to catch up. The European Union can blame itself. We've done. We've gone too far in regulation of a a I. We shouldn't cut ourselves off from the rest of the world. It's important to work with partners like South Korea and Japan.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2025-11-11 “E-004473/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The impact assessment for the Digital Services Act (DSA) assessed the option to impose specific liability rules on online marketplaces. That option was discarded by the EU legislature, opting for additional due diligence obligations, namely on the traceability of traders, compliance by design and the right to information, in the DSA. The Commission is actively monitoring the compliance of providers of very large online marketplaces with the DSA. The Digital Services Coordinators of the Member States are doing the same for providers of online marketplaces under their supervision. The Commission has opened proceedings against AliExpress, Temu and Shein in this respect and has accepted commitments from AliExpress to ensure the traceability of traders operating on that platform. The results of the customs controls on e-commerce imports carried out also under the Priority Control Area, foreseen by the e-Commerce Communication of February 2025, enable customs to refine their strategies and develop more targeted and systematic interventions, contributing to a more robust enforcement framework in cooperation with market surveillance authorities. This will also enable a constant monitoring of platforms’ compliance with the DSA. Moreover, the ongoing revision of the EU Customs Code will introduce a more robust and efficient enforcement framework, with the EU Customs Data Hub and the EU Customs Authority, and enhanced cooperation between customs and market surveillance authorities. In 2026, the Commission will also present the European Product Act, which aims at scaling up market surveillance by pooling resources and expertise of all national authorities across the EU, improving cooperation, boosting digital tools and closing regulatory loopholes.”
  Privacy & detection of online child abuse · Liability for online marketplaces
• 2025-07-03 “E-002730/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission continues its efforts to ensure the full implementation of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). In 2024, the EU adopted the revised trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation 1 , reinforcing the ERTMS roll-out targets. Member States have to deploy ERTMS on the TEN-T core network by 2030, on the extended core network by 2040 and on the comprehensive network by 2050. The TEN-T Regulation gives Member States the possibility to ask for exemptions if justified and well-founded. As regards local or national specificities, the Commission, together with the European Union Agency for Railways (ERA), continues to promote the harmonisation of operational rules underlying ERTMS through revisions of the Technical Specifications for Interoperability relating to Command, Control and Signalling systems. By reducing the variety of these operational rules, the root cause for the multitude of the European Tran Control System compatibility tests is tackled and their number can be reduced. As a result, the costs for railway undertakings to put in service rolling stock on lines equipped with ERTMS will be reduced. Finally, the Commission is in constant exchange with stakeholders to promote the further rollout of ERTMS. For example, it convenes national ERTMS representatives in the consultative ERTMS Forum, it engages in discussions with sector representatives within Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, it confers on a variety of regulatory issues with ERA, which acts as ERTMS systems authorities, and it financially supports specific ERTMS projects through the Connecting Europe Facility managed by the Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration · EU support of rail transport
• 2025-02-05 “E-000513/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The report on the evaluation of BEREC (the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications) and the Agency for Support for BEREC (the BEREC Office) will be submitted to the European Parliament and to the Council (in accordance with Art. 48 of the BEREC Regulation (EU) 2018/1971 in December 2025, together with the report on the review of Directive (EU) 2018/1972 (the European Electronic Communications Code). In order to be able to include all relevant factual elements of this exercise, the Commission has continued to review the findings of the evaluation and intends to include those in the report to the co-legislators. During the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), exchange of views with the BEREC Chair 2024, the BEREC Chair 2025 and the Director of the BEREC Office, held on 2 December 2024, Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, indicated that the evaluation report will feed into the discussions on the future role of BEREC and the governance structure for the sector. The Commission continuously examines simplification measures while at the same time ensuring the best possible evidence- based approach in order to produce the most relevant findings.