András Tivadar KULJA

Policy topics András Tivadar KULJA is active on

What András Tivadar KULJA has said (27)

• 2025-04-29 “E-001716/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The EU ‘occupational safety and health (OSH) Framework Directive’ 1 lays down the duty of the employer to ensure workers’ safety and health in all work-related aspects. It sets minimum requirements that apply to all workers and sectors of activity, covering risk assessment, preventive and protective measures, health surveillance and training, with special protection for sensitive risk groups. Along with the related OSH directives, the Framework Directive provides comprehensive protection against all occupational risks. Therefore, it does not include explicit provisions for specific medical conditions, and there are no current plans for amendment. The development and implementation of specific measures fall under the prerogative of Member States. Nevertheless, several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks are addressed by EU actions, for example, by providing an E-guide to managing stress and psychosocial risks 2 . The Commission is also working on addressing other relevant OSH risks, for example via the review of the Workplace Directive 3 and the Display Screen Equipment Directive 4 to address new ways of working. The Commission facilitates the exchange of good practices and supports evidence-based policymaking to address CVD risks within the OSH context. In this regard, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work provides analyses, guidelines, and tools to support the prevention and management of occupational CVDs 5 related risks. It is also planning an overview of regulation, policies, strategies and programmes for the prevention of work-related CVDs 6 . The Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee prepares publications relevant to CVD prevention 7 . 1 Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work. OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1. - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A31989L0391. 2 European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, https://osha.europa.eu/en/tools-and-resources/e-guides/eguide-managing-stress-and-psychosocial-risks. 3 Council Directive 89/654/EEC of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace (first individual directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 1–12. - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1989/654/oj/eng. 4 Council Directive 90/270/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment (fifth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) (90/270/EEC). OJ L 156 21.6.1990, p. 14. - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1990/270/oj/eng. 5 https://osha.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/20230105%20Final%20SPD%202024-2026-FINAL.pdf. 6 https://osha.europa.eu/en/about-eu-osha/procurement/osha2025lvp0002-exa-overview-regulation-policiesstrategies-initiatives-and-programmes-prevention-work-related-cardiovascular-diseases-cvds-low-valueprocedure. 7 https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/fea534f4-2590-4490-bca6-504782b47c79/library/95caf22f-5b52-45e3-ad2501aaa5c78e2c/details.”
  EU competences on health · EU rules on hazardous working conditions
• 2025-01-20 “E-000213/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission, together with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is working on guidelines for infection prevention and control (IPC) in human health. Action on IPC is also part of the EU co-funded joint action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with a budget of EUR 62.5 million 1 . The Commission, together with EU agencies, is also closely following Member States’ progress regarding the implementation of the 2023 Council Recommendation on AMR 2 , and regularly exchanges with Member States’ competent authorities’ best practices and follow-up actions in the AMR One Health Network. 2. The Commission is actively supporting research efforts for the development of innovative medical countermeasures, such as phage therapy, vaccines, and gene editing technologies, to tackle AMR via the funding programmes Horizon Europe 3 and EU4Health 4 . The Commission explores, for an upcoming call for proposals, the possibility of having a call topic on conducting clinical trials testing phage therapies. Also, in partnership with Member States, the Commission works to promote research through the One Health AMR European Partnership 5 , for which a grant of up to EUR 100 million is currently being prepared. 3. The Veterinary Medicines Regulation (EU) 2019/6 6 introduced measures against AMR, including the collection of harmonised data on antimicrobial sales and use per animal species. The European Medicines Agency will publish annual reports on the data collected, identifying trends and pattern changes. The first report on 2023 data is expected by March 2025. An aspirational target was set to halve EU antimicrobial sales for animals by 2030. Half of this reduction was already achieved by 2022. 1 EU JAMRAI 2, https://eu-jamrai.eu/prevention-control/ 2 Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach C 220, 22.6.2023, p. 1. 3 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en 4 https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en 5 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-hlth2024-disease-09-01 6 Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products and repealing Directive 2001/82/EC, OJ L 4, 7.1.2019, p. 43.”
  Antimicrobial resistance
• 2025-01-06 “E-000010/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. Member States are responsible for the definition of their health policy. This includes the definition of pain management and measuring gaps in access to painkillers. At EU level, in relation to medicines availability, the Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) 1 , consisting of representatives of Member States, the European Medicines Agency and the Commission, monitors and responds to ongoing shortages of medicines that cannot be resolved at Member State level. 2. Under the EU4Health Programme, seven projects are co-funded to support training initiatives for clinical and non-clinical staff with a focus on digital skills and other relevant skills 2 . One of these projects, the Health Professionals' Digital Team Skills Advancement 3 , develops a digital health literacy strategy and a plan to improve digital literacy in healthcare, which may benefit also those patients in need of pain management. 3. The Proposal for a Critical Medicines Act announced in the Political Guidelines 4 was adopted by the Commission on 11 March 2025 5 . It addresses supply chain vulnerabilities of critical medicines, facilitates increasing EU manufacturing capacity for critical medicines, and reduces Europe’s dependencies on third countries. This proposal complements the reform of the EU pharmaceutical legislation and will build on the ongoing work, notably in the Critical Medicines Alliance and in the MSSG. 1 Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) meetings - European Medicines Agency (EMA): https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/about-us/what-we-do/crisis-preparednessmanagement/executive-steering-group-shortages-medicinal-products/executive-steering-group-shortages-safetymedicinal-products-mssg-meetings 2 https://year-of-skills.europa.eu/news/skills-and-healthcare-training-opportunity-health-professionals-undereu4health-programme-2023-10-16_en 3 https://hpass.healthworkforce.eu/ 4 Political Guidelines (2024-2029), page 9: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf 5 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-critical-medicines-act_en”
  EU policy against medicines shortages · Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU
• 2024-12-12 “E-002877/2024 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Health workforce shortages constitute an increasing challenge across the EU. According to Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU 1 , Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care, which includes ensuring sufficient health workforce. The Health at a Glance report 2 estimates a shortage of 1.2 million doctors, nurses and midwives in the EU in 2022. The report provides examples of practices to boost recruitment and retention. The recent Joint Research Centre report 3 projects the supply and demand for health workforce according to various ageing scenarios of the EU population and of the health workforce. Both reports show disparities and different needs between Member States. The Commission works through the European Semester to provide country-specific policy advice and promote health systems reforms, including in health workforce. It provides also support on planning and forecasting 4 , skills development, including under the large-scale skills partnership established under BeWell 5 , addressing shortages of nurses 6 , survey and guidance on mental health of health workers 7 . The Cohesion Policy supports Member States and regions’ efforts to reduce territorial disparities in access to quality healthcare. Allocated investments of EUR 7.4 billion 8 include digitalisation of the healthcare, developing integrated IT systems, telehealth, etc. The Communication on Harnessing Talent in European Regions 9 established a working group for European regions to exchange good practices on retaining talent in the health sector. Several resources, such as good practices and academic articles, are also available on the knowledge repository of the Harnessing Talent Platform 10 . 1 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en 2 The Health at a Glance Europe 2024 Report: 1e23af78-d146-4c84-be77-690fc6044655_en 3 Healthcare workforce: new model projects EU needs up to 2071 https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/jrcnews-and-updates/healthcare-workforce-new-model-projects-eu-needs-2071-2024-12-06_en 4 EU4Health Programme funded Joint Action Heroes: https://www.agenas.gov.it/ricerca-e-sviluppo/ricercainternazionale/personale-sanitario-ri/heroes-health-workforce-to-meet-health-challenges 5 Erasmus+ programme funded action BeWell: https://bewell-project.eu/ and EU4Health funded training action: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2022-eu4health-work-programme_en; AMR EDUCare: https://www.amreducare.eu/; e-Hospital4Future: https://eh4future.eu/; GESEA Educational Programme https://gesea.eu/; DigiCanTrain: https://digicantrain.turkuamk.fi/contact-us/; DDS-MAP: https://ddsmap.easpd.eu/; TRANSiTION https://ehma.org/projects/transition/; EHMA: https://hpass.healthworkforce.eu/ 6 EU4Health programme: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2024-eu4health-work-programme_en 7 A comprehensive approach to mental health https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-20192024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en 8 Data extracted: 06/01/2025 (including Interreg). 9 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/newsroom/17-01-2023-harnessing-talent-in-europe-a-newboost-for-eu-regions_en 10 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/communities-and-networks/harnessing-talent-platform/knowledgerepository_en”
  Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2024-11-20 “E-002589/2024 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission remains committed to addressing global health inequalities and reinforcing public health resilience. The Commission will continue to implement Global Gateway 1 , which identifies health as one of its five key partnership areas. The EU Global Health Strategy 2 serves as the external dimension of the European Health Union 3 . The Strategy puts forward three overarching and interrelated priorities: to deliver better health and well-being; to strengthen health systems and advance universal health coverage; and to prevent and combat health threats by applying a One Health approach. The Strategy recognises the importance of mobilising domestic resources in partner countries integrating a ‘health in all policies approach’ and bolstered by innovative financing mechanisms, private sector engagement, and the Team Europe approach. The Commission is making progress in implementing the Strategy in partnership with different stakeholders at various levels, to support improving health across the world with a particular focus on countries with weaker health systems. The EU4Health Regulation 4 provides that a maximum of 12,5 % of the EU4Health budget shall be reserved for supporting global commitments and health initiatives. The Commission is constantly monitoring this commitment and so far, approximately EUR 55 million have been committed for international health initiatives and cooperation through the EU4Health programme 5 . The Commission also pledged an additional EUR 125 million contribution 6 for the period 2023–2027 for the Universal Health Coverage Partnership work with global partners. Preparatory work for the 2025 EU4Health Work Programme is on-going with a current focus on its strategic orientations and priorities. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/globalgateway_en 2 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/eu-global-health-strategy-better-health-all-changing-world_en 3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-healthunion_en 4 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/522/oj 5 https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en 6 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_22_7287/IP_22_7287_EN.pdf”
  GMOs
• “Thank you very much, Minister. The lack of, uh, working force in the health sector is very important as an issue in Europe. There is no health sector without doctors and nurses. By 2034 million people will be missing from the sector. And the OECD countries report the lack of doctors, lack of nurses and doctors as well as nurses are in more and more advanced age. Some in 12 member states doctors average more than 55 years of age. My question is, what is the presidency planning to curb this phenomenon of the outflow of doctors and the lack of capacities of the working force in the health sector? We have to address this problem. We have to find solutions already. Otherwise our societies, aging societies will be left alone without doctors, without nurses, and we won't be able to make use of any innovative solutions that we are working on now. I would also like to ask a question on medical devices. Similarly to Peter Liese. The world is changing and regulations are very complex and complicated in this area. Maybe now we have a chance to simplify regulation and to gain back our competitiveness with the new tools and including tools of artificial intelligence, maybe we can counterbalance the lack of medical staff by reducing their burdens in terms of administration.”
  Medical devices
• “Thank you. Chair. And thank you for your excellent presentation on this pivotal topic. Chronic respiratory diseases, as you mentioned, are the third common cause of death with an increasing burden on patients, families, and healthcare systems. And that's why early detection and screening are so important. Nowadays, more and more research shows that AI solutions based on high quality data can be a game changer in early diagnosis and identifying new risk factors. But as you have mentioned, data collection is insufficient And currently with the implementation of the European Health Data space, what developments should be made from the National Healthcare Infrastructure and National Public Health Strategy to enhance quality data collection? Thank you.”
  Processing of health data
• “Thank you, chair and the Minister. With the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the Social Climate Fund and the renovation wave. The EU has a real opportunity to link the green transition with improved social outcomes. Given that the European Commissioner, responsible for both energy and housing also comes from Denmark, and that your presidency places a strong emphasis on climate resilience and equity. Do you see scope for promoting more integrated approach, one that supports affordable, accessible and healthy environments not only for households but also for those relying on public health and care institutions? Thank you.”
  Energy performance of buildings
• “Welcome, everyone. Dear colleagues, um. Welcome to the meeting. And if there are no objections, the draft agenda can be adopted without modifications. So we can adopt the agenda. Um, interpretation is available as usual. Uh, now in 2021 languages. And our meeting is web streamed. And, um, I would like to, uh, go to point three, and I would like to announce that the deadline for amendments for the two opinions on regulation directives as regards digitalization and common specification is set for Tuesday, 21st of October. Uh, 11:00. And I would like to remind members that coordination coordinators decided to apply the simplified procedure, rule 52 two, with amendments to be tabled on those parts of the regulation directive that the Commission proposed to amend, and that according to rule 57, uh opinions shall deal solely with those matters that fall within the areas of competence of the opinions giving Committee amendments falling outside the areas of competence of that opinion giving committee shall not be admissible. Please be informed that on the proposal for amending regulation number 19 zero seven uh 26 um, and uh 1272 528 And 2019 and 2021 per 697 as regards defense, uh, readiness and facilitating defense investments and conditions for defense industry. That was referred to joint said and the committee, uh, the Co-rapporteurs decided to proceed in line with rule 52.2 of the Rules of Procedure without a draft report. I would like to announce that the deadline for amendments on this file is 23rd of October. Um, 12:00. And I would like also remind members that MV coordinators decided that amendments are to be able only on those parts of the regulations that the Commission proposed to amend. So if there are no objections, the minutes can be adopted without modifications and we go to the next point. State of the Environment Report 2025. Um, and I would like to give the floor. Lena monahan, executive director of European Environment Agency. The director. You have 15 minutes.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “Thank you. Chair. Dear colleagues, as a medical doctor, I cannot ignore the overwhelming scientific evidence. Pfas chemicals are linked to cancer, developmental harm and immune system damage. These are not abstract risks. They affect real lives across Europe. That's why we must pursue a strong and comprehensive restriction. But we must also be realistic in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Alternatives are not yet fully available for these targeted and time bound derogations are essential to guarantee patient safety and the continuity of supply. At the same time, we should support those European industries already investing in PFAS free innovation in solar battery technology, packaging and healthcare. These pioneers show that it is possible to align sustainability and competitiveness. I also want to raise growing concern the unintended presence of PFAS. As these substances contaminate water and raw material, materials companies may face compliance risks despite never intentionally use PFAS. I call on the commission to clarify how such cases will be evaluated, especially as testing methods advance. Finally, we must accelerate the reach revision. Clear rules, timelines and incentives are vital to guide industry investment and to ensure that Europe leads the global transition away from PFAS. This is particularly important in the current geopolitical situation. Thank you.”
  PFAs
• “Chemicals are everywhere. Without them, we wouldn't have a telephone or colorful clothes. Uh, we know that some of them are safe. Others are dangerous. But there are quite a few about which we don't really know what kind of effect they exercise on our bodies or on the environment, so that we can protect people in Europe and children in Europe. We need up to date and scientifically based data so that we can see the risks they represent. Uh, and I think that these reports show exactly that we need a modern, accessible data so that we can evaluate the risks they represent. We have to strengthen the role of the chemicals agency, and we need to have scientific data so that we can decide, uh, on them. Uh, and this is a very good, uh, approach, uh, because this is based on innovation, a system like that can focus on the interests of the European people and to help the chemical industry to do research and find new alternatives. It's clear for the party. We can't discuss about the protection of the health of people. We need a direction which concentrates on knowledge and responsibility. Thank you very much.”
  Chemicals regulation
• “Members. Colleagues. Commissioner. President. Endometriosis affects one women in every ten hundreds of thousands. In my own country, Hungary and millions across Europe. They suffer from this very painful disease. And this is a blind spot in our health policy. Endometriosis is not just pain during menstruation, but it's much more wide ranging and difficult. This means that endometrium tissue grows outside the uterus in various parts of the body, and this tissue has cyclical menstrual behavior that causes pain and other issues. Evolving health. It takes 6 to 7 years. Before a diagnosis is found and they have to suffer every single month. This can affect people's performance at work and at school, and it can damage the sexual life of adult women. It's particularly difficult for women who wish to have children. A late diagnosis can lead to infertility or damage to other organs, and the possibilities for treatment are very limited and often involve medical intervention. Surgical interventions. In many cases, governments are responding, but others are just talking without acting. The Hungarian government, for example, has been talking about this issue but have not talked about reducing tax on the products or treatments required. There is a lack of modern diagnostic technology, and in many cases, you have to wait for years before you get an examination by a specialist. This leads to a great deal of inequality. A true family friendly policy has to start with women's health, and the EU has to stand by the side of the affected women, ensuring that they have access to care and early diagnosis that ensures that all women across the EU have the same chances in life. Thank you very much.”
  Sexuality and reproduction
• “Yes, thank you very much. When it comes to the European and Hungarian citizens, there's just one thing I would have to say. There is the problem. And that is that given the corruption under Orban, over €2 billion have gone missing. Sing. The Hungarian organizations and institutes do not have access to European funds, and there are very many conspiracy theories that are being that are circulating and that are being spread. And as a commissioner that has been appointed by the Hungarian government, would you be able to say something about how many invoices have actually or bills that have been submitted for research and innovation? And we'd be very grateful for a reply when it comes to the future here, I would like to stress that the research shows that the Hungarian health system is collapsing, and there's an increase in populism and conspiracy theories. This does not only affect the welfare, but also the security of Europe, because we need to have robust health systems. So my question as a representative of health matters, how can you guarantee that health policies continues to be a priority also in view of security aspects, and how can we strengthen this sector? Because we're not only talking about biological aspects. Citizens have to have trust in the health system and maintain that trust. And we also have to make sure that we have the necessary resources and funds for research and innovation. Thank you.”
  Rule of law in Hungary
• “Thank you very much. I'm speaking in Hungarian. Thank you very much. Colleagues, this opinion from our committee is incredibly important on this topic because inequalities when it comes to access of all kinds is a massive problem. And removing obstacles for persons with disabilities alone isn't enough. We need much more complex solutions. We need better training for staff so that they're more aware of the difficulties that persons with disabilities encounter. And we need to ensure that these people can better integrate with society. We also need to take into account other societal factors as well, such as provision of housing and caring for people in old age. There are member states that have made improvements already, but others are lagging very far behind. And so that is why we need an EU wide strategy. We also need a committee that has full responsibility for this topic, and that's why our work is so important.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• “Thank you. Chair. I will speak in Hungarian. Yes. Thank you very much. Once again, I would like to warmly thank the experts. As the colleagues have already said, we have arrived at an inflection point, and we see that from day to day, several hundred several thousand people die of infections that have been caused by Antimicrobial resistant pathogens. So we have to act urgently. We need therapies. We need treatments which obviously are going to provide help in the most serious cases. And I do have a question. I would like to hear from you how the EU legislation, the EU provisions that, for example, legislation on critical medicines, what kind of contribution can that make to make to ensuring that the new medicinal products are available as quickly as possible? And how can we ensure that in all Member States there is access to these medicines and that all patients are treated fairly?”
  Antimicrobial resistance
• “Uh, the director, thank you very much for your time and presence here today. Um, and indeed, the state of environment, uh, report is very, very important, uh, for our work here, um, in the committee and, um, as you mentioned, uh, important progress has been made in several fields. Um, but there is still room for, for action, um, especially in the diffuse pollution caused by pesticides in agriculture and greater evaluation of the climate risk and economic evaluation, uh, in the long term. Thank you very much. And their colleagues will soon continue, um, our meeting with, um. So please, uh, stay here and will have one minute pause to welcome our guests. ***Joint ENVI/ENVE meeting on "Regions taking action on climate resilience and adaptation"”
  EU policy on pesticides
• “Ministers, their colleagues, housing and just transition are becoming more and more central to our political debate. For citizens, the transition is not just an abstract concept. It's about whether they can heat their houses in winter. They pay their bills and live with dignity in safe, sustainable housing. This is why the EPP is deeply committed to ensuring that the transition is experienced fairly by all, and people are supported through change and no one is left behind. But the reality is that not all member states are from the same point. For example, Hungary's housing stock is among the least energy efficient in the European Union. The Hungarian government missed the opportunity to help people improve their energy efficiency of their homes. And now Hungarian people pay the price. Similarly, across the union, some populations face higher levels of energy poverty, while others struggle with outdated buildings or additional pressures on already fragile household budgets. Denmark brings valuable Leadership on renewable energy and green policies. Yet the true test of this presidency will be how it handles diversity within the Union, how it ensures that climate and housing policies work not only in wealthier member states, but also in regions where families are facing real financial hardship in order to safeguard and defend European democracy. It is imperative and crucial to find timely and effective solutions to these challenges. So my question would be how will the Danish presidency manage these differences between member states and ensure that housing and just transition policies provide tangible, fair benefits benefits to our citizens across Europe, regardless of their starting point? And my second question how will the Danish presidency support socially fair renovation programs in the member states, which can simultaneously cut emissions, reduce household costs, and deliver long term benefits to people who are most exposed to energy poverty. Thank you.”
  Energy performance of buildings
• “Thank you very much. Before our last speaker, I give the floor to myself and I will switch to Hungarian Minister Tsipras. President Cyprus is taking on the presidency at a very important time. In Central and Eastern Europe, there are a lot of problems with groundwater. And the way things are being handled are increasingly dangerous, both from an agricultural and from an environmental point of view. It's essential for us to think again and to have new ideas as to what the future should look like. You come from a country in the south of Europe, and you know full well the problems inherent in climate change, and particularly the lack of water. But that also affects Central and Eastern Europe and not just the south of Europe. And I'm glad that you have this among your priorities. And you're talking about new solutions. Which will mean that agriculture and south east Europe can also be steered in a more sustainable direction.”
  Groundwater Directive
• “President. Commissioner. Members. Water is essential to life. We know that. But in Europe, we are suffering. Suffering from water scarcity more and more. The directive was clear, but. Member states used their national competence to ignore the problems and not take measures required. Chinese solar farms were built on what should have been water resources, and the consequences are now being felt. The area between the Tisza and Danube rivers have almost dried out. The groundwater level is falling and has been falling for years. Farmers and inhabitants are helpless. That's why I support the new strategy. It promotes protection of nature, natural reservoirs for water and involving local communities in water management. Water is a national and local good. It's the future of our children and we cannot give it up for short term goals.”
  Groundwater Directive
• “Thank you very much. And I am now opening the catch the eye procedure. Colleagues, you have 1.5 minutes to speak, and our first speaker is Annalisa. Corrado.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you. Dear Commissioner, I would like to raise two questions. My first question would be, as you touched upon the PFAS briefly in your reply. I would like to ask you further in details, in light of the reach revision and the mounting scientific evidence on the harmful effects of PFAS, could you clarify how you plan to balance the need for regulatory ambition with industrial transition timelines, particularly in sectors that may face challenges in Substituting for. Moreover, how will you ensure that SMEs are supported in adapting to these changes, both financially and technologically, so that environmental protection does not become a competitive disadvantage within the single market? My second question would be the new European Bauhaus offers a unique opportunity to reshape Europe's built environment, but to be truly transformative, it must also reach the margins in Eastern Europe, where inadequate housing and energy poverty persist. How will you ensure that nebb principles are applied to the renovation of social housing and how, how and homes of the most vulnerable? Thank you.”
  PFAs
• “Thank you very much. And now I'm opening the catch the eye procedure. Yes. But and and actually we have a speaker from the EPP group. Garcia. And giving.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you very much. And yes, the timeline is very tight. The deadline for amendments is 7th of May 2026, 11:00. And also, I would like to mention that according to rule 57, the opinion shall deal solely with those matters that fall within the areas of competence of the opinion giving committee and amendments falling outside of the areas of competence of the opinion giving Committee shall not be admissible. Um. We have votes in envy in 15 of June in committee, 24th of June, and the announcement on plenary will be in July. And now we'll have a short break and we'll continue our meeting at 10:00. Thank you very much. ***”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you. We now open the catch the eye procedure. Uh, each speaker has 1.5 minutes. And, uh, please try to speak slowly to to give the interpreters time to translate. Our first speaker is Sander Smit from the EPP Group.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “Dear colleagues, mental health doesn't only impact our own life but that of the whole of society. And we see that the situation of the young people is critical. People who think young people who think they are lonely has doubled as colleagues before me have mentioned and the rate of suicide has also increased. I would like to speak about a group whom society often forgets. These are children living in state homes who do not have families and their last chance is to receive any help to overcome the horrible traumas that they have lived in these homes. And society lets them down, governments let these children down and I think this is very important for the European Union to take to set up the year of mental health and work out programs where we can help the most vulnerable in our societies.”
  EU policy on mental health
• “But it was less because the timer was not started over. So I would like to continue with my question, if I may, because I'm still under 1.5 minute. So would the Commission consider to conduct an impact assessment of the Social Climate Fund, including an estimation of the number of vulnerable households that will not have benefited from structural investments at the end of 2032. Thank you very much.”
• “Mr. Commissioner. Dear colleagues. Geopolitics changes, Europe's climate changes, but geopolitics changes in decades and the climate usually changes during millennia. No longer. Europe's climate used to be predictable 30 years ago. Now we have heat waves alternating with cold periods. This is devastating not only to agriculture. It also claims lives. In 2022, over 60,000 people died due to heat waves. The human body, especially those of the elderly and the ill people, is simply not prepared for this. As the Commission rightly said, we need to deal with causes and consequences together. Climate mitigation should have its place in housing and health policy. We need to do something about the housing crisis and the climate crisis at the same time. We need affordable social housing, but we also need to prepare residential social institutions and hospitals for these heat waves. But heat wave protocols in, uh, in hospitals, uh, is not enough. We need air conditioning. This can save lives. But if we are cooling inside, we are generating heat outside. Another additional problem to urban microclimate. That's why we need passive solutions such as isolation and light colored roofs and facades. This can reduce the interior temperature and reduce the load on the electricity grid. We don't have a silver bullet, but together we can find a solution to these problems.”
  Energy efficiency