Ingeborg TER LAAK

Policy topics Ingeborg TER LAAK is active on

What Ingeborg TER LAAK has said (27)

• 2026-06-16 “(11:28:55 – 11:29:49): Madam president. You feel these bombings, at the cash desk because of the bombing in Iran. And now we hear there is a ceasefire, but it's the situation is fragile. We can't remain on the sideline because the consequences are bigger. It's not just about our prices at the checkout. We must learn from the situation. We must act, and we can only do that if we build up our resilience and invest in our security and have a good foreign policy. Without these steps, we're handing over our security and our prosperity to others, but we can't afford that. Thank you.”
  EU foreign policy approach
• “Um, and you had a very passionate, uh, plead about how this is all about this new economy, the economy of the future. And I really I'm with you. I understand what you're saying, but it it is a huge transition. And change is never without a wrinkle. How are we? Are you the commission? How are we as Parliament are going to take our manufacturers, our investors, but mainly our consumers with us in this transition, because it is going to be a transition and it is going to look at resources sources in a new way. For example, used electronic devices. We have to see them if they are used as a resource for critical raw materials. But how are we going to make this transition to the circular economy? Now we have several inconsistencies in national regulations and that could hinder this progress. How does the Commission plan to harmonise circular economy with policies across Europe, and to ensure this seamless and efficient market for secondary raw materials and recycled products? How will member States efforts, including those of the Netherlands, be coordinated to build the strategic reserves while maintaining this internal market principles? Thank you very much.”
  Circular economy
• “Thank you. Input lag has a floor for a minute and a half. Thank you very much, chairman. The message from climate scientists is very clear. Climate change is going to hit us hard over the next decade. We've got to be honest, but we've also got to be brave about what can be done, because the challenges of climate change are not just a matter of money, but also a matter of implementation. A transition to a sustainable world requires ambitious choices and an ambitious policy in the EU. We need to have a better approach to tackling CO2 emissions, a better approach to renewables and clean energy so that everybody can join in. And we need to have long term policy, which is predictable and we need to have a level playing field. Climate change is a task for all of us, for society, for our rulers and the we must have a Proper a proper steer so that industry knows what's coming and can dare to invest. People need to be confident that that what they do will actually make a difference. Only in that way can we speed up this transition. The meeting is an opportunity to show that the EU is ready to steam ahead, and that we're not just good enough at coming up with new objectives, but we also implement them. Thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you and to start let me state that I'm in favor of ETS2. I think extending emissions trading to buildings and road transport is indispensable if we want to meet our climate targets in two thousand and thirty and two thousand fifty. But for ETS2 to succeed it must not only be just ambitious but also fair stable economically and politically sustainable. This is where I think there's still room for improvement. At the moment citizens as our Italian colleague was expressing are worried about higher fuel and heating bills while businesses they fear price fluctuations and we cannot afford for ETS2 to be seen as just another tax it has to be seen as a driver for transition for innovation and therefore I have three questions. Most of the questions were asked so I am diverting a little bit first given the wide range of projections for ETS2 allowance prices by two thousand and thirty is the commission prepared to strengthen the market's sustainable stability reserve so it can also intervene more flexibility and would it consider introducing a temporary price corridor to provide predictability and stability in the early years. Second how can we be sure that the social climate fund will directly benefit low- and middle income households instead of being absorbed into a national budget and finally what is the commission's plan on communication on ETS2 it has to be more effective to citizens so we can so they understand that it's not an extra tax but it is about enabling a fair transition and thank you very much.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you. Chair and I will speak in my mother tongue in Dutch. Thank you very much. And thank you to the Commission for its contribution. It's nice to hear that the Europe wants to continue to take the lead when it comes to climate agreements. Last week it was Green Week for the MEPs. I went to visiting a lot of companies, and all of them say, look, stick to the climate agenda and continue with this. It makes us competitive in Europe. We can innovate, new chemical solutions can be found which are good for the climate and good for our health as well. The upcoming Cop 30 will be focused on financing and the presidency of Brazil has come up with a financing circuit and looking at how we can finance 1.3 billion per annum for the developing countries. However, we are increasingly seeing that the current system of developing countries and developed countries is not actually an accurate reflection of the current situation. Some developed countries have huge economies because they produce electric cars, they produce solar panels. They can't keep saying that their developing countries. This has a knock on effect on other players and we have to take ownership of our own actions. How do you think that Europe and the Commission can adapt the financial circle so that it's more in line with the current economic capacities of the countries involved. And how can we make sure that the financing of climate change is structural, particularly for the most vulnerable communities on this earth?”
