Fredis BELERIS

Policy topics Fredis BELERIS is active on

What Fredis BELERIS has said (24)

• 2026-02-24 “Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission 6.5.2026 Written question Notwithstanding the distribution of competences defined by the EU legal order in relation to policies and individual decisions to regularise the status of illegally staying third-country nationals, in an area without internal borders, Member States’ decisions may have consequences on other Member States and on the EU as a whole. A national residence permit issued by a Member State does not give authorisation to settle freely around the EU, but only to live and work in the Member State that issued it [1] . If a permit holder is found illegally staying or applies for asylum in another Member State, the permit holder must return to the issuing Member State. National authorities must act in a spirit of sincere cooperation for this to happen swiftly. The Commission is advancing a new EU common approach to returns. The proposed Return Regulation [2] , which is currently under negotiation, aims to provide Member States with a more efficient framework to increase returns. Work is ongoing on the digitalisation of return, readmission and reintegration, with a proposal planned in 2026. The forthcoming revision of the regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency [3] will also provide an opportunity to strengthen its role in returns. The Commission monitors the application of EU law in all Member States, including through the Schengen Evaluation Monitoring Mechanism [4] . This is without prejudice to the possibility of using other instruments at its disposal as guardian of the Treaties. [1] Article 21 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement of 14 June 1985 between the Governments of the States of the Benelux Economic Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic on the gradual abolition of checks at their common borders, OJ L 239, 22.09.2000, pp 19-62: ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/convention/2000/922/oj. [2] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union, and repealing Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and the Council, Council Directive 2001/40/EC and Council Decision 2004/191/EC. [3] Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624, OJ L 295, 14.11.2019, pp. 1-131. [4] Council Regulation (EU) 2022/922 of 9 June 2022 on the establishment and operation of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1053/2013.”
  Legal migration · Asylum & border control
• 2026-02-24 “E-000766/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 1 , natural disaster response will be managed via National and Regional Partnership Plans and the EU Facility. A cascade mechanism will allow Member States to progressively mobilise resources depending on the scale of the crisis. Initially, existing Plan measures can be reprogrammed for support. If further assistance is needed, flexibility allocations within the Plans can be used. If still inadequate, additional funds may be obtained from the EU Facility and its budgetary cushion. Under 2021-2027 framework, the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 2 is available in the event of a severe natural disaster and may be mobilised at the request of the affected country. The request must be submitted within 12 weeks of the date on which the first damage occurred and must demonstrate that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds set out in Article 2 of the Regulation. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism may also be activated to support emergency response. The Commission guides the affected countries and works to assess requests and mobilise funding swiftly and thoroughly. The EUSF may also cover preparation and implementation costs of the operations financed by the EUSF, including essential technical expertise. The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change provides technical assistance and funding to local authorities to assess climate hazards and develop innovative solutions. 1 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for the period 2028-2034 and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 {COM(2025) 565 final}; https://commission.europa.eu/publications/european-fund-economic-social-andterritorial-cohesion-agriculture-and-rural-fisheries-and-maritime_en. 2 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9.); https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-02-06 “E-000480/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. The European Regional Development Fund supports telemedicine through cohesion programmes by financing infrastructure and technology necessary for digital health services, enhancing accessibility and quality of healthcare in the EU, including in islands, mountainous and remote areas. The EU4HEALTH programme funds, for example, the project COMPASSAI 1 with the main objective to accelerate the safe and effective deployment of the artificial intelligence in healthcare, with focus on cancer and healthcare delivery in remote areas, including islands. 2. The Commission proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework 2 will provide support for strengthening digital health infrastructure and digital skills of health professionals. In particular, digital tools and the broader digital transformation of healthcare aimed at improving access to health services, as well as support for digital infrastructures in the public sector across the EU, are among the specific activities listed under Articles 37(1)(b) and 39 of the proposal for a Regulation establishing the European Competitiveness Fund 3 . Under the Commission proposal for a Regulation establishing a European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security 4 , Member States, through National and Regional Partnership Plans, will be able to support, among other things, investments in the health sector addressing challenges identified in the European Semester and facilitate access to services and associated infrastructure, including modernising, digitalising, and strengthening the quality and resilience of healthcare systems. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/EU4H-2024PJ-03-6. 2 COM(2025) 570 final. 3 COM(2025) 555 final. 4 COM (2025) 565 final.”
  EU competences on health · Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2025-11-24 “E-004676/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission negotiates and aims to secure the best possible quotas for the EU in the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Based on the best available scientific evidence, and defending the EU's interests, the Commission has strongly advocated – and obtained – a substantial increase in fishing opportunities for bluefin tuna (BFT). 2. The decision on how quotas are allocated internally, including for the fleet that catches BFT as by-catch, is a prerogative of the Member States. According to the EU legislation, they must use transparent and objective criteria, including those of an environmental, social and economic nature when taking such decisions. The Commission considers that the Member States are best placed to determine the most effective ways to allocate fishing opportunities. The Commission recently published guidelines 1 seeking to help Member States in supporting small-scale fishers and enhancing transparency and good governance in the allocation of fishing opportunities by Member States. 3. The Commission is fully committed to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. It supports the annual deployment of numerous inspection and control means under the Joint International Inspection Scheme for BFT, coordinated by the European Fisheries Control Agency. The Commission ensures the implementation and continuous improvement of the ICCAT electronic Bluefin Catch Document as a tool to guarantee the traceability of traded BFT. For other species, the Member States also have the EU catch certification scheme to prevent entry of fishery products stemming from illegal activities, and can use the mutual assistance system to target consignments at risk. 1 Communication from the Commission for enhanced transparency and good governance in the allocation of fishing opportunities by Member States: A vade mecum on the application of Articles 16 and 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, OJ C, C/2025/6227, 17.11.2025.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries · Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
• 2025-11-19 “E-004617/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) identified part of the Union financing under the first and second call for applications under the 2014-2020 IPARD II programme in Albania as ineligible, based on its regular investigation procedure. Following its investigation, OLAF recommended the Commission to follow up its findings, as appropriate 1 . As of July 2023, the Commission interrupted the payment deadline for reimbursing Albania for any spending under the IPARD II programme and put on hold the entrustment for implementing any measure under the 2021-2027 IPARD III programme. These preventive measures, taken to protect the financial interests of the Union, continue to apply until further notice. A bilateral procedure between the Commission and the Albanian authorities is ongoing to ensure that appropriate remedial actions are put in place by the authorities for the proper implementation of IPARD support in Albania. The Commission is closely monitoring and supporting Albania’s progress in the fight against fraud and corruption in the context of the accession negotiations. This includes efforts to streamline and harmonise the corruption prevention framework, notably through the adoption of key legislation, and to ensure its effective implementation. The Commission is assessing these laws to ensure alignment with European standards on transparency. 1 The OLAF report 2023: Investigative activities - OLAF’s investigative performance in 2023 - Protecting EU Funds - International Investigations: https://ec.europa.eu/olaf-report/2023/investigative-activities/protecting-eufunds/international-investigations_en.html#serious-misuse-of-eu-pre-accession-agricultural-funds.”
  EU enlargement
• 2025-11-05 “E-004376/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The EU has trade defence instruments at its disposal to address unfair trading practices and protect EU industries from unfair competition from imports. It currently applies more than 200 measures of which about two thirds concern imports from China, and which protect more than 600 000 jobs. Upon the reception of a valid complaint from an EU industry the Commission is obliged to launch an anti-dumping or anti-subsidy investigation to determine whether goods being imported into the EU are being sold at below the price in the producer country and, if so, how it affects the EU industry. In cases of a surge of imports, Member States may file a request for a safeguard investigation. The Commission imposes measures once an investigation has found that injurious dumping or subsidisation is taking place and it is in the EU interest to do so. Such measures can be subject to review and can be maintained for as long as necessary to ensure the protection of an industry from unfairly traded imports. Safeguard measures can also be reviewed and extended, but their maximum duration is 8 years. Outside of trade defence measures, various forms of support to agriculture and rural areas are available under the Common Agricultural Policy. These include support for investments and business development for farmers and rural businesses, and also support for cooperation, knowledge exchange and advisory services. Support for producer groups and producer organisations are also available for certain sectors, for example fruit and vegetables, thereby strengthening farmers’ position in the value chain. Regarding the broader trade relations with China, the Commission will continue to engage with China with a view to addressing imbalances and defending EU industry when necessary.”
  Agricultural trade: Ukraine imports · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2025-10-29 “E-004245/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission In its proposal of 16 July 2025 for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework 1 , the Commission proposed the creation of a European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security. A separate European Island Fund is not part of the Commission proposals for 2028-2034. Instead, a single set of rules applicable to the European Fund will promote stronger synergies across policies and instruments and should provide greater flexibility for Member States and regions to design and support comprehensive strategies and initiatives at the relevant territorial level. Notably, this will enable islands to address their specific needs and constraints and unlock their development potential. The new Fund includes specific safeguards in that respect and notably provides for the possibility to support territorial development through integrated territorial strategies, including community-led local development. 1 COM (2025) 570-571.”
  Cohesion and rural funding · Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• 2025-10-29 “E-004244/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission notes that the Parliamentary Institute, under the Albanian Parliament, circulated an internal document listing national figures to be commemorated in October, which included the former communist leader mentioned in the subject of the question. The Commission also notes that on 9 October 2025 the Speaker of Albania’s Parliament made a public apology, clarifying that the name of the person mentioned in the subject of the question had been listed only for informational purposes, without any intent to honour or justify the legacy associated with the individual. The Speaker of Albania’s Parliament apologised to the families of victims of the communist regime and announced that procedures would be reviewed to prevent future such incidents. On the 2025 Europe-wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes 1 , the Commission underlined that the EU will always stand on the side of those that nurture the soil of human dignity, justice and equality, and stressed that it is a collective responsibility to safeguard these values. EU enlargement is a merit-based process. Freedom, democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights are at its core. Based on the revised enlargement methodology 2 , accession negotiations on Cluster 1 - Fundamentals - are opened first and closed last. Progress on rule of law and fundamentals determine the overall pace of negotiations. The EU opened negotiations with Albania on this cluster on 15 October 2024 3 , based on the progress made, and setting out benchmarks 4 Albania has to meet in these areas, which are being closely monitored. As from 2024 Albania also participates in the annual Rule of Law Report 5 , which will support Albania’s reform efforts and accession process and help prepare to continue work on rule of law as a future Member State. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_1976. 2 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ef0547a9-c063-4225-b1b493ff9027d0c0_en?filename=enlargement-methodology_en.pdf. 3 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2024/10/15/. 4 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/AD-18-2024-INIT/en/pdf. 5 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/0154dce1-5026-45de-8b37e3d56eff7925_en?filename=59_1_58088_coun_chap_albania_al.pdf.”
  EU relations with Western Balkans · Remembrance of communism/Soviet Union · EU-Albania relations
• 2025-07-16 “E-002943/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission closely monitors progress in the areas of the Rule of Law, and property rights, as part of the accession negotiations under Cluster 1 – Fundamentals. In the 2024 enlargement report on Albania 1 , it assessed that overall enjoyment of property rights remained limited and continued to be affected by significant challenges. It also underlined that ensuring the right to a fair trial and the right to effective remedy in cases of expropriation and removal of properties remains essential. As part of accession negotiations, the Commission also monitors Albania's progress in strengthening its judicial system and ensuring that citizens have access to effective and impartial judicial review of administrative acts, including those related to property expropriation and demolition. The Commission will continue to engage with Albanian authorities to ensure that they comply with EU requirements on the rule of law, property, and the right to a fair trial. 1 SWD(2024) 690 final.”
  EU relations with Western Balkans · EU-Albania relations
• 2025-06-11 “E-002328/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is working to address the issue of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Mediterranean within the framework of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the Invasive Alien Species Regulation 1 . The GFCM’s 2030 Strategy recognises the priority of addressing NIS. Several pilot projects and research programmes have been developed to collect data and establish mitigation measures. Due to the regional nature of the expansion of NIS, the GFCM established a regional NIS observatory in the Eastern Mediterranean to push forward data collection and information sharing with the intent to expand its activity to the entire region. Also, Member States under the Marine strategy framework directive (MSFD) set up monitoring programs and take appropriate measures to reach a good environmental status for NIS. 2. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) can be used to finance campaigns and aid in raising awareness among fishers, and the public about the risks and commercial possibilities associated with NIS. Additionally, the GFCM observatory aims to contribute to promoting awareness and help share best practices. 3. The EMFAF is already being used for actions related to mitigating populations of NIS. The Commission cooperates with national authorities that are responsible to include such actions in their national EMFAF programmes. Various Mediterranean Member States have put in place measures and solutions to deal with NIS. This includes potential compensation to fishers, as exemplified by Cyprus, where a scheme has been put in place to compensate fishers for their pufferfish catches 2 . Similarly, Greece has funded innovative projects which help turn this threat into economic opportunity 3 . 1 Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 35. 2 www.moa.gov.cy/emfaf. 3 This Greek example of turning pufferfish into fishmeal is particularly relevant here: https://oceans-andfisheries.ec.europa.eu/news/turning-toxic-pufferfish-invader-aquaculture-feed-2023-1222_en#:~:text=The%20pufferfish%2C%20originating%20from%20the,to%20have%20no%20commercial%20v alue.https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/news/turning-toxic-pufferfish-invader-aquaculture-feed-2023-1222_en.”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries · Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
• 2025-04-25 “E-001674/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Deindustrialisation of remote and island regions poses significant challenges, affecting employment and economic stability, while undermining their economic resilience. The Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal provide a roadmap for nurturing sustainable and resilient production in Europe and boosting the global competitiveness of EU businesses. They lay out concrete initiatives to close the innovation gap, foster decarbonisation and competitiveness of businesses and enhance the EU security, actions which provide important benefits for remote and island regions as well. In the 2021-2027 period, at least EUR 14.8 billion is allocated from cohesion policy 1 to investments supporting islands, which aim to support all aspects of island development, notably competitiveness, green transition, improved connectivity, housing, sustainable tourism and inclusive growth. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund allocates EUR 5.3 billion to fishing sector modernisation and the economic vitality of coastal communities. Under shared management, Member States can adjust their programmes to ensure that local businesses 2 can adapt to new challenges. Under the common agricultural policy, the POSEI scheme 3 contributes to food autonomy, accessibility and economic diversification in the outermost regions with over EUR 4.5 billion between 2021 and 2027. About EUR 1.3 billion was devoted to crop diversification. A similar programme exists for the smaller Aegean islands. The next European multi-annual financial framework will continue to support these objectives, considering the specific needs and challenges of remote and island regions, in terms of economic development and resilience to external shocks. 1 EU contribution, including the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the Just Transition Fund. 2 Notably small and medium-sized enterprises. 3 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/market-measures/outermost-regions-and-smallaegean-islands/posei_en.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions · Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-04-17 “P-001576/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission 1. The political guidelines for the Commission 2024-2029 1 envisage strengthening Frontex, notably to equip it with state-of-the art technology for surveillance and situational awareness, along with its own equipment and personnel to ensure it can protect EU borders in all circumstances with strong governance and the full respect of fundamental rights. The Commission has launched a feasibility study to support its upcoming impact assessment and legislative proposal. The Commission will reflect on the possibilities to reinforce the mandate of Frontex, also with regard to security aspects, as well as how to ensure that the inter-agency cooperation, particularly with Europol, will bring even more robust results in fighting crossborder crime. In 2023 2 , the Commission tabled a targeted proposal to enhance Europol’s support to preventing and combating migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings that would also strengthen the cooperation between Europol and Frontex. In addition, in line with the political guidelines, the Commission envisages to table a proposal in order to make Europol truly operational, by addressing any areas for improvement that will allow Europol to reach its full potential and to best meet the needs of national law enforcement authorities. Strengthening the capacities of Europol and Frontex in countering migrant smuggling contributes to the implementation of the Global Alliance to counter migrant smuggling, with its call to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and responding to migrant smuggling and addressing alternatives to irregular migration 3 . 2. The Commission intends to present its proposal on the next multiannual financial framework in July 2025. The underlying political orientations were presented in the Commission Communication ‘The road to the next multiannual financial framework’ adopted on 11 February 2025 4 . 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en. 2 COM/2023/754 final. 3 https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/irregular-migration-and-return/internationalconference-global-alliance-counter-migrant-smuggling_en#more-information. 4 COM(2025) 46 final.”
  Asylum & border control · EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2025-04-02 “E-001363/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The mid-term review of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) was concluded in 2024, reinforcing the EU budget in key priority areas. The Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve was increased by EUR 1.5 billion. The Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction - RESTORE Regulation 1 allows for flexibility by Member States impacted by natural disasters to use cohesion policy funding for reconstruction and repair. The Rural Development Regulation 2 was amended to introduce a new measure, providing support to affected farmers, foresters, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Member States could adjust their 2021-2027 cohesion policy programmes during their midterm review 3 , adding new priorities like enhancing water resilience. Greece could benefit from these flexibilities once the Regulation enters into force, including the financial incentives to implement these priorities rapidly and effectively. The 2021-2027 cohesion policy programmes contribute EUR 1 billion to a national disaster risk management programme in Greece and EUR 10.5 million to a regional programme on climate-related risk management in Notio Aigaio 4 . The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change can help the Cyclades and other islands test and deploy innovative solutions to build resilience to floods and other climate risks, as with Climate adaptation and resilience demonstrated in the Mediterranean region (CARDIMED) project 5 . Island regions face specific challenges, including suffering from extreme natural disasters that call for significant investments not only in post-disaster recovery but also in climate 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/3236 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1057 and (EU) 2021/1058 as regards Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE), entered into force on 24 December 2024, available at the following link https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3236/oj/eng. 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/3242 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2020/2220 as regards specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters, available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R3242&qid=1746172978914. 3 On 1 April 2025 the Commission tabled a legislative proposal and accompanying Communication. Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review, available at: regulation-proposal-mid-term-review-2025_en.pdf: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/communication/mid-term-review-2025/regulation-proposal-midterm-review-2025_en.pdf; Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council A modernised Cohesion policy: The mid-term review, available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0163. 4 Technical assistance, including under the ‘Cohesion for Transitions Community of Practice’ initiative, could support the implementation of the programmes facilitating the green transition and for studies. 5 Climate Resilience & NBS | Cardimed: https://www.cardimed-project.eu/.”
  Climate efforts · Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-01-16 “E-000175/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission actively collaborates with all Mediterranean partners, including Türkiye, to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within the framework of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean, its 2030 Strategy 1 and its Regional Plan of Action to Combat IUU 2 . These initiatives foster alignment with international and EU standards, including the IUU Regulation 3 . As part of the EU accession process, the Commission assists candidate countries in complying with EU regulations and policies. This includes adherence to the Common Fisheries Policy and IUU-related rules. 2. Member States, however, remain primarily responsible for safeguarding their waters under the IUU Regulation. Within their jurisdictions, they can intensify risk-based checks, impose sanctions and enforce measures to combat illegal activities. Simultaneously, the Commission promotes cooperation among national authorities to strengthen control and ensure a level playing field for European fishers. 3. The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) is in charge of coordination and cooperation between national control and inspection activities so that the rules of the CFP are respected and applied effectively 4 . EFCA further supports capacity building in sea control and inspection, notably through the deployment of its patrol vessel, ‘Ocean Sentinel’, whose Mediterranean mission now covers parts of the Eastern Mediterranean, Ionian Sea, Adriatic Sea, Strait of Sicily and Western Mediterranean. With respect to the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), the prevention of IUU fishing falls outside the Agency’s mandate as established by the Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 5 on the European Border and Coast Guard. 1 https://www.fao.org/gfcm/publications/brochures/gfcm2030strategy/en/#:~:text=The%20GFCM%202030%20 Strategy%20for%20sustainable%20fisheries%20and,to%20deliver%20on%20national%2C%20regional%20and %20global%20commitments 2 https://www.fao.org/gfcm/activities/compliance/decisions/rpoa-iuu/en/#:~:text=The%20RPOAIUU%20provides%20guidance%20to%20Contracting%20and%20Cooperating,while%20harmonizing%20meas ures%20in%20place%20across%20the%20region 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1005/oj/eng 4 This includes organising joint control and inspection activities, developing risk management strategies, providing training and technical assistance. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1896/oj/eng”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2024-12-09 “E-02834/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission Remembrance policies are under the competence of Member States. Reconciliation is a core foundation of the European project. Good neighbourly relations and reconciliation are also essential elements of the EU’s enlargement policy. It is fundamental that partner countries are able to face their past through open and serene debates. In this context, the Commission encourages meaningful dialogue between Türkiye and its neighbours paving the way towards full reconciliation. Good neighbourly relations form an integral part of Türkiye’s process of moving towards the EU. As stressed in the Commission’s 2024 Report on Türkiye 1 , the country is expected to unequivocally commit to good neighbourly relations, international agreements and the peaceful settlement of disputes. 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/8010c4db-6ef8-4c85-aa06814408921c89_en?filename=T%C3%BCrkiye%20Report%202024.pdf”
  EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU · EU-Turkey relations
• 2024-12-05 “E-002792/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The fall of Assad’s criminal 1 regime marks a historic moment for the Syrian people, who – irrespective of religion and ethnicity – have endured immense suffering under its rule. This is a moment of hope, but also uncertainty, and all Syrians, in the country and the diaspora, must have an opportunity to reunify, stabilise and rebuild their country. It is essential that all Syrians be protected and that the transition be inclusive 2 of all components of society. Whereas the competence for safety and diplomatic protection of citizens lies primarily with the Member States, the EU supports Member States' efforts to evacuate or repatriate citizens from conflict zones through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism 3 , which coordinates disaster response and contributes to transport and operational support. The EU is actively engaging with Syria's new leadership to prevent expansion of terrorism working with partners within the Global Coalition against Da’esh 4 to share information, assessing and addressing the threat posed by Da’esh and its affiliates. EU measures include counter-terrorism cooperation with regional partners; multilateral engagement with the United Nations (UN) and with the Global Counterterrorism Forum 5 as cochair; security measures; support for repatriation including financial support through the EUUN Global Terrorism Threats Facility 6 , rehabilitation, and reintegration; humanitarian aid, including mental health services; funding programmes to prevent and counter violent extremism, radicalisation and propaganda. The EU provides humanitarian aid on a needs basis. Despite the highly challenging security environment, EU humanitarian partners, together with local organisations, are providing emergency assistance to all affected communities throughout the country. 1 As set out in the Foreign Affairs Council conclusions on the situation in the Middle East of 27 January 2025, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2025/01/27/ 2 See footnote 1. 3 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en 4 https://theglobalcoalition.org/en/ 5 https://www.thegctf.org/ 6 https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/EU-UN-Global-Terrorism-Threats-Facility”
  EU-Syria relations · EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU
• 2024-10-16 “E-002124/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission In response to Council conclusions of June 2023, the Commission adopted the Communication ‘Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action’ 1 to help Member States address demographic change. It highlights the key EU investment instruments that already provide support, namely the Cohesion policy Funds and the Recovery and Resilient Facility. In the political guidelines of the Commission for 2024-2029, the President of the Commission sets out the intention for a more focused, impactful and simpler budget. Cohesion policy focuses on regional disparities, especially in least developed regions traditionally more exposed to emigration or underemployment. Among other objectives, the investments aim to increase regional attractiveness, foster productivity and labour participation to offset, at least in part, the impact of shrinking labour forces. It also seeks to underpin reforms, steered by the European Semester. Over the period 2021-2027, EUR 7.2 billion from the European Regional Development Fund will be invested in healthcare and long-term care, EUR 5.6 billion in education and training, and EUR 40.5 billion will support connectivity and access to well-functioning transport systems which are all important factors to foster territorial cohesion. EUR 41 billion will be invested in territorial strategies fostering urban and rural linkages, new economic opportunities and access to essential services vital for people to work and live in all territories across the EU. The European Social Fund Plus invests a total of EUR 142 billion in access to employment, long-term care and childcare services, education and skills. The Commission also supports Member States in addressing demographic change through the Technical Support Instrument. 1 COM/2023/577 final https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2023%3A577%3AFIN”
  EU competences on demographic policy · Support for families
• 2024-10-14 “E-002062/2024 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission attaches the utmost importance to the respect for freedom of thought, conscience and religion, enshrined in Article 10 of the EU Charter of Fundamental rights 1 , and for freedom of expression, religion, interfaith tolerance and dialogue, as stated in Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU 2 . However, it would emphasise that under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, the EU does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities. The Commission will continue to monitor the respect of freedom of religion or belief in Albania through the stabilisation and association process and the enlargement process and will assess progress through its annual enlargement report. In this regard, the 2024 Albania report 3 states that ‘Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is generally upheld in Albania’. The Commission has no comments, at this stage, on this specific announcement made at the United Nations General Assembly by the Albanian Prime Minister. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012P/TXT 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT 3 SWD(2024) 690 final, https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a8eec3f9-b2ec4cb1-8748-9058854dbc68_en?filename=Albania%20Report%202024.pdf”
  EU-Albania relations · EU policy on Islam
• “(12:19:38 – 12:20:49): Thank you very much, chair. Dear colleagues, this is a decisive step to strengthen territorial, social, and economic cohesion in the European Union. We're facing many challenges. Just look at political developments, competition, geopolitical situation. I think against this backdrop, we need to have funds that support rural development, support local economies, support competitiveness, reduce the inequalities between the rural and urban areas, including the island areas. We need to support agriculture and fisheries because this enable us to ensure our food independence, and also it will breathe new life into underdeveloped regions. We need to really drill down on investments in infrastructure, social protection, and employment to make sure that all citizens can see that they can stay stay where they are and be supported. We need, support for, regions, but we also need regions to have their say. Thank you.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Commissioner. Dear colleagues. Three years ago, Greece experienced the tragedy of Thembi. It was a train accident that really shocked the entire country. 57 people died, and this caused deep sorrow within the country. It also triggered an intense public debate about the effectiveness of the state and the functioning of justice. Similar accidents happen elsewhere in Spain, for instance, those who try to exploit this unspeakable pain of an entire society in the hope of gaining petty political benefits, are insulting the memory of the victims. The only meaningful discussion we should have should be on the completion of the work necessary for railway safety and the administration of justice. Today, significant measures are being taken to upgrade safety, to modernize things. For instance, procurement of 23 new trains, critical infrastructure projects which are being implemented without delay. So by the end of the summer, the Athens-thessaloniki axis will have a fully operational remote control system signalling automatic braking systems. All of this will be fully operational and there'll be modern simulators, control procedures, etc.. So justice is moving forward. There are 36 defendants who have been indicted. The trial will begin on the 23rd of March. The completion of these projects and the assignation of responsibility is a way of showing our respect for the 57 victims.”
  EU support of rail transport
• “Thank you. I too would like to thank the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for this work. The text we're looking at today disregards structural problems of the Albanian state and disregards things that were mentioned in the previous report. First of all, we have the problem of non return of property to certain citizens. They have a process in place until 2030 citizens that have been deprived of possessions for over 60 years. But for a year and a half we've seen no progress. Quite the opposite. Second. We're talking about shortcomings of the rule of law. But the text doesn't entirely reflect the tragic state of affairs in this field. There is an institutional crisis underway currently between the executive and the judiciary. Because of significant corruption. Two thirds of the country do not have water and electricity supply 24 hours a day. How can we discuss this when there are no there's no infrastructure in place. We have also seen irregularities in the management of EU funds. Olaf has noted this. I was born in Albania and part of the Greek minority, and I spent my life between two countries. Naturally, I want to see progress and I want to see Albania as part of the EU. However, I have to be clear. If this report. Tries to touch up the situation rather than present things as they are, it won't contribute to the necessary reforms. So I would support amendments tabled by other colleagues. If we want to support accession, we have to be honest and all the conditions in place must be respected. The report should reflect that very clearly. Thank you.”
  EU-Albania relations
• “Thank you. I would like to thank you. And we have to remember that the situation of the Western Balkans and their accession is fundamental for the EU. They have a diverse history. There's communism, autarky. There are problems with corruption and war. So these societies are highly affected by instability. Now, in the last elections in Albania, there was unequal access to media communication and this was said by the European Observatory. And we still don't know today what happened to many Albanians who disappeared during the dictatorship. So these citizens are suffering because of the government behavior, because of their initiatives. And we have to be very careful with these countries, because these countries are ignoring the criteria that is necessary for integration. For this reason, we need to increase the citizens trust in the EU. We need to work so that these countries can also participate in the successes of the EU and our achievements.”
  EU enlargement
• “Dear colleagues. Firstly, let me congratulate Commissioner Caddis on the European Oceans Pact. Today's debate is taking place just a week after the UN conference on the same subject. There, the Greek Prime Minister committed to protecting the marine environment. Firstly by ratifying the Convention on Biodiversity in areas outside its national jurisdiction. Secondly, by creating two new marine national parks in the Ionian Sea and the southern Cyclades, the aim is to increase the protected marine areas in national waters by 30% by 2030, which is our country's initial obligation. Furthermore, in these areas, there will be a firm ban on trawling. The 30 for 30 commitment, the protection of our oceans and the safety of our seas is not simply an ambitious idea, it's a project and it is actions. Moreover, this is proven by the fact that even European fishers are welcoming these initiatives as they protect fish stocks and help to increase fisheries. Greece stands firm in its commitment to a sustainable future.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “Thank you. I too would like to thank the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for this work. The text we're looking at today disregards structural problems of the Albanian state and disregards things that were mentioned in the previous report. First of all, we have the problem of non return of property to certain citizens. They have a process in place until 2030 citizens that have been deprived of possessions for over 60 years. But for a year and a half we've seen no progress. Quite the opposite. Second. We're talking about shortcomings of the rule of law. But the text doesn't entirely reflect the tragic state of affairs in this field. There is an institutional crisis underway currently between the executive and the judiciary. Because of significant corruption. Two thirds of the country do not have water and electricity supply 24 hours a day. How can we discuss this when there are no there's no infrastructure in place. We have also seen irregularities in the management of EU funds. Olaf has noted this. I was born in Albania and part of the Greek minority, and I spent my life between two countries. Naturally, I want to see progress and I want to see Albania as part of the EU. However, I have to be clear. If this report. Tries to touch up the situation rather than present things as they are, it won't contribute to the necessary reforms. So I would support amendments tabled by other colleagues. If we want to support accession, we have to be honest and all the conditions in place must be respected. The report should reflect that very clearly. Thank you.”
  EU enlargement