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• 2024-12-12 “E-002923/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission Electrically powered assisted cycles (EPACs) are subject to the Machinery Directive 1 as regards their safety. The harmonised standard EN 15194:2017+A1:2023 on EPACs was cited in the Official Journal on 15 May 2024 2 with a transitional period of 24 months, to allow the industry to gradually implement the new provisions including those on interoperability. Manufacturers of e-bikes will have to respect the harmonised standard in order to benefit from the presumption of conformity. Although harmonised standards are not mandatory, the presumption of conformity is a powerful incentive encouraging manufacturers to comply with them. With respect to the harmonisation of charging connector types for e-bikes and other light electric vehicles, the standards address the comunication aspects between vehicles and the electricity grid, but are not sufficient to ensure the physical interoperability between charging points and vehicle connectors. Following Article 94(6) of the Batteries Regulation 3 , the Commission conducted in 2024 a study 4 ‘Assessment of harmonised standards for ‘common chargers’ for rechargeable batteries powering light means of transport and specific categories of electrical and electronic equipment covered by Directive 2012/19/EU’. The study describes the fragmentation that exists in the market for battery-operated light means of transport with respect to their charging interoperability and the different market-led alternatives that are emerging. The Commission is currently reflecting how to further promote interoperability for battery-operated light means of tranport and intends to adopt a report in the first half of 2025. 1 Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC, OJ L 157, 9.6.2006, p. 24. 2 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1329 of 13 May 2024 amending and correcting Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1586, OJ L, 2024/1329, 15.5.2024. 3 Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC, OJ L 191, 28.7.2023, p. 1–117. 4 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/0f8e257e-8526-11ef-a67d-01aa75ed71a1/language-en”
  Road transport environmental policy
• 2024-12-12 “E-002924/2024 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/573 1 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) includes prohibitions on placing on the market certain F-gas equipment, which are expected to be feasible from the date they apply, provide legal certainty to manufacturers and promote innovation. The latter is clearly evidenced by many new models of heat pumps for private residences that avoid the use of F-gases and are being shown at major trade fairs, e.g. Chillventa 2 . New production capacities have been created to produce such equipment. Conversely, there is no indication that the new F-gas Regulation, which only entered into force in March 2024, has adversely affected the uptake of heat pumps. Rather, a slowing growth of heat pump sales observed in some Member States is attributed by the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) in its latest report 3 to changes or lack/removal of national support schemes, energy prices favouring gas and fossil fuels and other issues affecting endusers (high interest rates, renovation rate slow-down, inflation). The Commission intends to carry out a review of the F-gas Regulation by 2030 as provided for in the Regulation. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/00573/oj 2 https://www.chillventa.de/en 3 EHPA (2024). European Heat Pump Market and Statistics Report 2024.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-11-27 “E-002673/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. The process to develop Best Available Techniques (BAT) has been operating for more than 15 years. It is a collaborative process involving Member States, the concerned industry, environmental non-governmental organisations and the Commission. It is also technical and data-driven, where data comes from a large sample of operating installations across the EU. Industry is part of the process and contributes to the determination of BAT, considering the technical and economic feasibility of the techniques. Legally, installations have four years from the moment the BAT Conclusions 1 are published in the Official Journal to implement them, but, given their close involvement in the Sevilla process 2 , industry in practice knows about such BAT as soon as the technical work is finalised and has therefore more time to plan investments. Furthermore, the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) 3 provides more time for industry to apply emerging techniques or transformative decarbonisation techniques 4 , thereby promoting innovation and thus competitiveness, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal 5 . 2. Next to delivering ambitious environmental standards, the Sevilla process ensures clarity, predictability and a EU-wide level playing field for industry, as it provides the same reference for all competent authorities to set permit provisions. The Commission has started to revise the document 6 laying down the rules of the Sevilla process, involving external stakeholders. It will build on the experience gained over time and consider the new provisions of the revised IED, seeking also to make the process even more efficient. The revised rules will be reflected in the BAT reference documents being or to be developed. 1 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2110 of 11 October 2022 establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions, for the ferrous metals processing industry (notified under document C(2022) 7054), OJ L 284, 4.11.2022, p. 69–133. 2 https://eipie.eu/the-sevilla-process/ 3 Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 amending Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, OJ L, 2024/1785, 15.7.2024 4 Respectively six and eight years instead of four years. 5 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/green-dealindustrial-plan_en 6 Commission Implementing Decision of 10 February 2012 laying down rules concerning guidance on the collection of data and on the drawing up of BAT reference documents and on their quality assurance referred to in Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions, OJ L 63, 2.3.2012, p. 1–39.