Galato ALEXANDRAKI

Policy topics Galato ALEXANDRAKI is active on

What Galato ALEXANDRAKI has said (61)

• 2026-03-17 “Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 15.6.2026 Written question According to Article 17(7) of Directive (EU) 2016/798 [1] , national safety authorities (NSA) shall supervise the trackside, control-command and signalling, energy and infrastructure subsystems and ensure that they are in compliance with the essential requirements, including the requirements on safety, reliability and maintenance mentioned in the Honourable Member’s question, no matter if detailed in EU specifications, standards, common safety methods or not. The same article specifies that if the NSA finds that an infrastructure manager no longer satisfies the conditions for its safety authorisation in this or another respect, it shall restrict or revoke that authorisation, giving reasons for its decision. From these provisions follows the core responsibility of NSAs for supervising the rail infrastructure maintenance and to intervening in cases of non-compliance. The Commission cannot replace the NSA in these tasks, nor has it the necessary tools to investigate these findings further. The Commission notes that the infringement procedure INFR(2023)2036 [2] does not cover the issue of maintenance of railway infrastructure. The Rail Safety Action Plan established by Greece as a response to the above infringement and the technical assistance project run by the EU Agency for Railways to support the Plan’s implementation, cover training and capacity building actions addressed to national authorities, bodies and stakeholders. Neither the Plan nor the technical assistance project focuses on specific railway lines or their sections, including line Tithorea-Domokos. [1] Directive (EU) 2016/798 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on railway safety, OJ L 138 26.5.2016, p. 102, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2016/798. [2] P ress release https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_24_6006.”
  EU support of rail transport · EU transport infrastructure integration
• 2026-03-17 “Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 11.5.2026 Written question 1. As per Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union [1] , Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. EU tools and initiatives support Member States to strengthen health systems via knowledge sharing, technical assistance, funding and policy guidance. For example, the State of Health in the EU cycle [2] includes country-specific analyses, and the European Semester provides country-specific recommendations: (i n 2020, 2022 and 2023, Greece received recommendations to ensure adequate and equal access to healthcare which reflected, among others, the surveyed population reporting unmet medical needs for financial reasons, long waiting lists or distance (29.1% in 2025) [3] ). 2. Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the Greek recovery and resilience plan (RRP) includes reforms and investments to strengthen the healthcare sector. As the Commission explained in its reply to Parliamentary Question E-004260/25 [4] , the implementation of RRPs falls under Member States’ responsibility [5] . The Commission verifies the fulfillment of milestones and targets of measures included and funds are disbursed only after a positive preliminary assessment of payment requests [6] . The Commission services regularly conduct implementation audits, so does the European Court of Auditors. During the discharge procedure, the European Parliament reviews the Commission’s management of RRF funds to ensure accountability for the performance-based disbursement of grants and loans. 3. In its replies to Parliamentary questions E-001242/25 [7] and E-000269/26 [8] , the Commission explains the Commission’s work in workforce shortages and equal access to healthcare. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en. [2] https://health.ec.europa.eu/state-health-eu_en. [3] Self-reported unmet needs for medical examination due to financial reasons, long waiting list or distance by sex, age and risk of poverty threshold — % of the persons having the same needs: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/hlth_silc_08b/default/table?lang=en. [4] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. [5] The principal responsibility of taking appropriate measures to protect the EU financial interests and to ensure that the use of funds complies with EU and national law lies with the Member States, as provided by Article 22 of the RRF Regulation. [6] Similarly, measures implemented under the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund are delivered under shared management. [7] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. [8] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html.”
  Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2026-02-20 “Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission 12.5.2026 Written question The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an environmental measure aimed at addressing the risk of carbon leakage. Carbon leakage arises when EU production is moved to third countries with less ambitious climate policies, or when EU production is replaced by carbon-intensive imports. Since adoption of the original CBAM Regulation, the Commission has taken further action to address carbon leakage risks and reduce the regulatory burden for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Notably, companies importing less than a certain threshold (currently set at 50 tonnes) on a yearly basis are exempt from CBAM obligations [1] . This is expected to especially benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) importing only limited quantities of CBAM goods. This threshold thereby exempts over 90% of companies importing CBAM goods into the EU, while maintaining over 99% of emissions in scope. Following the simplification adopted in October 2025, the Commission may also publish default carbon prices for third countries where carbon pricing rules are in place. This change constitutes a major simplification for importers. For the proposed downstream extension, the use of default values is facilitated by the introduction of a zero mark-up for complex downstream goods. The Commission furthermore facilitates the implementation of the CBAM by providing guidance to importers and other stakeholders [2] , and will continue to cooperate closely with industry stakeholders and national authorities to monitor the implementation of the CBAM. The Commission will publish its next report on the application of the CBAM and its implementation in 2027. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/2083/oj/eng. [2] https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/carbon-border-adjustment-mechanism/cbam-legislation-and-guidance_en.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• 2026-02-20 “E-000724/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Technical assistance (TA) can support the strengthening of administrative capacity for the effective management of cohesion policy funds. It plays an important role at all stages of implementation. Under the shared management principle, Member States are responsible to define investment priorities and allocate resources, accordingly, including for TA actions, in line with programmes’ priorities and Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 1 . The LIFE programme supports a capacity-building project in Greece 2 . However, as a competitive funding instrument, it does not provide for directly allocating resources to strengthen the administrative and scientific capacity of Member States, including in island regions. This remains the Member States’ responsibility, including resources related to the implementation of EU environmental funding. If the Commission’s proposal for the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP) Regulation 3 is adopted by the legislators, Greece will be able to propose specific measures to support Aegean Forest services, as investments or reforms. Such measures could be submitted as part of the NRPP plan, following the consultations with relevant partners and stakeholders 4 . EU support will supplement national public funding. The organisation and adequate staffing of forest services is the Greek authorities’ responsibility. Currently, cohesion policy supports capacity building actions for beneficiaries, including forest services in island regions, through the Environment and Climate Change programme 5 , with a budget of 16.2 million 6 . Further support can be requested through EU technical assistance tools, such as the Technical Support Instrument 7 , the TAIEX-REGIO Peer2Peer 8 and the Cohesion for Transitions 9 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021R1060. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projectsdetails/43252405/101101858/LIFE2027. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025PC0565. 4 Pursuant to Article 6 of the Proposal for a Regulation: see footnote 3. 5 https://peka-program.gr/. 6 EU contribution. 7 https://reforms-investments.ec.europa.eu/technical-support-instrument-0_en. 8 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/how/improving-investment/regio-peer-2-peer/taiex-regio-peer-2peer_en. 9 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/communities-and-networks/cohesion-4-transition_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding · Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• 2026-02-20 “E-000723/2026 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission In 2025, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) provided scientific advice for up to 120 stocks. Based on this, the GFCM adopted fishing days and catch limits –in line with the GFCM multiannual management plans (MAP) requirements– and established fishing days only for the demersal fisheries in the Adriatic Sea and the Strait of Sicily. As regards the Western Mediterranean, the Commission proposed fishing opportunities (FO) based on the advice provided by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries. However, the Council adopted FO without consideration for this advice. The Greek European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) programme offers support 1 for sector resilience and competitiveness through diverse income-supporting activities like fleet modernisation, climate change impact mitigation, and training to enhance skills and income. The Commission works with the Greek EMFAF Managing Authority to ensure the programme aligns with the sector needs. The Commission deploys efforts to strengthen effectively the fisheries monitoring, control, and surveillance mechanisms of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations in the Mediterranean Sea and to improve the culture of compliance with the relevant regional rules, such as via International Joint Inspection Schemes. EU Free Trade Agreements include sustainability provisions related to labour rights and environmental protection, which apply also to the fisheries sector. Within the Pact for the Mediterranean 2 , the Commission will work to increase the control and inspection capabilities of coastal states in order to enhance regional fisheries governance and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 1 Projects on small-scale fishing may receive up to 100% aid. 2 JOIN(2025) 26 final.”
  Funding for fisheries and aquaculture · Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2026-01-23 “E-000272/2026 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission conducts audits on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) expenditure to gain assurance that the management and control system put in place by the Member State effectively protects the EU financial interests and that the expenditure complies with EU rules. Audits verify if the system put in place by the Member State ensures that CAP support is paid only for eligible animals that fulfil all eligibility conditions, including animal identification and registration, where applicable. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), in its investigative role, is the EU’s independent body responsible for investigating matters related to fraud, corruption, and other offences affecting the EU’s financial interests. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is the EU independent body responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to judgment criminal offences affecting the EU’s financial interests. Neither OLAF nor the EPPO have a supervisory or assistance role. Conversely, where Commission services become aware of issues that may fall within the competence of OLAF or the EPPO, the relevant information is transmitted to them without any delay. While the Commission has mechanisms to address non-compliances with the rules, the management of animal disease outbreaks, under the harmonised legal frameworks provided by the Animal Health Law 1 and the Official Controls Regulation 2 , and implementation of agricultural aid controls, remain primarily the responsibility of Member States. 1 Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) OJ L 84, 31.3.2016, pp. 1–208. 2 Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products, amending Regulations (EC) No 999/2001, (EC) No 396/2005, (EC) No 1069/2009, (EC) No 1107/2009, (EU) No 1151/2012, (EU) No 652/2014, (EU) 2016/429 and (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Regulations (EC) No 1/2005 and (EC) No 1099/2009 and Council Directives 98/58/EC, 1999/74/EC, 2007/43/EC, 2008/119/EC and 2008/120/EC, and repealing Regulations (EC) No 854/2004 and (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 89/608/EEC, 89/662/EEC, 90/425/EEC, 91/496/EEC, 96/23/EC, 96/93/EC and 97/78/EC and Council Decision 92/438/EEC (Official Controls Regulation) (Text with EEA relevance) OJ L 95, 7.4.2017, pp. 1–142.”
  Agricultural funding
• 2026-01-23 “E-000270/2026 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission On 29 January 2026 the Commission received an official communication from the Tunisian authorities requesting a revision of the Protocol on agriculture of the Association Agreement with Tunisia. However, the Commission does not envisage additional trade concessions for agricultural products originating in Tunisia including olive oil. A recent special report of the European Court of Auditors 1 concludes that the EU framework system for olive oil controls is comprehensive but can be further improved. Following its recommendation, the Commission is engaging experts and national administrations to clarify certain rules and provide guidance on traceability checks of olive oil. The origin of extra virgin and virgin olive oils must be labelled pursuant to Article 8 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 2 . In particular, for such oils it is mandatory to inform consumers if the product comes from one of the Member States or from a third country, or if it is a mix of EU and non-EU oils. The inward processing regime does not affect this mandatory labelling. 1 https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/publications/SR-2026-01. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022R2104&qid=1769620624009.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2026-01-23 “E-000269/2026 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Health workforce shortages are an important challenge for Member States. Analysis identifies persistent shortages and uneven distribution of health professionals in Greece, which hamper access to healthcare 1 . Under Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 2 , Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. The EU’s role is to support Member States in strengthening their health systems, by encouraging cooperation and exchange of best practices, via technical assistance, funding and policy guidance. In the 2020, 2022 and 2023 cycles of the European Semester, Greece received recommendations to ensure adequate and equal access to healthcare. Reforms under the Greek recovery and resilience plan include the setup of a national health map, to map health workforce needs in real time. This common challenge requires appropriate measures in line with the competences of Member States and the EU, using shared knowledge, such as through the activities of the Expert Group on Health Systems Performance Assessment 3 . The European Semester country reports systematically stress health workforce challenges and Member States can use EU funding instruments such as the Cohesion Policy Funds and the Recovery and Resilience Facility to address them. The Commission also supports Member States through EU4Health initiatives such as the Joint Action HEROES on forecasting and planning of health workforce 4 and the Nursing Action 5 . 1 Country Health Profile: Greece, 2025. https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b9b4092c-b357-4ae38d82-d9a252e7e159_en?filename=2025_chp_gr_english.pdf. 2 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en. 3 See for instance: https://health.ec.europa.eu/latest-updates/minutes-hspa-expert-group-workshop-staffinglevels-healthcare-16-october-2025-2025-11-06_en. 4 The project – JA HEROES | Health Workforce Planning Project, https://healthworkforce.eu/the-project/. 5 EU4Health programme, https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2024-eu4health-work-programme_en.”
