Nikos PAPPAS

Policy topics Nikos PAPPAS is active on

What Nikos PAPPAS has said (37)

• 2026-02-23 “E-000744/2026 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Sheep pox and goat pox control measures at EU level are laid down in Regulation (EU) 2016/429 1 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 2 . Additional EU rules for control measures and movement restrictions relating to sheep pox and goat pox in Greece are laid down in Commission Implementing Decision 2024/2207 3 . Under Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2207, movements of live sheep and goats from Greece to other Member States or to destinations outside the Union are prohibited. That Decision also prohibits movements of sheep and goats to restricted zones, except movements for immediate slaughter that are authorised by the competent authority. The Decision does not prohibit movements of animals from other Member States into non-restricted areas of Greece, nor does it restrict movements to any part of Greece for immediate slaughter. The EU has in place harmonised rules for movements of animals between Member States that are not affected by diseases listed in Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 4 . Member States may adopt national measures that go beyond the referred Union legislation, under condition that such measures do not hinder the movement between Member States. The Commission has not been informed of any general suspension of imports of live sheep and goats from Member States to Greece. The Commission continues to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the measures applied remain consistent with Union animal health legislation and allow the safe operation of the EU single market. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/429/oj. 2 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/687/oj. 3 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2024/2207/oj. 4 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/688/oj.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• 2026-02-23 “Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 7.5.2026 Written question The Seveso III Directive [1] covers establishments where dangerous substances may be present in quantities exceeding certain thresholds. Member States have to ensure that their operators take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and to limit their consequences for human health and the environment [2] . They must prove, at any time, that they have taken these measures, in particular for the purpose of inspections, which Member States have to perform [3] . Based on the information at the disposal of the Commission, such requirements do not apply to the concerned factory [4] . In 2023, Greece reported on its implementation of the Seveso III Directive for 2019-2022 [5] and indicated that 232 inspections were carried out for Seveso establishments during the reporting period [6] , also highlighting that the implementation of inspections was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic [7] . The Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Directives [8] set minimum requirements for the health and safety protection of workers, requiring employers to evaluate all occupational risks and to put in place preventive and protective measures. Members States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of these legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement . The Commission, as guardian of the Treaties, monitors the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. It aims to follow up swiftly on systemic issues involving the application of EU law [9] in EU countries. However, one-off instances are better addressed at national level, provided there are available remedies, including judicial ones. In such cases, it is up to the national courts to apply and enforce citizens' rights under EU law. [1] Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directive 96/82/EC, OJ L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1 . [2] Article 5 of the Seveso III Directive. [3] Article 20 of the Seveso III Directive. [4] This factory has indeed not been reported by the Greek authorities as being covered by the Seveso III Directive. [5] Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation and efficient functioning of Directive 2012/18/EU on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances for the period 2019-2022, COM/2025/508 final. [6] 104 visits were carried out for upper-tier establishments and 128 visits for lower-tier establishments. [7] The next reporting on the implementation of the directive is planned in 2027 for the period 2023-2026. [8] Directive 89/391/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1, Directive 2004/37/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens, mutagens or reprotoxic substances at work (CMRD), OJ L 158, 30.4.2004, p 50, Council Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work (fourteenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC), OJ L 131, 5.5.1998, p. 11. [9] https://commission.europa.eu/law/application-eu-law/implementing-eu-law/infringement-procedure_en.”
  EU rules on hazardous working conditions · EU competences on social policies
• 2026-02-17 “E-000674/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Pursuant to Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, EU action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. It is therefore for Member States to regulate the right of healthcare providers to object to providing certain healthcare services on ethical grounds. As announced in the recently adopted Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030, in full respect of the Treaties, and in order to protect women’s health by supporting and complementing Member States’ health action regarding women’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, the Commission envisages to carry out a mapping of practices and international frameworks in this area. It also plans to develop a framework and methodology for systemic data collection to improve the evidence base on sexual and reproductive health and rights 1 . 1 Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 https://commission.europa.eu/document/1f5fa936-9fba-4435-93f532fa220bac82_en.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Sexuality and reproduction
• 2026-02-11 “E-000601/2026 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with EU law, Member States must designate competent authorities, in particular to receive applications for international protection, and ensure the access of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to applicants, once disembarked. All Member States involved in search and rescue operations must prioritise saving lives at sea, in accordance with their obligations under EU and international law. When applying EU law, Member States must comply with the principle of non-refoulement. It is the responsibility of every Member State to correctly implement EU law, including in the context of maritime surveillance operations coordinated by Frontex and falling under the scope of Regulation (EU) 656/2014 1 . Alleged violations of fundamental rights and of the principle of non-refoulement, and incidents that result in loss of life at sea must be investigated promptly and thoroughly. In doing so, Member States may also need to ensure that appropriate means are in place to record, preserve, and check evidence, to ensure effective accountability. 1 Regulation (EU) No 656/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 establishing rules for the surveillance of the external sea borders in the context of operational cooperation coordinated by the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/656/oj).”
  Asylum & border control
• 2026-01-27 “E-000298/2026 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Sheep pox and goat pox (SPGP) vaccines are available in the EU vaccine bank, and their safety have been assessed by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Capripox viruses and are documented. To support the Greek authorities, the Commission requested the European Food Safety Authority to provide a scientific report 1 assessing the safest and most effective vaccines for SPGP, as well as appropriate vaccination strategies. The report confirmed that, if properly implemented, vaccination is suitable and effective under conditions such as those currently observed in Greece. While no SPGP vaccines are currently authorised within the EU according to the Regulation on Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMPs) 2 , competent authorities in Member States may, in specific circumstances, allow the use of vaccines that are not authorised in the EU. According to the VMPs Regulation, vaccines receive marketing authorisations through applications submitted by pharmaceutical companies. Applicants may apply for a marketing authorisation under exceptional circumstances, if the conditions of Article 25 of the VMPs Regulation are met. Assessment timelines vary but are generally shorter under exceptional circumstances than for standard marketing authorisation applications. The Commission continues to work with Greece to ensure effective enforcement of control measures such as movement restrictions, and it recommends consideration of vaccination as part of an integrated strategy to contain further spread and achieve disease eradication. 1 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9928. 2 Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on veterinary medicinal products and repealing Directive 2001/82/EC (OJ L 4, 7.1.2019, pp. 43–167. ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/6/oj.)”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• 2026-01-22 “E-000262/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Member States shall submit to the Commission a disaster risk management report 1 including risk assessment and risk management capability assessment, focusing on key risks and priority prevention and preparedness measures. Greece had initially failed to fulfil its obligations under Directive 2007/60/EC 2 on the assessment and management of flood risks, as it did not make the second Flood Risk Management Plans 3 available to the Commission by March 2022. Due to this delay, the Commission’s assessment of Greece’s second Flood Risk Management Plans is ongoing. Under Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 4 , responsibility for the selection and implementation of operations, including those related to flood prevention, lies with the Member States who are also required to ensure the evaluation of cohesion policy programmes to assess their impact. For the 2021–2027 programming period, Greece has allocated EUR 744 million (EU and national funding combined) to flood prevention and mitigation measures. In Attika, 13 antiflood projects were selected under the regional programme ‘Attiki’ and national programme ‘Environment and Climate Change’ 2021-2027 amounting to EUR 220 million. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2025/0561/CO M_COM(2025)0561_EN.pdf. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32007L0060. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2025%3A2%3AFIN&qid=1738746144581. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R1060.”
  EU policy on water management
• 2026-01-19 “P-000188/2026 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission Under the shared management of the Common Agricultural Policy, it is for each Member State to ensure that support is correctly delivered to eligible beneficiaries and linked to the supported activity – in this specific case an agricultural activity. In that context, the Member States must, in accordance with Article 62 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 1 , take effective and proportionate measures in reaction to the circumvention of Union law requirements for payments under the CAP by artificially created conditions. The Commission became aware of the content of the Joint Ministerial Decision on the allocation of eligible pasture areas referred to by the Honourable Member after its publication and will examine its impact as part of its usual work on the functioning of the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS). With reference to the way the above-mentioned Joint Ministerial Decision is going to be implemented by Greece, the Commission obtains assurance on the Member States’ compliance with Union law and on whether the Member States management and control systems effectively protect the Union financial interests through the audit work of the national Certification Bodies and its own risk-based audits. In case of non-compliances, the Commission can open a conformity procedure with the aim of determining a financial risk to the Union budget. The Commission is specifically addressing the issues concerning agricultural activity and artificial conditions under its current audit work and under the ongoing action plan presented by the Greek authorities for the IACS. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 on the financing, management and monitoring of the common agricultural policy and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2116/oj.”
  Agricultural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• 2025-11-13 “E-004537/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence 1 requires Member States to: (i) encourage self-regulatory cooperation between relevant intermediary service providers, raise awareness of measures that address online illegal content, improve employee training and assist victims 2 ; (ii) take actions to facilitate cooperation between service providers to improve the implementation of the Directive 3 , including to ensure removal of illegal content 4 ; (iii) provide specialist support for victims of cybercrimes 5 and adopt preventive measures 6 . The Roadmap for Women's Rights 7 aims at making the digital environment a safe place for women and girls, in all their diversity. The Digital Services Act 8 requires providers of online platforms to put in place notice and action mechanisms to allow recipients of the service to report illegal content, including the non-consensual sharing of intimate or manipulated material. Providers of intermediary services are not liable for the information stored at the request of recipients on their services on the condition that they do not have actual knowledge of the illegal content, but they are required to remove illegal content promptly upon obtaining such awareness or risk liability. Providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs), including pornographic platforms, also face enhanced due diligence obligations, including identifying, assessing and analysing systemic risks stemming from their services and putting in place measures to mitigate the identified systemic risks. The Democracy, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values’ (CERV+) strand of the Commission’s proposal for a new AgoraEU programme includes the objective of fighting against genderbased violence (including cyber violence). 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1385, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024. 2 Articles 42. 3 Article 43. 4 Article 23. 5 Article 25. 6 Article 34(8). 7 A Roadmap for women’s rights https://commission.europa.eu/document/0c3fe55d-9e4f-4377-9d1493d03398b434_en. 8 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, Article 16.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Regulation of pornography in the EU
• 2025-11-11 “E-004456/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission The Commission takes note of the situation in the Kastelli area of Heraklion and acknowledges the archaeological significance of the findings. The Commission takes the safeguarding, protection and promotion of cultural heritage in the highest regard, as again reiterated in the Culture Compass. Key actions such as the READY project 1 , implemented by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the European Heritage Label 2 and the European Heritage Hub 3 represent the concrete side of the Commission's continued engagement in the sector and provide solid pathways to cultural heritage protection from hazards, including manmade, and promotion. The EU’s Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (2011/92/EU 4 as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU 5 ), foresees that major building or development projects in the EU must first be assessed for their impact on the environment, including cultural heritage. However, in line with Articles 6 and 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the EU’s competence in the field of culture is to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of Members States, with a view to conserving and safeguarding cultural heritage of European significance. The management of archaeological sites therefore remains a national responsibility, and it is recommended that this matter is brought up to the attention of the competent authorities in Greece. 1 https://www.iccrom.org/projects/ready-resilience-heritage-face-disasters-climate-risks-and-complexemergencies. 2 https://culture.ec.europa.eu/cultural-heritage/initiatives-and-success-stories/european-heritage-label. 3 https://www.europeanheritagehub.eu/. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32011L0092. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32014L0052.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2025-10-27 “E-004212/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission National film funding remains primarily a prerogative of Member States under the principle of subsidiarity. To foster collaborations across Member States with different audiovisual capacities, the MEDIA Strand of the Creative Europe programme includes actions to support coproductions and provides targeted support to ensure a more level playing field across all Member States 1 . Creative Europe Desks are key in this effort, offering guidance, capacitybuilding, and practical support to applicants, helping broaden participation across all Member States. According to the Commission’s study ‘Towards a Definition of a Level Playing Field for Creative Europe MEDIA’ and the programme midterm evaluation, collaborations between low- and high-capacity countries have grown significantly—from under 5% in the previous programme to 30% today. Other EU instruments, such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility, can also support audiovisual investment, depending on national priorities. Under Measure 16293 of its Recovery and Resilience Plan, Greece will invest in the production of selected Greek films. In its proposal for a Regulation of the EP and the Council establishing the ‘AgoraEU’ programme (2028-2034), the Commission seeks to promote cultural and linguistic diversity, boost competitiveness in cultural and creative sectors—especially media and audiovisual— protect artistic and media freedom, and support equality, rights and democratic participation. Its MEDIA+ strand seeks support to the creation, circulation, and visibility of European works, audience development, access to finance, innovation, and policy cooperation, with full respect for artistic freedom and balanced collaboration among Member States with different capacities 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/818 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/818/oj/eng.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2025-10-17 “E-004106/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Measure 16735 of the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) aims to improve physical access to cultural venues, including for older people and persons with disabilities. According to Decision 185395 of 19 December 2022 1 , the construction of the Monemvasia lift was integrated in the Greek RRP under measure 16735 to ensure access for persons with mobility constraints to the upper town of Monemvasia, to speed up access in case of an emergency, and to transfer materials for the preservation of monuments. The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) Regulation (EU) 2021/241 2 provides that no measure included in a RRP should do significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH). Decision 185395 of 19 December 2022 sets out that the installation of the lift should be carried out with due regard to the landscape and environment, and that the project should comply with Regulation (EU) 2021/241 including the DNSH principle. The published call for tender also requires that the project should comply with EU and national environmental and other rules 3 . The siting of the project was approved, in accordance with archaeological legislation, by Decision 452351 of 23 September 2021 of the Minister of Culture following the unanimous opinion of the Central Archaeological Council. The RRF is a performance-based financing instrument. Therefore, the Commission releases funds to Member States only after it has assessed the satisfactory fulfilment of the agreed milestones and targets that are linked to the reforms and investments under the RRP. At present, payment requests related to this measure have not been submitted by Greece and thus have not yet been assessed by the Commission. 1 https://greece20.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/575.-Anavatorio_Kastro_Monemvasias_5198124.pdf. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0241. 3 https://monemvasia.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-04-08_diaxirisi_anavatorio_kastrou-diakiriksi.pdf.”
  EU strategy for tourism development · Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-10-15 “E-004056/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef On behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the recent European Parliament resolution and is committed to take appropriate actions in line with its competences. The Commission supports awareness raising, best practice exchange and capacity building in partnership with Member States and in dialogue with stakeholders, as well as combating violence against children and promotion of relevant child safeguards in different settings including in after-school activities, cultural activities and sports, as well as in public spaces 1 . These efforts are integrated within the current EU Work Plan for Sport as well 2 . Dedicated Open Method of Coordination (OMC) Groups on promoting athletes´ rights in the context of good governance as well as on the fight against hate speech in sport will foster exchanges and dialogue by bringing together representatives and experts from Member States and identify recommendations for combating abusive behaviour and the protection of athletes’ rights. Moreover, EU funding programmes such as Erasmus+, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values help to prevent and combat abusive behaviour in sport while protecting athletes and promoting integrity in sport. Cases of harassment, abuse and violence often fall under criminal law and shall be addressed by the competent authorities in the Member States. The primary responsibility for putting in place appropriate procedures and initiatives rests at national level, in line with the principle of self-governance of sport organisations. 1 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child, OJ L, 2024/1238, 14.5.2024. 2 OJ C 3527, 3.6.2024, p.1-15.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2025-10-14 “E-004019/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an instrument of the Council of Europe. As such, the Commission does not monitor compliance with CEFR. Additionally, the Council of Europe established in June 2025 the European Centre for the Prevention of Education Fraud in Rome. Among its core tasks are the development and implementation of digital tools and mechanisms to detect and prevent diploma mills, forged credentials, and other forms of academic fraud. Member States are responsible for guaranteeing the quality and fairness of testing and assessment in line with existing guidelines 1 . Reputable certification bodies also usually make publicly available information demonstrating how their alignment with the CEFR was established. Consequently, the Commission is not planning to propose anything in this area. However, the European Digital Credentials for learning 2 (EDCs) are already available. This is a secure, EUwide system to issue, store, and verify digital documents related to learning achievements. EDCs could play a role in verifying the authenticity of language level attestations and ensuring that credentials have not been tampered with. This could also help against the use of false or unreliable language qualifications. 1 https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/responsability-of-memberstates. 2 https://europass.europa.eu/en/european-digital-credentials-learning.”
  Governance of academic priorities within the EU
• 2025-10-14 “E-004020/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission The Commission upholds the principle of best interests of the child 1 and recognises the benefits sport offers for mental health, rehabilitation, social inclusion and reintegration. In line with Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems 2 , national justice systems should address the children’s specific needs in legal proceedings 3 . Furthermore, in detention, multidisciplinary measures must ensure children’s health and emotional development 4 . The Erasmus+ and the Citizens, Equality, Right and Values 5 programmes can fund projects on rehabilitative sports. Projects funded are available on the respective results platforms. The Commission welcomes collaboration with stakeholders, including children, to harness sport for positive change. To better assess sports’ impact on children's rights and social reintegration, it will explore Member States’ willingness to define common indicators when reviewing the 2013 Council’s Recommendation on ‘promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors’, indicatively planned for 2027. The Commission will continue work in this domain, with the shared goal of facilitating meaningful opportunities for all young people through sports. 1 Article 24 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, provides that children shall have the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being, and that in all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions, the child’s best interests must be a primary consideration. 2 OJ L, 2024/1238, 14.5.2024 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1238/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1238/oj/eng. 4 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2023/681 of 8 December 2022 on procedural rights of suspects and accused persons subject to pre-trial detention and on material detention conditions. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projectsresults?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=10&sortBy=es_SortDate.”