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-30 “E-002353/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) 1 , in its Article 6(1) (f) to (i), lays down the obligation for Member States to reach certain recycling targets. Based on Article 6(1a), Member States may postpone the deadlines for achieving those targets, provided the conditions listed in that provision are fulfilled. The choice of whether to postpone any of those targets is made at national level, and this intention must be notified to the Commission at the latest 24 months before the respective deadline, pursuant to Article 6(1a) (d). If the conditions for the postponement are fulfilled, the postponed target(s) are implemented and applied at national level, as a matter of national law. Therefore, the recycling targets that are postponed at national level are not included in the proposal for a new Regulation on PPW (PPWR) 2 . Article 52 of the new PPWR takes over the 2025 and 2030 packaging waste recycling targets from the PPWD. While the decision to postpone the targets will still be made at national level, the Regulation empowers the Commission to reject a Member State’s intention to postpone the 2030 targets in case the mandatory implementation plan is not sufficiently compliant with the requirements. The Regulation, adopted by the co-legislators, will be published in January 2025, and be applicable 18 months after its entry into force. 2. Article 70 of the PPWR establishes provisions to govern the transition from the Directive to the Regulation. The aim is to ensure continuity of the legal regimes. Therefore, any nonconformity vis a vis the Directive will be assessed according to these rules. 1 European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste, OJ L 365, 31.12.1994, p. 10–23, amended by Directive (EU) 2018/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 141–154. 2 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC, COM/2022/677 final.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you, Director General, for coming today. I welcome today's discussion on automotive omnibus and battery booster. However, it is important to recall that both of these proposals are only complementary within the broader automotive package. So the most important proposal is without doubt the CO2 standards. And while the Commission has presented the revision as a relief for manufacturers, there are concerns that instead it may introduce additional uncertainty and unpredictability for for the sector. For example, due to still undefined provisions related to the use of low carbon steel made in the EU. I would like to also take this opportunity to express my concern that such a significant proposal, which underlines a key aspect of European competitiveness remains under the remit of the Committee. It should also have a co-lead role within the European Parliament. And finally, one question. The 2035 ban is just the tip of an iceberg. And my question is, how will the Commission ensure that the automotive package will finally deliver concrete and tangible results? Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you very much. Chairman. Commissioner, the automotive industry is at a crossroads. We all know that we have managed to pull the emergency brake when it comes to fines, but it is not enough. For more than a year, we have been calling for a thorough review of all automotive legislation, and I hope you realize how important it is. You cannot just talk to the automotive industry. You have to listen to what they're telling you. First of all, the nonsensical ban on the press, on the production of cars with combustion engines has to be thrown out. Secondly, adjust not only the emission targets for 2035, but also for 2030. Thirdly, open the door to technological neutrality, taking into account hybrids, synthetic fuels and advanced biofuels. Fourthly, kick start the real development of hydrogen in the EU so that it can be used more extensively in transport. And five and above all, ask people what they want. Give them the freedom to choose what kind of cars they want to buy without breaking the bank. Dear Commissioner, please take off your blinders and start working for the benefit of our citizens and our industry. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Dear chair, dear Commissioner. Perhaps I will surprise you, but I'm happy that the Commission finally came up with a plan to wean us from Russian energy. And I believe that legislation will follow shortly. However, there is one big but. And that is diversification. That is a condition for all our next steps. As for gas, I'm talking about diversification through LNG or alternative pipelines When we talk about oil. I'm proud that my country, the Czech Republic. Thanks to the Atlas project, has weaned itself completely from Russian oil. However, it can be more complicated with nuclear power because we still have these Soviet produced reactors in my country. So that's why we have to do our utmost to, as soon as possible, become independent also in the area of nuclear power, because if we want to decarbonize in the EU, at least that's what we've agreed upon. Without nuclear power, we won't be able to do that. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Mr. president, Commissioner steel is a strategic raw material. That's absolutely clear. It is necessary not only for green transformation, but also to build defence capacities, which we urgently need. The European steel industry must not be left behind. Let me highlight two elements in the action plan. The first aspect. Scrap metal. It is a raw material which we export outside of the EU. The Commission highlights its importance, but it comes up with the steps only at a later stage. I don't understand why come up with these steps. Now, the next point is it is crucial. But we do not know whether sebum will work. That's why we need certainty here. Commissioner, please, uh. Determine the ETS price at a reasonable level. In this way, we will motivate the steel industry to really decarbonize.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “Thank you chair and congrats madam rapporteur. You did a great job. It's not just my personal assessment. I'm glad to hear from my colleagues and stakeholders that your report only needs some few tweaks and additions to make it perfect. And of course, I'm ready to contribute to this exercise with my amendments. I want to focus particularly on three main topics. First of all, we need to address the investment gap. It's mainly about who will pay the bill for modernising, existing and building new electricity grids and interconnectors, but also system flexibility. It is also about a regulatory framework favourable to public and private investments. I agree that CEF budget should be increased, and of course we have a big battle ahead of us for the new MFF. Secondly, we should require from TSOs and other stakeholders a technologically neutral approach to electricity generation. Onshore. Offshore. Renewables. Gas. Nuclear. They all need to be treated equally. And thirdly, connecting new renewables energy sources is one of the biggest challenges. We should definitely strive to speed up permitting granting procedures. Thank you. And I am looking forward to our cooperation on the report.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “(11:40:31 – 11:41:41): Madam president, commissioner, we have to concede and be honest about the fact that we are lagging seriously behind when it comes to our single market plans. And we are going to take another 30 or 40 years if we proceed at today's pace. And so that is why a commission needs to roll up its sleeves and make sure it clears out of the way artificial obstacles to the single market. Now it goes without saying that that will be by no means easy, and that is why I welcome any alternatives which allow us to clear these obstacles. I mean, you would have already understood that I, of course, support the 20 eighth regime because I believe that plans for an EU Inc. Is the best way forward. It's something that constitutes progress for startups and for business in general, and it's time for us now not to take the wrong turn and approve the resolution.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Madam president, Commissioner, I appreciate the fact that you have a specific action plan for the automotive industry. There are some good things there for the future, like autonomous driving and battery production in Europe. On the key issue of fines, though, your help for industry is half hearted. You should give industry five years as the ACA wants. That's the collective view of Europe's car manufacturers. Then, on the revision of CO2 emissions legislation from cars. If you get down to work tomorrow, by the end of the year, you can give us not just a report, but a revamped legislative proposal. The target date of 2035 is critical and makes no sense. We need technological neutrality and affordable cars, which people actually want to buy. And you've completely forgotten about goods vehicles there too. We need a revision. Still this year.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you. Chair. Uh, I think that we should put it completely bluntly. Uh, automotive industry in Europe is suffering because it has no space to breathe, no room for manoeuvre to, uh, to produce cars. Which people would like to buy. Therefore, I think that we need to come up with concrete solutions as soon as possible. And I don't think that the commission can be part of the solution, because it comes always with strategic dialogues. It always comes with debates with, uh, with some with some strategies which are, which are not coming up with concrete solutions. We need to rethink 20, 30, 20, 35. We need to come up with technology neutrality as soon as possible. We should not forget HGVs and buses when it comes to CO2 standards. And when it comes to our debate here in this House, I think that it should be a stronger voice in the negotiations because when it comes to envy and if envy is always leading this game, then it will be disastrous. As always. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Mr. president, Commissioner. I will also be slightly more positive today. First of all, I would like to mention that we finally have a Commissioner for nuclear energy. We are not there yet because nuclear power, according to you, doesn't have sufficient support as I would like to imagine it. We need level playing fields for nuclear energy when it comes to taxonomy, and we also need rules for low carbon hydrogen. We are on the right path because I remember that in this House a few years ago, the word nuclear was not allowed to be said out loud. The second thing I would like to mention are small modular reactors. I'm happy that you have a strategy for them because we do need to develop them. However, let's not forget. And the commission shouldn't forget that many projects which are being developed are not only within the EU or individual member states. We developed them with our reliable partners out of the EU, and I don't think that the purely European ones should have preference, because all of them are important for our future. Do not forget that. And I'm saying this especially in connection with the words of Stéphane Séjourné in this respect. Thank you.”