  EU competences on health · Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2025-11-28 “E-004729/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission There is extensive knowledge on the safety of new genomic techniques (NGTs) in particular targeted mutagenesis and cisgenesis. The European Food Safety Authority and many scientific bodies concluded there are no new hazards for health or the environment, including natural ecosystems specifically linked to the modifications produced by these NGTs. NGTs can also support agricultural diversity through improved plants and the use of underutilised or local species 1 . Based on this evidence, the Commission adopted a proposal for a Regulation on plants obtained by certain NGTs 2 . On 3 December 2025, the Parliament and the Council provisionally agreed on the proposal, which provides for robust monitoring of environmental, safety and socioeconomic impacts of NGT plants. The co-legislators also provisionally agreed on measures to avoid negative impacts of patents on farmers: a voluntary code of conduct by patent owners with commitments regarding the amicable settlement of disputes with farmers in cases of unintentional minor presence of patented plants in their fields, and provisions to monitor and assess the impacts of patents on farmers’ access to seeds, the right to use farm-saved seeds, litigation in case of accidental infringement and competition in the breeding sector. When adopted, the regulation provides for a comprehensive legal framework that protects consumers and the environment with requirements adapted to risks. NGT plants that, after verification, are found equivalent to natural or conventional plants will be subject to the provisions of EU law intended to address any safety issues of conventional plants. NGT plants not equivalent to conventional plants will remain subject to risk assessment as genetically modified organisms. 1 The impact assessment accompanying the Commission legislative proposal for a regulation on plants obtained by certain NGTs contains the relevant references to the scientific evidence underpinning the proposal: https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/f1142e86-43df-4791-9df2563e696c59cf_en?filename=gmo_biotech_ngt_ia_report.pdf. 2 Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed, and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/625 COM/2023/411 final.”
  Sustainable use of seeds in EU policy · New Genomic Techniques
• 2025-11-28 “E-004730/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission In June 2023, the European Commission adopted the Single Currency Package 1 , which includes two legislative proposals: one establishing a legal framework for a digital euro 2 , and another strengthening the legal tender status of euro banknotes and coins 3 . The digital euro proposal aims to complement cash by ensuring that people and businesses have an additional choice to pay digitally using a widely accepted, low-cost, secure, and resilient form of central bank money in the euro area. It is designed to coexist with, and complement, cash and private digital payment solutions. In parallel, the proposal on the legal tender of cash seeks to safeguard the continued role of euro banknotes and coins, ensure their wide acceptance as a means of payment, and maintain easy access to cash for citizens and businesses across the euro area. Accessibility and inclusivity are core objectives of the digital euro. The Commission’s proposal includes specific requirements in Articles 14(3) and 22 to ensure broad access and usability, notably for vulnerable groups. The proposed digital euro would be intermediated: it would be issued by the European Central Bank (ECB) and distributed to users through supervised payment service providers (PSPs). To mitigate potential risks to financial stability, the proposal also includes safeguards in Article 16. This article requires the ECB to develop instruments to limit the use of the digital euro as a store of value and to determine their parameters and application within the regulatory framework. 1 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/digital-euro-package_en. 2 COM(2023) 369 final. 3 COM(2023) 364 final.”
  Digital euro holding limits · Digital euro financial inclusion
• 2025-11-28 “E-004728/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. As per Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 1 , Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of their health services and medical care. In its role of guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors the situation and may decide to take appropriate action where there is a breach of EU law. EU tools and initiatives support Member States to strengthen health systems via knowledge sharing, technical assistance, funding and policy guidance 2 . For example, the European Semester provides country-specific recommendations (in 2020, 2022 and 2023, Greece received recommendations to ensure adequate and equal access to healthcare) and the State of Health in the EU cycle 3 includes country-specific analyses. 2. The European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Greece support better accessibility of healthcare through various measures. In 2021-2027 Greece earmarked EUR 362 million from ERDF for public investments aiming at modernising and upgrading the provision of health services across the regions, including the purchase of state-of-the-art ambulances and mobile health units. However, in line with the shared management principles governing the funds quoted, it is the responsibility of national authorities in Greece to examine available budgets within the programmes and propose relevant measures that will enhance the functioning of such services, including through the promotion of effective human resources policies. Greece’s EUR 36.61 billion recovery and resilience plan also includes measures to strengthen healthcare; regarding healthcare workforce including in remote/rural areas, the plan includes a personal doctor reform and primary healthcare reform. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en. 2 Please also see reply to question E-001242/2025: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025001242-ASW_EN.html. 3 https://health.ec.europa.eu/state-health-eu_en.”
  EU competences on health · Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2025-11-21 “E-004659/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission Retail energy costs differ across Member States due to wholesale market conditions, network costs and congestion, national taxes and levies, the energy mix, and interconnection levels. According to Eurostat data 1 , household electricity and gas prices 2 in Greece in the first half of 2025 were below the EU average 3 . This does not preclude regional price pressures in southeastern Europe linked to tight supply/demand conditions during peak periods, limited non-fossil flexibility and structural interconnection constraints. In 2025, the Commission engaged with Member State authorities and stakeholders, including in Greece, inter alia through the Energy Union Task Force for South-Eastern Europe, and stressed the importance of accelerating grid and interconnection investments, efficient use of existing grids, and deploying storage, demand response and flexibility solutions. It also adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan 4 with key actions to lower energy costs for EU citizens in the short-term. Regarding consumer protection, the Commission considers that lasting price stabilisation is best achieved through structural measures. The reformed electricity market design strengthens longterm contracts, reduces exposure to gas price volatility and supports investment in clean generation and flexibility, while allowing targeted protection in crisis situations. Member States may apply targeted support for vulnerable under EU law, complemented by EU funding instruments, notably the Social Climate Fund. To increase citizen participation in the energy transition, strengthen the social dimension of the Energy Union and improve access to affordable energy for households, the Commission will publish a Citizens Energy Package. 1 Electricity price statistics : https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?oldid=670662 and Natural gas price statistics : https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statisticsexplained/index.php?title=Natural_gas_price_statistics. 2 Prices considered in absolute terms (prices in EUR), for the household consumption band referred to in the first paragraph of the parliamentary question. 3 In the first half of 2025, the value for electricity prices for households in Greece was EUR 22.6 per 100 kWh compared to the EU average of EUR 28.7. Household gas prices stood at EUR 8.6 per 100 kWh for Greece compared to an EU average of EUR 11.4. In real terms, adjusted for Purchasing Power Standard (PPS), the household electricity price in Greece during the first half of 2025 was PPS 27.8 per 100 kWh and 28.6 in the EU. 4 COM(2025) 79 final.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices · EU energy infrastructure integration
• 2025-11-21 “E-004660/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The European Medicines Agency (EMA) carefully reviews all safety data and confirms that there is no evidence of an increase in deaths related to COVID-19 vaccination in any age group. The EMA and Member States continuously analyse data in Eudravigilance (EV) 1 so that unexpected patterns can be identified. Anyone can report events to EV, even if it is not clear whether a vaccine caused the problem. Causality can only be established after review of all relevant data and after ruling out other coinciding medical events. When millions of people are vaccinated, it is likely that some will coincidentally experience an illness or even die in the days or weeks following vaccination. In most cases, these events would have happened if people had not been vaccinated, especially in the elderly and in people with pre-existing, known or undiagnosed medical conditions. Data published by Eurostat have shown increased numbers of excess deaths in many EU countries over the past years. This largely coincided with waves of increased COVID-19 infections. COVID-19 infection can lead to serious health problems, e.g. heart attack and stroke, even several weeks or months after infection. Cases of sudden cardiac death after COVID-19 vaccination are not suspected to be caused by COVID-19 vaccines; sudden cardiac death events after vaccination are reviewed via routine pharmacovigilance. To date, no safety concern has been raised based on the available data. Myocarditis and pericarditis are very rare side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Studies have shown that cases of myocarditis after a COVID-19 infection are more common and more severe than cases occurring after vaccination 2,3 . 1 EudraVigilance https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/researchdevelopment/pharmacovigilance-research-development/eudravigilance. 2 Block et al. 2022: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7114e1.htm. 3 Husby et al. 2023: https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000373.”
  Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU · Vaccination
• 2025-11-07 “E-004411/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission As the Commission noted in its reply to written question E-001489/2025 1 , it is the responsibility of the Member States to ensure that payments are disbursed to the beneficiaries in full and within the payment deadlines as laid down by Union law 2 . Member States must ensure that the area and animal-based payments are made between 1 December and 30 June of the calendar year following the applications, after sufficient checks have been carried out by the national authorities. Payments outside the deadlines lead to proportionate reductions from EU contribution to Member States’ outlays of up to 100% 3 . This constitutes an incentive for Member States to pay farmers on time. The Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development is closely monitoring the execution of payments and is in contacts with the Greek authorities on a regular basis including during the monitoring committees 4 . The Commission does not give support, or advance payments to cover delays caused by administrative failures. Greece has benefited in the past from EU funding under the agricultural reserve to cover losses linked to natural disasters. In December 2023, the Commission allocated EUR 43 million emergency financial support for the agricultural sectors most impacted by wildfires and floodings, which affected Greece during August and September 2023 5 . Greece paid this amount to the beneficiaries almost in full by end May 2024. Moreover, under its Rural Development Programme, Greece is currently implementing measure 23 ‘Additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters’, for which EUR 142.8 million of Union financing was allocated. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. 2 Articles 38, 44 and 59 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 — http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2116/oj. 3 Article 5(2) of Regulation (EU) 2022/127 — http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/127/oj. 4 https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/epitropi-parakolouthisis-sskap-2023-2027/synedriaseis-epitropiparakolouthisis-sskap-2023-2027/. 5 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/2820/oj.”
  Agricultural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• 2025-11-07 “E-004408/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission As per Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 1 , Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care, including their management and the allocation of the resources assigned to them. EU tools and initiatives support Member States to strengthen health systems via knowledge sharing, technical assistance, funding, and policy guidance 2 . For example, the European Semester provides country-specific recommendations and the State of Health in the EU cycle 3 includes country-specific analyses. Directive 2011/24/EU 4 aims to facilitate access to cross-border healthcare within the EU, ensuring patients' rights to seek treatment in Member States other than their own while establishing rules for reimbursement. It seeks to enhance cooperation and information exchange between health systems across the EU. Member States are competent to establish and implement minimum standards of safety and quality of healthcare services. National authorities are competent to investigate alleged breaches. Greece can use EU funding from the EU4Health programme, the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) or the Cohesion Policy Funds. Under the RRF, Member States design national recovery and resilience plans outlining reforms and investments addressing country-specific challenges identified in the Semester. Those policy actions shall be in line with EU objectives and meet the specific RRF requirements. 1 eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en. 2 Please also see reply to question E-001242/2025: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025001242-ASW_EN.html. 3 https://health.ec.europa.eu/state-health-eu_en. 4 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/24/oj.”
  EU competences on health · Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2025-11-07 “E-004409/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is fully committed to protecting EU industries from unfair competition from imports. At present, the EU has over 220 trade defence measures in place, including on foodstuffs such as citrus fruits from China 1 and sweetcorn from Thailand 2 both currently subject to expiry reviews. There is also an ongoing anti-dumping investigation on sweetcorn from China 3 . The Commission conducts investigations where it receives evidence from any EU industry that it is suffering from dumped and/or subsidised imports and that action is warranted. Any industry can contact the Commission’s trade defence services 4 to discuss such issues. The Commission imposes anti-dumping and/or countervailing measures once an investigation has found that injurious dumping or subsidisation is taking place, and it is in the EU interest to do so. There can be both provisional and definitive measures imposed. Moreover, where several legal conditions are met, definitive anti-dumping duty may be levied on products which were entered for consumption before no more than 90 days prior to the date of application of provisional measures, provided those imports were registered. However, this is a decision that is made only at the end of an investigation. Measures can be subject to review and can be maintained for as long as is necessary to ensure the protection of an industry from unfairly traded imports. 1 https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/investigations/case-history?caseId=457. 2 https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/investigations/case-history?caseId=369. 3 https://tron.trade.ec.europa.eu/investigations/case-history?caseId=2762. 4 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/contacts/trade-defence-enquiries_en.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · Export of EU agri-food products
• 2025-11-07 “E-004410/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission EU legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) ensures a high level of safety for human and animal health and for the environment and is recognised as one of the most stringent in the world. To be authorised for placing on the market in the EU, a GMO must go through a comprehensive and thorough risk assessment. In addition, each authorised GMO is subject to a mandatory post-market environmental monitoring to identify potential adverse effects. Member States have the possibility, since 2015, to opt out of the cultivation of GMOs on their territory either during the authorisation process or once the authorisation has been granted. Those restrictions must be justified based on compelling grounds such as environmental or agricultural policy objectives, town and country-planning, land use, coexistence, socioeconomic impacts, or public policy. The European Food Safety Authority and its GMO Panel, composed of independent scientific experts, follow closely scientific developments on the safety of GMOs to perform the risk assessment of GMOs at EU level in line with EU legislation and in accordance with the highest safety standards and the most up-to-date scientific evidence. In addition, the Commission has funded projects related to the risk assessment of GMOs 1 . These projects concluded the current risk assessment methodology is adequate for ensuring a high level of safety of human health. 1 GMO Risk Assessment and Communication of Evidence, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/311957; Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Two Year Safety Testing, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/632165/fr.”
  GMOs
• 2025-10-22 “E-004176/2025 Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is fully aware of the demographic challenges that the EU and its Member States are facing. The impact of such challenges differs depending on national, regional and local circumstances. That is why in 2023, in full respect of the distribution of competences, the Commission adopted the Demography Toolbox 1 , a comprehensive strategy to support Member States in managing demographic change. The implementation of the Toolbox is ongoing. One of the key EU-level tools listed in the Toolbox is the Talent Booster Mechanism 2 , which supports EU regions to train, retain and attract people and to address the impact of the demographic transition. Family policies and policies to boost birth rates remain under the competence of Member States. However, the Demography Toolbox contains initiatives, tools and funding opportunities that can help create favourable conditions for people to pursue their life and family aspirations. Legal migration is an essential tool to address labour shortages and boost the EU’s global competitiveness. It is not a substitute for policies to support birth rates, nor a stand-alone solution to reverse population decline or ageing in the EU, but it is part of a comprehensive approach which includes mobilising the inactive EU population, reskilling and upskilling the existing workforce, improving the working conditions, and facilitating intra-EU mobility. 1 COM/2023/577 final - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0577. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/communities-and-networks/harnessing-talent-platform/talentbooster-mechanism_en#inline-nav-1.”
  EU competences on demographic policy · Support for families · EU strategy on population growth
• 2025-09-30 “E-003787/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission The Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument 1 aims at providing financial assistance to Member States to carry out urgent and major public investments in support of the European defence industry in response to the current crisis situation. Only Member States can request such financial assistance in forms of loans, guaranteed by the EU’s budget. The SAFE instrument has an open architecture. It foresees the possibility for third countries to participate in common procurement, but also to conclude bilateral agreements with acceding, potential candidate and candidate countries and other third countries with which the EU has entered into a Security and Defence Partnership in order to open the eligibility conditions of the instrument. Thanks to those bilateral agreements, defence industrial entities established in a third country would become eligible as contractors for procurements supported by SAFE, beyond the current rules foreseeing that the cost of the components originating outside the EU, European Economic Area, European Free Trade Association States and Ukraine shall not be higher than 35 % of the estimated cost of the components of the end-product. The Regulation also foresees that no component shall be sourced from a third country that contravenes the security and defence interests of the EU and its Member States. When procuring with SAFE support, the contracting authorities supported by SAFE must perform this assessment. On 23 June 2025, Türkiye expressed its interest to discuss such a bilateral agreement with the EU. The Commission is currently assessing this request. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/1106/oj/eng.”
  "Buy European" provisions · Defence spending
• 2025-09-12 “E-003524/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission shares the concerns over water scarcity, especially in regions most acutely affected. As outlined in the Vision for Agriculture and Food 1 , a steady and safe water supply is key for future-proofing the agri-food sector. The European Water Resilience Strategy 2 reiterates that access to clean, affordable water is a human right, while recognising the need to curb demand and over-abstractions and to improve water efficiency and reuse to avoid supply disruptions. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 3 supports Member States with a range of tools, including investments, for efficient irrigation and climate adaptation measures, with the Greek CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 4 allocating EUR 1.4 billion for environmental and climate objectives including contributing to water savings and improving infrastructure 5 . Day-to-day management of CAP-financed investments, including water infrastructure projects, falls under the responsibility of national authorities. The CAP proposal for the period 2028-2034 6 requires Member States to continue to support farmers for climate change adaptation, water resilience and soil health, with tools such as investments in more efficient irrigation, water reuse and storage, rainwater harvesting and digital tools. The latest update 7 of Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) 8 , continues to support irrigation network infrastructure, while Cohesion Policy 9 supports Member States to improve public water infrastructure. In addition, Horizon Europe 10,11 financially supports research and innovation for water resilience in agriculture 12 . 1 Communication from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations, COM/2025/75 final. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/water-resilience-strategy_en. 3 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en. 4 Union contribution for interventions P3-73-1.1 and P3-73-1.4 https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/. 5 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b13e3e86-2c12-45e5-965935f0384c76b2_en?filename=csp-at-a-glance-greece_en.pdf. 6 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/media/news/next-chapter-cap-2025-07-17_en. 7 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/372bdb38-3fd1-47f6-80478e21a8a38533_en?filename=COM_2025_367_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v3.pdf. 8 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en#repowereu-measures-in-greeces-plan. 9 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/2021-2027_en. 10 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/horizon-europe_en. 11 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 12 https://rea.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-grants/eu-mission-soil-deal-europe_en, https://research-andinnovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eumissions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters_en, https://research-andinnovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-09-03 “E-003409/2025 Answer given by Mr Kubilius on behalf of the European Commission The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is fully driven by participating Member States. Decisions on project proposals, participation, and implementation are taken by national governments within the Council framework, supported by the PESCO Secretariat (European External Action Service, including the EU Military Staff, and the European Defence Agency). The EU institutions cannot steer Greece’s participation in PESCO, which is voluntary, and decision-making remains intergovernmental. The Commission supports the broader efforts on defence through simplifying the regulatory environment for defence industry, and through instruments like the European Defence Fund (EDF). Other initiatives reinforcing the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, such as the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA) 1 and the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) 2 , or the newly adopted European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) 3 , offer financial support for Member States’ collaborative defence efforts in view of strengthening defence readiness. The EDF promotes participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and nontraditional defence actors, allocating around 20% of its work programme 4 to the EU Defence Innovation Scheme. A network of EDF National Focal Points 5 provides additional support. Around 100 Greek entities are participating in 137 of the 287 projects supported by the EDF and its predecessor programmes between 2017 and 2024, half of which are SMEs. While EDIRPA applications are closed, joint procurement will be supported under EDIP, in line with the Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 6 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2418/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1525/oj/eng. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024PC0150&qid=1765184118540. 4 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/european-defence-fund-edf-official-webpageeuropean-commission_en. 5 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-defence-industry/network-european-defence-fund-nationalfocal-points-nfp_en. 6 https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/9db42c04-15c2-42e1-836460afb0073e68_en?filename=Joint-Communication%20_Defence-Readiness-Roadmap-2030.pdf.”
  Defence spending · EU competences on defence
• 2025-09-03 “E-003408/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission 1. Aid measures that fulfil the conditions of the Commission regulation (EU) 1408/2013 (‘Agricultural de minimis regulation’) 1 are deemed not to meet all the criteria in Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and are therefore exempt from notification to the Commission. Therefore, the Commission would not have received information in relation to a joint ministerial decision adopted to grant de minimis aid to farmers whose crops were affected by debris. 2. Funding that fulfils the requirements of the Agricultural de minimis regulation (see Article 3(2) and (3) of that regulation) is within the discretion of the Member States. 3. Farmers who suffered officially recorded damage and have restored and re-cultivated their flooded fields at their own expense, are not excluded from receiving aid. These farmers can receive support under the Agricultural de minimis regulation, under conditions to be determined by national authorities, provided they respect the relevant provisions and general principles of EU law. There is also a possibility, at the discretion of the Member State, to grant aid to farmers who suffered officially recorded damage under Regulation (EU) 2022/2472 (Article 37) 2 or the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas 3 . 1 Commission regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid in the agriculture sector, as amended (OJ L 352, 24.12.2013, p. 9). 2 Commission regulation (EU) 2022/2472 of 14 December 2022 declaring certain categories of aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (OJ L 327 21.12.2022, p. 1). 3 Communication from the Commission Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas 2022/C 485/01, C/2022/9120, OJ C 485, 21.12.2022, p. 1–90, as amended by Communication from the Commission correcting the Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas, C/2024/1902, OJ C 1902, 5.3.2024.”
  Agricultural funding
• 2025-08-14 “E-003240/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission would like to refer to the reply provided to question E-001489/2025, on the same subject. In this context the Commission recalls that under shared management, it is Member States’ responsibility to ensure that payments for the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) support are disbursed to the beneficiaries in full and within the payment deadlines as laid down by Union law 1 . They must take the actions necessary to ensure the proper functioning of their management and control systems and the legality and regularity of expenditure declared to the Commission. Member States must ensure that the area and animal-based payments under the integrated administration and control system (IACS) are made at the earliest on 1 December and at the latest on 30 June of the following calendar year. Payments outside the deadlines lead to proportionate reductions of EU financing of up to 100%. Such reductions have a dissuasive effect concerning future delays. In the context of the annual review meetings, the Commission and the Managing Authorities are closely reviewing the implementation of all measures and interventions of the Rural Development Programmes (RDP) and the CAP Strategic Plans (CSP) of Member States. Commission representatives participate in the Monitoring Committees of the RDPs and CSPs in an advisory role. The services advice the national authorities on financial data, result indicators, as well as progress towards targets and milestones. In addition, a broad range of administrative capacity building activities, could be supported through the technical assistance aid available in the CSP, to ensure a smooth implementation of interventions and related payments. 1 Article 38, Article 44 and Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 - http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2116/oj.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2025-08-06 “E-003198/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission supports Member States on preventive health through the Healthier Together initiative 1 . The Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health 2 provides actions to improve youth’s mental health. The Joint Action PERCH 3 addresses reproductive health by aiming to boost HPV vaccination. Over EUR 260 million were invested 4,5 on youth mental health research and adolescent health 6 . Funding opportunities will be provided under Horizon Europe 7 . The European Social Fund Plus 8 contributes to improving access to healthcare for disadvantaged groups. Moreover, the Commission is developing an ambitious Cardiovascular Health Plan to address the triangle of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Preparatory work for an EU-wide inquiry 9 on the broad impact of social media and excessive screentime on mental health and wellbeing is ongoing. The Digital Services Act 10 sets strict rules to protect minors online, supported by Commission guidelines 11 which enshrine safety and privacy by design. A blueprint for age verification online 12 was launched for +18 users to easily and in full respect of privacy access age restricted content. The upcoming EU action plan against cyberbullying will focus on minors and vulnerable youth. The Commission will propose a Digital Fairness Act to strengthen consumer protection in the digital space, focusing on children. The Commission also recommends Member States to implement integrated child protection systems 13 . The Commission will update the Guidelines for teachers to foster digital literacy and tackle disinformation 14 to address i.e., social media platforms. The upcoming 2030 Roadmap on the future of digital education and skills 15 , will focus on youth digital literacy and well-being. 1 https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseasesinitiative_en. 2 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en. 3 https://www.projectperch.eu/. 4 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 5 https://www.brainhealth-partnership.eu/. 6 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home. 7 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/horizon-europe_en 8 https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en. 9 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf. 10 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng. 11 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-publishes-guidelines-protection-minors. 12 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/factpages/blueprint-age-verification-solution-help-protect-minorsonline. 13 Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 of 23 April 2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32024H1238. 14 https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/action-plan/guidelines-for-teachers-to-fosterdigital-literacy-and-tackle-disinformation. 15 2030 Roadmap on the future of digital education and skills, as announced in page 7 of COM(2025) final.”
  EU policy on mental health · Sexuality and reproduction · Nutrition
• 2025-08-06 “E-003199/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission Over the last decade, Greece has increased the resilience of its economy and strengthened business confidence thanks to budgetary consolidation and structural reforms. The general government balance has improved and Greece reached a surplus of 1.3% of Gross Domestic Product in 2024. Public and external debt ratios have declined. Remaining challenges are discussed in recent publications from the Commission. 1 Regarding budgetary policy, in autumn 2024, Greece submitted its national medium-term fiscal-structural plan (MTP) 2 . The plan sets out Greece’s fiscal path as well as priority investments and reforms for 2025-2028. In particular, Greece commits to a trajectory which preserves a strong fiscal position all the way until the end of 2028. The plan was assessed positively by the Commission and endorsed by the Council 3 . Regarding the external situation of the economy, sustained deficits reflect a relatively small export base coupled with high import dependency. Priorities for the Greek government are discussed in the documents mentioned above. The latest Country-specific recommendations issued by the Commission and endorsed by the Council outline key policy challenges and provide policy guidance to Greece 4 . 1 For further details, see the Commission’s latest analysis and assessment in the 2025 Country Report Greece: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/e4a67707-7a12-4af0-8f3a9b01301e263f_en?filename=EL_CR_SWD_2025_208_1_EN_autre_document_travail_service_part1_v4.pdf and the In-Depth Review on Greece: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/2af158ef-d56147c2-a0e0-5f689f1bac28_en?filename=ip309_en.pdf. 2 See the Medium-term fiscal-structural plan of Greece: https://economyfinance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/213c9529-ad9b-4bea-ba99f33b0700e615_en?filename=national_medium-term_fiscal-structural_plan_greece.pdf. 3 See https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/fbd3e392-6639-4843-b38a49c3abc6502a_en?filename=MTFSP_2025_EL.pdf. 4 See https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10967-2025-INIT/en/pdf.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• 2025-07-26 “E-003106/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission To support Members States, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has published the following documents, which include guidelines for Member States: a report on surveillance, prevention, and control of West Nile virus and Usutu virus infections in the EU/European Economic Area (EEA) 1 ; guidance on vector control practices and strategies against West Nile virus 2 ; a West Nile virus risk assessment tool 3 ; public health guidance for assessing and mitigating the risk of locally acquired Aedes-borne viral diseases in the EU/EEA 4 ; an assessment about deferral criteria and testing strategies for dengue virus in blood donors returning from affected areas 5 ; several risk assessments for dengue 6 and chikungunya 7 virus disease; guidelines for mosquito surveillance 8 . As Member States are responsible for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care 9 , the implementation of the said guidelines is voluntary. The ECDC collects surveillance data on locally acquired West Nile virus infections 10 , dengue 11 and chikungunya virus disease 12 cases, and publishes worldwide epidemiological overviews for chikungunya 13 and dengue 14 . The Commission funds a project to eliminate Aedes aegypti in Cyprus using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) 15 . EU4Health funding under the 2025 annual work programme supports vector surveillance and control by the Commission 16 . Member States, within their approved programmes, may mobilise resources from Cohesion Policy Funds for investments in public health, including in relation to vector-borne diseases 17 . Through Horizon 2020 18 and Horizon 1 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/surveillance-prevention-and-control-west-nile-virus-andusutu-virus-infections. 2 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/vector-control-practices-and-strategies-against-west-nilevirus. 3 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/west-nile-virus-risk-assessment-tool. 4 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/public-health-guidance-assessing-and-mitigating-risk-locallyacquired-aedes-borne. 5 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/deferral-criteria-and-testing-strategies-dengue-virus-blooddonors-returning. 6 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue/surveillance-and-updates/risk-assessment. 7 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya/surveillance-and-updates/risk-assessment. 8 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/infectious-disease-topics/dengue/strategies-and-guidelines-dengue. 9 Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. 10 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/west-nile-fever/surveillance-and-disease-data/disease-data-ecdc. 11 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue/surveillance-and-updates/seasonal-surveillance-dengue-eueea-weekly. 12 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya-virus-disease/surveillance-and-updates/seasonal-surveillance. 13 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/chikungunya-monthly. 14 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/dengue-monthly. 15 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2024-eu4health-work-programme_en. 16 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/2025-eu4health-work-programme_en. 17 The choice and design of such interventions rest with the Member States and their managing authorities, in the framework of shared management. 18 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-”
  Vaccination
• 2025-07-26 “E-003107/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The Emissions Trading System for buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2) 1 will help Member States meet their emission reduction targets. It will address the emissions from fuel combustion in buildings, road transport and industries not covered by the existing EU ETS. Agricultural fuel is not in the scope of application of ETS2. Member States have the option to request the Commission to include additional sectors under the scope of the ETS2 Directive 2 . Greece has not submitted such a request. Agricultural fuel prices will thus not change in Greece because of ETS2. Electricity prices are not affected by the introduction of the ETS2 as electricity production is already covered by the existing ETS system. The Commission’s impact assessment for the ETS2 Directive 3 provided a detailed analysis of the socio-economic impact of ETS2, showing that its effects on households’ annual expenditures are limited. Recent analysis under the Technical Support Instrument in the context of the preparation of the Social Climate Plans in several Member States confirms this finding. Concerning the social impacts of the ETS2 the Social Climate Fund (SCF) 4 was created alongside the ETS2. The SCF provides support to vulnerable households, micro-enterprises and transport users. The SCF is expected to mobilise EUR 86.7 billion in public funding. Greece is a net beneficiary of the SCF. The SCF will make a significant contribution to a socially fair transition in both the transport and buildings sector. 1 Established under Directive (EU) 2023/959 of the European Parliament and of the Council. 2 Article 30j of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. 3 SWD(2021) 601 final, see part 1/4, Section 6.3.3.2. 4 Established under Regulation (EU) 2023/955 of the European Parliament and of the Council.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme · Agriculture (green)
• 2025-07-11 “E-002835/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission and the EU Agencies 1 are providing significant financial, operational and technical support to help Greece manage migration. The EU financial support through Home Affairs Funds 2 made available since 2015 for migration and border management is just over EUR 5 billion. The Agencies have been supporting Greece with deployments of technical equipment and staff, in line with their mandates. The reform introduced by the Pact on Migration and Asylum 3 puts in place a fair and effective system of solidarity and responsibility to manage migration, where no Member State is left alone under pressure. It introduces a permanent, mandatory, and needs-based solidarity mechanism, replacing ad-hoc voluntary solutions 4 . The Commission is working with the Member States to implement all elements of the Pact, including the solidarity mechanism 5 . Since 2020, the Commission carries out on an yearly assessment of third countries' level of cooperation on readmission, in accordance with Article 25(a) of the Visa Code 6 . When the Commission considers that a third country is not cooperating sufficiently, it may propose to the Council the adoption of temporary restrictions related to short stay visa processing 7 . The Commission will continue to pursue a comprehensive approach to managing migration in accordance with our values, European law and international obligations. This includes developing mutually beneficial comprehensive partnerships, which support the EU's objectives on readmission and returns. The comprehensive partnerships are complemented by the 'whole-of-the-route’ approach covering all aspects, from dealing with the root causes of irregular migration to cooperation on other aspects of migration and border management. 1 European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frotex), European Office for Police Cooperation (Europol). 2 This refers to financial support under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and Internal Security Fund for the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework as well as support under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Border Management and Visa Instrument and the Internal Security Fund for the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework. 3 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. 4 As set out in Part IV of Regulation (EU) 2024/1351. 5 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions State of play on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, COM(2025) 319 final. 6 Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code); OJ L 243, 15.9.2009, p. 1. 7 To date, the Commission proposed visa measures under Article 25(a) of the Visa Code in relation to Bangladesh, Iraq, The Gambia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Somalia and Guinea. Visa measures were adopted by the Council in relation to The Gambia and Ethiopia.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-07-11 “E-002838/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has established guidelines and frameworks to support digital governance and interoperability of public services. The European Interoperability Framework 1 provides a common approach to ensure seamless digital public services across the EU. The Commission works with Member States to promote the adoption of these guidelines in the context of the implementation of Regulations (EU) 2024/903 2 and 2018/1724 3 , and promotes the application of the Once-Only Principle. The Strategy on Common European Data Spaces 4 and the Interoperable Europe Board 5 aim to enhance interoperability by recommending solutions, standards and specifications for the public and private sector. The Technical Support Instrument 6 , the Recovery and Resilience Facility 7 , and the Connecting Europe Facility 8 also contribute to modernising administrative processes and improving interoperability. As announced in its simplification agenda 9 , the Commission aims to further reduce digital administrative burdens through the upcoming Digital Simplification Package, including a proposal for a Digital Omnibus 10 , the new European Business Wallet 11 and the new Data Union Strategy 12 . Over 200 European Digital Innovation Hubs 13 , created through the Digital Europe Programme 14 , offer businesses digital tools to boost competitiveness and modernise their operations. Within the Greek network 15 , notably the digiGOV-innoHUB 16 develops nextgeneration public services using advanced digital technologies and open-source solutions. The Commission has initiated a revision 17 of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 18 , which will also seek to improve the standards development process and contribute to the timely delivery of standards in support of EU policy and legislation. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/isa2/eif_en/. 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/903 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2024 laying down measures for a high level of public sector interoperability across the Union (Interoperable Europe Act). 3 Regulation (EU) 2018/1724 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 October 2018 establishing a single digital gateway to provide access to information, to procedures and to assistance and problem-solving services and amending Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 (Text with EEA relevance). 4 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/data-spaces. 5 https://interoperable-europe.ec.europa.eu/collection/governance-board. 6 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/technical-supportinstrument/technical-support-instrument-tsi_en. 7 https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/recovery-and-resilience-scoreboard/digital.html. 8 https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/connecting-europe-facility_en. 9 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/8556fc33-48a3-4a96-94e88ecacef1ea18_en?filename=250201_Simplification_Communication_en.pdf. 10 As anticipated in the Communication on the Single Market Strategy, https://single-marketeconomy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/strategy_en. 11 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14663-European-Business-Walletdigital-identity-secure-data-exchange-and-legal-notifications-for-simple-digital-business_en. 12 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14541-European-Data-UnionStrategy_en. 13 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/edihs. 14 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/digital-programme. 15 https://european-digital-innovation-hubs.ec.europa.eu/edih-catalogue/countries/greece. 16 https://digigov.innohub.gr/en/.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• 2025-07-11 “E-002833/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has taken note of the recommendations issued by the European Court of Auditors on tackling forest fires with EU funding. Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) 1 supports fire prevention by investing in forest clearings and the creation of fire protection zones (measure 16849). The identification of the relevant areas is based on the conduct of technical studies as part of the investment. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), support is foreseen under the Greek Rural Development Programme 2014-2022 2 and the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 3 . These funds may be used by Greece, also for the restoration of agricultural and forestry potential and for preventive actions. Concerning Cohesion Policy, the Commission will disseminate good practices in terms of projects and selection criteria that use updated maps and ensure sustainability and long-term effectiveness as indicated in the Special Report. Member States have to guarantee upon closure of the programme that projects are functional in order to receive financing. The Commission will use existing Cohesion Policy networks that deal with EU-funded investments in forest fires. Furthermore, the findings of a recent peer review of the wildfire risk management capabilities of Greece report 4 , carried out in 2024 under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism Peer Review Programme 5 provide recommendations on measures that can be taken to enhance resilience in this area. The Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has produced a European Wildfire risk map based on historical fire information, and EU wide ancillary layers released in 2021. It is relevant for national level applications. The JRC is working to improve and update the methods to generate wildfire risk assessments. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en. 2 http://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/el/content/egkrisi-tropopoiiseis. 3 http://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/el/keimeno-synimmena-paa/egkrisi-tropopoiiseis. 4 https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/system/files/202406/EL%20Peer%20Review_final%20report_0.pdf. 5 https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/disaster-prevention-and-risk-management/ucpm-peerreview-programme.”
  EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding · EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.) · Management of EU forests
• 2025-07-11 “E-002834/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission In 2025, nine travel-associated Legionnaires’ disease (TALD) cases linked to accommodation in Crete were reported to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) 1 through the European Legionnaires’ disease Surveillance network 2 (ELDSNet). This included one cluster in Crete, which led to a site risk assessment by the Greek authorities. Local public health officials confirmed that appropriate measures had been taken in Crete. As this cluster does not meet the criteria for a serious cross-border health threat, the ECDC did not notify the Commission. Under the recast Drinking Water Directive 3 , the Commission has not received any information about Legionella in domestic distribution installations in Crete. The recast Drinking Water Directive requires Member States to carry out a Legionella risk assessment and monitoring for the first time by January 2029 at the latest and every six years thereafter, at least in domestic distribution installations of priority premises where risks to water quality and human health have been identified. If risks are identified, appropriate measures must be taken to eliminate or reduce the risk. The ECDC anticipates an increase in the number of TALD cases, partly due to climate change and an aging European population that is at higher risk of developing the disease. Member States must establish, for the first time by January 2029 at the latest and every six years thereafter, a dataset containing the results of the Legionella risk assessment and monitoring and, where applicable, the measures to eliminate or reduce the risk including information on initiatives for awareness-raising. The Commission and the ECDC must have access to this dataset once it has been established. 1 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en. 2 https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/about-us/partnerships-and-networks/disease-and-laboratory-networks/eldsnet. 3 Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast), OJ L 435, 23.12.2020, p. 1–62.”
  Drinking regulation
• 2025-07-11 “E-002837/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission Measure 23 is the new emergency measure which was created under the 2014-2022 Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) the implementation of which is handled in shared management with the Member States. The Commission is not directly involved in the day-today management of the RDPs, this is responsibility of the relevant national authorities, including the selection of beneficiaries and disbursing of funds, in accordance with EU legislation and national rules. Any unsatisfied eligible beneficiary has a right to seek redress through the relevant national administrative or judicial procedures. The general principles of Union law concerning, inter alia, equal treatment, proportionality and transparency apply as always in the scope of Union law, as well as – more specifically the rules on the publication of beneficiaries laid down in Articles 111, 112 and 113 of Regulation (EU) No 1306/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council 1 . The Commission carries out rigorous controls in the Member States on how the EU funds are managed. It ensures that the arrangements governing the management and control system are compliant with the relevant rules by verifying the effective functioning of this system and, where necessary, making financial corrections to address any financial risks to the Union funds. Specifically in implementing Measure 23, the Member State was required to target the support to those beneficiaries most affected by the natural disaster, possibly the most affected sectors or regions, to meaningfully address the loss of production or its potential within the budgetary limits. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1306/oj/eng.”
  Agricultural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• 2025-06-25 “E-002554/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The role of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) under shared management for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is to perform systems audits to obtain assurance on the proper functioning of the national governance systems, which protect the Union financial interests, and to work closely with the national administrations to remedy any possible shortcoming identified. Where shortcomings are detected, DG AGRI also protects the EU financial interest through the application of financial corrections against the Member State concerned by reclaiming the amounts of EU funds unduly spent. DG AGRI does not instigate proceedings against individuals in the context of its mandate under the CAP framework. Alleged wrongdoings of individuals fall under the competence of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office which is conducting an investigation 1 . The Paying Agencies (PA) accredited by the Competent Authority in each Member State are responsible to collect amounts unduly paid to the beneficiaries and to recredit those to the European Union Funds. The capacity of the PA to fulfil this responsibility is one of the accreditation criteria 2 . Financial corrections, as the one mentioned by the Honourable Member, applied by the Commission for deficiencies in the national control systems, are not fines but, as mentioned above, cover the amounts of EU funds which have been unduly spent. These exclusions from Union financing are always addressed to the Member State and deducted from the periodical declarations of expenditure of the Member State concerned under the CAP. It is then for the national authorities to instigate recoveries towards individual beneficiaries in case these have committed irregularities. 1 https://www.eppo.europa.eu/en/media/news/greece-eppo-probes-opekepe-officials-over-alleged-organisedagricultural-subsidy-fraud. 2 Point 2 (f) of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2022/127, Control activities, procedures for debts.”
  Agricultural funding
• 2025-06-25 “E-2555/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission Economic, social and territorial cohesion, which includes promoting the convergence of living standards, is a key objective of the EU, as enshrined in Article 174 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). In addition, Article 153(2)(b) TFEU empowers the EU to adopt minimum requirements in the field of working conditions. The Commission supports wage convergence within the limits of Article 153(5) TFEU, which excludes any direct interference in the levels of pay. The Commission continues to actively support the convergence in wages, including in real terms and purchasing power standards (PPS), through an array of initiatives 1 . This includes substantial EU funding instruments to foster economic and social cohesion, principle 6 of the European Pillar of Social Rights 2 , which has been translated into concrete action through the EU Directive on adequate minimum wages 3 , the Employment Guidelines within the European Semester 4 and the promotion of Distributional Impact Assessments 5 . The Commission also supports wage convergence by promoting productivity, which in the long-term is a key determinant of wage growth and convergence 6 . Based on the existing initiatives, the Commission will, in accordance with its mandate, continue to respond to remaining and emerging policy needs to support sustainable wage convergence. This is also reflected in the forthcoming Job Quality Roadmap, developed together with social partners, which will promote quality jobs, including by supporting fair wages 7 . Moreover, the Union of Skills, adopted in March 2025, aims to empower people by enhancing their skills, thus improving access to quality jobs with adequate compensation 8 . 1 Commission: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (2024), Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) - Annual review 2024, https://employment-socialaffairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/analysis-evaluation-impact-assessment-and-databases/employmentand-social-analysis_en. 2 The European Pillar of Social Rights, proclaimed at Gothenburg on 17 November 2017. Commission Communication on Establishing a European Pillar of Social Rights, COM(2017) 250, final, https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52017DC0250. 3 Directive (EU) 2022/2041 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union (OJ L 275, 25.10.2022, p. 33), http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2041/oj. 4 Council Decision (EU) 2024/3134 of 2 December 2024 on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202403134. 5 Distributional Impact Assessment is an analysis, usually quantitative in nature, which assesses the distributional effects of specific policy measures on monetary incomes across various groups of the population. https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-socialinclusion/addressing-poverty-and-supporting-social-inclusion/access-essential-services/distributional-impactassessment_en. 6 At the EU level, the Competitiveness Compass, adopted in January 2025, outlines a roadmap to boost economic growth and competitiveness, thereby establishing a framework for sustainable wage growth. 7 Commission Communication on A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, COM/2025/30 final, https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0030. 8 Commission Communication on the Union of Skills, COM(2025) 90 final, https://op.europa.eu/publicationdetail/-/publication/5c5c5399-fa8a-11ef-b7db-01aa75ed71a1.”
  EU policy on brain drain · Minimum wages harmonisation at EU level
• 2025-06-25 “E-002556/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission took note of the March 2025 ‘Mountain Package’ law. As a principle, Albania is encouraged to ensure that all new laws align with EU legislation, if there is existing acquis. As noted by the Commission in its report on Albania of October 2024 1 , the enjoyment of property rights remained limited and continued to be affected by significant challenges. Some steps have been taken on the digitalisation of ownership titles and cadastral maps. Yet, further improvements on data quality remain necessary. As regards the rights of persons belonging to minorities, Albania adopted three bylaws in December 2024 to implement the framework legislation and to ensure alignment with European standards. Albania needs to ensure effective implementation, notably by allocating adequate resources to central agencies and local government. Issues linked to both property rights and rights of persons belonging to minorities are monitored by the Commission as part of the Accession negotiations under Cluster 1 – Fundamentals 2 . 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a8eec3f9-b2ec-4cb1-87489058854dbc68_en?filename=Albania%20Report%202024.pdf. 2 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/AD-18-2024-INIT/en/pdf.”
  EU relations with Western Balkans · EU-Albania relations
• 2025-06-10 “E-002309/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Under the EU Customs Code, national authorities have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions through customs controls. As an entry point in the EU, Greek customs authorities carry out appropriate controls on agricultural imports from third countries, including those from Egypt, ensuring they comply with the EU’s Entry Price system 1 . Goods entering Greece from other Member States - such as Bulgaria and Romania were already subject to the customs checks in those countries, when they are released for free circulation there. They are not subject to systematic customs controls in Greece, as they circulate freely within the internal market. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission supports and monitors the proper application of the Entry Price System by national customs authorities, including through the use of surveillance tools and cooperation mechanisms. If systemic issues are detected, the Commission may engage with the national authorities concerned or take further steps to ensure compliance with EU law, including investigations (in case of fraud) and infringement proceedings. The Commission services cannot take position on allegations regarding a specific case without additional information. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has the mandate to investigate suspicions of fraud in specific cases. If such investigations show that national authorities systematically fail to apply EU law, or if the Commission receives proof of a consistent incorrect application of EU law in a particular Member State, it may also initiate infringement procedures against a particular Member State. 1 https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/glossary/entry-price-system-eu.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · EU policy on country of origin food labelling
• 2025-06-10 “E-002308/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission 1. Due to persistent deficiencies identified in the Paying Agency’s compliance with accreditation criteria 1 , the Competent authority has placed OPEKEPE’s accreditation under probation for a period of 12 months, starting from 10 September 2024. It has also developed an action plan to remedy the deficiencies. The Commission is closely monitoring the implementation of this action plan by analysing periodical reports sent by Greek authorities and conducting audit visits, when necessary. The Commission cannot comment further on ongoing audits. 2. Since the action plan included elements covering the organisational structure of the OPEKEPE, the Commission expected the Greek authorities to implement remedial actions in this area. To date, the Commission has not received official notifications of the decisions regarding the paying agency OPEKEPE since the new legal act is still in preparation. The potential impact of modifications of competences in Greece on the action plan will be closely monitored. Under the shared management system, if the paying agency’s accreditation is withdrawn, it is the responsibility of the Member State to promptly accredit another paying agency to ensure that payments to beneficiaries continue without interruption 2 . 3. After applications have been submitted and adequate checks have been conducted, it is the responsibility of the Member States to ensure that payments are fully disbursed to beneficiaries within the deadlines set by Union law 3 . When Member States pay farmers outside the deadlines the Commission may apply proportionate reductions concerning EU financing of up to 100%. 1 Listed in annex I of Regulation (EU) 2022/127. 2 Article 2(5) of Regulation (EU) 2022/128. 3 Article 38, Article 44 and Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 - http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2116/oj.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2025-05-22 “E-002059/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is aware that water management of the River Evros between Greece and Türkiye is a complex and politically sensitive issue and that there does not seem to be a bilateral agreement for cross-border water management of the River Evros. 2. Türkiye is not currently a party to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Water Convention. This situation limits the legal and institutional tools available for transboundary water cooperation. The Commission’s assessment of the third River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) for the Thrace River Basin District shows that an Ad Hoc Joint Committee has been established concerning cooperation between Greece and Türkiye on the Evros River and met for the first time in 2010 but the Commission has no evidence of regular meetings since then. 3. There are several EU funding tools and mechanisms that can support professional fishermen and breeders in the Evros Delta who are suffering from the consequences of restricted freshwater flow. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 1 is the primary EU instrument for aiding small-scale coastal fisheries, sustainable aquaculture, and coastal communities affected by environmental or economic shocks. Affected stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their national or regional managing authorities to explore potential funding opportunities and gain access to the support needed. 1 For 2021–2027: https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/funding/emfaf_en.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• 2025-05-22 “E-002060/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission Member States are free to design their tax systems, including how to determine the tax base and tax rates as well as appropriate incentives and tax breaks for taxpayers, as long as they respect primary and secondary EU law. Such policies must be designed carefully taking into account effectiveness, fairness, their fiscal impact and with minimal compliance costs. In the area of value-added tax (VAT), VAT rates lower than the corresponding rates applied in mainland Greece apply in the islands of Leros, Lesbos, Kos, Samos and Chios in line with the conditions set out in Council Directive (EC) 2006/112 1 and the national legislation. The European cohesion policy provides support for islands, including the Greek islands. A key element of this targeted support is the Greco Islands initiative, which promotes holistic and sustainable development. The allocated budget is EUR 157 million in public funding 2 , with potential additional contribution from the regional cohesion policy programs of North and South Aegean. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2006/112/oj/eng. 2 The Greco islands initiative is financed by EU cohesion policy national programmes Environment & Climate Change (EUR 100 million) and Just Development Transition (EUR 57 million).”
  EU strategy for tourism development · Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-05-13 “E-001913/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission At EU level, asbestos is recognised as a hazardous carcinogen. The Commission is promoting the protection of people and the environment by adopting and enforcing EU legislation related to asbestos management and control. In its Communication on working towards an asbestosfree future 1 , the Commission called upon all EU institutions, Member States, social partners and other stakeholders to accelerate action to achieve an asbestos-free EU for current and future generations. As regards the complete removal of asbestos from public buildings, considering that the magnitude of the asbestos presence, as well as screening, registration and removal strategies, differs considerably among Member States, the Commission is examining different possibilities to create a common EU framework to support Member States in monitoring and registering the presence of asbestos in buildings. Currently no obligation has been established at EU level in this regard and Member States, including Greece, are free to implement any action needed to completely remove asbestos from public buildings. The EU provides significant funding through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which can be used to support national measures for the removal of asbestos in the context of renovations. In addition, Cohesion policy supports measures related to renovations and the modernisation of public infrastructure, including educational buildings. If asbestos is present in buildings undergoing energy renovation works financed by EU funds 2 , its removal could be undertaken as part of the renovation. As Cohesion policy Funds are implemented under shared management between the Commission and Member States, and the latter are responsible for the selection of projects. 1 COM/2022/488 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52022DC0488. 2 Such as energy upgrades in schools.”
  EU competences on health · Air quality policy
• 2025-05-13 “E-001914/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports interventions for risk management and prevention, to improve farm resilience, as well as interventions to help farmers restore the production potential damaged by a natural disaster officially acknowledged by the national authorities. The Greek CAP Strategic Plan 1 includes tools to support farmers to mitigate short-term impacts of natural calamities, such as income support, sectoral specific aid, and rural development interventions, and including support for investments concerning hail protection. In addition, the new exceptional measure ‘M23’ created under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for the programming period 2014-2022, provides Member States with a further tool to address the liquidity problems of farmers suffering from the destruction of the production or the production potential due to natural disasters. Finally, in the case of adverse climatic events which can be assimilated to a natural disaster, national authorities may also grant, under certain conditions, support to farmers from their national budget in line with EU State aid rules 2 . The EU Public Procurement Directives 3 require that the Directives’ rules are followed for purchases with an estimated value above certain thresholds 4 , such as the tenders referred to by the Honourable Member 5 . The Directives ensure that the principle of transparency is respected. With regards to the time-frame for the execution of a contract, these are matters governed by national law of the Member State concerned. 1 http://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/el/keimeno-synimmena-paa/egkrisi-tropopoiiseis. 2 Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas 2022/C 485/01, OJ C 485, 21.12.2022, p. 1; Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2472 declaring certain categories of aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, OJ L 327, 21.12.2022, p. 1; Commission Regulation (EU) No 1408/2013 of 18 December 2013 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid in the agriculture sector, OJ L 352, 24.12.2013 p. 9. 3 Directive 2014/24/EU (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02014L002420240101), Directive 2014/25/EU (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02014L0025-20240101), Directive 2014/23/EU (https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02014L0023-20240101). 4 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/public-procurement/legal-rules-andimplementation/thresholds_en. 5 https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/159912-2025, https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/717958-2024.”
  Agricultural funding · EU policy on water management
• 2025-04-23 “E-001632/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in Eastern Mediterranean and in a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye. Unequivocal commitment to good neighbourly relations, to international agreements and to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, as well as abstaining from unilateral actions which run counter to EU interests, violate international law and the sovereign rights of Member States, remains a requirement to ensure a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean. Türkiye is a candidate country and a key EU partner. The Commission has underlined in the 2024 enlargement report 1 that Türkiye must avoid threats and actions that damage good neighbourly relations and respect the sovereignty of all Member States over their territorial sea and airspace as well as all their sovereign rights in accordance with EU and international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 2 . Through its Council conclusions of December 2024 3 , the EU noted the improvements in relations between Greece and Türkiye and expressed its expectations that these are sustained. 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/turkiye-report-2024_en. 2 https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf. 3 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• 2025-04-23 “E-001630/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 1337/2013 1 introduced the compulsory indication of the country of origin or place of provenance for swine, poultry, sheep and goat meat from 1 April 2015. Member States have the primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions, ensuring compliance with EU law. The Commission evaluated 2 rules on meat origin labelling in 2021 and concluded that existing traceability systems in conjunction with legislation on identification and registration of livestock provide all the information needed for operators to correctly label meat origin. Competent authorities reported no systematic difficulties or problems in implementing the Regulation or verifying origin labelling requirements. According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 3 the competent authorities of Member States must perform official controls on animals and goods, which includes the inspection of traceability and labelling related to information of consumers. These controls must be performed on a risk basis with appropriate frequency. EU agriculture is market oriented, and demand driven. Farmers’ production decisions respond to consumer preferences and market opportunities. Member States can support the sector in their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans, including Coupled Income Support for sheep and goats or specific sectorial interventions. CAP support is also available for farmers applying sustainable production methods, and the Common Market Organisation offers tools for strengthening farmers’ position in the food supply chain. 1 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1337/2013 of 13 December 2013 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the indication of the country of origin or place of provenance for fresh, chilled and frozen meat of swine, sheep, goats and poultry, OJ L 335, 14.12.2013, p. 19–22 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2013/1337/oj. 2 REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL evaluating the mandatory indication of the country of origin or place of provenance for meat of swine, poultry, sheep and goat. COM/2021/462 final. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0462. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj/eng.”
  EU policy on country of origin food labelling · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• 2025-04-23 “E-001631/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission In claim year 2023, Greek cotton producers received EUR 734 per hectare (plus top up when the producers are members of an inter-branch organization, where applicable) based upon the reference values fixed in the Strategic Plan Regulation 1 . The Commission is closely monitoring the current situation, but a legal change to increase the reference amount and the earmarked budget is not planned. Member States can also use other instruments including State aid, to design their sectoral support strategy. The available tools range from Basic Income Support for Sustainability (e.g. regionally differentiated for agronomic reasons to further improve all farmers’ viability in the region concerned) to improve the farmers’ viability, to investments to improve their competitiveness and resilience to eco-schemes to support sustainability of cotton production. Some of these investments could also be supported by Greece’s financial instrument. Additional relevant tools can be risk management (e.g. insurances), sectoral interventions that also can support producer groups or agri-environment-climate measures. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, p. 1.).”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2025-04-10 “E-001489/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission 1. It is the responsibility of the Member States to ensure that payments are disbursed to the beneficiaries in full and within the payment deadlines as laid down by Union law 1 . Member States must ensure that the area and animal-based payments are made between 1 December and 30 June of the calendar year following the applications, after sufficient checks have been carried out by the national authorities. Payments outside the deadlines lead to proportionate reductions from EU financing of up to 100%. 2. Member States are bound by the obligation to protect the financial interests of the Union and, in particular, to ensure effective prevention against fraud. The Commission performs systems audits to obtain assurance on the proper functioning of the governance systems. In order to enhance transparency, Member States have the obligation to publish the beneficiaries on their national websites. 3. The Greek paying agency (OPEKEPE) must maintain an administrative organisation and a governance system which comply with the accreditation criteria 2 . The Ministry of Rural Development and Food (MRDF) is responsible for ensuring OPEKEPE’s compliance with the accreditation criteria. On 10 September 2024, the MRDF placed OPEKEPE’s accreditation on probation for a period of 12 months and initiated an action plan to address the deficiencies identified relating to the compliance with accreditation criteria. The Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development is closely monitoring the implementation of this action plan. 1 Article 38, Article 44 and Article 59 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 - http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2116/oj. 2 Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2022/127 - http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/127/oj.”
  Agricultural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• 2025-03-12 “E-001067/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The European Green Deal 1 aims at putting Europe on a pathway to a climate-neutral continent. The Commission remains committed to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives, which will also allow the economy to become more resilient, while boosting industrial competitiveness. The Clean Industrial Deal 2 presents concrete initiatives to strengthen the business case for competitiveness, decarbonisation and circularity in Europe. It responds to clear demands of EU industry 3 for an industrial deal based on energy and materials security, and an effective market for net zero, low carbon and circular products. It therefore includes actions to improve access to affordable energy, lead markets, materials and circularity, funding and skills, as well as to an international level playing field. The Commission is also simplifying EU rules and their implementation to reduce burdens for businesses, including when it comes to sustainability reporting 4 . The Commission notes that high energy costs have recently been caused by high fossil fuel prices. The Commission adopted the Affordable Energy Action Plan 5 , aimed at lowering energy bills while promoting decarbonisation. It will also propose an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, with measures to ease permitting for industrial access to energy and decarbonisation. The EU is committed to implementing critical raw materials policies 6 by diversifying supply chains, improving access to funding for strategic projects as well as boosting circular business models. Moreover, a Critical Raw Materials Centre will coordinate joint raw material purchases on behalf of interested companies. Regarding energy supply, the Commission calls for swift adoption of the extension of the gas storage rules 7 . 1 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en 2 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en 3 The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal: https://antwerp-declaration.eu/ 4 Sustainability Omnibus: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-simplifies-rules-sustainabilityand-eu-investments-delivering-over-eu6-billion_en 5 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en 6 See namely the Critical Raw Materials Act: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401252 7 An update to the Security of Supply Framework is foreseen for 2026.”
  Energy (green transition) · Overall simplification of regulation in the EU · Sourcing of critical raw materials
• 2025-03-12 “E-001062/2025 Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recognises the challenge of population decline and encourages Member States to develop integrated policies to manage demographic change. The Commission's Demographic Toolbox provides a set of tools that can support Member States and regions in these efforts. As part of the Demographic Toolbox, the Talent Booster Mechanism is targeted towards EU regions that are experiencing a decline in their workingage population and that are affected by the departure of young people. The EU Long-term Vision for Rural Areas also includes strategies to address demographic decline. Cohesion Policy is committed to reducing disparities between regions in different Member States, including Greece, ensuring inter alia that people can effectively stay in the place they call home. Some EUR 639 million has been allocated to the regional programme for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, aimed among others at fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening education and social care infrastructure, and promoting the region’s natural and cultural heritage to boost the region’s attractiveness. These investments will create jobs and upgrade public infrastructure, improving quality of life of residents. Additionally, the region benefits from a programme under the European Social Fund Plus aimed at boosting employment. It improves job access and activation measures for all jobseekers, focusing on youth, the long-term unemployed, disadvantaged groups in the labour market, and inactive people. The program also promotes self-employment and the social economy with a budget of EUR 12.75 million. Current actions include supporting enterprises in hiring highly qualified unemployed individuals and helping unemployed people start businesses.”
  EU policy on brain drain · Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-03-12 “E-001061/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission Food products from third countries, regardless of their origin, must comply with EU food safety standards laid down in EU legislation. According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625 1 , Member States must carry out official controls and enforcement activities at all stages of distribution, including at the import stage. Where food of non-animal origin from third countries poses a risk, the Commission adopts measures through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 2 , including increased frequency checks at border control posts. Member States are to impose penalties applicable to the infringement of the Union agri-food chain legislation. These penalties shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and the Member States’ competent authorities are responsible for the removal of non-compliant consignments from the EU market. The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is established to ensure an exchange of information between Member States to support a swift reaction by food safety authorities. The Commission performs audits 3 in Member States and in third countries to ensure that their official control systems guarantee that goods intended for export to the EU comply with applicable EU rules. As suggested in the Vision for Food and Agriculture, a dedicated task force will be established, which will significantly increase the Union’s response to further strengthening the control on imports. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/1793/oj/eng. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit_reports/index.cfm.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU · Pesticides & trade · Maximum residue levels
• 2025-03-12 “E-001064/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission may intervene in cases raising issues, where there is sufficient evidence of a general practice, of a problem of compliance of national legislation with EU law. However, Law 4056/2012 concerns national administrative proceedings related to permits for the housing of farmed animals. Those administrative proceedings are not under the remit of EU law. Hence, this question is referring to national legislation that does not fall under the competence of the Union. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan Regulation 1 includes several interventions that may help farmers to adapt to the new requirements. Under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 2 , in addition to direct payments, Greece envisages also support for farm modernisation investments, bio-security interventions and advisory services. Where Union law imposes new requirements on farmers, support may be granted for investments to comply with those requirements for a maximum of 24 months from the date on which they become mandatory for the holding. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2115/oj. 2 https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/.”
  Agricultural funding
• 2025-03-12 “E-001066/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission 1. Between 2021 and 2027, the Greek authorities are set to receive more than EUR 1.5 billion under Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 1 , Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI) 2 and Internal Security Fund (ISF) 3 , a large part of which is allocated for the reinforcement of police presence at the Greek borders 4 . Additional funding will be made available to Greece 5 for the implementation of the Pact for Migration and Asylum. 2. Under shared management, Member States are primarily responsible for the sound financial management of EU funds allocated to them. Member States have established management and control systems to monitor how the home affairs funds are used and they report on that to the Commission 6 . The Commission regularly monitors how Member States implement programmes 7 and carries out system and ex-post audits on the use of EU funding 8 . The Schengen evaluation of Greece has shown that the Greek authorities deploy a significant number of staff from other regional police units to Evros area using national and EU funding for staff redeployment and acquisition of mobile surveillance equipment. At the GreekTurkish land border, the Greek authorities have implemented an integrated technical surveillance system to increase the detection and response capabilities. The Greek police has recruited and trained specialised border guards for border surveillance purposes in that area, with strong support of the Commission. The Greek army is also supporting the patrolling of the Greek-Turkish land border, including the Evros River, and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has been organising permanent patrolling operations since 2010. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/1147 establishing the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 establishing, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy. 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/1149 establishing the Internal Security Fund. 4 For more information, please visit the Managing Authority’s website: https://tamey.gov.gr/. 5 For more information on the resources to be allocated to Greece please find the following links (Section Thematic Facility: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/funding/borders-and-visa-funds/integrated-bordermanagement-fund-border-management-and-visa-instrument-2021-27_en , https://homeaffairs.ec.europa.eu/funding/asylum-migration-and-integration-funds/asylum-migration-and-integration-fund2021-2027_en . To be noted that resources will be also made available following the Mid Term Review of the programmes, in line with the relevant provisions of the specific Home Affairs funds Regulations. 6 In accordance with Articles 38 and 40 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy, such reporting is conducted through Annual Performance Reports and through Monitoring Committee meetings. 7 The Commission’s monitoring is carried out in accordance with Articles 38, 39, 40 and 41 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, which includes conducting Annual performance reviews. As per Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1147, Article 28 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 and Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1149, the Commission also performs a mid-term evaluation of the programmes. 8 In accordance with Article 70 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1060.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-02-20 “E-000785/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission carried out a risk assessment for the silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) under the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Regulation 1 and proposed its inclusion on the list of IAS of Union concern in 2022. However, the proposal did not obtain the necessary support from the Member States. Measures addressing Lagocephalus sceleratus may be covered by the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2 , in the framework of sustainable fishing activities, under the conditions set out in the EMFAF Regulation 3 , provided that the Member State has set out such action in its Operational Programme. For instance, in Greece, under Specific Objective 1.6, EMFAF funds initiatives for ecosystem protection and IAS management. Measures aim to enhance knowledge and address IAS, mitigate their impact on biodiversity and consumer safety. Compensation for affected fishers is supported through impact assessments to ensure proper allocation of financial assistance. Action on IAS is a priority of the EU programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 4 . LIFE funding for the silver-cheeked toadfish will depend on whether relevant proposals are submitted and selected for funding in a competitive process. 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 https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/funding/emfaf_en 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1004, OJ L 247, 13.7.2021, p. 1–49. 4 https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en”
  EU ocean policy · Environmental regulation of fisheries · Funding for fisheries and aquaculture
• 2025-02-20 “E-000784/2025 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports interventions that help farmers to implement actions to prevent crisis situations and build on medium and long-term resilience. For mitigating short-term impacts, the available tools include direct payments, aiming to stabilise farmers’ incomes, risk management tools, and compensation aid to farmers affected by adverse events. When needed, the Commission can adopt exceptional support measures, as it was the case in 2022 when input costs increased strongly. In addition, the Commission presented the Action Plan for Affordable Energy 1 to help reducing energy costs for industry and households and building a genuine Energy Union. The CAP is implemented in shared management with the national authorities. Member States have an obligation to protect Union funds from irregularities and fraud, and the Commission is committed to ensuring that these funds are spent appropriately and reach the rightful beneficiaries. Furthermore, Member States are also bound by the obligation of disbursing the payments in full and for the measures under the Integrated administration and control system at the latest by June 30 of the year following the claim. The Commission conducts risk-based audits to check whether the CAP governance systems put in place by the Member State function properly to ensure the legality and regularity of the CAP expenditure. Such audits were conducted in Greece in 2024, and the Member State was notified of the results. 1 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
• 2025-02-20 “E-000786/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 aims to contribute to a safe, predictable and trusted online environment that facilitates innovation, and in which fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter 2 , including the freedom of expression, are effectively protected. The DSA defines the responsibilities of providers of online platforms and specifically helps prevent the overremoval of lawful content, thereby protecting the freedom of expression. It does not regulate content, nor state whether content is illegal. The DSA ensures that EU citizens know when and why providers of online platforms remove content. This is critical because almost all content removals online are based on private rules set by those providers. Further, the DSA requires providers of platforms designated as very large online platforms (VLOPs), including X, to have adequate measures in place to address potential systemic risks stemming from their services. These risks include for example dissemination of illegal content, such as child sexual abuse material, or negative effects on civic discourse and electoral processes. VLOPs providers should also analyse aspects such as whether and how these risks are influenced by an intentional manipulation of their service, such as the use of bots or fake accounts. When designing mitigation measures, those providers must consider the protection of fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression. Any enforcement steps taken, including the additional investigatory measures on 17 January 2025, in relation to the risk assessment framework under the DSA were not triggered in reaction to any specific event, such as the livestream interview referred to in the question. These measures were part of compliance monitoring work under the DSA. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng”
  Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-02-03 “E-000456/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission In order to ensure a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment, the European Food Safety Authority carries out a thorough risk assessment before genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are authorised, which includes aspects related to long term safety. Following the granting of authorisations, GMOs need to be traced and labelled as such when released in the environment or placed on the EU market. Monitoring plans and renewal procedures (as all authorisations are limited in time) ensure that new information is assessed. Over the last two decades since GMO authorisations have been granted in the EU, no safety issues have emerged and no measures -such as withdrawal or suspension- had to be applied based on evidence of risks to human or animal health or to the environment 1 . Therefore, the Commission considers the current measures adequate in order to protect farmers and producers and ensure transparency. At the same time, as research evolves in this field and in order to update detection and traceability tools in line with scientific developments and innovative technologies in breeding, specific projects 2 have been funded under the Horizon Europe programme. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2003/1829/oj, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2003/1830/oj 2 Detection of NGT products to promote innovation in Europe | DETECTIVE https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101137025; Transition to safe & sustainable food systems through new & innovative detection methods & digital solutions for plant-based products derived from new genomic techniques, under a co-creation approach | DARWIN https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101136462; New detection methods on products derived from new genomic techniques for traceability, transparency and innovation in the food system https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/HORIZON_HORIZON-CL6-2023FARM2FORK-01-11/en”
  GMOs · Food labelling harmonisation at EU level
• 2025-01-22 “E-000271/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Cohesion Fund provides financial support to Member States whose gross national income per capita is below 90% of the EU-27 average 1 . Accordingly, Greece is a beneficiary of the Cohesion Fund, with a total EU allocation of EUR 2.9 billion at national level. In accordance with EU Regulation 2021/1058 2 , the Cohesion Fund supports investments in the environmental sector, including initiatives aimed at promoting climate change adaptation, disaster risk prevention and resilience. Consequently, the Cohesion Fund can support environmental projects in the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Such actions could also be supported by the European Regional Development Fund. Cohesion Policy Funds operate under a shared management framework between the Commission and the national and regional authorities of the Member States who are therefore responsible for selecting projects for funding and overseeing their implementation. In addition, Greece’s recovery and resilience plan 3 invests in anti-erosion and flood protection in Evros and Rhodope in response to the floods and wildfires in 2023 (measure 16849). The related interventions include the construction of dams, stream stabilisation structures and rainwater retention systems, with the aim to improve soil retention, biodiversity conservation and agricultural production. By end-2025, a total area of 175 000 square meters of flood protection works is expected to be completed. 1 Article 177 of the https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT:en:PDF 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R1058 3 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2024-11-22 “E-002629/2024 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The potential agreement with the Mercosur represents a key geostrategic and economic interest for the EU. This is all the more true under the current global context, in which geopolitical tensions among the different world powers risk to undermine EU exports, and hence the EU economy. As regards the agri-food sector, it should be recalled that the EU is the largest global exporter, with EUR 229 billion exports and a trade surplus of EUR 70 billion in 2023. The agreement will create new opportunities for the products of EU farmers in the highly protected Mercosur markets, by eliminating duties on key EU products, such as wine and other beverages, dairy products, olive oil and high-value processed products. Moreover, the agreement protects some 350 European geographical indications. Furthermore, trade concessions for sensitive agricultural products are granted under the form of carefully calibrated tariff rate quotas, limited to a very small share of EU consumption. Economic studies carried out by the Commission confirm that the market impact of the Mercosur agreement for EU sensitive products would be very limited 1 . The agreement also provides for safeguards in case of any adverse market effects, covering all products, even those not fully liberalised. Finally, the agreement will have no impact on health standards or consumers’ rights of EU citizens. Imported products, from Mercosur or from anywhere else, will always have to comply with the high EU health and sanitary standards, including with EU requirements concerning consumer information and traceability. Such requirements are not negotiable, under any trade agreement. 1 Sustainability Impact Assessment in support of the Association Agreement negotiations between the EU and Mercosur: https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/analysis-and-assessment/sustainability-impact-assessments_en; Cumulative economic impact of upcoming trade agreements on EU agriculture: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135540; Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1c8a6economic-and-sustainability-impact-assessment-for-ireland-of-the-eu-mercosur-trade-agreement/”
  Trade relations with Mercosur · Import of agri-food products in the EU
• 2024-11-22 “E-002633/2024 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission EU legislation 1 is in place to effectively deal with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, the Commission laid down requirements for a dedicated Union surveillance programme 2 for avian influenza which must be implemented in all Member States, with a stringent and harmonised surveillance system having as main objectives the early detection of HPAI in poultry and in wild birds. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) upon mandate of the Commission, compiles and analyses in an annual report 3 the surveillance data provided by the Member States. The Commission carries out audits and controls 4 aimed at monitoring the implementation and enforcement of EU legislation on food and feed safety, animal health, animal welfare, plant health and in certain areas of human health protection. According to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 5 , operators are responsible for the health of the animals they keep and reducing the risk of the spread of diseases. They must implement suitable biosecurity measures tailored to the species and categories of kept animals and risks involved, including biosecurity measures regarding wild animals. Under the Common Agricultural Policy, funding is available through the European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI) for cooperation projects 6 to test innovative farming practices, including initiatives on biosecurity. 1 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 of 17 December 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and the Council, as regards rules for the prevention and control of certain listed diseases (OJ L 174, 3.6.2020). 2 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/689 of 17 December 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards rules for surveillance, eradication programmes, and disease-free status for certain listed and emerging diseases (OJ L 174, 3.6.2020 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/689/oj). 3 https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9197 4 https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/official-controls-and-enforcement/health-and-food-audits-andanalysis/work-programmes_en 5 Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’), ELI (http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/429/oj). 6 https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/projects_en”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• 2024-11-22 “E-002628/2024 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission As regards the financial support for walnut producers, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan Regulation 1 offers Member States different possibilities to help farmers cope with plant diseases, which may include support for investments, support in a form of loans, guarantees and working capital, risk management, cooperation projects and advisory services. However, it is up to the Member States to plan and implement such measures. In the Greek CAP Strategic Plan 2 , support is allocated in the context of the operational programmes implemented by producer organisations and may be used for the sustainable pest and disease control techniques, and climate change adaptation and mitigation, through advisory services and technical assistance, as well as training, including coaching and exchange of best practices. Member States might also be able to grant further support in accordance with relevant State aid rules 3,4 . In accordance with Regulation 1107/2009 5 , active substances are approved at Union level and plant protection products are authorised at Member State level. Fungicides based on the approved active substances copper-based, sulfur, neem oil or Bacillus subtilis could fight anthracnose. Should plant protection products be not yet authorised in Greece for anthracnose in walnuts, the competent authority may, if the relevant conditions are met, use the provisions in the above-mentioned Regulation to grant mutual recognition to plant protection products authorised in other Member States, extend existing authorisations of plant protection products to minor uses, or grant emergency authorisations for a period not exceeding 120 days. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013, OJ L 435/1, 6.12.2021. 2 https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/, https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisitropopoiiseis/ 3 See Guidelines for State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas (OJ C 485, 21.12.2022, p. 1) and Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2472 of 14 December 2022 declaring certain categories of aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas compatible with the internal market in application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (OJ L 327, 21.12.2022, p. 1). 4 https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/search 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj”
  EU policy on pesticides · Agricultural funding
• 2024-11-22 “E-002630/2024 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission The Commission attaches the highest importance to the respect of rule of law and fundamental rights, including the protection of minorities in Albania. Through the enlargement process and the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Agreement 1 , the Commission closely follows reforms on the rule of law and the strengthening and protection of the fundamental rights in Albania, including rights of persons belonging to minorities – matters that fall under the so-called fundamentals of the enlargement process. The Commission assesses progress and provides policy recommendations in its annual report 2 . Moreover, as from 2024 Albania also participates in the annual Rule of Law Report 3 , which assesses Albania’s progress on the protection of fundamental rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02009A0428%2802%29-20210901 2 SWD(2024) 690 final, https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a8eec3f9-b2ec4cb1-8748-9058854dbc68_en?filename=Albania%20Report%202024.pdf 3 SWD(2024) 828 final, https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/0154dce1-5026-45de-8b37e3d56eff7925_en?filename=59_1_58088_coun_chap_albania_al.pdf”
  EU-Albania relations · EU relations with Western Balkans
• 2024-11-22 “E-002632/2024 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission One of the Commission’s priorities for the rail transport is the deployment of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) which ensures interoperability and safety of railway operations. According to Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 1 , the ERTMS must be deployed on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) in three stages: until end of 2030 for the core network, until end of 2040 for the extended core network and until end of 2050 for the comprehensive network. To support completion of the TEN-T network, the Connecting Europe Facility for Transport programme was established which helps build new or upgrade existing transport infrastructure across Europe, including through rolling out of the ERTMS. Greece can additionally use the Cohesion Fund for ERTMS related projects. Under the current programming period 20212027, a total allocation of EUR 101 million (Cohesion Fund contribution: EUR 86 million) has been earmarked to finance the installation of the ERTMS on the Greek TEN-T network. The Commission also supports capacity building among the Greek stakeholders in relation to the deployment of the ERTMS. This is part of a project ‘Technical support for the implementation and application of Union legislation on railway safety and interoperability in Greece’ which is funded by the Commission. As part of this project, the European Union Agency for Railways organises workshops and trainings to discuss details of the ERTMS deployment and support Greek stakeholders in creating a comprehensive plan to implement ERTMS on their network. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj.”
  EU support of rail transport · EU funding for transportation
• 2024-11-22 “E-002631/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission 1. The working conditions and taxation of the self-employed fall primarily under national competence. However, as announced in the Political Guidelines, the Commission will put forward a Quality Jobs Roadmap that will support fair wages, good working conditions, training and fair job transitions for workers and self-employed people, notably by increasing collective bargaining coverage. Directive 2024/2831 1 , to be transposed into national law by 2 December 2026, facilitates the determination of the correct employment status of persons performing platform work. It will help false self-employed platform workers to enjoy their relevant rights deriving from Union law, national law and collective agreements. As regards occupational health and safety, delivery workers that fall in the scope of Directive 89/391/EEC 2 are covered by its provisions requiring employers to assess all health and safety risks at work of their employees and to implement preventive and protective measures, including the provision of personal protective equipment as per Directive 89/656/EEC 3 . In addition, Council Recommendation 2003/134/EC 4 aims to improve the minimum occupational health and safety protection standards of the self-employed, as they may be subject to risks similar to those of employees. 2. Directive 2024/2831 also grants new rights to workers and self-employed people regarding algorithmic management. It specifically requires digital labour platforms to evaluate and address risks from the use of automated systems, including undue pressure, violence, and harassment. The Directive also requires digital labour platforms to set up effective reporting channels and encourages the availability of such channels to non-employees. 1 Directive (EU) 2024/2831 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on improving working conditions in platform work, OJ L, 2024/2831, 11.11.2024 - https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2831/oj/eng 2 Article 3(a) of Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1‐8 - https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=celex%3A31989L0391 3 Council Directive 89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace (third individual directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC), OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 18–28 - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A31989L0656 4 Council recommendation of 18 February 2003 concerning the improvement of the protection of the health and safety at work of self-employed workers, OJ L 53, 28.2.2003, p. 45‐46 - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32003H0134”
  EU rules on hazardous working conditions · Platform workers