Rody TOLASSY

Policy topics Rody TOLASSY is active on

What Rody TOLASSY has said (12)

• 2025-11-17 “E-004563/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the delays in the deployment of the IT tools necessary for the payment of applications financed with the contribution of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). It is important to keep in mind that the Member States alone are responsible for deploying these tools. It is also worth noting that these delays concern only payments for interventions not related to the agricultural area. There are no delays in payments for area-related interventions. As regards interventions not related to the agricultural area, the situation differs depending on the region and the tool chosen for processing the interventions. In its exchanges with the managing authorities, the Commission has stressed the importance of ensuring that the tools needed to pay the project developers become operational soon. During those exchanges, the managing authorities set out temporary solutions found in agreement with the Services and Payments Agency in order to be able to pay all or part of the amounts due. For example, several managing authorities of the outermost regions informed the Commission that they were processing and paying applications without using the management tool. We hope that these payment delays will be resolved in the short term thanks to these temporary solutions and once the development of the tools has been finalised. The Commission is aware of the issues and consequences and is closely monitoring the progress of the implementation of the tools through the regional monitoring committees and annual review meetings.”
  Agricultural funding
• 2025-07-02 “E-002707/2025 Answer given by Mr Síkela on behalf of the European Commission Since 2023, the EU has been addressing the Sargassum crisis in the Caribbean through a Global Gateway (GG) investment initiative, turning this natural phenomenon into an opportunity for sustainable economic activity. GG promotes EU technology and expertise, fostering public-private partnerships and financing mechanisms to unlock investments for scalable sargassum value chains. In partnership with Caribbean countries, the EU organised two regional conferences and structured a process to identify bankable solutions for collection, processing and valorisation. This is ongoing in Grenada, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, following their commitments to act. Progress and replicable models will be showcased at the third GG Sargassum Conference in Brussels on 8 October 2025. The outermost regions also drive innovation, notably through SARG'COOP 1 (scientific cooperation network across the wider Caribbean), including overseas countries and territories, to advance algae utilisation. EU funding is available via the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument, the Decision on Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), the European Regional Development Fund, Copernicus and Horizon Europe (including research and innovation projects to monitor and exploit sargassum in the bioeconomy). Pooling efforts through the Team Europe approach, with the United Nations, the World Bank Group, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and Inter-American Development Bank, secured EUR 66 million in grants and EUR 320 million in loans, benefiting the Caribbean, including EU outermost regions and OCTs. 1 https://sargcoop.org/en/accueil-en/.”
  Circular economy · EU ocean policy
• 2025-05-14 “E-001915/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the permanent constraints faced by the outermost regions, notably their heavy dependence on air and sea transport. This is why these regions benefit from specific conditions under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS 1 ). Nearly 100% 2 of all the emissions from flights to/from Guadeloupe are connected to France and therefore not priced under the ETS before 2031 3 . Despite these flights not being subject to carbon pricing, the ETS provides a higher level of support when sustainable aviation fuels 4 are uplifted at airports in outermost regions, when 100% of the cost difference with traditional kerosene is covered. Similarly, until end of 2030, the ETS imposes no surrendering obligation for maritime transport emissions from voyages between a port in an outermost region and a port in the same Member State. The FuelEU Maritime Regulation 5 also covers only half of the voyages to/from outermost regions, and Member States can fully exempt voyages between two outermost regions until 2029. The Commission is carefully monitoring the implementation of the ETS and FuelEU in relation to maritime, taking due account of outermost regions. The first Commission report 6 does not find any evidence of major changes in the market being directly attributable to the introduction of the ETS – including for outermost regions. The Commission will continue its monitoring activities and propose, if necessary, measures to ensure the effective implementation of the ETS. In terms of support mechanisms, Member States are required to use all revenues generated by the ETS to tackle climate change, including in outermost regions. Several other EU instruments include favourable conditions for these regions to address their transport needs 7 . 1 Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC (OJ L 275, 25.10.2003, p. 32). 2 Eurocontrol data indicates that, in 2024, the emissions from flights to and from Guadeloupe were 98.7% domestic. 3 Flights to/from an outermost region within the same Member State are exempt, thus no additional costs stem from the application of the ETS. 4 https://climate.ec.europa.eu/document/download/7eace0de-fbc8-46c5-b52c80d50f406c58_en?filename=policy_transport_aviation_airport_100_support_en.pdf. 5 Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC (OJ L 234, 22.9.2023, p. 48, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1805/oj). 6 COM(2025) 110 final - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0110. 7 The European Regional Development Fund supports airport infrastructure and compensates for their higher operating costs. The Connecting Europe Facility supports transport infrastructure with higher co-financing rates in these regions. Moreover, several Public Service Obligations ensure connectivity with outermost regions. Social aid schemes support air transport for residents of remote regions.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions · Climate efforts
