Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE

Policy topics Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE is active on

What Yvan VEROUGSTRAETE has said (43)

• 2026-07-07 “(09:39:22 - 09:39:51): Sir?. Can you hear? You're talking about market economy, but don't you think that it's the market economy that is actually telling us the electric car sector's winning? Because, you know, you're denying the actual way that the market works. You're saying energy is more expensive, and you're defending spending money on that expensive energy rather than having energy that's cheaper through electricity.”
  Climate policy
• 2026-06-17 “(15:32:44 – 15:34:18): Colleagues, to ensure our independence, we need to have electrification. To ensure our prosperity, we need to have electrification. If we want decarbonization, we need to have electrification. Now all industries as now, and we don't need to have just another plan. We need to have specific plans, and there must be at least 4 dimensions to this. 1 is that clear ambitions with specific targets for each sector, both for supply and demand. The 2nd would be to have a transparent and specific project set at a national level with quarterly reporting for the EU. Thirdly, there needs to be necessary resources made available because if you don't have the resources, you can't do anything. We need to have a new energy deal. We also need to review the situation of taxation of energy so that people choose electrification. And 4th, we need to have a strategic transformation plan in order to organize the market because you can't have storage without some sort of variable tariffs or flexible grids that can take into account varying demand. Now our responsibility is to take up these challenges. Thank you. Thank you very much. Now, miss Masalbanitsu. Thank you.”
  EU industrial strategy: activist sectoral targets vs horizontal-only approach
• 2026-03-19 “E-001154/2026 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission considers that the Treaties provide a high level of protection of EU values and are complemented by a variety of instruments under EU law that ensure respect and protection of the EU values. Respect for the rule of law is essential for receiving and using EU funds. When implementing the EU budget, Member States and the Commission must ensure compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union 1 and respect for EU values. Existing EU rules protect the EU budget against breaches of the rule of law and of the Charter. Significant amounts of funding for Hungary have been blocked under the Conditionality Regulation 2 , the Charter horizontal enabling condition of the Common Provisions Regulation 3 , and the Recovery and Resilience Facility 4 . The Commission is engaging constructively with the new Hungarian government to help address outstanding rule of law concerns. The importance of the respect for EU values is also reflected in the Commission proposal for a Regulation on national and regional partnership plans under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, based on a combination of financial support for measures aimed at strengthening the rule of law and fundamental rights together with strong safeguards and conditionalities to ensure the protection of the EU budget. The Conditionality Regulation will remain in force under the MFF 2028-2034 and applies to breaches of the principles of the rule of law affecting the EU budget. The Commission shall use that Regulation if the relevant conditions are met, unless other procedures set out in EU legislation would allow it to protect the EU budget more effectively. The Commission continuously evaluates the situation in all Member States and is prepared to use all the applicable tools. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2020/2092/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj/eng. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02021R0241-20240301.”
  EU political integration · EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law in Hungary
• 2026-03-16 “P-001065/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission considers that business-to-consumer consignments that are artificially grouped and declared as business-to-business imports in the EU, constitute distance sales of imported goods, which shall be, from 1 July 2026, subject to the EUR 3 customs duty. This position is based on the interpretation by the European Court of Justice 1 who has ruled that in the case of consignments which group individual orders, each consignment is to be considered separately. 2. The Commission is currently working on the amendment of the Union Customs Code implementing regulation 2 . It would introduce new EU provisions providing Member States’ customs authorities a harmonised and common legal tool to identify these business-toconsumer consignments artificially classified as business-to-business goods. 3. An anti-abuse clause was included in this amendment of the Union Customs Code implementing regulation. This provision empowers and incentivises the national customs authorities to apply all the measures related to distance sales, e.g. the EUR 3 customs duty, where they verify during a control that a consignment is merely a grouping of individual orders which constitute distance sales. 1 Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 2 July 2009, Har Vaessen Douane Service BV v Staatssecretaris van Financiën https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:62008CJ0007. 2 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 of 24 November 2015 laying down detailed rules for implementing certain provisions of Regulation (EU) No 952/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the Union Customs Code.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2026-03-09 “E-000965/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has no specific comment to make on potential plans of the freedom.gov initiative and does not speculate on design or intent. The Commission does not block websites in the EU. Only Member States' authorities may block a website if it is illegal under national or European law. This includes websites promoting child-sexual abuse material, terrorist content or copyright-infringing material. The Commission has a responsibility to enforce its laws, including the Digital Services Act 1 , effectively, fairly and without discrimination towards all companies operating in the EU. 1 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2026-02-11 “Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 18.5.2026 Written question 1. On 10 December 2025, the Commission was alerted about cereulide contamination in products from a Nestlé company in the Netherlands, which recalled the same day 25 batches across 16 European countries, and treated the incident with utmost seriousness. As soon as the Commission was made aware of the voluntary recall linked to the increased levels of cereulide found in infant formulae, the different existing tools were activated to ensure cross-border coordination between the competent food safety authorities of the Member States. Due to the Chinese source of contamination (arachidonic acid oil, used as ingredient in infant formulae) and in absence of robust guarantees provided in the response by China, the Commission adopted reinforced controls on imports of arachidonic acid oil from China on 25 February 2026 which apply as of 26 February 2026 [1] . 2. In response to this incident, the Commission enhanced coordination with Member States by sharing Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) alerts and activating its existing network of crisis coordinators. Once the incident is resolved, the network of food and feed safety crisis coordinators will be reconvened to have a review on lessons learned, with special attention to communication protocols at all levels. 3. While the Commission is currently not planning a comprehensive review of EU infant nutrition rules, it remains committed to maintaining the highest food safety standards through continuous monitoring and improvement of existing measures. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2026/459/oj.”
  Nutrition
• 2026-01-14 “E-000132/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission Having access to the full Commission decision of 5 September 2025 in the AdTech case is not necessary to reply to the Commission’s requests for information on Google’s compliance plan. The Commission’s questions are about Google’s compliance plan, a copy of which was attached to the questionnaire in the requests for information. Still, on 15 January 2026, the Commission published the non-confidential version of the full decision in the AdTech case 1 . Proxistore did not file any complaint with the Commission. Proxistore has been consulted on Google’s compliance plan and has received the same questions as other market participants. The AdTech decision imposes two obligations on Google. First, Google must cease certain ongoing practices. Second, Google must eliminate its conflicts of interest within the AdTech supply chain. Whilst the Commission, in its statement of objections sent to Google, maintained the preliminary view that a structural remedy is likely to be the only way to comply with the second obligation, it has not reached a final conclusion on that matter. To reach a final conclusion, the Commission needs first to examine Google’s compliance plan, and to check whether it addresses the conflicts of interest. This is what the Commission is currently seeking input on, including from Proxistore. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/competition/antitrust/cases1/20263/AT_40670_18812.pdf.”
  EU rules on digital competition
• 2025-11-13 “E-004506/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Under the Digital Services Act 1 (DSA), providers of hosting services, including online platforms, must provide an electronic, easy to access and user-friendly notice and action mechanism 2 ensuring users can report content, including advertisement, considered to be illegal. The Commission has adopted preliminary findings 3 under Article 73(2) DSA holding, inter alia, that the provider of Facebook and Instagram appears to have failed to provide users with a user-friendly and easily accessible notice and action mechanism. Investigation is ongoing. Article 26 DSA requires providers of online platforms to inform users on whose behalf the ads are shown, who paid for the ad, and provide meaningful information on what parameters were used to target users with the ad and, where applicable, how to change those parameters. In addition, providers of very large online platforms and of very large online search engines (such as the provider of Facebook and Instagram) are also required to compile and make publicly available ad repositories 4 on their online interfaces to allow scrutiny of ads displayed on their services, facilitating supervision and research into risks stemming from the distribution of advertisements online and allowing for the identification of rogue advertisers. Providers of online platforms accessible to minors must ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security of minors on their services. The Commission recently adopted guidelines 5 on this matter 6 describing the measures that the Commission considers providers of online platforms accessible to minors should put in place to comply with that obligation. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng. 2 Article 16 of the DSA. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_2503. 4 Article 39 of the DSA. 5 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-publishes-guidelines-protection-minors. 6 Under Article 28(4) DSA.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content
• 2025-11-13 “E-004507/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission It is important to distinguish between cooperative and non-cooperative unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic. For cooperative traffic, geo-awareness provides the operator with information on nearby UAS Geographical Zones, enabling them to take the necessary action to deviate and avoid breaching airspace limitations. Geofencing can serve as an additional safeguard to prevent accidental entry. However, for malicious actors, geofencing offers limited protection, as they can disable the satellite navigation or use custom-built systems to bypass geographical restrictions. The UAS geofencing function requirement was not included in the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 1 because stakeholder feedback indicated at the time a limited priority for this regulatory measure. As part of a 2026 progress review of the Drone Strategy 2.0 2 , the Commission will re-examine this topic. In the framework of the EU project COURAGEOUS 2 , the Commission launched a Regulatory Needs Mapping Study in March 2025, well before the recent surge in drone incidents. This study aims to identify regulatory barriers, gaps, and needs across Member States. This study has the potential to contribute to further regulatory developments. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2019/945/oj/eng. 2 https://transport.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-11/COM_2022_652_drone_strategy_2.0.pdf.”
  EU policy on aviation safety
• 2025-10-13 “P-004004/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission Beverages containing more than 1.2% vol. of alcohol are exempted from the mandatory indication of the list of ingredients and the nutrition declaration 1 . This exemption does not apply to wine in accordance with an amendment to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 2 , which provides also for the possibility to use electronic means. While the 2017 Commission report invited the alcoholic beverages industry to present a self-regulatory proposal before taking further action 3 , the list of ingredients and the nutrition declaration became compulsory for all products of the wine sector and aromatised wine products in 2021. Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, in Article 12(3), provides for the possibility to allow expressing certain mandatory particulars by means other than the physical label. In line with Article 1(4) of that Regulation, Articles 118 to 121 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 lay down the specific labelling requirements applicable to wine. Providing information by electronic means instead of on the physical label is voluntary for wine producers, and key information (i.e. energy value, allergens) must always be indicated on the physical label. Pesticides are not compulsory information to consumers. The use of electronic means in wine labelling is subject to limitations and conditions, and the information so provided electronically should be clear for consumers 4 . QR codes are not compulsory but a universal electronic means to access information, in line with international requirements on labelling using technology 5 , i.e. sufficient technological infrastructure available; widespread, adequate and easy access to the electronic means; and reasonable for consumers to use them during normal and customary circumstances of purchase and use. 1 Article 16(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02011R1169-20250401. 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/2117, of 2 December 2021 - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32021R2117. 3 COM(2017) 58 final - https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b4dcc4f8-215c-4a7f-ac6cde5cab8fbf2e_en?filename=fs_labelling-nutrition_legis_alcohol-report_en.pdf. 4 C/2023/1190 - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/1190/oj/eng. 5 Codex Alimentarius Guidelines on the use of technology to provide food information in food labelling (2024) https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/shproxy/es/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FStandards%2 52FCXG%2B105-2024%252FCXG_105e.pdf.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.) · Food labelling harmonisation at EU level
• 2025-09-26 “E-003755/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission EU food labelling legislation 1 ensures a high level of transparency and protection of consumers’ health and interests. It provides for a list of mandatory food information particulars on the characteristics specific to a food, in particular to enable consumers to make choices that suit their individual dietary needs and to identify the appropriate use of the food. All food placed on the Union market must be safe and comply with the EU food-related legislation. In that context, within the EU, only pesticides complying with EU legislation may be used. Authorisation is granted only if a thorough risk assessment, conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 2 and subsequently by the Member State where the pesticides are used, shows that there are no adverse effects on human or animal health or unacceptable effects on the environment. The Commission also sets maximum residue levels for pesticides in food 3 to ensure all food is safe for consumption. Annual reports on pesticide residues in food are published every year by EFSA covering over 100,000 samples from across the Union. Compliance rates are consistently high, with the most recent data 4 showing that 98% of tested foodstuffs are within the legal limits. Finally, as provided by EU food labelling legislation, voluntary food information such as ‘pesticide residue free’ or ‘zero pesticide residue’ statements must not mislead consumers, not be ambiguous or confusing for them, and must be based on relevant data. National authorities are responsible for the enforcement of these provisions, determining on a case-by-case basis whether the terms used are likely to mislead the consumer. 1 Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004 Text with EEA relevance, OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, pp. 18–63. 2 Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC, OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, pp. 1–50. 3 Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin and amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC, OJ L 70, 16.3.2005, pp. 1-16. 4 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9398.”
  EU policy on pesticides · Maximum residue levels
• 2025-08-29 “E-003332/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission On 5 September 2025, the Commission fined Google 2.95 billion EUR for an abusive practice under EU competition law in the advertising technology (‘adtech’) sector that is global in scope 1 . Antitrust issues that can be addressed both at EU and national levels are coordinated between the Commission and the national competition authorities. The European Competition Network (‘ECN’) offers a unique and successful forum where such close cooperation takes place. To avoid duplication of cases and ensure effective enforcement against abusive practices, the network facilitates case allocation discussions at the early stages of investigations. Such an allocation depends on several factors such as the territory where the effects on competition materialise, the ability to gather evidence and the capability to bring the infringement to an end. The initiation of Commission proceedings relieves national competition authorities of their competence to act against the same abusive practices. In case of parallel investigations at national levels, the competition authorities concerned coordinate in the ECN, and there are mechanisms in place (in particular the notification of envisaged decisions) to ensure the consistent application of EU competition law across the EU. While details on coordination in specific cases are confidential, the Commission applies the same cooperation and coordination mechanisms in cases concerning the adtech sector to ensure the most efficient deployment of resources and the most effective enforcement. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1992.”
  EU rules on digital competition
• 2025-08-20 “E-003261/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission EU State aid rules prohibit Member States from granting tax advantages to multinationals, if these advantages, among other conditions, are not also available to other undertakings in a similar situation in the same country. The Commission is committed to keep enforcing the EU State aid rules against such practices and will examine any information brought to its attention regarding alleged unlawful aid. At this stage, the Commission does not have any formal investigation opened in respect of the alleged misapplication of the tax rules in relation to the Meta Group. In addition, the fight against tax evasion and avoidance continues to be one of the key policy priorities of the Commission. The Commission strongly supports the G20/Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) initiative to reform international taxation. This includes the so-called ‘Pillar 1’ that, once finalised, will re-allocate taxing rights of the largest multinationals to the jurisdictions where their end consumers are situated. It also includes ‘Pillar 2’, which is a coordinated system of minimum taxation (15%) on the profits of large multinationals in the jurisdictions where they operate. The latter was already implemented in the EU through a Directive. Finally, the Commission is currently evaluating the Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive 1 (ATAD) and the Directive on Administrative Cooperation 2 (DAC) with a view to assessing if they are still fit for purposes. Based on the outcome of these evaluations the Commission will, if appropriate, present proposals to improve their functioning. 1 Council Directive (EU) 2016/1164 of 12 July 2016 laying down rules against tax avoidance practices that directly affect the functioning of the internal market. 2 Council Directive 2011/16/EU of 15 February 2011 on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation and subsequent amendments.”
  EU competences on taxation · Tax Havens
• 2025-08-20 “E-003262/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not conducted a specific risk assessment solely dedicated to high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). However, EFSA has assessed the health effects related to sugar intake, including HFCS, within broader evaluations of dietary sugars in 2022 1 , confirming the links between the intake of dietary sugars and a range of health problems. Regarding sugar types, EFSA concluded that there is evidence for a causal relationship between the intake of fructose and risk of some chronic metabolic diseases, although the external validity of the findings for European populations is unclear. In some trials, fructose appeared to increase hepatic insulin resistance and uric acid levels more than equivalent amounts of glucose. The effects of fructose and glucose on body weight, liver fat, measures of glucose tolerance, blood lipids and blood pressure did not appear to be different. As fructose is a component of added and free sugars in mixed diets, the conclusions for added and free sugars also apply, namely that their intake should be as low as possible in the context of a nutritionally adequate diet. Public health protection is a top priority, and the Commission remains committed to facilitating the smooth functioning of the internal market, while ensuring food safety across the EU. In line with these objectives, the Commission will continue to monitor scientific developments and take appropriate action, if necessary. 1 European Food Safety Authority: Tolerable upper intake level for dietary sugars. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA), 28 February 2022.”
  EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.) · Nutrition
• 2025-08-20 “E-003263/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Single Use Plastic Directive 1 sets minimum rates for recycled plastic in plastic beverage bottles by 2025 to ensure better circularity of plastic. This sustainability requirement was extended to most plastic packaging with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 2 . Companies must comply with these product requirements to be able to place packaging on the EU market by 2030. To reduce waste, the PPWR also sets reuse targets for beverages of 10 % by 2030 and binding waste prevention targets for Member States. The EU encourages companies to go beyond the sustainability requirements and waste prevention measures in the EU environmental legislation but has no legal tools to force them to do so. The Commission has taken concrete steps to protect EU consumers and businesses from greenwashing. The recent amendment of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 3 forbids vague environmental claims. National authorities are in charge of the enforcement of these rules, including ensuring that companies do not make misleading statements. The Commission proposal for a Directive on substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims aims 4 to further protect consumers from greenwashing by ensuring that green claims are reliable, comparable, and verifiable, creating a level playing field for businesses, and increasing transparency and credibility of environmental labels. The Commission continuous to be fully committed to advancing towards an international agreement on an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. 1 Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, p. 1–19. 2 Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC, OJ L, 2025/40, 22.1.2025. 3 Directive (EU) 2024/825 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 February 2024 amending Directives 2005/29/EC and 2011/83/EU as regards empowering consumers for the green transition through better protection against unfair practices and through better information, OJ L, 2024/825, 6.3.2024. 4 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-directive-greenclaims_en#:~:text=Today%20the%20Commission%20adopted%20a%20proposal%20for%20a,communication% 20of%20explicit%20environmental%20claims%20%28Green%20Claims%20Directive%29.”
  EU policy towards plastics · Sustainable packaging · Green claims
• 2025-05-28 “E-002139/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The EU framework on public procurement - Directive 2014/23/EU 1 on concessions, Directive 2014/24/EU 2 on public procurement and Directive 2014/25/EU 3 on procurement by entities operating in the water, energy, transport and postal service sectors, applies to procurement by contracting authorities or entities above certain pecuniary thresholds. Pursuant to Article 42(2) and (4) of Directive 2014/24/EU, unless justified by the subject matter, technical specifications shall afford equal access of economic operators to the procurement procedure and shall not have the effect of creating unjustified obstacles to the opening of competition. Based on the description of the facts provided by the Honourable Member, it is not possible to ascertain whether the EU public procurement directives apply and whether the principles of proportionality and equal treatment have been respected. Nevertheless, the Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, is committed to monitor the EU law and works in close collaboration with Member States’ review bodies to ensure a level playing field in the public procurement domain. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/23/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/24/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/25/oj/eng.”
  EU Competition policy · "Buy European" provisions
• 2025-04-04 “E-001384/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission Delivering on the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and the climate neutrality target by 2050, enshrined in the European Climate Law 1 , call for ambitious policies and action to ensure a swift and sufficient decrease in emissions from all sectors, including transport. This transition will also contribute to reducing Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. The transport sector needs to contribute to such objectives with a reduction of 90% of its emissions by 2050. Concerning certain fuel additives, which might have combustion enhancing properties, they would not be able to deliver the necessary emissions reductions. The Fuel Quality Directive 2 (FQD) aims to ensure a single market for fuels used in the European Union for both road vehicles and non-road mobile machinery, as well as a high level of environmental and health protection in the use of those fuels. The FQD regulates requirements for fuels by setting limitations in Articles 3 and 4 and corresponding Annexes I and II for certain parameters and chemical compounds, without any other restriction to the chemical composition of fuels. The Commission conducted a technical study 3 in 2023, which did not identify a need for regulatory changes as regards additives. Finally, the Commission fosters innovation through a broad range of financial and regulatory means aimed at advancing zero-emission mobility and the decarbonisation of transport fuels and energy sources, such as the Renewable Energy Directive 4 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020PC0080. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:01998L0070-20181224&from=EN. 3 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/0dd983bf-ee82-11eb-a71c-01aa75ed71a1/language-en. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/2413/oj/eng.”
  Road transport environmental policy · Fossil fuels
• 2025-04-04 “E-001383/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The objective of the risk assessment is to assess to what extent intentional widespread attacks on solar infrastructure can affect the stability of the European electricity grid. The scope of this risk assessment is solar energy infrastructure and related infrastructure, with a focus on smart infrastructure that can affect the electricity grid. The Commission will carefully review the outcomes of the risk assessment and, if relevant, reflect on potential follow-up proposals. On cybersecurity, the EU has a comprehensive framework in force with the Directive for measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS2) 1 and the Cyber Resilience Act 2 , which focuses on cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements. Moreover, the EU also has a specific technical binding rules for cybersecurity in the cross-border electricity flows in the EU and neighbouring countries. Within the scope of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) 3 , the Commission has introduced pre-qualification and award criteria for cybersecurity in procurement procedures and auctions. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32022L2555. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R2847. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401735.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• 2024-12-05 “E-002783/2024 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission In line with the commitment in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy 1 , the Commission is working on a revision of the Roadworthiness Package, comprising three Directives on the periodic technical inspection (PTI) of motor vehicles (2014/45/EU) 2 , technical roadside inspection of heavy commercial vehicles (2014/47/EU) 3 , and vehicle registration documents (1999/37/EC as amended by 2014/46/EU) 4 . One of the main objectives of such a revision would be to significantly reduce various forms of fraud and tampering, and improve the detection of defective vehicles. Currently, for the purpose of reducing odometer fraud, the PTI Directive requires the recording of vehicle mileage at each PTI and that odometer manipulation be a punishable offence. As part of the revision process, the Commission is examining the possibility of addressing cross-border odometer fraud on an EU-wide scale. This would require Member States to record odometer readings in a national database – more frequently than today – and to make the records available to other Member States in the case of re-registering the vehicle. The preparatory works are being finalised with a view to enabling adoption of appropriate proposals amending the three Directives in the near future. In addition, the Commission supported the introduction of anti-tampering and accuracy requirements for odometers in United Nations Regulation No. 39 5 , in the context of the antitampering requirements of the Euro 7 Regulation 6 . Compliance to the provisions of this typeapproval regulation is a prerequisite for registration of vehicles on the EU market. 1 https://transport.ec.europa.eu/eu-mobility-transport-achievements-2019-2024/sustainable-smart-mobility_en 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/45/oj/eng 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/47/oj/eng 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014L0046 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:120:0040:0048:EN:PDF (Proposal for 02 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 39 (Speedometer and Odometer) for consideration by the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations in its 195 th session). 6 Regulation (EU) 2024/1457 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, with respect to their emissions and battery durability (Euro 7).”