  EU climate aid for global South
• “Oh yeah thank you very much Dmitry. Yeah honestly I wasn't, I didn't plan to speak but there were so many people calling out for the EPP to react so I figured I should say something and I do agree. Yeah, I but I do agree it's a pity that so few of our colleagues are here because I think it is important. So thanks to the Commission for presenting their research and their research because it is important how are we doing and how are we implementing this environmental laws and how is it working out in practice. And what we do know there is a change in the public opinion about the Green Deal and the support for it and I think it's important to be aware of that and it is understandable. I mean look at us ourselves we know it's bad for the environment to fly and we fly all over the place all over the time so it's difficult to change your, yeah, well it's difficult to change your habits isn't it? And but we need to reconsider it. So how can we make it more attractive and more appealing for people to be green and inclusive and be prosperous for the future because everybody wants to have breathe clean air in the end. So do I and I want that for my children and you can also see economies within Europe which are preparing for this new green economy. They are doing better than the economies, I'm sorry for the Mister Eberding, for the German economy you know. So it's important to be prepared. So thank you very much to the Commission. I think it's important to have this research and to use it for our best interest to serve our citizens and to take steps in this Green Industrial Deal to come further together. So thank you.”
  Climate efforts
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. Colleagues. Yesterday, the deadline for the trade agreement with the EU was postponed to the 1st of August. Now, this postponement does look like there's hope for a deal. These extra negotiations are important if we're to reach an agreement. And if there's one thing that's important here, it's that Europe needs to be able to stand on its own two feet as quickly as possible. The US can't do without us and we can't do without the US. We are a market, um, where the US is, um, dependent. We need to be, um, preparing, uh, countermeasures. We need to be able to show our teeth. We don't want a trade war. That's only going to create lures that would give China and Russia more, um, room when it comes to security. So that's what they actually want. They want a weak transatlantic alliance, and we'll not let that happen. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Okay. Thank you. And thank you to Mr. Barletta for his inclusive report. I think it's a very good report. And it was clear for, for us to, to read it. And also the six pillars, it really structures the teams you're, you're addressing. And as everybody is saying, water is vital, vital for our life. And there are some concerns about security. I heard them from several speakers, and I really want to stress out that, um, water is vital and our water facilities are a strategic, uh, in, in. Yeah. In case there's no peace in Europe that is important to really secure and have an eye on how to protect our water facilities, because it is, um, yeah, it is a threat for international security. Thank you.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• “Thank you very much, president. And thank you, Commissioner, for coming along to our committee. It's a difficult agenda because we all understand that climate is changing. And I'm not just talking about not being able to skate this winter. I see more and more environmental disasters. I see the cost of it in material terms and in human lives, and we know it's difficult to change the way we live, but we're going to have to do it, and we've got to do it in a way that keeps our economy lively and. To keep our economy going and see that cbam is something which helps us to do this as well. It makes sure that we keep a level playing field for our industry and for our companies. So the introduction of Cbam is a big step in the right direction for strategic independence for Europe. Nevertheless, we're seeing a lot of industries, particularly the energy intensive industries such as the steel industry, are faced with more and more uncertainty and c-bombs being introduced at the same time as they're losing out on the other side. And 2020, we were supposed to revise both Cbam and tiers. Can you tell us what we're expecting? Um, what does the revision looks like? And can we also look at carbon capture and sequestration? Is that possible in the broader framework at the upcoming Cop? And Berlin is very important for the development of the international market, which to a certain extent is based on the European model. How do you see your role, particularly now that the US has withdrawn, and how do we do with how do we deal with the data that is stored in the US? Thank you.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you. And thank you chair. Shipping is the backbone of our global economy and we only feel it once. Waterways are blocked like they are right now. But today, it's also one of the sectors where global climate action is still lagging behind. So that's why the upcoming meeting of the International Maritime Organization in London is so important. And last year, unfortunately, we did not did not reach a global agreement. And that matters because if we fail to act globally, globally, we risk fragmentation and unfair competition. But Europe has to take its responsibility with the ETS and the EU maritime. We are already setting clear rules and guiding and creating incentives for cleaning, shipping. But we all know shipping is global and European action alone will not be enough. So the key question for the next conference will be quite simple. Can we move from discussions to delivery? And we need a global framework that's both ambitious and workable at the same time. We must ensure a level playing field so that European companies are not put at a disadvantage while we try to take better care of the environment, which we all share. So in short, it's about credibility. We want a global transition and we need global rules. So therefore, I would like to ask I have some questions. How confident can we be or can the commission be that this year we can deliver on real progress towards a global framework, given the political division we saw last year and we still see up to this day. And second, how will the Commission ensure that any IMO outcome is consistent with existing EU legislation, especially ETS and EU maritime, and avoids creating loopholes and a double system. And third are global progress takes more time. How does the Commission see the EU continuing to lead a strong ambition, while we also ensure a fair and competitive playing field for our industries. Thank you.”
  Decarbonisation of maritime transport
• “Good luck and thank you, Commissioner, for being here today. And I want to compliment you. I want to compliment you on your ambitious and science based environmental policies, especially also the ones on the water policy. And that ambition is essential. But I think it's also about trust, and that's where I see a growing concern. Take for example, the Water Framework Directive. While its goals are broadly supported and our colleagues are currently negotiating the reform, in practice the current directive has proven extremely difficult to implement on the ground, and this creates frustration not only among local communities and farmers, but also among our regional colleagues, the regional authorities they're tasked to enforcement. It contributes to a wider sense of disconnect between EU ambitions and practical implementations, between Brussels and the countryside, between national governments and their own rural regions. So my question is how do you plan to bridge this gap? What is your strategy to rebuild trust, especially in rural areas, to ensure that environmental policies is socially just, inclusive and truly grounded in local realities? Thank you.”
  Water pollution
• “04:06 – 10:05:48): And first of all, thanks to the rapporteur, Ms Nourudjova, for the constructive work on this file and the open cooperation with all your colleagues. The Market Stability Reserve plays an important role to ensure that new emission trading system for buildings and road transport can function in a predictable and stable way. The Commission proposal aims to smoothen some of the sharp triggers in the system to improve the functioning of the reserve. In principle, I see the merits of this approach. At the same time, I have some concerns about several of the additions made in the draft report. Some of the proposed changes may risk the system more can intervene more than necessary and could create additional uncertainties for the market. I believe we should be careful not constantly adjust the rules in a way that undermines the confidence in the ETS system. And in particular, I'm concerned about the recycle suggestion that member states could temporarily not apply the system or onto residential buildings, strengthening to prolong the price cap of forty-five euros or further just adjust the Market Stability Reserve in order to compensate household. Moreover, I do believe that we should address the social impact, so that's good about the proposal, but I believe that we should be careful to create much more flexibility. That's one step away from the system. Instead, we should focus on what's good about the policy, such as the climate fund and the national support measures as being said here. So those are specifically designed to address the social impact and preserve the integrity of the carbon market. So thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “I will, thank you. From my perspective, protecting our water resources, that comes because I have two minutes. You know, I try to speed up everything. I'm sorry. Uh, protecting our water resources deserves a more prominent place within this file. Water is not only an environmental asset, it's a strategic resource. Our industry, our agriculture, our public health. It all depends on the access to clean and reliable water. Water is life. Pollution, including from persistent substances, directly undermines Europe's long term competitiveness because without a secure water system, there is no secure industrial future. So strengthening investment in water resilience, pollution prevention and clean industrial processes should therefore be recognised as a core component of competitiveness. Together with our electricity energy supplies, not as a separate or secondary objective, at the same time, we must remain mindful of our regulatory framework surrounding the fund. Europe. European companies are already operating in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. If we want the fund to be efficient, we must remain accessible, predictable and efficient, especially for the small and medium sized enterprises. Our objectives are clear enable innovation, supporting transition and strengthening resilience while ensuring that that remains. Rules remain proportionate and workable in practice. So, in conclusion, I believe this draft opinion provides a strong basis and I look forward to working constructively with all the colleagues here for future strengthening it. Thank you.”
  Water pollution
• “Thank you. President. Ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, this report is an excellent example of how climate policy and industrial strengthening can go hand in hand. The simplification of Cbam sets out a very important step to a simpler system, a fairer system, and a more innovative system. The administrative burden for our companies is being cut. 91% of the companies will not need to carry out any reporting, while 99% of the CO2 emissions will stay within that system. That means less red tape, especially for our SMEs. And without giving up on environmental protection even more, we're actually creating a level playing field and stimulating companies to invest in cleaner and more future proofed existence. But let's be clear this is only the first step in the revision. Next year, we need to take opportunities to deal with the other emissions and to make sure the system is more robust and not to do it over and above our industry, but together with them to work on smart innovation.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Okay. Thank you, chair. And thank you, Mr. Koopmans, for joining us in our committee. I would like to ask you something about the acceleration of the enlargement of the European Union. I think it's good that we have perspective for the Western Balkans and that the acceleration is going on. But how do you uphold the Copenhagen criteria? Could you explain how to ensure that all countries which currently have the ambition to join the EU, have the same accession criteria? And also how do we ensure that for Ukraine, the EU upholds the same accession criteria as for the countries who are in the enlargement process already? Thank you.”
  EU enlargement
• “30:12 – 16:31:56): the to the rapporteur for all all the work that has been done the scarcity of water creates conflict it triggers irregular migration and creates problems in providing basic human needs such as drinking water and food security hence it is important to focus on how through water governance conflict prevention and peace can be promoted lastly water is a weapon of war whether it's the case of the russian federation deliberately attacking a water dam in ukraine whether it's it's water filtration systems on european soil that are being hacked also by the russian federation and contaminated or the cutting of fresh drinking water supply in conflict situations such as recently in gaza and sudan cases like these should be condemned water is a scarce resource we should treat it as such and we also to keep it in mind when we do operate peacekeeping missions we usually fly in high quantities of water and this is extremely costly polluting but above all it's a huge risk to the operation rather than flying in quantities there should be a focus on how to use the water that is surrounded and improve the systems creating availability of quantity and quality of water in countries of or conflict prone context requires public private partnership in which local partners and cooperation take their responsibilities and see the importance of investing in an adequate water quality structure to conclude the epp group will most likely file a few amendments in order to put more emphasis on how water is used as a weapon in conflict situation and how water systems should be introduced in public private partnerships thank you very much”
  EU humanitarian missions
• “04:06 – 10:05:48): And first of all, thanks to the rapporteur, Ms Nourudjova, for the constructive work on this file and the open cooperation with all your colleagues. The Market Stability Reserve plays an important role to ensure that new emission trading system for buildings and road transport can function in a predictable and stable way. The Commission proposal aims to smoothen some of the sharp triggers in the system to improve the functioning of the reserve. In principle, I see the merits of this approach. At the same time, I have some concerns about several of the additions made in the draft report. Some of the proposed changes may risk the system more can intervene more than necessary and could create additional uncertainties for the market. I believe we should be careful not constantly adjust the rules in a way that undermines the confidence in the ETS system. And in particular, I'm concerned about the recycle suggestion that member states could temporarily not apply the system or onto residential buildings, strengthening to prolong the price cap of forty-five euros or further just adjust the Market Stability Reserve in order to compensate household. Moreover, I do believe that we should address the social impact, so that's good about the proposal, but I believe that we should be careful to create much more flexibility. That's one step away from the system. Instead, we should focus on what's good about the policy, such as the climate fund and the national support measures as being said here. So those are specifically designed to address the social impact and preserve the integrity of the carbon market. So thank you.”
  Extension of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
• “Thank you, thank you, chair. And thank you, Mrs. Gallina, for joining us today. Uh, while I'm a strong supporter of the joint of the Joint Voluntary Procurement Mechanism under the CMA, I do have some concerns about the potential length and complexity of the process in urgent or high demand situations. Delays in coordination and execution could undermine its intent, especially since it's very dependent on the member states involvement. So could the Commission elaborate on what is what safeguards are being put into place to ensure that joint procurement, uh, and expedient, um, are not, you know, are not becoming bureaucratic. So how can we make sure that when the member states agree to move jointly, the process moves quickly enough to to ensure the supplies? Thank you.”
  Covid-19 vaccines procurement
• “27:42 – 15:28:39): Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Commissioner, for joining us. I'll have a very specific and short question, I promise you, Chair. I want to ask you something about Syria. There was overthrow of the regime in December 2024. There was a good spirit in Syria. I know everything was going to get better. People were really, really hopeful. I believe the last time I was there was in October. I believe the spirit is still there but it takes time. And then last January Ursula von der Leyen, the presidency, promised a support package of six hundred and twenty million euros. What's the plan? What are the conditions for this support package? What's the strategy? And I read a lot about it in the media but also read that the EU is overhauling its Syrian sanction regime. Can you elaborate a little bit more on that? And you said the new Middle East strategy is complex. Does that mean it's going to be delayed?”
  EU-Syria relations
• “Thank you, chair, and thank you very much for being here and presenting this report to us. I think it's one of the key pillars of doing so is awareness creating awareness amongst everybody, amongst the consumers. I mean, we buy these LED screens. I have a cell phone in my bag and but it's also in our vapes and in, uh, children's toys. So we should be aware of what we buy and where we buy it from and what it does at the end, very end of the change. And thank you very much for having me here in this meeting to say something about this important report about critical raw materials with a focus on Africa. We are in a situation that as EU, we have to secure our critical raw materials for our energy transition, for our green transition, but most and foremost for our security and competitiveness agenda. We need the raw materials for our defence industry. And on the other hand, it's important that we contribute to good governance of these resources and the countries of origin within Africa, and that they, the Africans, can really benefit of the trades and that the revenues will. The report shows clear importance of just transition, good governance and ethical sourcing. These are essential elements of success without good management of these resources and strong corporations.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “President. Commissioner. Colleagues. Our ocean is the blue lung of our planet. It gives us more than 50% of our oxygen and takes up over a quarter of our CO2, CO2. It is a diverse, supportive source of food and also helps to protect the climate. The Ocean Pact has to be more than merely nice words. We have to accept our responsibility in this arena. We need less pollution, more space for innovation to ensure proper use of the oceans. We don't want overregulation that will stifle local business people, but also we want to prevent companies from polluting. So we need to look at how we can work to ensure that industrialization of our oceans does not violate everyone's interests. We have to take the lead here. We have to have clear rules. We have to have a reliable regulatory basis. And because the ocean is important for all of us and for our lives. Thank you.”
  EU ocean policy
• “Thank you and thanks to the Commission and the UNEP for their tireless efforts. Plastic pollution is not only an environmental crisis, it's increasingly a health crisis. There are studies within the Netherlands that microplastics are in everybody's blood in the Netherlands and it's also in the placentas of unborn babies. We know it's dangerous for our health, so the urgency is clear. Without decisive action, global plastic waste could triple up to 2060 and the negotiations remain blocked because of deep divides which we just got an outline on. Despite this, we must remain ambitious. The EU should continue to push for production, design, and transparency, ensuring plastics are safe, recyclable, and free of hazardous additives. Strong global governance, as the Commission said, is important. It is necessary to have clear monitoring and enforcement. Our vision is a worldwide transition to circular plastics with sustainable drives, design, production, and consumption. What is needed to achieve this? There are three things. First of all, we need to create a real market for circular plastics. Today this market is undermined as it is flooded by cheap virgin plastics, for example from China, which makes sustainable alternatives uncompetitive. Second, we must establish a global level playing field. It cannot be that front runners are penalized for investing in circularity while laggers enjoy their competitive advantages. Third, our financing and capacity building mechanism is essential so all countries, including low and middle income ones, can implement these treaties. This is crucial for just transition.”
  Microplastics
• “Colleagues. Medicines are not luxury products. They're not sweets. It's not something you can decide to buy or not to buy. For patients, medicines are a necessity. Often they are the difference. The difference between suffering and recovery. The difference between life and death. And that is why this debate matters. The global medicine market is changing rapidly and decisions taken outside Europe, Such as US most favored Nations policy directly affect access to medicines for European patients and why Europe has it all. We have the science, we have the researchers, we have the companies, and we have good health care systems. We have an opportunity to lead, but we must unify. We must strengthen our life science ecosystems across Europe and secure the availability of medicines in Europe, because ultimately, patients must be able to trust that Europe will deliver when they need it most. Thank you.”
  Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU — innovation/access axis
• “Thank you. And thanks to the advisory board for being here today and for your consistent, high quality work, especially in a time of political complexity and environmental urgency. Your expertise is essential. I would like to raise three points. First of all, innovative technologies like bio based construction materials, direct air capture and long term carbon storage are gaining attention. They are increasingly seen as essential to to reach net zero by 2050, and may even play a role in achieving our upcoming 2040 targets. I know carbon storage is already included in your program, but how can your advice support clear investment priorities and smart, workable regulations for these scale ups? My second point is on the clean industrial deal. This has the potential to be a major game changer for heavy industry, but we must not forget our SMEs. Those are the our economic backbone in Europe. Small and medium sized businesses are all struggling to access clean technology and stable, affordable energy. Will your advice consider how we can avoid a two speed transition and ensure that SMEs are supported and not sidelined? The third point is on climate risks, which are not evenly spread throughout Europe. For example, in my home country, the Netherlands, we face a sea level rise and floodings. Elsewhere it's droughts, it's heatwaves or it's biodiversity loss. How will your adaptation adaptation advice reflect this? Very different geographic realities within Europe, and how can it help member states to shape fair, tailored response at national and local levels. I want to thank you again for your work and your grounded advice, and it will really help us to take practical steps forwards. Thank you very much.”
  Carbon capture storage and utilisation
• “Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much, chair. And also thanks to Professor Skea for his presentation. However, I have to say, you gave me some some gloom and some some despair and, um, it feels like we're falling behind and we're not able to to take action. And you were you were talking to us about it, that the politicians are lacking action at the moment. And you can see that also here within in the Parliament. And I think partly why we are lacking taking action are not there to take action is um, is because we are we're afraid. We're afraid of the transition we need to make. We need to make this social transition. And it is huge. But I believe it's also a chance and an opportunity. And how can we get in this more positive, positive mood and sense and you know, go for this innovation. So you see regions which depend on on carbon intensive industry, whether it's in Europe or it's globally, it doesn't matter. They face real social impacts on the transition. And what does the IPC see as the most effective policies to to ensure that decarbonisation is socially fair and regionally balanced, and preventing communities from being feeling of the feeling of leaving left behind. But how can they be on, on on top of this, this race and European governments must accelerate emission reductions before 2030, while keeping energy security and affordability in mind. And the country where I come from, the Netherlands has recently focused on scaling up heat pumps, offshore wind and district heating networks. But grid capacity limits risks delaying the process. And according to the ICC's latest findings, which near-term measures delivers the highest emission reductions value for industry regions without undermining this economic, competitive or power system sustainability. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Since Trump's taken power, the terms tariffs and trade barriers have never been so popular before. His protectionism and unpredictable policy have upended the world economy. The US, under Trump's leadership, is no longer the stable partner which Europe was used to. Let's be honest, Trump is unpredictable and that's not going to change. His tariff policy as has no beneficial effects. It's not just a one off, however. It's now become a standard position. He will remain an unstable partner. We need stability and predictability. The task we as politicians have is to ensure that we achieve stability. Otherwise, we and our businesses won't be able to invest. Despite the fact that investments are essential for us to remain competitive and to invest in the climate, Europe and the Netherlands must review their strategy. We should look to new markets, to Ukraine, Africa, India, South America, a whole series of opportunities for new trade agreements. This is not a luxury, it's a necessity if we want to maintain access to critical raw materials, if we want to maintain our prosperity, we have to think in in a wider context. The future of our economy can't depend on one unreliable precedent, but on trusting, trustworthy, reliable alliances around the world.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you, thank you Chair and thank you Commissioner for being here. I do agree putting oceans so high on the agenda is a great success and is also very, very important. As an NV member, I know oceans are key in the whole discussion about climate change. It's the world's largest natural carbon sink and essential for climate regulations. But also personally, as a diver, I'm very pleased that oceans are so high on the agenda because I know the fairytale-like surroundings when you are beneath the surface of the oceans. I'm not just talking about oceans near the equator where it's the bright light but also my own ocean, the North Sea, is astonishing and beautiful with marine life. But I am worried about the Ocean Pack that it's gonna be only worth and I really wish to live the day to have a dive and dive without the human rubbish I see all around when I am diving. Therefore, I have some specific questions for you. The oceans absorb about thirty percent of our CO2 emissions and are indispensable in stabilizing our climate but yet our biodiversity losses are rapidly weakening this capacity. So my question is what concrete steps will the Commission take to ensure that the EU's policy truly preserve the oceans and that they can take up their role as blue lungs for our planet rather than just setting aspirational targets? The pact sets a goal for restoring twenty percent of the EU sea areas by two thousand and thirty and all degraded ecosystems by two thousand and fifty but scientists warn, however, that climate tipping points and marine systems may arrive much sooner. So the question is does the Commission consider these restoration targets ambitious enough in light of this acceleration ocean warming or is there a risk that we are simply moving too slowly to prevent irreversible damage? Then I also want to ask something about our several sets of ambitions we have as EU. The pact highlights the offshore wind and ocean energy as central to the EU climate neutrality target yet evidence shows that it is a conflict with marine biodiversity and traditional coastal activities. So how will the Commission balance all these ambitions and to accelerate deployment of offshore renewables with the need of strictly protecting the EU seas and to meet its biodiversity targets? Thank you very much.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU · Off-shore renewables