  EU volunteering programs
• 2025-09-16 “E-003559/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The Council adopted sanctions (in April and July 2024) under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime 1 against extremist settlers, listing nine individuals and five entities linked to violent extremism in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as the blocking of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Sanctions against those responsible for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians send a strong message, translating the condemnations into action. Additional proposals are currently under discussion in the Council. The EU condemns the attacks on journalists as they violate the principles of press freedom and international humanitarian protocols, undermining the public's right to be informed about global conflicts - values the EU decisively upholds. The EU will continue to uphold the right to freedom of opinion and expression both online and offline. It will remain resolute in the support for media freedom and the right of journalists and media workers to work under safe conditions, without fear of harassment, threats and violence. The EU will remain committed to engage with governments, the media and civil society, both in international fora as well as at the local level, to take initiatives and strengthen press freedom around the world. The EU continues to support independent investigations into violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, including those that may amount to international crimes, with a view to ending impunity for crimes committed. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions-human-rights-abuses/timeline-human-rights-abuses/.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · EU competences on human rights
• 2025-07-05 “E-002748/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Erasmus+ programme seeks to promote equal opportunities and access, inclusiveness and fairness across its actions. In line with the programme guide 1 , the European Education and Culture Executive Agency and the Erasmus+ national agencies oversee the selection and monitoring of supported projects and ensure compliance with the programme rules. As part of the assessment of compliance, these agencies verify the quality and authenticity of applications, including, but not limited to detecting fraudulent applications submitted using Artificial Intelligence. For actions under indirect management, applicants are required to register for an Organisation ID (OID). It involves the submission of Financial Identification and Legal Entity forms as proof of legal status. 2 As part of selection criteria, applicants are subject to checks of their financial and operational capacity to complete the proposal based on information requested in the application form and additional information if requested by the relevant national agency. 3 In the event of suspicion of an exclusion situation, the Commission flags the relevant entity in the Early Detection and Exclusion System. When the Commission becomes aware of any suspected cases of fraud, corruption, or other illegal activities affecting the EU budget, it informs the appropriate authorities as part of its standard procedures. In this specific case, the Commission is verifying the matter directly with the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation (INEDIVIM) and should there be any indications of potential fraud or significant irregularities, the Commission will refer the matter to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and/or the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). 1 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide. 2 https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-esc/index/organisations/register-my-organisation. 3 With exceptions in line with Art 201(5) and (6) of the Financial Regulation (EU) 2024/2509 and Art 21(3) Erasmus Regulation (EU) 2021/817 where applicable.”
  Conditions to access EU budget · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-05-21 “E-002043/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission The Commission supports the preservation of cultural heritage in Europe through its funding programmes and dedicated actions such as the European Heritage Awards, the European Heritage Days and the European Heritage Label. Additionally, the EU has contributed to the construction of the new Acropolis Museum, to the restoration of Acropolis Monuments and to the accessibility of the Acropolis Museum collections through support for digitisation. These EU-funded projects have significantly contributed to preserving Greece's cultural heritage and making it accessible to a wider audience, aligning with broader EU objectives of promoting cultural tourism, social cohesion, and preservation of shared European heritage. Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) stipulates that EU action is limited to encouraging cooperation between Member States and supporting and supplementing their actions, with a view to conserving and safeguarding cultural heritage of European significance. The EU also facilitates the exchange of information and good practices between Member States on issues of mutual interest including on complementary sources of funding for cultural heritage, which are crucial to ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability. Furthermore, Directive (EU) 2001/29 1 grants rightsholders exclusive rights to authorise or prohibit the reproduction of their works, which is crucial in protecting cultural heritage from unauthorized commercial exploitation. It also provides an optional exception or limitation for the use of works, such as works of architecture or sculpture, made to be located permanently in public places. Directive (EU) 2019/790 2 also clarifies that the circulation of faithful reproductions of works in the public domain, when the term of protection of a work of visual art has expired, contributes to the promotion and access to culture and cultural heritage. 1 Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society, OJ L 167, pp. 10–19. 2 Directive (EU) 2019/790 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on copyright and related rights in the Digital Single Market and amending Directives 96/9/EC and 2001/29/EC, OJ L 130, pp. 92– 125 (Text with EEA relevance).”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2025-05-20 “E-002027/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is monitoring the situation described by the Honourable Member. While the Commission is not aware of official reports of such interventions in European higher education institutions, several university sources from the EU have indicated they have received related information requests. Academic freedom is enshrined in the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU and its Member States committed to upholding academic freedom and freedom of scientific research in the 2020 European Higher Education Area Rome Ministerial Communiqué 1 , 2020 Bonn Declaration 2 and the 2021 Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe 3 . The European Strategy for Universities, the Erasmus+ programme and the ERA Policy Agenda also highlight the EU’s strong commitment to fundamental values. The European Strategy for Universities foresees the Commission to propose guiding principles to protect fundamental academic values, based on the 2024 European Higher Education Area Tirana Ministerial Communiqué 4 . The Commission also works on creating new opportunities to foster academic debates and to exchange best practices on values and democracy as part of the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Higher Education activities, including in third countries. The EU will continue to strengthen universities in Europe by pooling resources and establishing robust networks for European cooperation, through initiatives such as the European Universities Alliances and the joint European Degree label. In addition, in response to the European Parliament's resolution of January 2024 on the promotion and protection of freedom of scientific research, the Commission is currently conducting a study to assess the state of this freedom and develop an appropriate legislative response. 1 https://ehea.info/Upload/Rome_Ministerial_Communique.pdf. 2 https://www.bmbf.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/EN/b/bonn_declaration_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=5. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2021/2122/oj/eng. 4 https://ehea.info/Download/Tirana-Coammunique.pdf.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Governance of academic priorities within the EU
• 2025-05-02 “E-001796/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission 1. Article 4(2) of Directive 2013/29/EU 1 enables Member States to take measures to prohibit or restrict the possession, use and/or the sale to the general public of category F2 and F3 fireworks, theatrical pyrotechnic articles and other pyrotechnic articles, which are justified on grounds of public order, security, health and safety, or environmental protection. The Directive does not allow for national restrictions on the making available on the market of professional fireworks beyond the provisions of the Directive. However, the Directive does not prevent Member States from restricting professional firework displays to certain areas or time periods, as long as this does not restrict or hinder the making available on the market. 2. According to Articles 6 and 7 of the Directive, category F4 fireworks are intended for use only by persons with specialist knowledge and may only be made available to such persons. The prohibition of access of the general public to fireworks of category F4 is therefore mandated by the Directive. 3. Article 4(2) refers to the general public only and allows Member State to prohibit not only the sale to, but also the possession and use by the general public of the articles concerned. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32013L0029.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• 2025-04-15 “E-001533/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Under Directive 2013/33/EU (the Reception Conditions Directive) 1 , the responsibility for managing reception systems rests with the national authorities 2 . The Commission follows closely the situation in all Member States and provides technical, operational and financial support, including to Greece. With regards to the financing of basic nutrition and hygiene needs, Member States are primarily responsible for the sound financial management of EU funds allocated to them. The Commission retains overall responsibility for the EU budget and carries out controls and audits in Member States to detect and correct possible ineligible expenditure. The Commission continuously monitors the situation on the Greek islands, in particular as regards the provision of food and medical care, including through visits. The EU-financed IPPOKRATIS I project 3 deploys medical doctors in all multi-purpose reception and identification centres on the islands, including Samos. The Commission is also aware of the acute delays and their consequences with regards to the provision of cash assistance to applicants for international protection and has recalled this in its regular dialogue with the Greek authorities. Following the mid-term review of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 4 and the revision of the multi-annual financial framework Greece will also benefit from an additional EUR 103 million under the AMIF to support the needs related to the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum 5 , including the improvement of reception conditions 6 . 1 Directive 2013/33/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast) OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 96–116. 2 This holds true in the new Directive (EU) 2024/1346 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection, OJ L, 2024/1346, 22.5.2024. 3 https://greece.iom.int/ippokratis-i-provision-medical-and-psychosocial-services-residents-accommodationfacilities-under-responsibility-reception-and-identification-service. 4 Regulation (EU) 2021/1147 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, OJ L 251, 15.7.2021, p. 1–47. 5 Communication from the Commission to the European parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, COM(2020) 609 final. 6 This support comes on top of the basic allocation of EUR 434 million for Greece under the AMIF for the 20212027 period.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-04-07 “E-001414/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission takes note of the issues and concerns raised by the Honourable Member. The Commission will conduct an analysis of the impact of housing speculation and its economic consequences as well as propose follow-up actions where needed. The Commission will also put forward the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan in the first quarter of 2026. Taxation – including national tax incentives – in Member States as raised by the Honourable Member is a matter of Member State competence. However, the Commission recognises that taxation can significantly impact both the availability and the affordability of housing and believes that Member States should be aware of the effects – both good and bad – that their taxation policies can have on housing markets and prices. To the extent that they may involve State aid, tax incentives may also have to comply with the relevant State aid rules. Therefore, the Commission will consider issues related to taxation – including the observations of the Honourable Member – when it puts forward the European Affordable Housing Plan. At the same time, the Commission notes that housing is a multifaceted issue. Most of the determinants influencing housing affordability are largely a competence of Member States, and therefore any new avenue on housing will have to respect the principle of subsidiarity.”
  EU housing policy · Non-performing mortgages
• 2025-04-02 “E-001361/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission Inclusion is at the core of the Erasmus+ programme which supports initiatives focused, inter alia, on educational support for children from vulnerable social groups. The programme funds cooperation projects that develop innovative practices to address inclusion challenges. Schools can benefit from small-scale partnerships designed for organisations with less experience in EU programmes. The European School Education Platform 1 further supports teachers with resources and tools for inclusive education. Erasmus + funds mobility activities for individuals including children from vulnerable groups. Additional financial support helps remove barriers to participation, covering up to 100% of additional costs to remove barriers linked to social, economic, or educational obstacles. The programme operates under both direct and indirect management. In the latter case, National Agencies are responsible for national implementation. This ensures that innovations in inclusion respond to community needs rather than top-down initiatives. Young pupils and adults who participate in mobility projects share experiences, creating opportunities for intergenerational exchange. By connecting participants from diverse backgrounds, Erasmus+ fosters inclusion, supports lifelong learning, and strengthens communities. The SALTO Resource Centres for Inclusion and Diversity in Education and Training 2 actively support education organisations. They work with National Agencies to enhance impact, offer guidance, and share best practices. They also conduct research on challenges faced by participants with fewer opportunities, supporting evidence-based policy and practice. 1 https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en. 2 https://saltoinclusion.eu/.”
  Role of education (social change vs. tradition)
• 2025-04-01 “E-001339/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission Freedom of expression and freedom of the arts are recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU 1 (Articles 11 and 13), which applies to Member States when implementing EU law. The topic of artistic freedom is included in the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 2 under the priority ‘Artists and cultural professionals: empowering the cultural and creative sectors’. The Swedish Presidency of the EU organised a conference on this topic in February 2023 and published Council conclusions on ‘At-risk and displaced artists’ on 16 May 2023 3 . Moreover, the report ‘The Status and Working Conditions of artists and culture and creative professionals’ was published in 2023 by a group of Member States experts under the Open Method of Coordination 4 . The report includes specific recommendations to the Member States on how to protect the freedom of artistic expression. The Commission recalls that by virtue of Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) 5 culture remains a competence of Member States. The Commission is committed to contributing to the support of the rich diversity of the cultures of the Member States (Article 167(1) TFEU) by carrying out efforts to support, coordinate, or supplement the actions of the Member States in the field of culture (Article 6(c) TFEU). While the Commission recognises the concerns regarding acts of vandalism, it is primarily the responsibility of the Member States to ensure that artists and cultural institutions are protected from those acts. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/charter/pdf/text_en.pdf. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32022G1207(01). 3 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9260-2023-INIT/en/pdf. 4 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/01fafa79-1a13-11ee-806b-01aa75ed71a1/language-en. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2008/art_167/oj/eng.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2025-03-10 “E-001033/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission Establishing measures to attract and retain talents and counter brain drain is a priority for the Commission, as human capital is fundamental for the competitiveness of research and innovation and of the European economy. The new European framework for research careers and the new European Charter for Researchers 1 support attractive careers and working conditions in universities and beyond, contributing to a balanced mobility of research talents between EU countries and sectors, to retaining European talents, and to attracting international ones. Horizon Europe 2 supports the implementation of the new framework, for example via the Human Resources Excellence in Research award 3 , a Mutual Learning Exercise 4 supporting the exchange of good practices by Member States 5 , and a Talent Ecosystems pilot call supporting attractive careers for early-career researchers 6 . Additional measures to ensure attractive careers are expected in the European Research Area (ERA) Policy Agenda 20252027 7 with Horizon Europe funding. A proposal for a legislative ERA Act is due in 2026, including measures to further strengthen researchers’ careers and mobility. The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) 8 play a pivotal role in retaining European researchers, bringing European talents back to Europe and attracting foreign ones 9 . A new Choose Europe MSCA action is foreseen to be launched in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to more stable and attractive employment. The European Universities alliances funded by Erasmus+ continue to support the European academic community, as they offer enhanced global visibility and attractive career development within the institutions of the alliances and across diverse ecosystems 10 . 1 OJ C, C/2023/1640, 29.12.2023. 2 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en 3 https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward 4 Under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility. 5 https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutuallearning-exercise-research-careers 6 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZONWIDERA-2024-ERA-0203?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094503,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390&callIdentifie r=HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02&order=ASC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=identifier 7 Proposal for a Council Recommendation on the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025-2027, COM(2025) 62 final. 8 https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/ 9 See European Commission: AIT, CSES, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Dėlkutė, R. et al., Study on mobility flows of researchers in the context of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions – Analysis and recommendations towards a more balanced brain circulation across the European Research Area – Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2022, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/401134 10 European Commission: Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, PPMI, Grumbinaitė, I., Colus, F. and Buitrago Carvajal, H., Report on the outcomes and transformational potential of the European Universities initiative, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/32313”
  Governance of academic priorities within the EU · Research priorities within the EU
• 2025-01-20 “E-000227/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is fully committed to gender equality and women’s rights, including supporting female athletes, in line with the Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 1 . The Commission’s High-Level Group on gender equality in sport 2 in its recommendations published in 2022 called upon ensuring legal frameworks, equal opportunities and conditions, and securing social benefits for female athletes. The recommendations specify that their rights under national labour laws should be fully applied, and sport organisations should develop maternity policies. Moreover, EU legislation protects against discrimination on grounds of sex in conditions for access to employment and to self-employment. 3 It also protects against discrimination in employment and working conditions, including dismissals. 4 It prohibits the reduction of rights of women, when returning to their jobs after maternity leave. 5 In addition, an employee who is pregnant, has given birth or has adopted a child, has the right to maternity leave for a period of at least 14 weeks before and/or after the birth or adoption. 6 In line with Directive (EU) 2019/1158, 7 the Commission has been analysing the transposition and implementation of the rights to family-related leave in Member States, including the rights granted to self-employed persons as of 2027. 8 The 2019 Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the selfemployed 9 encourages Member States to extend access to adequate social protection to all workers and the self-employed, including those in non-traditional contracts and sectors such as professional sports. This covers a broad range of social security branches, including maternity and paternity benefits. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/items/682425/en 2 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/684ab3af-9f57-11ec-83e1-01aa75ed71a1 3 Article 14 of Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 July 2006 on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast), OJ L 204, 26.7.2006, p. 23–36. 4 See footnote 3. 5 Article 15 of Directive 2006/54/EC. 6 Council Directive 92/85/EEC of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). 7 Directive (EU) 2019/1158 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18/EU, OJ L 188, 12.7.2019, p. 79–93. 8 Article 18 of Directive (EU) 2019/1158. 9 Council Recommendation (EU) 2019/118, OJ C 387, 15.11.2019.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · EU policy on permanent and fixed-term employment
• 2024-07-30 “E-001456/2024 Answer given by Ms Ivanova on behalf of the European Commission The Commission attaches high importance to safeguarding all forms of cultural heritage. However, in accordance with Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 1 , the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, including architectural heritage, is primarily the responsibility of Member States. Action by the EU is therefore only limited to encouraging cooperation and supporting and supplementing their action. While the return of the Parthenon sculptures is a matter of major importance, it is a bilateral issue between Greece and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, Directive 2014/60/EU 2 on the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member State only applies to Member States and to cultural goods unlawfully removed after 1 January 1993. The Commission wishes to inform the Honourable Member that the EU action plan against trafficking in cultural goods 3 aims to address evolving security threats and to protect cultural heritage from trafficking within and beyond the EU. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A12008E167 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2014.159.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2014%3A159%3ATO C 3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13352-Trafficking-in-cultural-goodsEU-action-plan_en”
  EU and national cultural identities
• 2024-07-22 “E-001397/2024 Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the Commission The Greek authorities informed the Commission as soon as the first outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was confirmed and close exchanges continue through the Animal Disease Information System and regular information notes. Imports of animals from third countries are strictly regulated and harmonised at EU level and Greece is applying the EU rules in that respect. Greece is implementing the control measures set out in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 1 . These include the culling and destruction of small ruminants in the affected farms and the establishment of protection, surveillance and further restricted zones, including restrictions in the movements of animals and products, with the primary focus to prevent any further spread of the disease. Dedicated PPR measures at EU level are set out for Greece in Commission Implementing Decision 2024/2132 2 . In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 2021/690 3 and Commission Implementing Decision C(2023) 8926 4 , in particular Annex 3 5 , control measures implemented by Greece against PPR in its territory, such as culling of animals, compensation to owners for the value of the animals culled, disinfections of holdings, e.t.c., may be eligible for EU co-funding, at a maximum rate of 30%. Moreover, through their CAP Strategic Plans and in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, Member States may provide support for investments in preventive actions and for restoration of agricultural potential based on the identified needs and intervention strategy 6 . 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/687/oj 2 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2024/2132/oj 3 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/690/oj 4 C(2023) 8926 final, Commission Implementing Decision of 21 December 2023 on the financing of the Programme for the internal market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, the area of plants, animals, food and feed, and European Statistics and the adoption of the work programme for 2024-2027 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6150e32-3fa5-4276-923ba36faf4fec1e_en?filename=C_2023_8926_F1_COMMISSION_IMPLEMENTING_DECISION_EN_V3_P1_31 19489.PDF 5 Annex 3 to C(2023) 8926 final, Commission Implementing Decision of 21 December 2023 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/c69d5f53-6966-420f-86287ff84bf91646_en?filename=C_2023_8926_F1_ANNEX_EN_V2_P1_3132789.PDF 6 Article 73 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115.”
  GMOs
• “Thank you. I'd like to thank you for your presentation, and I'd like to share my point of view and ask a couple of questions regarding the New Horizon program simpler, more strategic, and more in keeping with Competitivity gold and goals and taking to into this into account and the procedures and then the financing, uh, 100% financing and more money for per sector and a reduction of time. Now people are talking simplification, but this clashes with certain political goals. The amount of money allocated in the second pillar, um, we'll go to college. And so only a small part, a small part of this will go to, um, the social dimension of research. Even if article five says that humanities and social sciences have got to also be incorporated, and there's not adequate financing into research into cultures and more, um, and research of a more humanistic flavor. Um, it just exists on paper. And the proposal does expressly make for the possibility of having support for various sectors. Different sectors like defence and research cannot just be just turn into, uh, an instrument of geopolitical power. We've also got to have research in the sociology sectors and the social sectors. And because if we we've got to be careful not to lose our character. That's why I want to ask a couple of questions. As 7.6 billion will go to society, how can we guarantee that social and human sciences will not be reduced to playing a secondary role? And what sort of what sort of safety mechanisms are going to be put in place to ensure that dual use and other innovation sectors will not become, uh, uh, instruments in the hand of just just instruments in the hands of the military. And how can we ensure that other countries who participate in, uh, dual use technology will not use this technology in the future against the European Union, against some of our countries. Thank you.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “Good morning everyone. Good morning, dear colleagues. The report that we are discussing here concerns the work done by the Ombudswoman, at least in theory. Now, unfortunately, the text that will be put to a vote ultimately does not actually reflect the content of that research or the role that is played by this person. It's basically pointing the finger at civil society and NGOs. The Ombudswoman talked about transparency. She talked about the participation of citizens in decision making. And yet this report depicts NGOs as some kind of problem, a problem that should be curbed. And there are some very serious issues here. For instance, when it comes to the year 20 2024, the research that was conducted and they're not even mentioned, people who died in the Mediterranean, for instance, where the Ombudswoman has asked for independent inquiries rather than talking about human lives. It seems that we're only really talking about the protection of our borders. Now the ombudsperson is here in order to defend human rights, therefore, we cannot change the discourse.”
  Activities of EU Ombudsman
• “Good morning everybody. Rapporteur. Colleagues. Well, to the rapporteur, I'd like to thank you for your work. And this is an excellent foundation for this report. As you know, I am from the sport sector. So I would like to talk to you about my experience. It's not something which is alien to me. Sport for me is a school or a university that prepares you for life. It's not just for the next match. No, it's for your own life. It's part of a society. You learn how to work with others for the common good. Regardless of origin, social standing, religion. You all celebrate a victory together and then you support each other after a big defeat. What are we talking about here exactly? Why are we looking at sport? What kind of sport do we want? What's the aim? Do we want glory? Do we want, you know, big show? Do we want money? There's something we really need to rethink. In my view, we need to defund a European sport model based on accessibility, on merit, solidarity. So we will be tabling some amendments to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. For the rights of athletes, for volunteers, for people who are in psychiatric care or in prisons. Also. On the minimum rest time, for example. This needs to be and remain a right for everybody, which protects people, an incentive and which protects. Thank you.”
  Broadcasting of sports events
• “Thank you. I'd like to thank you for your presentation, and I'd like to share my point of view and ask a couple of questions regarding the New Horizon program simpler, more strategic, and more in keeping with Competitivity gold and goals and taking to into this into account and the procedures and then the financing, uh, 100% financing and more money for per sector and a reduction of time. Now people are talking simplification, but this clashes with certain political goals. The amount of money allocated in the second pillar, um, we'll go to college. And so only a small part, a small part of this will go to, um, the social dimension of research. Even if article five says that humanities and social sciences have got to also be incorporated, and there's not adequate financing into research into cultures and more, um, and research of a more humanistic flavor. Um, it just exists on paper. And the proposal does expressly make for the possibility of having support for various sectors. Different sectors like defence and research cannot just be just turn into, uh, an instrument of geopolitical power. We've also got to have research in the sociology sectors and the social sectors. And because if we we've got to be careful not to lose our character. That's why I want to ask a couple of questions. As 7.6 billion will go to society, how can we guarantee that social and human sciences will not be reduced to playing a secondary role? And what sort of what sort of safety mechanisms are going to be put in place to ensure that dual use and other innovation sectors will not become, uh, uh, instruments in the hand of just just instruments in the hands of the military. And how can we ensure that other countries who participate in, uh, dual use technology will not use this technology in the future against the European Union, against some of our countries. Thank you.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “President. Dear colleagues, for a long time now we've been talking about bringing down electricity prices. And we hear about project strategies and energy highways. But things haven't changed for millions of European citizens. And with stagnant wages, they pay exorbitant prices for energy. Young people, young workers Some with low paying jobs cannot wait around forever for energy projects to be implemented. We need to control energy prices. Otherwise new infrastructure will bring a further increase of energy prices for the average person. So we need to alleviate the burden for, um, lower strata. Otherwise, people will continue to pay the price for this inertia.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Said thank you very much. I'll speak Greek. I have to say, I feel a bit awkward because I've interrupted a succession of women who have taken the floor so far. Men outnumber women in a number of fields in Parliament, for example. But also if you look at major business, women's participation rates are even lower. How is that possible in an age where women are just as educated as and skilled as men are? It's not a question of inequalities. It's a question of a gap that grows once you get onto the labour market. Even though women work on average 13 hours more than men for non remunerated works, nothing that would ever get onto a CV but which does affect their careers. And it also means that we lack there innovation and contribution in Stem areas. So women's competitiveness is suffering. Um, we need to make sure that they have the education and the skill set to ensure that when they get onto the labour market, they can succeed. But that's not enough. We need to think about mentoring, ongoing training, uh, which are programs that could be put into place immediately and can make a difference. We're not asking, or we shouldn't have to ask women to make greater efforts than men for the for the same employment opportunities. What we need to do is ensure that their human capital is tapped so that there are less gaps, less exclusion.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “In a, uh, an international context of increasing pressures, it's important that we protect our own European model on the digital economy, our right to establish our own rules and standards. The European Union has to fully use all of its instruments to ensure high standards for our companies and citizens, and also increase its investments in the digital sector. We need digital sovereignty, which is transparent, uh, and, uh, socially supported, not a Europe which is afraid of technological progress and depends on the giants beyond our borders. Digital developments and growth cannot exist without the protection of our own rights and correct use of algorithms. We need investment in public structures and new technology. We need support for SMEs and innovation to ensure that the digital transition comes about fairly, without exclusions. It can should be used to support people and to create opportunities rather than seeing us running behind. Thank you.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “Thank you. I'd like to thank you for your presentation, and I'd like to share my point of view and ask a couple of questions regarding the New Horizon program simpler, more strategic, and more in keeping with Competitivity gold and goals and taking to into this into account and the procedures and then the financing, uh, 100% financing and more money for per sector and a reduction of time. Now people are talking simplification, but this clashes with certain political goals. The amount of money allocated in the second pillar, um, we'll go to college. And so only a small part, a small part of this will go to, um, the social dimension of research. Even if article five says that humanities and social sciences have got to also be incorporated, and there's not adequate financing into research into cultures and more, um, and research of a more humanistic flavor. Um, it just exists on paper. And the proposal does expressly make for the possibility of having support for various sectors. Different sectors like defence and research cannot just be just turn into, uh, an instrument of geopolitical power. We've also got to have research in the sociology sectors and the social sectors. And because if we we've got to be careful not to lose our character. That's why I want to ask a couple of questions. As 7.6 billion will go to society, how can we guarantee that social and human sciences will not be reduced to playing a secondary role? And what sort of what sort of safety mechanisms are going to be put in place to ensure that dual use and other innovation sectors will not become, uh, uh, instruments in the hand of just just instruments in the hands of the military. And how can we ensure that other countries who participate in, uh, dual use technology will not use this technology in the future against the European Union, against some of our countries. Thank you.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “Good afternoon. Equality isn't a slogan and you cannot apply it selectively. It's a fundamental commitment of the EU, which is enshrined in the treaties and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights. And yet this commitment is unfulfilled because some, uh, are blocking it for more than 15 years. We're talking about whether we should proceed, and that means that millions of Europeans are exposed to discrimination, discrimination that takes a very specific form of poverty, a cost of living crisis and other issues that stop the vulnerable and young people from flourishing. There are barriers to health care housing for many people, not because they're not trying enough, but because the economic and social system put them at a disadvantage. Young people feel this every day. Insecure work, the fact that they don't have access to decent housing, exclusion from culture and education. Because of the high cost for people with disabilities, LGBTQ communities and the elderly. Poverty is making discrimination worse and are isolating them. The statistics are clear. Without this directive, the EU cannot give full protection against discrimination in key areas of one's life. Despite the fact that the impact assessment showed that an overwhelming majority of Europeans will benefit and the cost is zero, this isn't moving forward. If we believe in decency, dignity, solidarity. We have to put an end to the stalemate. The directive has to be adopted here and now. Thank you.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “Good morning everyone. This directive represents a hugely important step in the right direction, but yet it's not enough. The issue isn't only about punishing the guilty. It's also about freeing the victims from the burden of silence and of shame. And in order to achieve that, we have to ensure that these crimes never lapse, not for reasons of revenge, but for justice. A child who is abused should not have to carry lifelong this trauma without hope of of education. Prevention is another huge great duty. We need systematic information programs in schools so that children are aware of their rights. They recognize the risks and they can speak out in time. If we really want to protect our children, we need to give them a voice. We need to give them knowledge and justice. Europe must protect its children effectively and comprehensively. Silence is not an option and that is what should be guaranteed by this directive. Thank you.”
  EU policy on victims' compensation rights