  Road transport environmental policy
• 2024-09-02 “P-001584/2024 Answer given by Commissioner Reynders on behalf of the European Commission The EU has in place an effective legislative framework for the protection of persons reporting breaches of EU environmental law. Directive (EU) 2019/1937 1 (the ‘Whistleblower Protection Directive’) provides robust protection to persons who report, within the organisation for which they work, or to competent authorities of the Member States, or to the public (under certain conditions), breaches of the EU law in certain areas, including environmental law, which they discover in the context of their work, and who, for this reason, suffer or may suffer retaliation in that context. In the light of the information provided, this Directive does not seem applicable to the individual circumstances of the case referred to by the Honourable Member. The EU remains committed to upholding the International Whaling Commission’s moratorium on commercial whaling and has consistently voiced strong concerns about Japan’s whaling activities. The Commission will continue to use all available diplomatic channels to engage with Japan to discourage such practices. 1 Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 23 October 2019, on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law, OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17.”
  EU competences on human rights
• 2024-09-02 “E-001585/2024 Answer given by Ms Ivanova on behalf of the European Commission The Commission deeply supports the autonomy of sport and hence respects the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to use the flag, the emblem and the anthem adopted by the National Olympic Committees and approved by the IOC Executive Board. It therefore acknowledges that no exceptions to this rule are currently allowed. Notwithstanding, the Commission welcomes the strong European dimension of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the fact that for the first time the EU flag was prominently displayed in venues alongside the Olympic flag. It considers that its partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games provided a unique opportunity for the EU to promote its core values such as unity and diversity, including through the medal counter. The Commission will continue to support EU visibility at such significant sporting events in the future.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2024-08-21 “E-001540/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Bathing Water Directive (BWD) 1 is part of the EU acquis to protect and manage Europe’s waters. Its evaluation is a comprehensive exercise, which is taking into account the ongoing evaluation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2 , the recent revisions of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 3 , currently finalised by the co-legislators through the corrigendum procedure, and of the Industrial Emissions Directive 4 , the Commission proposal 5 on the lists of pollutants regulated under the Water Framework Directive 6 via the Environment Quality Standards Directive 7 , and the Groundwater Directive 8 . The timeline announced during the preparation of the evaluation was indicative. The Commission is in the process of finalising the evaluation. 2. As per the BWD review roadmap 9 the ongoing evaluation of the BWD is assessing the achieved level of health protection and whether additional pollution parameters (including chemicals) may help provide a better picture of the actual state of the water in bathing areas. The findings of this analysis will be as appropriate presented in the Commission evaluation report. 1 Directive 2006/7/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 February 2006 concerning the management of bathing water quality and repealing Directive 76/160/EEC, OJ L 64, 4.3.2006, p. 37–51. 2 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy, OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19–40: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12898-Protecting-the-marineenvironment-review-of-EU-rules_en 3 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-revised-urban-wastewater-treatment-directive_en 4 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. 5 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-amending-water-directives_en 6 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1–73, as amended by Commission Directive 2014/101/EU of 30 October 2014, OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 32–35. 7 Directive 2013/39/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 August 2013 amending Directives 2000/60/EC and 2008/105/EC as regards priority substances in the field of water policy, OJ L 226, 24.8.2013, p. 1–17. 8 Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration, OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 19–31. 9 Combined evaluation roadmap/Inception impact assessment: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/betterregulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12658-Bathing-water-quality-review-of-EU-rules_en”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. This will finish the second round of question. There will be a third round with the opinion giving committees right after. I propose the experts give an answer for four minute each if possible starting with Mister Ericsson. Thank you.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you very much, Commissioner. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome the European Commission's desire to support a policy on small modular nuclear reactors and to promote renewable energy. I think that these are steps in the right direction, but I must admit, I'm a bit disappointed to have clean, affordable, abundant European energy is the biggest challenge that Europe faces. It's an existential issue for Europe, for our future and for our businesses. Commissioner, would it not be possible to put forward more disruptive ideas to think outside the box, given the budgetary constraints that we have? And given that there is very fierce competition, uh, could we not have a European energy fee that would apply to all goods products, no matter where they were produced? And this would help us reduce the price of decarbonized energy in Europe. This would allow us to get the virtuous on our side, instead of having those who have a short term approach, who exploit this whole idea of drill, baby, drill without paying the consequences. **Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ @Chair: Mrs. Scuderi is next.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you. President. Colleagues. There are a number of positive elements of the Commission's agenda. But in order to have a strong, credible and. Vibrant Europe, we need to have the resources to meet our ambitions. And when we look at each an individual budget, it always plays the same cards each for his own. We have to subsidize the green tradition, our farmers and defense. But you've got levers here. A new digital tax on the web, which is something which would be fair tax on, uh, the foreign platforms so that they don't compete unfairly with us. And this would be something which would alleviate the cost of work and would support our social common policy. It's not new taxes on citizens, but these are tools which will allow us to be competitive, sovereign, and which would be more fair and more equitable. And we will therefore all be more free.”
  Own EU resources
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. Ladies and gentlemen of the Commission. Thank you for your update. After hearing what you have to say, I am still concerned. I know that it takes time to complete an inquiry. We heard about a frameworks risk assessment, the 2030 agenda. But you yourselves said 4 billion parcels arrive in Europe every day. We are being flooded by parcels. It is time for action before we are completely overwhelmed. So I have a request for you. We need to change our tone and rhythm. We need to change our approach here. We need a sea change before it is too late. You might wonder what they are afraid of. You get in touch with Sheen. They don't reply. There might be a couple of mistakes, a vague apology, but nothing really changes. We need to use the tools at our disposal, including new tools. We need to apply the precautionary principle. Otherwise it will be too late. We are at risk of being completely overwhelmed. Flooded. It would be too late at that stage. We need to move more swiftly. We need the precautionary principle applied in the short term and we need sanctions to kick in. It is down to the platforms to carry out the proper checks.”
  Liability for online marketplaces
• “56:08 – 15:56:26): Thank you. Thank you very much. We'll now pass to the question of the other members starting with Walter Beek and then we'll come back to you the other way around. So we will start again with you, Mr. Ericsson, not to surprise you as I did before, so sorry for that. So Mr. Watervaek, the floor is yours.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you. We were cradled in a dream of a virtual Europe. We neglected our industry And China methodically built up its industry. It is a rude awakening. Today we are in a world where the balance of power holds sway. China is powerful when it comes to wind turbines and electric vehicles, and it is using access to critical raw materials and rare earths as a weapon. So we need to take action. Otherwise, we will destroy our future prosperity. We need to protect our markets, our industries. We have health and environmental and social standards that are the highest in the world and are facing unfair competition. We cannot develop a new dream, a new utopia. We need to look at quotas and sovereignty. This will be a merciless trade war and we need to ensure fair competition. The time has come to protect our territories. Otherwise they will be destroyed.”
  Trade relations with China · Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• “Merci. Madame president. Monsieur. Pour vous. I have a simple question. Do you know that we don't have fossil fuel in Europe? Insuffisance. Do you really think that using and buying fossil fuel from us and other countries in the world will make us in a context where we can be competitive? Or don't you think that we need our own sources of energy? ****Roberta METSOLA @Chair: Okay, I can go ahead. You have 30s.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Thank you. When Europe. Has a will, there is a way we can protect our jobs, our industry, our autonomy in the face of this overcapacity from China that they don't know what else to do with. Rather than allowing them to break down our sectors without creating new dependencies. Europe has decided to act and to reduce the quota by half while doubling the duties. Above and beyond this. This is excellent news. It's precisely what we can see when there's a will, there's a way in Europe. We also need to add these these duties to these vehicles that are being imported, that are at low cost and that pollute some 15% of steel in the world. And they are built they are producing them in China and therefore selling them at a rebate. It's a good price, but it's extremely polluting. And VW, BMW, Mercedes are producing much in China, and sometimes they should be thinking about the future of Europe, and then they'll come to us and complain and put pressure on us. Do Do you think it's perhaps time to stop, um, having the wool over our eyes? Let us protect Europeans, their well-being, their future. It is not something that multinational companies should have by way of a responsibility. It is our responsibility.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• “Thank you. Chairman. Without wanting to. Without wanting to repeat myself, I just respond to what my colleague said. I don't think ETS is the cause for our dependence on Russian gas. And doing away with the ETS won't do away with that dependency. As far as the Polish Presidency program is concerned, I would like to pick up on your stated determination to do away with or reduce our dependence on critical materials. One of the best ways of doing this is to recycle everything which is used in Europe. This is good for the economy, it's good for the environment, and it's good for our independence and our ability to promote resilience. So we agree with the objective, which I think is should be called by only once. In addition, I think we should ensure that that ambition underpins a sound business case. It has to be profitable. So the first condition for this is that the cost of recycling should be paid by the person who places the product on the market, rather than the person who recycles it. Secondly, our end of life or end of waste criteria should be changed. In other words, EU waste legislation should be revised so as to ensure that end of life raw materials, even those produced here in Europe, don't end up in the so-called black mass in China or Korea. We have to ensure that we have sound business plans, which means that we would only import those things which are really are absolutely necessary. So, Minister, what do you think about that ambition and that and that strategy. Thank you.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “Thank you very much, chairman. Thank you, Minister. And thank you for coming along today. I've been listening to you with the greatest of attention. And you quite correctly talked about disinformation and the danger thereof. I'd just like to emphasize two things. First of all, the emissions trading system that a lot of people have talked about today. The ETS is not a cost. It doesn't Make our population poorer. It depends on how it's used and how it's redistributed. You can do whatever you like with it. Member states can use it as a tool for social policy to emission the two pillars here. First of all, the cost itself and then redistribution distribution, which means that this environmental tool can be changed into a social tool if you like. That would also apply to CPAp to CPAp. And it's also wrong to say that we're stealing the population's money or that the Green Deal will have an impact. But in fact, we bought €450 billion worth of energy from outwith Europe, Which makes us poorer. So if we stay with fossil fuels, we'll certainly become poorer. Refusing the transition certainly will lead to impoverishment. So we've got to be very careful about this. We've got to make sure that the truth is told. The Green Deal is not going to increase expenditure. It all depends on how people do it and how they support those who need it most. And the ETS can be a tool for social development. Thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Colleagues, Planet C is in danger. That is a reality. Oceans are vital to the smooth functioning of the planet. They provide half of the oxygen we breathe. They absorb a quarter of carbon emissions in the atmosphere. 3 billion people in the world depend on them. And yet they are suffocating. Or rather, we are stifling them. So it is now vitally urgent that we change course. The European Ocean Pact must be a policy response facing up to the economic, environmental and geopolitical challenges at sea. It also needs to be the basis for our multilateral relations. Protecting ecosystems and biodiversity. Developing renewables, sustainable marine, renewable energy. That is our shared responsibility. We cannot accept that some people give up on it or try to exploit the situation, whether they are American or from elsewhere. Giving up is an attack. Thank you.”
  Decarbonisation of maritime transport
• “Thank you very much. Chairman. Colleagues. Commissioner, first of all, I would like to wish everybody a very good 2025, potentially with an ambitious clean industrial deal being implemented. This will be able to deal with those short term risks and populists. Now, since 2023, €450 billion has been spent in Europe to buy fossil fuels and the Americans have been exporting huge amounts of that. Now, the green industrial deal needs to be ambitious, which allows us to maintain European autonomy, strengthen the competitiveness of our companies, ensure prosperity for our citizens whilst protecting the environment. However, to succeed and to find this European leadership, we need to tackle two key challenges. First of all, we need to have decarbonized and affordable energy, which is accessible, and we also need to have fair competition and a level playing field. As you had said, as you have mentioned. This needs to be sustainable. Now one key aspect of this is access to raw materials. So how do you plan to secure access to raw materials in a more and more protectionist world? And secondly, how do you plan to ensure recycling of these raw materials here in Europe? Colleagues we should. We will debate this on the 28th of January in a conference that we've organised on this topic, and you'll all be invited to that. Now we need to create a level playing field, a fair level. How do you plan to ensure that our norms are respected, including environmental norms? Do you plan to expand or extend the scope of cbam? And what about Frontex in the clean industrial deal? What are you planning to do? To help export to companies who are dealing with unfair competition? Thank you.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “Thank you president. For too long children have been left to their own devices online. They have been exposed to dangerous content and to systems that are developed to make them addicted and mass exploitation of their personal data. This text finally sets out clear rules harmonised Harmonized age limits at 16 and greater protection for the under 13, but also an end to targeted advertising and the most addictive functionalities. And we're doing this by putting in place a verification system which will respect people's privacy, which is important, but also ensuring that platforms and those in charge of them can be held to account if there is a repeated failure to act. The dangers are great because at ten, 13, 16 or 18 it makes a difference. It's not down to the tech giants to dictate our laws. What is banned in real life must also be banned online. This is a clear message for Europe, for our citizens and for our children.”
  Age restrictions on children's access to social media · Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Commissioner, what if we broke taboos? What if we finally brought about the reforms? We need to get its own resources. The proposal for online betting is an interesting path, but it's the tip of the iceberg. For decades, we've known that we have an issue with regarding tax competition within Europe. We know that we've got a problem to capture the added value created by multinationals, Specifically in the digital area. Today, the whole European edifice could crumble, and it would be unacceptable to say that we can't act on tax. With the rise of AI, if we do nothing within ten years to solve this problem, then our entire social system will crumble. Honourable members, it's time to leave certain taboos aside, to be creative and to reinvent our tax system. And that needs to be done at the European level, because only together can we take back control. Faced with the Giants.”
  Own EU resources
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. I've listened to your answers and I do understand that you are limited by what you have. And the responsibility that you have. That said, I just want to share that I was the head of an agri food company, and I can say that when the health inspectors found even one product with Samonella, the whole factory closed down overnight. So is it proportionate to suspend a platform because of thousands? Millions of products are not compliant? I think the answer is absolutely yes. Yes, yes. If an European company has one dangerous product, they need to show they need to put things in place and guarantee security. So I think that we need to have the same strictness when it comes to internet internet platforms. That's the change that we want. I know it's not easy, but I do think that we Have the power to change this. Today we need to protect our companies, and those responsible need to be held accountable. And there's another point here, which is current. And that's what we have available in Belgium. And there's the talk about putting a €12 tax on parcels coming in. And it's the same it's being looked at in France, Luxembourg, Germany, um, or a German. Friends are being careful should I say. Uh, so perhaps um people will go around that and send packages to Frankfurt. Frankfurt for example. We need to stop, um, increasing, um, unfair competition in our own countries. So I hope that the commission will help us here. Um, so that the necessary means to protect our consumers on a European scale. Are there? Thank you for your help.”
  Liability for online marketplaces
• “Thank you. Thank you for having Madame. For having at last accepted to answer for your act. You mentioned transparency, so I suggest we say things frankly. Let's be clear. Sheen's practices are unacceptable. If a European company had done a quarter of what you've done, it would have been shut down a long time ago, would have had to answer to its for its actions in front of justice, and its owners would have been arrested. Now, what do you have? Problems of safety violating the right consumer rights. Respect of the DSA. Tax transparency. No respect for intellectual property. Selling products that came from hard labor. Uh, then also, uh, pornographic, uh, products. Weapons and drugs. Now, the this list is, uh, horrifying. Now, a few questions here. Your responsibility on the millions of products that you are flooding our market with. What are you actually doing? And what monitoring tools do you, uh, say you are going to apply so that you can come back to legality and remain there? Secondly, respecting consumer rights, how can you guarantee that you've stopped with your illegal practices and the sale of non-compliant products? And briefly, how are you going to respect European law? Because I repeat, it's your responsibility to stop the acquisition of illegal products on our territory. If you want to sell in our countries, you have to respect the same regulations. Same standards apply to our European companies. You must not put in danger our consumers and respect the law. Otherwise, we're going to have to stop access to our market for your platform. Full stop. Thank you.”
  Liability for online marketplaces
• “Merci. Thank you, dear colleagues. Our car industry has been overwhelmed listening too much to the far right. It has stuck in the past. And if we continue to listen to the nonsense by the conservatives, the future will be even worse. So rather than ignoring the obstacles, we need to catch up. We need to fight. And in this light, I plead that we have clear objectives, but also that we give ourselves the resources needed to attain these objectives. Five points short term tariffs to defend ourselves against potentially devastating dumping. Two strong support for consumers, for infrastructure, for producers. Three rules which promote made in Europe and locally produced products, and for an ambitious plan to ensure our strategic independence in technology and rare resources. And five a vision of circularity based on only once to reduce our dependence and to create positive recycling cycles. And this is what we need to do now if we are to win.”
  "Buy European" provisions
• “Mr. president. Thank you. On behalf of renew. I'd like to say that I'm very happy that the contract for Iris squared was signed in December. These satellites are absolutely essential to provide Highly secure communications and strengthen our strategic autonomy. I have a question on Satcom, which is a part of Iris square and is based on Mutualisation of current capacity. How do you intend that this will evolve this year 2025, and if so, is the Commission going to publish any recommendations? And has the Commission consulted with member states such as Italy, which doesn't seem to know that Satcom could actually cover the majority of its needs with a European service which will support European jobs and will function well in Italy and support the people of Italy. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you from me also for the presentation. We've obviously heard a lot about how important this program is, and I absolutely appreciate that. I have a strategic question. The Italian government is already engaged in negotiations for €5 billion for a crypto deciphering program. Which would the decrypting program, which the government will use widely across the Mediterranean area. This obviously is in line with the whole objective of Iris square, the principle of strategic autonomy and resilience. So could you tell us how the Commission intends to respond to initiatives which might be risky for Europe? The current geopolitical backdrop is very worrying, and there are both cyber and hybrid threats out there in number. How do you intend to protect our government satellite communications? How do you intend to protect them from Musk, for example, and from other foreign competitors who could have a very adverse impact on the strategic resilience, autonomy and security in Europe.”
  EU competences on space policy
• “Thank you, Mr. President. Commissioner. Colleagues. The clean industrial deal is the only credible way for us to guarantee our strategic autonomy and competitiveness. Today, more than ever, no sustainable solution will be possible unless we have the ability to bring together ecology and economy. For too long, our dependence on imported fossil fuels has made us vulnerable economically and geopolitically. It is urgent to get back our strategic autonomy, combining renewables, nuclear flexibility and storage solutions. To do this, we need to speed up investments in infrastructure. We need to make available additional resources and simplify procedures. What is at stake is our security and our defence. In the same spirit, this deal should also make Europe the leader in the circular economy. That should help to reduce our dependence on critical raw materials. This is why we welcome the fact that in this deal, you have included the buy only once principle. Once the raw materials have entered our territory, we should keep them here. They should stay here. If we can recycle and reuse, then we will reduce our dependence, reducing cost and ensuring that we retain our resources. So thanks to clean energy and the circular economy, we will build a stronger, more autonomous Europe.”
  Circular economy
• “They might make a couple of mistakes, but what sort of scrutiny and checks are being carried out? That's not our job. It's their job. This is unfair competition. We need to force them to take action, to assume their responsibilities. And if they don't, sanctions must be enforced. If there are no sanctions, nothing will change. Perhaps we need to reverse the burden of proof. You may make one mistake. That can happen. Fine. You get a second chance. But if there are more mistakes made, then access must be suspended until they can prove that they've put in place all the checks and precautions required. When are we going to invert the burden of proof? When will we impose sanctions? Not after two years of an inquiry. We need sanctions after a couple of weeks. We are at a real risk here. We may be too late. We need to take action. It could take decades to rebuild our industry. An industry that might be destroyed within a year or so. We need. To be careful here. Perhaps the WTO is not being fully respected. And we need to face facts here. Thank you.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Madam Rapporteur, for your work on this essential subject in the current geopolitical context. It's more than urgent to acknowledge that reinforcing security in energy supply is imperative to protect the impending independence of our continent. Energy is a key component of our defence, and we only need to look at the fact that in history, a war has often been a synonym of laying siege to villagers to deprive them of food and water. And it would take a powers only a couple of weeks to completely cut off Europe with well targeted cyber attacks to make us vulnerable to any kind of blackmail. And so we need more resilient energy systems. And. We need to do this for the security of all of our citizens. And I'd like to thank you for this report. Um, and I share many of the points that you mentioned. Nevertheless, I would like to add a couple that I would focus around three points. First of all, strengthening the resilience of our energy infrastructure in order to guarantee our security. It's vital to step up the security of our grids, uh, including taking measures to ensure the viability of the materials we're using, increasing resilience against cyber and other attacks, increasing our decentralized storage capacity and stepping up monitoring and emergency and effective emergency and reparation plans. And the second point is the importance of the integration of the energy market in Europe to further integrate our create our own capacity, and to do this we need to support European production, energy production capacity, uh, focusing more on renewables and or nuclear. And thanks to additional financing and simplified procedures or improving the integration of our internal market thanks to better interconnections and more effective, efficient and better coordinated interconnections. And finally, your right, we are dependent on certain, uh, suppliers and we need to get away from Russian imports. We need to diversify here and, uh, end our dependence in on the most dangerous suppliers, starting with Russia. And just a couple of words about the path ahead of us towards a more resilient energy supply and, uh, to getting back our own sovereignty. So thank you very much.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)