  Nuclear energy
• “Madam Chair. Commissioner, uh, it's not only me, but also our business community, startups and innovative companies who are eagerly awaiting the proposal for the 28th regime. It should be open to all companies that want to use it, whether they are small or large, regardless of the industry in which they operate. It should also be easy to switch companies from the regime to the 28th regime, and vice versa. It must not end up as it usually does with national specifics. The 28th regime must be functional and truly uniform across the EU, regardless of the country of registration. Therefore, although being a conservative, I prefer regulation rather than a directive. Digitizing all registration and operational steps could also raise the general standard of doing business in all Member States. What I do not support is the harmonisation that should remain a national competence. Do it well, Commissioner.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Madam president, Commissioner, I know you don't want to lose face, but as far as I'm concerned, and as far as car makers are concerned, this package is much too little. Even if they wouldn't necessarily state it as clearly as that. You've taken into account hybrid plug ins and range extenders. You've, you've given a little bit of a chance to combustion engines, but we'd need much more. We need technological neutrality without ifs or buts. Don't expect that the EU can produce enough green steel and quotas for CO2 free fleets. It won't be possible. I'm glad there are some proposals on the table. We're prepared to work on them, but this is still a very rough draft, which requires a lot more work. And we need a joint envy approach to this. We shouldn't solely have envy input on this. You have a blue card?”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you chair. Thank you, Vice President, for being here today with us. I will say it frankly. If we want to achieve the Green Deal, green industry deal, we need enough energy. And if we want energy, we need nuclear energy. That is why we need to set the conditions in the EU for nuclear energy, which means we have to accelerate the approval processes in the European Commission, which is your competence And in the framework of taxonomy, we have to put the nuclear on the same footing as the other sources. And when we do not need, we do not need the European Commission to actively. Break some of the processes that are currently ongoing in some member countries, such as the Czech Republic. That is why my question is what are you ready and willing to do for the nuclear energy to have the equal position as the other energy sources in the EU? Thank you.”
  Nuclear energy
• “Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry, but the clean industrial deal confirms that the commission continues to do business as usual with a destination called Open Air Museum. Yes. The document contains some positive measures, but does not deal with the real roots that have caused the European industry crisis, and it will thus hardly increase its competitiveness. For example, because the Commission still insists on reducing the CO2 emissions by 90% by 2040 without knowing what the situation will look like in 2030. I would like to invite the commission to deal with the ETS problem. Ets. One needs to be more predictable and ETS two needs to be postponed by at least two years. What do we need most is cheap energy for our businesses. We will see what the specific legislative proposals will look like. But so far, my assessment of the clean industrial deal is that it is a quite missed opportunity. Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you very much. President. Commissioner. I'd like to start with this grids package saying what is positive that's reducing the permitting process because we're talking about critical infrastructure. But there's still things here where I have questions. We need to strengthen cross border planning, but we have to strike a balance because every state has its own specific conditions and needs for its networks. Also, we're talking about reducing energy prices still. But are we not looking at this through rose tinted spectacles? We're talking about getting rid of congestion, but also looking at the investments that need to be made. And all of these costs will have to be passed on through the regulated component for customers. Also, we focus too much on the sources and too little about the networks. And I think we need to look at this the other way around. But renewables linking them across Europe is not going to produce a miraculous solution. We need Base load and core and buffer services.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Commissioner The Drudge Report correctly identified where we had fallen behind and offered solutions. But unfortunately, the European Commission hasn't taken up these solutions and we are still waiting to see what will come. Take the example of simplification of legislation. For example. Um, we have omnibus bills, things that have been amended, but it's not enough. We need you to take a machete and cut through the jungle of European laws. And don't let anything leave anything there that does not belong there. The single market is the foundation. It's depressing to see that the Commission does not have the courage to use it to its full potential. Growth was higher when we removed barriers. So let's allow for free enterprise and trade innovation and a reasonable approach to energy and climate protection. This is the only way that we will be successful and finally respected.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you for your question. As you know, the Czech government is working on other things in relation to Green Deal. Talking about automotive and as for ETS, we have initiatives that will lead to the postponement of ETS two by 1 or 2 years. And as for the other things that I've mentioned, I'm in touch with people who have a lot to talk about at the council. They listened to me, and it's a long term solution. But don't worry, we are working on it.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you. And one more, one more topic. And once again in Czech. And one more important topic regarding the Czech Republic and the decarbonization of the Czech Republic. We will not make it without nuclear energy. A few months ago, you sent a letter regarding the Czech tender for nuclear units in which a South Korean company was selected. You pointed out that the commission is reviewing the matter under the regulation on foreign subsidies, distorting the internal market. At what stage is this procedure and when can we expect its conclusions?”
  Nuclear energy
• “I'm not quite sure if this is a question to me or to the commission. I think I was clear enough in what I said. If we wish to be competitive on global markets, European car makers. They have to be given the support that they need. But if we have too much regulation there's a danger that we would choke off innovation. We need innovation and that means we need less red tape.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Dear chair, dear Commissioner, Russian aggression against Ukraine has been going on for three and a half years. Therefore, I find it unbelievable that there are countries that did absolutely nothing to cut themselves off from Russian energy and thereby, indirectly, they fund a war against our friends. On the other hand, I'm proud of the Czech Republic that they were able to cut themselves off of Russian oil and gas. What we should do adopt Repower EU as soon as possible. Remove all loopholes for illegal imports, including the shadow fleet. And thirdly, and most importantly, to adopt a mindset that even after the end of the conflict, which I hope will come soon, Russia will remain a threat. So, to put it simple, we have to put an end to Russian imports forever.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Mr. president, madam Commissioner, in the past five years, the EU has only talked about energy sources. It has discussed which is clean and which is dirty and how long are they are there to stay? And too much has been bet on one card renewable renewables. And we've forgotten that we need robust, secure and interconnected networks that can prevent blackouts. May I thank the rapporteur, my colleague Anna Sturghkh, for perfectly facilitating the compromise that we will vote on tomorrow. Commissioner, if it's still true that you are going to prepare the legislation on electricity system already this year, you will find a number of things in the report that you should take into account. I will mention two points that I regard as key. First of all, technological neutrality. However, connecting smaller renewable sources is a major challenge. We must ensure a technology neutral approach to electricity generation. We cannot do away without that. Second, money, huge public and private investments will be necessary Unnecessary to modernize and build electricity networks. And that's why we need to increase the support from the energy part of the CEF program, especially for the cross-border connections. We said here that there's going to be a major debate on the Multiannual Financial framework. So I hope you've been taking notes as commissioner. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “President. Commissioner. Again, we are building a roof without laying down the foundations. Sustainable aviation, maritime fuel. Uh, we want to use them at large scale, but infrastructure for production and distribution remains on paper. Therefore, mandatory quota without having capacity or reasonable alternatives will have negative impact. Airfare will become more expensive, as will transport of goods and logistics, and everybody feel the pinch in their wallets. Not to mention that competitiveness of European airlines will be further reduced and global competitors will be laughing. A meaningful climate policy means creating the right conditions, not subsidizing. If we fail to do so, we will face an exodus outside the EU.”
  Decarbonisation of aviation sector
• “Thank you, chair. And thank you, commissioners, for for your presentations in the past. The EU focused only on energy sources but underestimated the importance of investing into infrastructure, including sufficient cross-border interconnectors. I welcome the new proposal, although I see a room for its improvement. For example, in terms of clarifying the rules for eligibility of the project. We should also continue to support not only transmission networks but also distribution system, in particular smart electricity grids. Mr. Jorgensen, I appreciate that you have managed to secure a large financial envelope. However, this allocation is still not enough to implement all necessary projects. Therefore, I would like to ask you how you would like to proceed in the MFF negotiations to ensure that the budget is at least defended and if you see any room for increasing it. Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Dear, dear Commissioner. Six months ago you've all praised Draghi, but since then, competitiveness has been completely hollowed out. The Commission needs to take steps to really help businesses, including lowering energy prices. You must not keep tightening the screws. Climatic goals for 2040 will not help. Quite the contrary. Concerning clean technologies, of course, there's huge potential there. But unless we change course, it will be an opportunity missed. Our companies know the best what they should do and how they can innovate, but they do need an environment where no one will impede them in doing so. We need to cut through all the red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy. Otherwise, the clean technology industry will just not be created in Europe. Or it may be will arise, but it will run away. And instead of a Green Deal, we'll have a Chinese deal. And that's not what we want.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Madam president. Commissioner. We have to concede and be honest about the fact that we are lagging seriously behind when it comes to our single market plans, and we are going to take another 30 or 40 years if we proceed at today's pace. And so that is why a commission needs to roll up its sleeves and make sure it clears out of the way. Artificial obstacles to the single market. Now, it goes without saying that that will be by no means easy. And that is why I welcome any alternatives which allow us to clear these obstacles. I mean, you will have already understood that I, of course, support the 28th regime, because I believe that plans for an EU Inc. is the best way forward. It's something that constitutes progress for start ups and for business in general. And it's time for us now. Not to take the wrong turn and approve the resolution.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Dear Commissioner. Perhaps it will be surprising because I'll be positive. Because the action plan. There are three good things. Strengthen the Networks speed up, permitting, and also including nuclear power. However, that is a long term solution, and we have to look for faster ways to reduce energy prices. And the commission will have to give up some of its most efficient weapons that it has. And what I mean is the EU ETS system, the allowances are fluctuating, and it would be enough if we just stopped speculations and cap it. This goes hand in hand with the fact that the Commission should stop transferring the financial burden to Member States. Member states have tight budgets and now we are talking about increasing defense budgets. And last but not least, nuclear power has to have the same conditions as other low carbon sources. So we'll have to change taxonomy. Thank you.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Madam president. Madam Commissioner. Internet at high speed is key for the success of our businesses, but it is also crucial for our citizens. Current rules certainly do need to be revised, and I'm happy that you haven't introduced anything too revolutionary. I'm happy about these pan-European services, simplification for operators, openness for innovative enterprise and the stress on network resilience. However, I think it should be above all up to member states to make decisions on the spectrum and it is not clear how the single authorisation would work. A final remark on digital networks And try to ensure that this doesn't go the way that Berwick did, and ensure you have sufficient human and financial resources.”
  EU policy on accessibility of digital infrastructure
• “Yes, thank you, Chairman. The governance of the European space activities is quite complex. However, we have a specialized agency, EUSPA, so we should first and foremost make sure that it has the necessary competencies and adequate financial and human resources. Space projects today help in virtually all areas of policy. So my question is, how can we leverage this even better to benefit from EUSPA's existing space assets and capabilities and skillful management of EU budget, particularly as regards security and defense and dual-use industries landscape, research and innovation space downstream activities in future FP10, including the dual-use projects and EU security landscape? Thank you.”
  EU competences on space policy
• “Thank you chair. Good afternoon Commissioner. I have two short questions. First of all, on simplification, if you could elaborate more on, uh, what steps do you, uh, do you intend to, to, to do to make simplification happen, especially for applicants and beneficiaries in preparation of the future FP ten. And the second question, uh, you've touched upon uh capital markets union, but that's something that will not come tomorrow. So what other alternative steps do you recommend to to mobilize, uh, mobilize, uh, private investments in the EU and in the R & D sector, especially for startups? Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you, dear Commissioner. We know each other for a while, so you won't be surprised that I will. I will focus on automotive industry and and the penalties which the companies are facing for non-compliance with 2025 CO2 emission standards. It's clear that some OEMs are better off than than the others, and it's clear that if the regulation remains unchanged, they will somehow find a solution. But this solution will be, of course, cheaper than penalties. But however, cheaper does not mean that it will be costly and it will not limit the potential for for innovation. So I urge you to take this issue seriously, as my colleagues ask you to do so and and act. Give our companies a chance to reverse the trend and survive. Spread the compliance calculation over a five year period, and also prioritize this topic in the forthcoming Strategic dialogue with with industry. And in this context, I have two questions how this strategic dialogue will be organized. First one. And the second one, when we can expect the results of the strategic dialogue. Because this is a pressing situation and we need to act now. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy