Gabriella GERZSENYI

Policy topics Gabriella GERZSENYI is active on

What Gabriella GERZSENYI has said (17)

• “Thank you, chair. And thank you for the presentation. Commissioner. I'm not going to repeat what others have already said. And I do agree with what's been said. But as we're here and it's Disability Rights Week and it's the disability day. I have a question on that topic. In Europe, we know that disabled people have massive problems in terms of reduced access to education, health, jobs and leisure activities. According to a study, half of citizens believe that there is increased discrimination vis a vis disabled people in Hungary. There are many disabled people who fall into that camp, and I think it's urgent that we strengthen the strategy for people living with disabilities so that services can be extended to them, and to guarantee that these people have effective access to the help that can come from European funds. My question for the Commission is as follows after 2027 for that period. What possibilities do you see in the financial framework to improve living conditions for these people, so that they can be independent? And generally speaking, in the cohesion funds? In most countries through the social fund, which is a an important source of finance to improve their living conditions. What projects do you have for that purpose?”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Mr. president, Commissioner. Ladies and gentlemen, the program of the Cyprus presidency is crystal clear. Our strength lies in the rule of law and legal certainty. I would like to tell you about the story of a man, a Hungarian former, that is currently in Slovakia, formerly Hungary, that worked the land that his grandparents and parents did. He always respected the rules. One day he got a letter through the post telling him that on the basis of a law that dated back 70 years, he no longer owned that land. He spoke out against this. He couldn't understand why this was happening in Slovakia, but that's what he. But then he criticizing the Benes decrees had a specific impact. This isn't something dating back decades ago. This is something happening now. So collective guilt has no space here, has no place here in Europe. The Cyprus presidency should focus on legal certainty.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “In particular the idea of merging cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy into a single fund raises serious questions. I must say that I share these concerns. There is a real risk of overcentralized EU funding in national capitals and sidelining local and regional authorities. Those who are closest to citizens and best understand territorial needs. Despite the additional explanations provided by the European Commission in recent months, this risk remains very present. There is also concern that such an approach could create competition between farmers and regions, or between regions and national governments, at a time when Europe needs unity, not division. Cohesion is not just about money, it is about governance, partnership and trust. Without the meaningful involvement of local and regional authorities, policies cannot be truly territorial, inclusive or effective. The committee stands ready to work closely with our colleagues in the budge and agri committees, in a spirit of good cooperation and responsibility towards the Commission and the Council to defend the strong cohesion policy, one that is properly funded, clearly focused and firmly rooted in partnership and multi-level governance. Thank you. And I pass the floor to madam. Okay.”
  Cohesion and rural funding · EU cohesion/structural-fund architecture: consolidation vs ring-fenced separate funds
• “Mr. chair, thank you very much for the commission, for ECA. I'm sorry for the presentation. Let me continue in Hungarian. Thank you very much. I agree with the review. We can see that the various levels of management are missing, and even though the EU has to trust its member states, central management is not necessarily healthy or adequate, especially in countries where there is a drive to centralize things and there are no adequate regional or local levels. We have to also acknowledge that unforeseen obstacles may come up which lead to restarting projects in this. In these cases, we should reduce the administrative burdens and there is a need for greater oversight and transparency, which is one of the basic principles of transparency. And in some countries, we can see problems in these areas so that we can ensure that the funds arrive at a people who deserve them and who are eligible for them. So we need further efforts. My question is, do you have country specific reports or numbers? I would be very interested in that. One of the findings in your report is that you found the greatest number of errors in procurement in Hungary and in Italy. Can you say, can you give me additional details? And what can we do with member States that do not belong to or not participants in the public prosecutor's office.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “We were waiting that the result is shown on the big screen. But it doesn't happen, so I can. It is there. Okay. It's there. So it's adopted. 22 to 14 with four abstentions. Thank you very much for the participation. Okay.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you, I wanted to ask. You've said. That everyone in this Parliament knows that what's been said is false. And the money is not getting to Hungary. But the government's not democracy. Now, if you know the real reasons, as you say, then why don't you make a proposal for amendment? Well, why doesn't the government change its policy? Why is Budapest discriminating against the leaders of the opposition? Why are you doing all that?”
  Rule of law in Hungary
• “President. Commissioner. Colleagues, I'm glad that the 2026 budget will give priority to young farmers and a Tea Party initiative. Where the focus will be on rural development, the Hungarian government has left people in a sticky situation, but in the future that will change. We cannot continue this way. Villages being emptied. Rural exodus continuing. No, no. We need young farmers and we need to make these rural areas attractive again. Cohesion policy and rural development must be high priorities for the coming years. The new upcoming Tisa government will bring EU funds back to Hungary, and we will ensure that development continues and be reformed.”
  CAP delivery architecture: ring-fenced common fund vs integrated national plans
• “I would like to thank you, first of all, for the work that you've done. We can see that there are or we've got various problems with the proposal in the way that the subventions for cohesion from cohesion and agriculture are being brought together. We must not allow that these monies actually start competing with one another. We've also seen that the auditors have pointed out that the NPS, following the same way of thinking as the or that it functions just as the RF plans. So it's the foundation thereof and that has an impact, or it makes the ability for the regions to implement it even higher. So if a government is finding itself fighting with EU institutions, what that means is that particular countries might not even get funds at all. So what legal and financial mechanisms or systems do you see to make sure that people have the chance to be able to have direct access to these funds and that farmers don't actually pull the shorter straw in terms of conventions? Thank you very much, chairperson. I'd like to begin by thanking the auditors for the work that they've done, and especially the great deal that's been done about the.”
  EU cohesion/structural-fund architecture: consolidation vs ring-fenced separate funds
• “To Thank you very much. Now, there was a report from the committee, and in Hungary we understood very easily why we needed this inquiry. The fetus government abused the use of Pegasus and watched journalists. They were defending their power and not the state and not the Hungarian people. This same system has reached new levels over recent days. Indeed, we had the leaking of information from the Prime Minister and there was a clarification that. There was a digital use based on the Russian interference in Hungary. Now, there was the fight lab that was set up by Fidesz, where data is collected and there is a Psychological impact from Russia. But we've also seen that this has been leveled against civil society. Sensitive data shouldn't be given and there should be a respect of law. But what is clear is that Viktor Orban would use any tool to maintain himself in power. Therefore, we need the recommendations from the committee. We need strong measures because national security can't be an excuse to dismantle democracy. Power cannot play with these tools. We need a new rule of law in Hungary.”
  Rule of law in Hungary
• “Thank you very much. Now we go to the first round of shadow rapporteurs. I have ten names on my list. In the first round there will be two minutes for each of you. I kindly ask you to stick to the time limit at least. I will also stick to that. And it will be then again followed by responses by the three commissioners present. So first one is agree EPP rapporteur Mr. Dorfmann. Please go ahead two minutes.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you. Chairman. Thank you to the Commission. Unfortunately, I must admit that for us, it's still not acceptable to merge the cohesion of funds with the cap. One of the main goals of cohesion policy is rural development, the principle of not leaving anyone behind. And that should also be what is seen in the Cap policies. Agriculture and the rural regions cannot be the losers of this agreement, in particular in light of the Mercosur agreement, the farmers and cities cannot be competitors for these funds and not be competing with the largest cities. The starting point of. This aside from the 10%. But it's not enough. We need more. You talked about the ADR, but I think we need to highlight those aspects even more in the proposal, because these local initiatives are important to try and counter de-population in rural regions. In Hungary, the rural regions are economically behind, and it's it's women and young people who are the most hardest hit there. The lack of qualified skills in young people is a problem in terms of competitiveness. Over the last 1010 years, 2.7% of the rural population has left the rural areas. That's why I wouldn't necessarily like to ask a question, but rather a demand. I have a lot of expectations for the future negotiations. I hope we end up with the conclusions we can accept.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you very much. Thank you. President. Colleagues. Well, I experienced in my childhood what it meant to be a part of a region where you speak a language different from that of the surrounding country. I've come from Carpathia as a young Hungarian speaker. But I also know the kind of strength that you can draw from that experience, a constant concept of belonging together. 1.4 million European citizens have signed the Citizens Initiative. That shows how much people care about this. I share the objectives of this citizens initiative. Cohesion policy should leave no one behind and we need to reduce regional inequalities. I see a lot of potential in studying this initiative properly. There should be a proper legal recognition of these regions, and that could pave the way for a more inclusive, more diverse cohesion policy. I am convinced that cultural and linguistic diversity of regions has to be supported. Resources need to be allocated where they are needed. And these regions should not be an exception. There needs to be a guarantee that they have access to European resources.”
  EU cohesion/structural-fund architecture: consolidation vs ring-fenced separate funds
• “Thank you very much, State Secretary. Well, unfortunately, we can see that this, um, presidency program doesn't say anything and it's not credible. We know that environmental protection is not a priority in Hungary. There is no independent ministry, and there aren't enough financial or human resources provided to say that Hungary is playing a leading role in protecting the environment, and greening the economy is completely out of touch with reality. There are several specific points in the program which are questionable now. First of all, consultation with citizens. This has been mentioned several times. The Hungarian government does not consult with citizens, but they are declaring certain investments as highly significant for the national economy, and this means the public are being ignored. Does the government plan to change this? Because the Commission is expecting partnership, and this is also necessary for EU funds to be disbursed? Now, I'd like to ask, when it comes to a healthy, pollution free environment, what are you doing to reduce the air and war pollution coming from the increasing numbers of battery factories? Um, do you plan to ensure that these existing plans comply with stringent EU permitting requirements. Now, when it comes to droughts and desertification, I'd like to say that several areas in Europe are suffering from drought. How do you plan to move European water objectives towards a solution? Especially when we look at what's happened with the recent floods, can we expect to see a shift towards a more well thought out water management policy? Now, when it comes to healthy drinking water, Hungary is subject to infringement proceedings. How do you plan? Do you plan to recapitalize the utility companies that have been bled dry by the Hungarian government's program to reduce utility bills? Now, when it comes to biological biological diversity, to this day, Hungary is still using chemical mosquito control. This does not impact mosquitoes, but it's devastating for other insects. Thank you.”
  Sustainability of batteries regulation
• “Thank you very much. Dear Executive Vice President, Dear Commissioners, dear colleagues, I'm also pleased to welcome you here. And I also wish you a happy and healthy New Year. Today's joint meeting is a clear sign of the European Parliament's determination to fully play its treaty role. The proposal for the NRP fund is complex and challenging, but we are ready to engage seriously and responsibly with it. Post 2027 cohesion policy stands at a crossroads. The next MFF will be negotiated under strong pressure. New political priorities. Difficult geopolitical context and the growing tendency to centralise decisions in national capitals. In this context, let me be very clear the committee is fully committed to defending the cohesion policy. We believe in a policy that delivers prosperity, competitiveness and sustainable development for all regions. The proposed NRP fund is one of the most far reaching elements of the Commission's MFF proposal. It brings together many different policies from cohesion policy to agriculture, fisheries, migration and security. This level of streamlining may look attractive, but it also raises important concerns. These concerns have been voiced clearly by regions and cities and widely shared across the European Parliament.”
  EU cohesion/structural-fund architecture: consolidation vs ring-fenced separate funds
• “Thank you very much for the presentation of the agencies and for Hungary. It's of particular importance that the agencies can develop, publish analyses and publish data. Unfortunately, the Hungarian government has destroyed the system of the protection of environment. There aren't enough workers, there aren't enough financing. And so people very often don't know anything about the dangers that they're exposed to. A good example of This. Are the health risks from battery producers. They are very often built in Hungary. You can only if you're aware of the environment. That can only happen if people are given data and if they are able to analyze the data. The data as regards the dangers they are exposed to as an MEP. I am new here. I have not yet worked with the agencies, but I did work with the commission for 15 years. I was working for the commission for 15 years and we worked very closely and very well with the Environment Agency, and I do hope that that will continue in the future. Thank you.”
  Sustainability of batteries regulation
• “Thank you chair. I would also like to thank the rapporteurs, also our registrar, Mr. Bonilla, and also Mr. Buddha, on behalf of the EPP for the excellent work. I can join quite a lot of colleagues here who have highlighted the importance of no competition between mares and farmers, strengthening the local and regional authorities provide direct funding, and I would like to highlight only one out of my submitted amendments, which is about the protection of final beneficiaries. And this wording is fully in compliance with the wording already adopted in last year's MFF report, to which also Madam Tavares and Mr. Muresan were the rapporteurs. The final recipients should not be deprived of the benefits of EU funds in the event of sanctions being applied to their government. I of course know how the rule of law, how much is important, but this provision could strengthen citizens trust in the EU and the whole European project is, in the end about citizens according to the principle of leaving no one behind. It's not about corrupt governments and oligarchs. Thank you very much.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “So Mr. President, Mr. Commissioner dear colleagues hundreds of thousands of Hungarian families are called in their own homes and some of them freeze to death. Viktor Orban appears as a champion of competitiveness. But the infrastructure is not developed in Hungary. Hungary is importing more electricity than Germany, and industrial consumers are paying the fifth highest bills in Europe. We have Chinese accumulator factories that are being constructed that consume a lot of energy, and we are still dependent on fossil fuels. Maybe they will switch to the United States, but because but because we know that Orban is friends with not only Putin but also with Mr. Trump. We are working on diversification, on energy efficiency and using renewable energy, for example. Geothermal energy. We would like to ensure a warm home for all Hungarians. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)