• 2025-02-18 “E-000732/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission Imports of organic sugar from Brazil must be certified by control bodies recognised by the Commission in accordance with Article 46(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 1 as competent to carry out controls and to issue organic certificates in compliance with the EU’s organic legislation. The list of food additives authorised in organics is established in Regulation (EU) 2021/1165 2 . The food additives authorised are the same for producers in the EU including Guadeloupe and for organic producers in Brazil who wish to export to the EU. In accordance with Article 45(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/848 the Commission may grant specific authorisations for the use of products and substances in third countries and in the outermost regions of the EU. The procedure to request an authorisation is established in Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1165. A consultation 3 has recently been carried out on a proposed amendment of that regulation to provide, inter alia, a dedicated procedure for the outermost regions of the EU to make such requests. On financing, the Common Agricultural Policy’s POSEI scheme (Programme d'Options Spécifiques à l'Eloignement et l'Insularité), with its high level of support and degree of subsidiarity, efficiently helps to strengthen local production. In 2024, the French POSEI allocated EUR 74.86 million to the cane-sugar-rum measure. Finally, in line with Article 349 of the Treaty 4 and with its 2022 Communication 5 on the strategy for the outermost regions, the Commission continues to take into account the outermost regions’ sensitive products in negotiating free trade agreements (FTA), assessing their effect and taking measures in the event of potential negative impacts, including safeguard clauses. 1 Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/848/oj). 2 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1165 of 15 July 2021 authorising certain products and substances for use in organic production and establishing their lists (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2021/1165/oj). 3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14024-Organic-production-amendedlist-of-authorised-products-and-substances_en 4 Article 349 of the Treaty on the functioning of the EU (https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2012/art_349/oj/eng). 5 Communication (COM(2022)198 final: Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU’s outermost regions (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52022DC0198).”
  EU policy on country of origin food labelling
• 2024-12-16 “E-002967/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the challenges facing the outermost regions in terms of water shortages and is fully committed to supporting these regions in improving water management and related infrastructure. The Commission reiterated this commitment in its communication on the outermost regions 1 of May 2022, which aims to contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens in these regions, in particular as regards basic needs such as water and sanitation. An independent study 2 on living conditions and access to basic needs in the outermost regions published by the Commission in 2024 further sheds light into the remaining challenges related to access to drinking water and sanitation in some of these regions. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provides substantial financial support to the French outermost regions on structural investments in drinking water and sanitation, for example to ensure the resilience of water catchments, develop drinking water treatment facilities and equipment, and improve the efficiency of distribution networks. Support to drinking water is also a priority for cohesion policy in these regions in 2021-2027. For instance, in Réunion, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Mayotte, the ERDF will invest respectively EUR 106 million, EUR 148 million, EUR 10 million and EUR 47.5 million to improve the quality of drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. In addition, the Directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption 3 includes provisions to protect human health by ensuring that drinking water is clean and to improve access to drinking water, in particular for vulnerable and marginalised groups. Member States had to transpose this Directive into national law by 12 January 2023, which France did. 1 COM(2022) 198 final. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/studies/2024/study-on-living-conditionsand-access-to-selected-basic-needs-in-the-eu-outermost-regions_en 3 Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption, OJ L 435, 23.12.2020, p. 1–62.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• 2024-12-09 “E-002822/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the high costs of living in the outermost regions. A 2024 independent study on living conditions 1 puts the spotlight on substantial challenges in access to housing (as well as energy and water) in these regions. In line with the 2022 strategy for the outermost regions 2 , and highlighted in its 2024 implementation report 3 , the Commission supports these regions through policies and funds that seek to improve living conditions and alleviate poverty. For example, the cohesion policy funds support these regions with nearly EUR 10 billion between 2021 and 2027. Cohesion policy funds play a vital role in supporting access to affordable and adequate housing, as well as for access to basic services and infrastructure. In addition, the Recovery and Resilience Facility finances energy renovation of housing, to help reduce the energy bills of the most vulnerable households and increase their comfort. For instance, France’s recovery and resilience plan funds a programme for energy renovation of social housing, and initiatives to improve energy efficiency in private housing, including in its outermost regions. The ‘Programme of Options Specific to Remoteness and Insularity’ (POSEI) contributes to food autonomy, accessibility, and economic diversification in these regions with over EUR 4.5 billion. The European agricultural fund for rural development further supports their agri-food sector and rural development with over EUR 1 billion. Finally, the first-ever Commissioner for housing will deliver a European Affordable Housing Plan to address structural drivers and unlock public and private investment for affordable and sustainable housing. The Commission is establishing a Task Force on Housing to this end. 1 Study on living conditions and access to selected basic needs in the EU outermost regions, (ECORYS – February 2024): https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/studies/2024/study-onliving-conditions-and-access-to-selected-basic-needs-in-the-eu-outermost-regions_en 2 COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU’s outermost regions (COM/2022/198 final): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52022DC0198 3 Report on the implementation of the Communication: Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU’s outermost regions: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/informationsources/publications/reports/2024/report-on-the-implementation-of-the-communication-putting-people-firstsecuring-sustainable-and-inclusive-growth-unlocking-the-potential-of-the-eu-s-outermost-regions_en”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• 2024-10-03 “E-001936/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Vestager On behalf of the European Commission The Geo-blocking Regulation 1 specifically addresses unjustified geo-blocking within the internal market and aims to eliminate discrimination based on customers’ nationality, place of residence or place of establishment, in order to facilitate access to goods and services within the internal market. However, audiovisual services, including broadcasts of sports events and services provided on the basis of exclusive territorial licenses, are excluded from the scope of the Regulation. The Commission is not empowered to intervene in individual cases, since the enforcement of the Geo-blocking Regulation is a competence of the Member States. Member States are also obliged to designate bodies providing practical assistance to consumers in case of a dispute, including providing information on the applicable rules and on the available remedies. The Commission continues to monitor the implementation of this Regulation, due to be reviewed in 2025, and work with national authorities to address any instances of non-compliance. The Commission also encourages affected individuals to report specific cases of geo-blocking so that appropriate actions can be taken to resolve these issues. 1 Regulation (EU) 2018/302 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 February 2018 on addressing unjustified geo-blocking and other forms of discrimination based on customers' nationality, place of residence or place of establishment within the internal market and amending Regulations (EC) No 2006/2004 and (EU) 2017/2394 and Directive 2009/22/EC; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018R0302”
  Geo-blocking
• 2024-09-24 “E-001797/2024 Answer given by Mr Wojciechowski on behalf of the European Commission The EU sugar sector has demonstrated its resilience after the end of the quota system by adapting to challenges and uncertainties and becoming a competitive and market driven sector. The Commission is aware of the constraints faced by the Outermost Regions (OR) as recognised by the Treaty 1 . The EU provides support for the cane sugar-rum sector under the first and second pillars of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2 . There are also state aids for this sector. The POSEI scheme 3 , with its high level of support and degree of subsidiarity, continues to be an efficient instrument to strengthen local production. In 2023, France allocated EUR 74.86 million to the cane sugar-rum sector of the French OR. Portugal supported the sugarcane processing in Madeira with EUR 2.1 million. Through the respective CAP Strategic Plans, although not exclusive to sugarcane, producers can benefit from area-based support for organic farming or integrated production. In addition, there is aid for investments in the agricultural holdings, including those targeting young farmers, and in the processing and marketing of agricultural products. Risk management tools will continue to be available for farmers, as will the specific support for areas facing natural constraints to agricultural production, comprising mountain areas. One of the key objectives of the 2023-27 CAP is to enhance the market orientation of the agricultural sector in the EU. This approach aims to foster competitiveness, sustainability and innovation, ensuring that European agriculture remains resilient in a globalised market. The Commission does not consider reintroducing sugar quotas to be a suitable policy option to achieve the above-mentioned CAP objectives. 1 Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). 2 For example, in the French CAP Strategic Plan, an agri-environment-climate measure is dedicated to the sugarcane sector in the French ORs. Its objective is to encourage sugarcane farmers to implement agricultural practices beneficial to natural resources, and in particular water and biodiversity. Beneficiaries receive between EUR 441 and EUR 845 per hectare per year over a period of five years. 3 Programme of Specific Options Relating to the Remoteness and Insularity (first pillar of the CAP financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF)) replacing the direct payments granted under the first pillar of the CAP in all other EU regions. https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/marketmeasures/outermost-regions-and-small-aegean-islands/posei_en”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• “Yes, I accept. Thank you. **Dragoș Benea @Co-Chair: So since you are a full member of our committee and you have met all the criteria for a formal nomination, the Secretariat has checked that we have that we are in receipt of all the declarations. We need to check whether the Conflict of interests declaration has been submitted in order to make sure that your nomination is fully valid to submit. **Dragoș Benea @Co-Chair: The Secretariat has confirmed to me that he does indeed fulfil the conditions required for a valid nomination, and therefore we shall proceed once again to a secret ballot. I hope everybody has got their voting cards. We've already voted, so it shouldn't be too difficult. We don't need to have another test vote and we've already had a successful one. So from here on the green and for Mr.. I say for the red button vote. The vote is now open. The electronic vote is now open. **Dragoș Benea @Co-Chair: Declaring this a procedural vote. **Dragoș Benea @Co-Chair: Thank you. The vote is now closed. **Dragoș Benea @Co-Chair: 28 votes from Karvašová and 12 votes for Mr. Tolassy. So thank you very much indeed. I congratulate Miss Karasawa, and I'd like to invite you to come up and join us here on the podium. **Dragoș Benea @Co-Chair: We invite Mrs. Karvašová, to come up here and join us here on the podium and take your place as fourth Vice president. ***Dragoș Benea @Co-Chair: REGI Commission was constituted. Thank you. Colleagues. So we have now constituted our bureau and our committee formally. I can therefore now adjourn this meeting. But before I do so, I'd just like to wish you very nice holidays and inform you that the first meeting of the committee will be on the 9th of September. Thank you.”
  Recruitment policies in the EU
• “Before taking the floor, I want to express my support for Marine Le Pen. Over this anti-democratic attack against our entire country. Madam president, Commissioner, colleagues. Europe is abandoning some of its own territory. Strategic European territories, which it treats as exotic outposts. How can you talk? How can you talk about cohesion when outermost regions don't see? Cohesion in reality. For example, access to water. We want to use a tailor made European competitiveness program with serious help for local authorities and companies. Europe knows how to act when it wants to. It showed that in Greece. Why can't we do the same in the outermost regions where our economies are fragile but full of potential? We should not treat the outermost regions as second class territories. They should have full access to cohesion support.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• “Madam president, colleagues, the European Commission has yet again shown that it is unable to reply to outermost regions and the needs of regions. Specifically, we have cohesion, and yet outermost regions are the forgotten parts of Europe. And the rigid, uniform approach ignores the specificities of these places. Structural funds to fill in the gap of how far away they or ways to preserve their unique identity within the context of globalization. The Commission has a lot of good words, but yet there is a chronic underfunding and economic lagging, and we should have audacious measures for the development and the dignity of these areas we need. We needed this ECI and the Patriots to use this adaptation, right. And to flag it up, as the EU would be a regional policy that would be ambitious in favour of culture and creation. Europe should be a Europe of all of its regions and not just of its capitals. Thank you.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• “President, members of the House. Well, this is another smoke screen masking in action contradiction. And the detachment from reality that we see here. People living in remote peripheral areas and insular areas are suffering, mired and have been hit by cyclones. And when they open the taps, nothing comes out. You just silence and contempt is all they can hear. What the UN called for in 2010 is nothing more than a mirage here. The socialists are even voting against amendments in favour of the tom toms. They prefer helping to build a water network in Gaza. And the Macron government is not taking its responsibilities at all. So I ask, are we French? Are we European? I ask that we deal with the urgencies in the roads of these areas. It's an absolute priority.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions