Mélissa CAMARA

What Mélissa CAMARA has said (22)

• 2026-03-16 “Answer given by Mr Síkela on behalf of the European Commission 12.5.2026 Written question The EU took note of the adoption of the law amending Article 319 of the Senegalese Penal Code, which increases the penalties for consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex. The EU is committed to promoting the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, plus (LGBTIQ+) persons internationally and reiterate its support for the universal decriminalisation of consensual same-sex relations, as stated in the Council conclusions on the EU's human rights priorities for 2026 [1] . The EU does so by taking into account the local realities in which human rights defenders advance their struggle in line with the EU guidelines to promote and protect the enjoyment of all human rights by LGBTI persons [2] . The EU Delegation in Dakar holds a bilateral dialogue to address human rights issues and is regularly in contact with national authorities, and other relevant stakeholders, to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including the rights of LGBTIQ people. The EU also acts in accordance with the principle of ‘do no harm’. Experience shows that public statements can sometimes increase stigmatisation and expose vulnerable communities to increased risk. The EU will continue to engage with the authorities, raise human rights issues and express concerns regarding this new legislation as part of the regular partnership dialogues and through the appropriate diplomatic channels. The partnership between the EU and Senegal is based on mutual respect, promoting protection and fulfilment of human rights, and dialogue. EU’s extensive partnership with Senegal is a leverage that enables the EU to maintain an open and frank exchange with the Senegalese authorities. [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-5835-2026-INIT/en/pdf. [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/07_hr_guidelines_lgbti_en.pdf.”
  LGBTIQ+ · EU policy on African region
• 2026-02-25 “Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission 11.5.2026 Written question The invitation to participate in the meeting was addressed to President of the Commission by the chair of the Board of Peace. The Commissioner for the Mediterranean participated on behalf of the Commission in the meeting. It is within the remit of the Commission to accept invitations of this kind as a matter of international courtesy. The EU is not a member of the Board of Peace and still has a number of questions about a number of elements in the charter of the Board of Peace related to its scope, its governance and its compatibility with the UN Charter. The Commissioner’s participation cannot be interpreted as amounting to an implicit endorsement of the Board of Peace by the Commission, let alone by the EU, nor an endorsement of the outcome of the meeting or of any resolutions that might be adopted by the Board Members. The participation by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean in the Board of Peace meeting focused on the discussions related to Gaza and its recovery and reconstruction. The objective of the participation was to help ensure coordination and complementarity between the EU and broader international efforts. The EU plays a key role as the provider of significant external assistance to the Palestinians and is a major donor for humanitarian assistance in Gaza. It is therefore important to engage with all actors aiming at providing aid in Gaza, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 [1] . [1] https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4093207?v=pdf.”
  International humanitarian alignment with UN · EU-US relations
• 2026-01-14 “Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission 7.4.2026 Written question The EU is following developments in Tunisia very closely. The rule of law and human rights form the basis of EU’s partnership with Tunisia , as enshrined in the Association Agreement [1] . The EU expects Tunisia to live up to its international commitments and continues to work to strengthen dialogue and positive action in this regard. Since 2021, the EU has expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation including a shrinking civic space, continued repression towards civil society actors and intensified crackdowns on migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees. The EU continues to recall the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, including freedoms of expression and association, respect for the right to a fair trial and due process guarantees. These concerns are raised in direct conversations with the Tunisian authorities, in the framework of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement, including in thematic subcommittees and in the Association Committee in September 2025 [2] . The EU also expressed concern publicly through statements and declarations of the High Representative/Vice-President on behalf of the 27 Member States [3] . The EU is firmly committed to a migration policy rooted in human rights principles, with human rights safeguards integrated across all sectors. In response to the European Court of Auditors' 2025 report, the Commission is actively enhancing human rights risk management and complaint documentation in EU-funded migration programmes. T he Commission has also put in place several monitoring tools for its programmes, notably implementing partners reports which provide comprehensive and frequent monitoring and analysis of operating environments in the country, including the human rights situation. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/euro-mediterranean-association-agreement-between-the-eu-and-tunisia.html. [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2025/0578/COM_COM(2025)0578_EN.pdf. [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/02/11/statement-by-the-hreu-on-the-alignment-of-certain-third-countries-concerning-restrictive-measures-directed-against-certain-persons-and-entities-in-view-of-the-situation-in-tunisia/.”
  EU development aid (migration conditionality) · EU-Tunisia relations · EU competences on human rights
• 2026-01-14 “Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission 24.3.2026 Written question The EU is closely monitoring the situation in Aleppo and North-East Syria, including through its Delegation in Damascus, and remains vigilant about respect for human rights and international humanitarian law. The EU is also in close contact with the United Nations and its agencies as well as other international and local partner organisations active in Syria. The EU has repeatedly urged all parties to fully implement the ceasefire, halt any hostilities, ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid (see, for example, statements on 10, 19 and 30 January 2026 [1] ). The EU and its humanitarian partners already active in North-East Syria remain on high alert to continue providing assistance where needed and access allows. The recent escalation underscored the urgent need for the Syrian Transitional Authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces to implement a sustainable political agreement that would ensure the unity of the country as well as the meaningful political and local participation of all Syrians. In this regard, the EU has consistently reiterated in its diplomatic contacts with the Syrian Transitional Authorities and interlocutors in the region, that the full protection of the rights of Kurdish people is crucial. The EU will continue supporting a peaceful and truly inclusive transition and national reconciliation, which upholds the human rights of all Syrians without any kind of discrimination, and enables the restoration of Syria’s social fabric in all its diversity. [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/syria-statement-spokesperson-latest-developments-0_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/syria-statement-high-representative-vice-president-kaja-kallas-ceasefire_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/syria-statement-spokesperson-agreement_en.”
  EU relations with Kurdish people · EU-Syria relations
• 2025-10-23 “E-004183/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of a draft legislative initiative that could undermine the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons in Türkiye. As highlighted in the 2025 Enlargement report on Türkiye 1 , the situation for LGBTIQ+ persons is particularly worrying and their protection is not aligned with the EU acquis. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and expects Türkiye, as an EU candidate country and a long-standing member of the Council of Europe, to uphold its international commitments. Respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law play a central role in the EU accession process. Accession negotiations with Türkiye are currently at standstill. Over time, in light of Türkiye’s diminished reforms ambitions and backsliding in key accession criteria, the EU has also reduced the volume of financial support to Türkiye under the Instrument for PreAccession Assistance and reoriented funding towards civil society, people-to-people contacts, and key EU priorities. As indicated in the LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026-2030 2 , the Commission remains committed to promoting the rights of LGBTIQ+ people internationally. Protection of LGBTIQ+ persons’ rights is an integral part of EU’s dialogue with Türkiye on the rule of law and fundamental rights. The Commission will continue to raise these issues in its contacts with the Turkish authorities, including in the context of the relevant sub-committee established under the Association Agreement with Türkiye 3 . 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/turkiye-report-2025_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0725. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:f8e2f9f4-75c8-4f62-ae3fb86ca5842eee.0008.02/DOC_2&format=PDF.”
  LGBTIQ+
• 2025-09-23 “E-003684/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of allegations of human rights abuses in removal centres partly funded by the EU and of forced returns at the Turkish border. The Commission takes these seriously and is committed to ensuring that EU funding is used in accordance with international and EU standards. To this end, the Commission has been providing financial assistance to Türkiye to improve conditions in removal centres and enhance access to rights and services for migrants and refugees. Since 2016, it has conducted regular monitoring visits in these centres. The Commission also requires that all EU-funded projects in Türkiye be implemented in accordance with EU standards and principles, including the respect for human rights and the principle of non-refoulement. Following the allegations of human rights abuses in the media in 2024, the Commission has strengthened its regular independent monitoring visits. The Commission is supporting actions to build the capacity of staff on fundamental rights and freedoms in the context of immigration detention and is providing training to institutions that oversee detention facilities and handle complaints. The Commission notes however that it is for the Turkish authorities to grant access to removal centres. Therefore, the Commission will continue working with the authorities to facilitate access for monitoring purposes, while respecting their prerogatives in this regard.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-09-04 “P-003428/2025 Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission Respect for international human rights’ law – including the principle of non-refoulement and the protection of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers – remains central to the EU’s engagement in Libya. Cooperation is continuously reviewed, also through a technical dialogue on migration where these issues are raised and discussed with Libyan stakeholders. In addition to monitoring and evaluation activities conducted regularly by implementing partners, and on top of the European Court of Auditor’s Audit on the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, the Commission has carried out two specific results‑oriented monitoring missions of the programme supporting, among others, also the Libyan coast guard. One financial audit is ongoing, and two additional evaluations are planned by the end of 2026. Furthermore, implementing partners provide comprehensive and frequent analyses of operating environments in the country, including the human rights’ situation. On‑site verifications and third‑party monitoring have complemented these efforts since 2019 providing independent assessments of compliance with the do-no-harm principle. Regarding the reported incident, the EU Delegation in Tripoli has immediately raised this matter with the Libyan authorities, urging them to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with both national and international obligations. The Libyan authorities have confirmed that an investigation has been launched. The Commission will assess the outcome of this investigation thoroughly in order to determine any further measures.”
  EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood · Asylum & border control
• 2025-06-30 “P-002625/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission closely follows the human rights situation in Türkiye and provides regular assessments and recommendations in its annual reports. In its Türkiye report for 2024 1 , the Commission stressed the lack of protection for the fundamental rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) persons in the country. Hate speech and hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, negative stereotyping in the media and discriminatory rhetoric by high-ranking government officials continued. The report specifically points out the decision of Türkiye’s authorities to ban pride marches, while allowing anti-LGBTIQ rallies. The Commission is committed to fostering inclusive societies for LGBTIQ people, in the EU and beyond. This commitment is reflected in the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 2 , which aims at advancing equality and combating discrimination against LGBTIQ people, including in candidate countries. As announced in the 2025 Commission Work Programme 3 , the Commission will present a new LGBTIQ equality strategy post-2025 by the end of 2025. Protection of LGBTQ persons’ rights is an integral part of the EU’s dialogue with Türkiye on the rule of law and fundamental rights. The Commission raises this issue in all relevant contacts with the Turkish authorities, including in the context of the sub-committee covering this area established under the European Economic Community-Turkey Association Agreement 4 . 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/turkiye-report-2024_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0698&qid=175025862364712, November 2020, COM(2020)698 final. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0045, COM(2025)45 final. 4 OJ L 361 of 31.12.1977, p. 29.”
  EU-Turkey relations · LGBTIQ+
• 2025-04-29 “E-001704/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The EU reacted swiftly to the detention of mayor İmamoğlu and the arrests and charges brought against elected officials, political activists, civil society and businesses representatives, journalists, and others with the Statement of the High Representative/Vice-President and Commissioner for Enlargement of 19 March 2025 1 . On 24 March 2025, 2 the Commission urged the Turkish authorities to uphold democratic values and to fully respect the rights of elected officials as well as right of peaceful demonstration. It reminded that as a Council of Europe member and EU candidate, Türkiye must uphold democratic values. The Commission, as well as the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye, expressed both in public and in private meetings with the Turkish authorities the need for Türkiye to uphold the EU standards in relation to freedom of expression and of assembly, including in relation to recent detentions of peaceful protesters in recent weeks. The Commission has regularly raised its concerns on the detention conditions in Turkish prisons and detention centres in its enlargement reports on Türkiye 3 and in particular on the need to improve access to healthcare, rehabilitation and resocialisation programmes. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_836. 2 https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-269761. 3 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/turkiye-report-2024_en.”
  EU competences on human rights · EU-Turkey relations
• 2025-04-16 “E-001562/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission One of the main pillars of Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 (the IUU Regulation) 1 is action against EU nationals who have engaged in or supported illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The provisions regarding EU nationals cover both the prevention and sanction of support or engagement in IUU fishing by EU nationals. More specifically, Article 39(1) of the IUU Regulation prohibits EU nationals from supporting and engaging in IUU fishing. It further provides a non-exhaustive list of examples of such engagement and support, mentioning in particular engagement on board or as operators or beneficial owners of fishing vessels included in the EU IUU vessel list. However, the general prohibition to EU nationals from engaging in or supporting IUU fishing is not limited to involvement of IUU-listed vessels but IUU fishing activities in general. In addition, the obligation of Member States under Article 39(3) of the IUU Regulation to take action against EU nationals relates to those that have been identified as supporting or engaged in IUU fishing in general, not only to those that are involved with IUU-listed vessels. The Commission is working with Member States to provide support in the implementation of Article 40(1) of the IUU Regulation regarding the identification of information of EU nationals pertaining to legal, beneficial or financial interests in, or control of, fishing vessels flagged to a third country which they hold and the names of the vessels concerned. 1 Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 of 29 September 2008 establishing a Community system to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, amending Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93, (EC) No 1936/2001 and (EC) No 601/2004 and repealing Regulations (EC) No 1093/94 and (EC) No 1447/1999 (OJ L 286, 29.10.2008, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1005/oj).”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-03-19 “E-001173/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission 1. Equality and the respect for human dignity and human rights are core values of the EU, enshrined in the Treaty of the European Union and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. These also include the right to freedom of expression and to peaceful assembly and association. The Commission is committed to promoting and safeguarding these rights. 2. The Commission is concerned about any development that could put at risk the effective implementation of EU law and remains fully committed to addressing inequality and discrimination affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people as outlined in our LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 1 . The Commission is closely monitoring the situation in Hungary and is analysing the ‘Law amending Act LV of 2018 on the right of assembly related to the protection of children and amending the related laws’ 2 from the perspective of EU law. In December 2022, the Commission referred Hungary to the Court of Justice of the EU over national rules that discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission considered that they violate several EU laws, both internal market rules and the fundamental rights of individuals, in particular of LGBTIQ people, as well as the common values at the core of the EU. The case is still pending before the Court of Justice. A hearing in this case took place on 19 November 2024 and the Advocate General issued her opinion on 5 June 2025. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52020DC0698. 2 https://www.parlament.hu/irom42/11201/11201-0006.pdf.”
  EU competences on human rights · LGBTIQ+
• 2025-03-06 “P-000977/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission Under the EU Cohesion Policy, the rules require Member States and the Commission to prevent discrimination in the preparation and implementation of programmes supported by the funds. 1 In addition, the funds have to be implemented in compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (the Charter). 2 Poland introduced an anti-discrimination clause in its 2021-2027 Cohesion programmes that ensures that Cohesion policy support will only be provided to projects and beneficiaries that comply with the anti-discrimination provisions of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR). Moreover, where the beneficiary is a local authority (or an entity controlled by or dependent on it) which has taken any discriminatory action support under cohesion policy cannot be granted. As regards the complaint on the ‘Family Right Charters’, the Commission closed it since the matter is being addressed at national level with the Polish Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy having requested the Polish Ombudsman to assess this matter. The Ombudsman has conducted a detailed assessment of the content of these charters. Currently, the local governments are analysing the Ombudsman’s comments to address his concerns. 3 The Commission remains committed to protect LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, nonbinary, intersex and queer) rights in the EU, as set out in the framework of the LGBTQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025 4 . As announced in the Commission President’s Political Guidelines 5 and in the 2025 Commission Work Programme 6 , the strategy will be renewed beyond 2025. As guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue to make sure that, when implementing EU law and EU-funded programmes, the principle of non-discrimination is fully respected. 1 Article 9 (3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy - https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj/eng 2 Article 9 (1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj/eng 3 https://bip.brpo.gov.pl/pl/content/rpo-samorzadowa-karta-praw-rodzin-watpliwosci-odpowiedzi 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52020DC0698 5 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf 6 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/7617998c-86e6-4a74-b33c249e8a7938cd_en?filename=COM_2025_45_1_annexes_EN.pdf”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · LGBTIQ+
• 2025-02-12 “P-000667/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is monitoring the developments in Slovakia. An environment enabling political pluralism, equality in the democratic debate as well as freedom of expression and association is an essential component of democracies. Democratic accountability and transparency are also key elements of well-functioning democracies. The proposed Directive on interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries lays down balanced and proportionate transparency requirements accompanied with strong safeguards to prevent misuse. Such internal market standards should apply to all economic operators carrying out interest representation activities in the internal market impacting the regulatory and decisionmaking process in the EU, regardless of their legal form. The Commission is preparing the European Democracy Shield, as announced in the Political Guidelines 1 . It will constitute a horizontal strategic framework to better protect and promote democracy, in full compliance with fundamental rights and democratic principles including freedom of expression and of association. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Regulation of NGOs in Europe
• 2025-01-07 “E-000022/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the EU has been expressing concerns on the breaches of fundamental rights of Afghans, notably of women and girls, also directly with the Taliban. In 2023, the EU listed five Taliban individuals under the EU Global Human Rights Sanction Regime for their role in depriving Afghan girls and women of their right to education, access to justice and equal treatment between men and women 1 . In reaction to the most recent (December 2024) restrictions ordering to suspend medical education for women and girls the European External Action Service has promptly issued a statement 2 . Moreover, the EU is supporting all efforts aiming at strengthening the respect of human rights and accountability mechanisms, notably through United Nations’ led initiatives. The term ‘gender apartheid’ is not used in international law. But, the policies and practices of the Taliban may amount to gender persecution, which is recognised as a crime against humanity in accordance with Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court 3 (ICC), to which Afghanistan is a party. The EU has recalled this fact on several occasions, also reminding that accountability for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international law must be ensured, notably in the September 2021 4 and March 2023 5 Council conclusions. The ICC is an independent judicial institution established to investigate, prosecute and try individuals accused of committing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. The EU does not interfere with the investigative work of the ICC, as this would violate the independence and impartiality of the court. 1 The listed individuals are the acting Taliban Ministers of Higher Education and the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (March 2023) and the Taliban Ministers of Education and Justice and the acting Taliban Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Afghanistan (July 2023), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L:2023:069I:FULL, https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32023R1499 2 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/afghanistan-statement-spokesperson-latest-restrictions-imposed-talibanwomen-and-girls_en 3 https://www.icc-cpi.int/sites/default/files/RS-Eng.pdf 4 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-11713-2021-REV-2/en/pdf 5 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7264-2023-INIT/en/pdf”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2024-09-11 “P-001679/2024 Answer given by Ms Johansson on behalf of the European Commission The Trade and Cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom (UK) provides a comprehensive framework of cooperation but does not contain specific provisions on asylum and migration. The UK and Member States, along with the Commission, engage in the ‘Calais group’ discussions, supporting measures to deter irregular crossings and migrant smuggling in the Channel and North Sea. Priority should be to step up operational cooperation, in particular combating organised smuggling networks and avoid dangerous situations at sea, notably by sharing of information and intelligence on both sides, covering all migratory routes. Cooperation could also take place within the working arrangement between Frontex and the UK Home Office, with the aim of training, capacity building, sharing of best practices and information sharing that would be mutually beneficial. Frontex also supports coastal Member States in the Channel through joint operations, deploying personnel and equipment. UK-French immigration controls at shared borders are governed by bilateral agreements 1 , which fall outside the Commission’s authority. EU-UK cooperation on tackling migrant smuggling has strengthened both strategically and operationally. Under the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), led by France with UK support, actions monitor smuggling in the Channel and coordinate countermeasures. Europol’s new task force focuses on dismantling key smuggling networks, with 2024 operations leading to multiple arrests across several countries. In the 12 months period by June 2024, the UK authorities registered over 38 700 irregular arrivals, which represents a 26% reduction compared with the previous period. In the first nine months of 2024, the number of attempted crossings increased only marginally by 2%. 1 The Sangatte Protocol (1991) and the Treaty of Le Touquet (2003). The latter allowed for France and the UK to carry out immigration controls in each other’s territories at seaports. On 14 November 2022, UK and France signed an agreement on bilateral cooperation in migration matters, in the framework of the Sandhurst Treaty, signed in January 2018 by the two countries to combat illegal crossings on the English Channel and North Sea. The arrangement sets out a financial allocation of EUR 72.2 million by the British Government to France.”
  Asylum & border control
• “I'll speak French very briefly because it's already been mentioned. But I wanted to talk about international cooperation between the EU and third countries, these bilateral agreements. We've seen that some of these agreements are insufficient in terms of monitoring fleets behavior and collecting and reporting data on catch. We've heard that there are 39 vessels under Mauritanian or other country flags, about which there is insufficient information about any foreign ownership. So even if these vessels are flying a foreign flag, they might be at risk of violating all sorts of rights, including human rights. So what are you doing at international level to fight? Are you fishing and also preventing any illegal financial flows coming from illegal fishing activities entering into the EU? Thank you.”
  Fisheries access for developing countries
• “Colleagues. Colleagues. Commissioner. Without healthy oceans, humankind is at risk. The announce the announcement by the European Commission of the Ocean Pact is a positive sign. But it's urgent. The oceans are suffocating. Overfishing, the disappearance of artisanal fishing, pollution, plastics. We need specific action. This is declaration of intent. There is no clear timetable or how it's going to be implemented. For those most affected artisanal fishers, the pact will only work if it has fair and binding rules. Basically, the oceans require underlie biodiversity. It's not acceptable. 86% of marine protected areas in Europe are still facing industrial action. We have to stop overexploitation and putting not putting green stamps on the mining areas as well. So we are seeing our collective future threatened. We need political courage and coherence. So we'll see this pact. As it happens. We need to conserve biodiversity. Our territories and the artisanal fish is not industrial interests. Europe can act for the oceans. It's its duty for the future of our continent and our children.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Given that, the question is also one of the tools that the union has to act in a more systemic fashion. How can we fight against discrimination? How can we guarantee that budgetary resources truly support equality? And how can we ensure that the text that we adopt produce real effects on the ground? And it's with that in mind that. Madam Commissioner, I would like to put three questions to you. Three specific questions. The strategy is quite cautious around the follow up mechanisms. Do you imagine setting more specific objectives? I'll resume first question then. Do you envisage setting more specific objectives? And for tools that will enable you to measure progress on equality? Second question. The strategy stresses integrating equality into the European budget, but it remains rather general on this point. How does the Commission plan to specifically reinforce gender budgeting in the next financial framework, beyond the current follow up tools? And finally, does the Commission plan to complete this strategy through new initiatives in legislation? Where or will the action remain around implementing pre-existing instruments? Thank you.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you for this exchange. I'd like to thank Mrs. Biala for this reminder. Uh, We have to have the first involved, uh, to work with it. Because if we work without them, we're actually working against them. Today, racism is a real scourge within the EU. Everywhere. We've got some shocking statements which have been made. There are hate speeches during electoral campaigns, comments on social media. Racism is everywhere. It's getting more and more bold, which has been seen by official sources. And we've seen this. It was stated by the Fra, Fra we see racism in the institutions. I'm French and a minister, uh, was shouting down with the veil and the xenophobia is spreading in France. Uh, there have been 75 more acts of xenophobia at the beginning of 2025. So, we're seeing a turning point here. And all these good intentions are not enough. We want to see concrete actions from the commission, which would be legally binding and measures taken by the member States. There are many measures the enhancement of national contact point rules for racism and the obligation for member states to publish their policies. But we need to have harmonised and transparent indicators so that we can effectively monitor racism policies. Racism is a systemic problem, and only concrete measures can help us achieve true progress. We can't talk about structural racism like a gadget. The idea must be mainstreamed throughout all EU policies. And let me recall the major role of organised civil society there, the associations and their crucial work for democracy and fighting racism. And they must be involved in all policies, and they should be financed against all the backlash throughout the EU and throughout the entire world. Thank you.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “Thank you very much Commissioner. Colleagues thank you very much for this dialogue on the Commission's priorities in terms of gender equality for the years to come. I'd like to hail the strategy that aims to build on the previous gains that have been made and restates the union's commitment to gender equality, in particular through a cross-cutting and intersectional approach in the strategy. We also see a number of important initiatives that we support. I'm thinking of the future care deal and also the Directive on violence and reforms to reduce the economic gap between men and women. At the same time, when we read the text, we get the impression that many actions are still around support, coordination and implementation of pre-existing instruments. Whether we're talking about salary equality, the fight against discrimination, or financing for gender equality policies. However, the context is a particular one today. In the context we're in, we need to have a more structured response. There are still inequalities, in particular in salaries, pensions and access to rights. And at the same time, we're also facing some setbacks and a general backlash with attacks on the rights of women and minorities across Europe and a polarizing environment that is increasing throughout our societies.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “I will speak in French. Dear colleagues, first of all, I'd like to thank the rapporteur for this first draft of the report, which is a solid basis for our work on a topic that is often ignored. Gender inequalities are not abstract. They result in delayed diagnostics, many problems, and poor adaptation to the problems. We defend an inclusive, intersectional approach we take that takes into account a discriminations and people facing specific discriminations due to due to race or LGBTQ plus people for example, they often face obstacles in access to care. There should also be priorities on gender specific diseases. You talked about endometriosis. It needs more recognition, more access to care, and more medical care. You also referred to this and diagnosis after the first symptoms. The report states that women's health also includes sexual reproductive health and rights and access to legal safe abortion across the EU. And we had the My Voice My Choice vote in December. Just to remind you, we have to ensure this fundamental right. This report should mark a turning point. What we want is very simple to be taken seriously, to be treated properly, to be protected across the EU. We have to make this happen so that this report leads to true changes. And I thank you and we look forward to the upcoming work. Thank you.”
  Sexuality and reproduction
• “Uh, I'll also be speaking French rapporteur shadows. Dear colleagues, first and foremost, I'd like to welcome the constructive work focused on compromise, which allowed us to come to this opinion on the annual report of the European Union's work on human rights and democracy around the world, and discussions were tense at times. And that's why there's a number of points that I wanted to highlight. The EU needs to be beyond reproach in relation to human rights, and that's why this it is so important, this report. We can leave no one behind and look to like to. And to focus on anti-gender movements and and above all, anti-trans movements. We need to ensure that we're protecting our air. We need to fight against FGM, ensure it's a priority, and that hopefully it will be as a result of our amendments, and also because the amendments should come from progressive groups. We know that around the world these rights are being attacked, and we need to be clear in Europe about this. That's why I do have certain regrets. We could have gone a lot further in relation to a recognition of structural discrimination that women are subjected to. We could have gone a lot further in relation to recognising structural discrimination that women are referred to and the idea of marginalisation also. There are multiple multiple intersectional discriminations which are which are felt by women. And and I regret that not all of my men were taken on board. Women should be protected wherever they are from and whatever their sexuality, whatever their skin colour, religion and the EU needs to be irreproachable in relation to gender based violence as a weapon of war. Despite negotiations to despite negotiations about what Palestinian women or other women suffer in theatres of war, they've not been mentioned. The UN has said that 2024 was one of the worst years in relation to violent conflicts around the world. We know that in these conflicts, women and children are the most affected and the EU needs to support them. Thank you very much.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion