Brigitte VAN DEN BERG

Policy topics Brigitte VAN DEN BERG is active on

What Brigitte VAN DEN BERG has said (41)

• 2026-06-23 “(10:30:43 – 10:34:38): Thank you very much, chair. I will speak in Dutch. Madam chair, often here in the European Parliament, we talk about policy, figures, strategies, and programs. But today, I would like to talk about the people who keep Europe, going every day, a nurse working in the emergency ward, someone installing your heat pump, or a train driver who makes sure that Europe doesn't derail. Over half of our students are in vacation vocational training and education. 1 in 3 Europeans has a diploma from vocational training and education. And I'd like to talk about entrepreneurs who are calling for more tradespeople because somewhere along the lines, forgot about them. Their training and education is seen as lower when, in fact, they are the ones we need the most. And often, they don't feel represented, and they don't feel recognized. When I talk to students in vocational vocational training and education, and that happens almost on a weekly basis in the parliament when I have visitors, and they make the point that they're not always proud of their course because they have the impression that society isn't proud of what they do. And they tell me that it's not fair that their diploma is not valid abroad if they wanted to work abroad when bachelor degrees and master's degrees are recognized abroad. And, you know, we send the children of diplomats on Erasmus, but we make it very difficult for people in vocational training and education to travel abroad or have experience abroad. And that's an issue for me, but it's also an issue for Europe's future. And this proposal seeks to do something about that because our success in Europe is not defined by how many university degrees we issue, but, our success is based on making sure that people end up doing what is best suited to them. I'm convinced that there are many architects who would have been excellent builders. I'm pretty sure that our consultants who could have been nurses at someone's bedside, and there are financial experts who could have installed, wind turbines. And that would have made Europe a safer place. We would have green energy, which is produced domestically, and we would have a home for everyone. But there is also good news because we can still manage it, but we need to change tack radically. We need to move away from the objective of having as many people with university degrees as possible. We need to move away from saying higher, lower. We need to do away with unpaid, traineeships or internships. We need diplomas which are valid across the EU. We need to make sure that the Erasmus program is accessible to everyone and that people in vocational training and education, have a say and are at the table so that we don't talk about people, but also talk to people. If we really want a union of skills, we need to stop ranking talent, and we should no longer be talking about higher or or lower, but see every path as a path of value. And if we make sure that every young person in Europe, irrespective of the path they choose, has a talent that matters, we can build a stronger future for the EU. Thank you.”
  Focus of EU policy on education (shaping workers vs citizens)
• 2026-06-23 “(10:52:09 – 10:57:06): Thank you very much. Thank you very much all for your responses. Before I'm turning to, answer them and to your amendments, I would like to point out that, a study that was recently presented to the AMPL committee, called rights and benefits gaps of vocational education and training learners and professionals in the EU. And this clearly underlines both the urgency and the timelines of this, the timeliness of this ENE. And the findings of this report show that too many vet learners and professionals still face unequal access to rights, support, and opportunities across the EU. And this is exactly why why this EME is the answer to that. Then, turning to your comments and the amendments that you tabled. Thank you very much to the EVP Group for the amendments tabled by Angelika Winsig. I strongly support the emphasis on the effectiveness of dual and apprenticeship based systems. These systems are proven pathways into employment and the link you make between, to better youth labor market outcomes is very important. I also particularly welcome the focus on clear progression pathways, including the EQF level 5 and above. This is essential if we want VET to be seen as high quality and future orientated choice. Then to the S and D group, I would like to highlight the amendments also from Nikola Djakovic. I strongly agree that Vets can only be attractive if it leads to quality jobs. The focus on fair wages, decent working conditions, and job security is fundamental. And I also very much welcome the attention, to the attractiveness of teaching, of the teaching profession in fact. Plus, without well supported teachers, trainers, and workplace mentors, we will not be able to deliver the skills that Europe needs. I also very much welcome your comments on the gender perspective. Then to the PFE, we agree where you also emphasized the dignity and importance that is needed for vet students and vet professionals. And I think that in this report, we underline that all jobs are important for our that that contribute to our modern and resilient economy. But, for me, that economy is based on the green and digital transition because that is the only future proof economy that we can go towards. And all jobs that contribute to that, need our full support and, the dignity that they deserve. When I go on to the ECR, I very much, welcome your contributions also, in particular to the proposal to better integrate tertiary vet institutions at EQF level 5 and 6, into research and innovation ecosystems because this is an important step for the emancipation of vet and also strongly support the idea of an European Vet Diploma that enhances the mobility and visibility of Vet qualifications. So thank you very much for that. Then lastly, thank you very much. Oh, sorry. I have still 2 to go. 1st of all, The Greens, thank you very much for your comments on on behalf also of, Benedetta Scuderi. I already, talked to her last week about this report, and I'm very happy that you brought in the perspective beyond the immediate labor market needs and that you emphasized on the critical thinking, the active citizenship, and the media literacy that is essential for everyone today. And I also strongly support the focus on the gender gaps in vet and the need to secure the equal success, especially in STEM fields. And of course, aligning the VET with the green transition and the future sustainable sectors is key for Europe's competitiveness and resilience. I I took a very short introduction, you know, so I have 2 minutes, I think, to spare. Finally, to come to you, miss President, thank you very much for giving me the, the time. I appreciate very much your your, amendments also, especially the strong focus on the well-being of students, of teachers and trainers, as well as the better cooperation between vet providers and employers to identify and validate skills more effectively and upscale on the workplace. And I very much agree with you. No closed doors in education. So to conclude, I'm looking very much forward to the cooperation in the shadow meetings, and I'm convinced that, together, we can put forward a really ambitious E and E on vocational education and training, and we hopefully can reshift the focus of the EU on more equality in educational pathways. Thank you very much.”
  Focus of EU policy on education (shaping workers vs citizens)
• 2025-06-04 “P-002243/2025 Answer given by Ms Zaharieva on behalf of the European Commission The Commission aims to make the EU the most attractive and secure place for both EU and non-EU scientific talent. Both the budgets of the Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes are fixed until 2027, as adopted by the co-legislators. The Erasmus+ programme makes the EU an attractive place to study and work and supports transnational education cooperation 1 . Through the ‘Study in Europe’ initiative 2 , the Commission promotes global awareness of the high quality and the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of European higher education 3 . Moreover, the Commission has identified a EUR 500 million package for 2025–2027 to make Europe a magnet for researchers. This includes the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ‘Choose Europe’ pilot 4 , as well as measures under the European Research Council 5 . In addition, the Commission has brought together over 70 national and regional initiatives to attract foreign researchers, which can be accessed through a one-stop-shop in EURAXESS 6 . The EU is also making it easier for researchers to relocate and integrate. The ‘Students and Researchers’ Directive 7 provides a framework 8 for researchers to enter and reside in the EU, and the upcoming visa strategy aims to build on this by further easing such relocation procedures. EURAXESS 9 offers information and personalised assistance, helping researchers connect with institutions and regional innovation ecosystems. The European Research Area Act, that the Commission will propose in 2026, will aim to introduce measures strengthening 1 The current 65 European Universities alliances, the Commission Communication on a blueprint towards a European degree and the provision of full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters action are contributing to this goal. 2 Study in Europe – European Education Area: https://education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe. 3 In line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the EU has a supporting role when it comes to the area of education. Consequently, the establishment, organisation, and management of higher education institutions, including the creation and control of their campuses, falls within the competence of individual Member States and relevant higher education institution, according to national law and regulations. 4 The ‘Choose Europe’ pilot supports early-career researchers with attractive allowances and longer employment prospects. Moreover, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) provide a wide range of training, mobility and career development opportunities that are open to researchers of all nationalities, including United States researchers, for them to successfully relocate to Europe. 5 In particular doubling the amount offered to researchers who relocate to Europe from abroad, already available in 2025, as well as a seven-year 'super grant', which will come into effect from 2026. 6 Jobs and opportunities | EURAXESS https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs#choose-europe-for-science-new. 7 Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, training, voluntary service, pupil exchange schemes or educational projects and au pairing (recast). 8 This framework includes, amongst others, equal treatment rights with EU citizens in many areas, possibility to bring their families to the EU, intra-EU mobility rights, right to stay for up to nine months after the end of the research to look for a job, possibility to teach while conducting research, etc. 9 https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• 2024-11-27 “E-002681/2024 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission Interconnected and stable electricity grids, both at transmission and distribution levels, are a key enabler of the clean energy transition. The development of distribution grids is addressed in several legal as well as non-legislative acts, including the Electricity Directive 1 ; several actions targeting the distribution networks have also been tabled for the first time in the Grid Action Plan 2 . The Commission will continue to actively upgrade the EU grid infrastructure. The Commission will look at the legal framework on European grids with the aim to help upgrade and expand grids to support rapid electrification, and will table a Clean Investment Strategy to support efforts to prioritise investment in clean energy infrastructure. An Electrification Action Plan will also be tabled to ensure an encompassing strategy towards an EU energy system powered with homegrown, clean electricity. In addition, the Commission is continuously monitoring skill shortages in the energy sector. The Commission estimates that the transition to clean energy will require 3.9 million additional skilled workers 3 . Latest European skills and jobs survey 4 shows that energy supply and manufacturing are among the sectors with the highest upskilling needs in terms of technical and job-specific skills. To address these shortages, the Commission will 5 , inter alia, promote the setting-up and implementation of new sectoral and regional skills partnerships under the Pact for Skills and support the work of all the Skills Academies in net-zero technologies. The Commission will also establish a Union of Skills 6 , which will focus, among others, on investment, adult and lifelong learning, skill retention and recognition of different types of training. 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1711. 2 COM/2023/757 final, Concrete actions of the Grid Action Plan include supporting better distribution grid planning and anticipatory investment to be able to connect new loads and renewables on time, coordinate action on the grid hosting capacity for both transmission and distribution grids, promotion of smart grids and innovative network technologies also via Technopedia platform, which should be jointly established by ENTSO-E and the EU DSO entity and further actions to support accelerating the permitting procedures. 3 Commission Communication on Labour and skills shortages in the EU: an action plan, COM(2024) 131 final. Electrical engineers, electrical engineering technicians, building and related electricians, electrical mechanics and fitters as well as environmental engineers were listed in Annex of the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing an EU Talent Pool, listing occupations, for which an EUwide shortage has been identified. 4 CEDEFOP (2021). 5 These actions are all included in the Action Plan on labour and skills shortages in the EU. 6 As announced in the Political Guidelines.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-11-27 “E-002694/2024 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen On behalf of the European Commission The hydrogen and decarbonised gas market package 1 sets a clear framework for the development of infrastructure and the revised Renewable Energy Directive 2 creates obligations for the consumption of renewable hydrogen in industry and transport. When transposing them, Member States should put in place incentives for the sectors. In 2023 the Commission identified 65 European priority hydrogen infrastructure projects 3 , that can benefit from funding under the Connecting Europe Facility and accelerated permitting. The Commission launched the second European Hydrogen Bank auction on 3 December 2024 4 , next to Innovation Fund calls 5 . In line with Article 30 (2) of Regulation (EU) 2023/956, the Commission will in 2025 assess a potential scope extension of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This includes an assessment of goods further down the value chain, goods at risk of carbon leakage other than those listed in Annex I of the CBAM Regulation and other input materials. On this basis, the Commission will prepare, where appropriate, a legislative proposal, including an impact assessment, on extending the scope of the Regulation. Member States can prioritise sectors for potential future Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). Several approved IPCEIs 6 have benefitted the steel industry’s green transition through renewable hydrogen. In addition, the Guidelines for Climate, Environmental Protection and Energy and the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework allow Member States to notify individual aid measures 7 and aid schemes supporting industrial decarbonisation 8 or renewable hydrogen production or carbon capture and storage. 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and Regulation (EU) 2024/1789. 2 Directive (EU) 2023/2413. 3 Projects of Common Interest and Projects of Mutual Interest, including ~20,000km of pipelines, storages, terminals, and electrolysers: C/2023/7930 final. 4 EUR 1.2 billion of EU funds and up to EUR 836 million from Spain, Lithuania, and Austria for projects in their Member State. 5 Two H2 DRI projects producing and consuming large volumes of H2 have already been awarded under the Innovation Fund, ‘HYBRIT’ (Sweden) https://ec.europa.eu/assets/cinea/project_fiches/innovation_fund/101051316.pdf) and ‘H2Green Steel’ (Sweden) (https://ec.europa.eu/assets/cinea/project_fiches/innovation_fund/101133206.pdf). 6 ‘Hy2Tech’ (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_4544), ‘Hy2Infra’ (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_789) and ‘Hy2Use’ (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5676). 7 See an example: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_5968 8 For instance a German scheme (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_845) and an Austrian scheme (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_4746).”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-08-01 “P-001470/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission The situation in Bangladesh has developed rapidly. The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh stepped down on 5 August 2024 and the President of Bangladesh dissolved parliament on 6 August 2024 in view of fresh elections. A transitional government was established on 8 August 2024. The EU has responded consistently, saying that human rights violations, including the recent violence and killings, should end immediately and be subjected to an impartial investigation that should lead to those responsible being held accountable 1 . The EU calls for a peaceful and inclusive transition towards democratic elections. The EU is a long-term partner of Bangladesh and stands ready to engage with the new administration on how to support a democratic transition and ensure respect of human rights. It is for the Council to decide unanimously on restrictive measures (sanctions) in line with EU legislation. The discussions in the Council leading up to any such decision are confidential and the EU cannot comment on them. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/bangladesh-statement-spokesperson-recent-developments_en, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/bangladesh-statement-high-representative-recent-developments_en?s=164, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/bangladesh-statement-high-representative-latest-developments_en, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/bangladesh-statement-high-representative-new-interim-government_en”
  EU competences on human rights · EU foreign policy approach
• “Mr.. Mr.. I want to compliment you on your contribution. I think we can easily agree that save energy is made in Europe is made local, and that's the way to make it affordable for our citizens. So how do you feel about Miss Montserrat making political games out of our energy debate on the expense of our citizens, instead of putting their best foot forward to make sure that we make renewable energy clean energy. And if we make it in Europe.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “(10:24:48 – 10:25:19): Miss Rita, I heard your beautiful words about the market, about the people. I also heard the beautiful words of miss Vanderlijn about the quality jobs. But when I look at the 1 Europe, 1 market road map that they are presenting to us, that we negotiate on together, I don't see quality jobs as a priority. Don't you think that is a huge problem and that we should make sure that for Europe, quality jobs are a true priority? Clearly,”
  EU policy on forced redundancies
• “Thank you very much. And when it comes to simplification innovation, we strongly agree with each other that we need to work on that. But I want to talk about European preference. And I want to know, because I agree with our Commission president, that it is a fine line to walk and that we should focus on our strategic sectors. But my question to you is, are you willing to work with us, that fine line for the strategic sectors that so desperately need our European support?”
  "Buy European" provisions
• “I just want to add a few comments from the ample side of the renewed team. Um, but I mostly want to say that that I really think this is an important proposal and I, um, support the general line of it. And I think it's very important that we streamline those rules to make sure that the single market is also a market that has, um, the quality of, for the workers, um, at heart. And, uh, therefore, I think we should also involve social partners a little bit more in the process, um, to get to make sure that they are also happy with the result that we have. And, um, as as much as I understand that different countries would want different forms, I really think that that the, the largest goal is that we make it as simple as possible for everyone, and that really requires one form and no exceptions to that. Um, and I think it would make sense to, to, to really try to make it mandatory because, yeah, there's always a good excuse to make it a little bit, um, more flexible for everybody. But that actually makes the complication that we a lot of times have in Europe, in our single market. So let's just keep it, uh, sweet and simple and make sure that we can really enforce the quality. Thank you.”
  EU competences on social policies
• “Indeed, farmers in the Common Market Organisation, there are a number of measures that are specific for the dairy sector and thanks to the effort of Mrs. Aymard, we now have. We will have, when it's voted and in place, written contracts as a default for all agricultural products, including dairy products. Indeed, this obligatory return contract tries to make to introduce a sounder relationship, let's say, between dairy farmers and their first purchaser. We have also, of course, the CMO on the table in the MFF proposal, and I believe that we will soon start also talking about it in this in this forum. And there we continue also to look into the various elements that are available. You have no doubt seen that we have there a chapter destined to, let's say, food security preparedness, if you want to call it like that. And there as well, we are looking at this food security aspect that some of you have mentioned. You have also referred to fertilizers nitrate, manure, etc.. You know, that we plan to put on the table an action plan for fertilizers to try to give both support to farmers confronted with higher fertilizer costs, but also to help the domestic fertilizer industry to ramp up domestic production. And looking also into the circular economy, if we could call it like that. The recycling of of nutrients to see what can be done in that respect. And I'm sure Mr. Hodgson will keep a close eye on what we do there.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “Europe is in a major housing crisis, and when you cannot find your home, you cannot build a life. The European Parliament has finally assumed its responsibility on tackling this crisis, and that's essential. And I was happy to negotiate it because while Europe can because while Europe may not build your home, it can make building easier and cheaper by creating an internal market for construction materials, by cutting red tape, and by lowering the energy bills, by ensuring sustainable housing. And let me say this whatever laws we make and what policies we create, it's the skilled workers that are going to build our houses. And I am proud that this European Parliament recognizes how crucial the efforts are of the vocational trained professionals. I want a Europe in which construction workers, electricians, plumbers work across Europe with the same ease as everybody else. This is the only way that we can build houses for all Europeans. Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “Yes, thank you, chair, because seeing that Mrs. Montserrat is cool enough to rant on Ribera, but not cool enough to take a blue card. I will use my speaking time to respond on that because it was Mrs. Montserrat who was who was spreading ghost stories after the Spanish blackout, because saying it was all the fault of the of the green agenda. But it's Montserrat and her political games that caused that Europe is now has to has to fear their high energy prices that we are not making enough progress. It is miss Montserrat and her political games that make that our Europeans have to fear the high energy bills and can't pay for them because how many times do we have to make the same mistake over and over before we understand that? Before we understand that. Um, sorry. Before we understand that making European energy ourselves is the safest way, is the cheapest way and is the way to go forward. This is the way to go forward and not playing games. Please get real.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Yes. Thank you very much. We are, of course, in the middle of the process of getting to the best result for for the ESF fund. I think that we all agree that we need to make sure that the the goals of the social fund are upheld in our future MFF with a standalone ESF when it comes to budget. We think that some relationship to the NRP can be constructive to, to make sure that we can look at also in a look at the goals in an integral way. But I think in the, I'm looking forward to the negotiations on the basis of our amendments. We have proposed a a A constructive package to make sure that together we can come to the best result. Thank you very much.”
  EU expenditure on social policy
• “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Listening to this debate, I can conclude that we all agree that it's really not favorable that we are this dependent on China. So we do know what we need to do. But how do we do it? The member states and the EU really have to get on their feet and together with industry, build strong partnerships with trusted partners. But also, we need to set clear partners on when industry needs to be diversified. We need to both push and pull. And the commissioner, Mr. Vice President of the commission, said in his introduction. He needs our support and asks for our support. We are ready for the next step. Tell us where and when and we will be there to support you.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “And thank you very much, Commissioner Vicuna, for already answering a lot of our questions. Um, I also really want to go on a little bit about the Agora EU program and especially the merging of the media, plus the Creative Europe and the serve under the same heading, because, um, I understand your, um, your thoughts and your your answer was clear. But I do think that this program now has a lot of goals to meet its, uh, citizen, uh, citizenship building. It's promoting the European values, it's stimulating the cultural sector and combating misinformation. And all of these things are for sure honorable and very necessary. Um, but I am worried about the competing of the different goals in the same fund, because if we look at the future, I think we can predict that journalism will be under more and more pressure. And definitely we have to do something about that. But I do believe that the strongest weapon that the EU has to fight against anti-democratic forces, both within our borders and outside, is our creativity and our ability to envision and imagine a better future that protects us against those who wish to derail our European project. And therefore, I would be very worried if the one starts pushing away the other. Um, and therefore, I would like to ask you, how are we going to make sure that our fight against disinformation and for our European values will not shrink the space that the creative sector needs? And how will we make sure that people who make our European culture receive the funding to continue doing this? And I'm especially worried when it comes to the the fight of funding within the media and between film producers. My colleague Emma already also referred to that, but I think this is essential, um, to support the news media and, uh, at the same time, open keep, uh, space open for the creative industry. So can you please elaborate a little bit more on that? Uh, and, yeah, convince us that there will be space for both. Thank you.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Thank you very much, chair. There is no better time for this debate and this resolution than now, because our energy intensive industries are at the forefront of EU's decarbonisation efforts. Excuse me. Um. Yet companies and investors are still waiting for certainty. Certainty that after establishing ambitious goals with the Green Deal, we will also provide them with the tools they need. Our mission with this resolution is clear. We have to unambiguously, unambiguously reiterate this Parliament's commitment to our climate goals, and we have to reassure that companies and citizens that their voices are heard, and we have to do whatever it takes to remove the obstacles that companies face and to provide them with the support that they need to make the transition. This first step we need to take is to help create a stable market for companies to earn back their investments in the green production. That means, first of all, upholding ETS, ensuring more stable and low cost energy supply, and second, protecting against unfair imports through trade, defence and cbam. In addition, we also need to look at measures to ensure demands for green products, such as local content, requirements for green steel and public procurement preferences, for instance for low carbon cement. Excuse me, there's someone calling just in front of me. It's really annoying if you're in, if you're giving a speech that someone just takes calls in the meeting, it's really, um, well, distracting. The second step we need to do to take is to enable investments through financing and easier permitting. This requires big steps such as the capital Market Union and the bigger MFF. For all the debates that we will still have about this, I would like to remember the following. First of all, we can be the greenest continent. Second of all, we can be the most prosperous continent because after all, we are already the most ambitious continent. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “I heard your beautiful words about the market, about the people. I also heard the beautiful words of miss von der Leyen about the quality jobs. But when I look at the One Europe, one market roadmap that they are presenting to us that we negotiate on together, I don't see quality jobs as a priority. Don't you think that it's a huge problem and that we should make sure that for Europe, quality jobs are a true priority?”
  EU competences on social policies
• “In the Netherlands. For this. Thank you very much for those interesting recommendations. And I think there are a lot of issues that we agree on. But there is something that I think is missing which relates to investment in people who work in the construction sector. And I would like to have a recommendation on that, because if we don't have people working in the sector, well, then we can't build. So we really do need to invest in those who work in the construction sector. I mean, in paragraph six, it does state that we would require 2 million further people by 2030. How are we going to get those people? I mean, we need to invest in good apprenticeships, professional training and we also have to ensure the reciprocal recognition of qualifications. I mean, everyone in Europe needs to be able to roll up their sleeves and get involved so that we can really benefit from the human capital that we have. I mean, would you agree with me? Thank you.”
  Funding for vocational training
• “Thank you very much. I'm going to be speaking Dutch. I'd like to thank you for your contributions. You've called for all of us to invest in human beings, in people. And I can only agree with that. That's what the EU should do. Because construction is linked to the human factor. And there's a whole list of difficulties we're coming across in this regard. Of course, there are a few fundamental things I'd like to raise with you. I hear you mention investing in people in training. In decent work. But you're not talking about recognizing training degrees, certificates across borders. And I think qualifications should be recognized across borders in Europe. We should guarantee better protection and better remuneration for those skills once they're recognised. So I'd like to ask a question at national level and with your members, are you prepared to exert pressure to make progress in this regard? This recognition of qualifications issue is something that should involve member states, but also employers. We're talking about skills here. But really this is about the single market and worker protection. I think we need to focus on that. And there's something else I wanted to ask you about. Mobility. And value chains. Public tenders. We've already had debate on this, but I think there's a dilemma here. There are measures that say that a chain can only have two links. Otherwise it's too long and then you have inherent links. Is that really a solution you want to set up in a free market? Should we not instead rather make sure that each link of the chain is properly managed and monitored with a set of rules that are updated and fit for purpose for the working for the labour market. Should we not invest in a labour inspection.”
  EU policy on employment subcontracting
• “Yes, thank you, chair, because seeing that Mrs. Montserrat is cool enough to rant on Ribera, but not cool enough to take a blue card. I will use my speaking time to respond on that because it was Mrs. Montserrat who was who was spreading ghost stories after the Spanish blackout, because saying it was all the fault of the of the green agenda. But it's Montserrat and her political games that caused that Europe is now has to has to fear their high energy prices that we are not making enough progress. It is miss Montserrat and her political games that make that our Europeans have to fear the high energy bills and can't pay for them because how many times do we have to make the same mistake over and over before we understand that? Before we understand that. Um, sorry. Before we understand that making European energy ourselves is the safest way, is the cheapest way and is the way to go forward. This is the way to go forward and not playing games. Please get real. **Nicolae ȘTEFĂNUȚĂ @Chair: Marie Toussaint.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “If this time is teaching us anything, it is that we've got to do it ourselves. We've got to stand alone, our own energy, our own defense, and therefore also our own steel. The future of European steel is green steel. Our companies are working very hard to shift and it's very demanding. They need to invest in new plants. They need to develop new knowledge. They need to start up the entire process. So let's not let our markets be undermined by imports of polluting steel from. China. It's like producing really good toys and then giving our kids toys from Temu, or even worse, importing steel from Russia, which finances the war against Ukraine. We must have clean energy from windmills frequently made from steel as well. This must be green energy with green cars made from green steel. We must protect ourselves against polluting overproduction. And we've got to take the step together towards clean industry. And in future we will be able to say with pride made in Europe.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• “Thank you. The region where I was born and grew up is, uh, the opening to the North Sea channel. And that's the beating heart of the Amsterdam, uh, region, you know, constantly movement. This is where the future is in the clean tech sector. We have 300,000 jobs. And in the North Sea channel area, they're very ambitious. They want to be the first green industry region of Europe. And the North Sea is of paramount importance in achieving this through joint European projects, we can make sure that there is real progress when it comes to wind energy. Now, luckily, our new cabinet is also very ambitious. They want 40GW by 2040. So, Commissioner Jurgensen, please don't be discouraged by what you hear from some in this Parliament. The North Sea area can be active. They want to bring in all of the industrial harbour areas around the North Sea and achieve this.”
  Off-shore renewables
• “Thank you. Chair. So the European Union is not only a single market, it is also a social strength. And it is important to support the position of employees in these rapidly changing times, while at the same time, we do not want to be standing in the way of competitiveness. And this file. This file shows that this does not have to counter each other, but that it actually can strengthen it. When finding proportionate outcomes, by unifying and by unifying, we create a system which is easier to navigate for businesses, while at the same time supporting employees all across the union. The outcomes of these negotiations will make living, working and doing business in the EU more democratic. And I would like to thank the rapporteur for his hard work. It was not easy and we still have aspects where we differ positions, but overall I'm very happy with the good compromises that we found and I think we found the right balance both for workers and for businesses in the EU. Thank you.”
  EU regulation on worker representation in company decisions
• “Thank you very much. Um, it's insane that you say that we have to keep our relationships with China while we are way too dependent on China. If we do this, the EU is dumber than a cat. A cat knows not to drink from one source. Because if they drink from one source and that source is poison, they will get poisoned. They they diversify their sources. And we also need to diversify our sources of raw materials and not become too dependent on China.”
  Trade relations with China
• “Mr. president, at the moment. Europe is like a housing block, but without any cooperation between the inhabitants. Everybody wants heating and light, but they each want to decide on on how they do this. You know, you might have people on the first floor who want solar power on the ground floor. People want a nuclear reactor. And some people are putting up wind farms in the garden. So instead of pooling forces, uh, everybody is out for themselves. And what is the result of this? At one point, energy is super cheap. The next minute, um, uh, the bill is through the roof, and then the next minute there's a blackout. The reality should be different. I call on member states to see the European Union as the housing management. Let's work together to get a lower electricity bill. Proper management. And make us independent from the rest of the world and strengthen our union. Let's get to work on that.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Yes, thank you very much. And thank you very much for the presentation. Um, and thank you for giving us some interesting insights in these important groups for our society. Um, I was especially triggered by the last slide where you said certain measures can have unexpected side effects. And I was wondering what exactly you are, um, thinking about, because this is of course, what we are struggling with. Like what can we do on a European level that will have a positive effect and that we don't make the mistake of creating actually extra rules, extra procedures, um, for, for making sure that people have more access to housing. So I was wondering, which measures would you say? Yes. This is something you can really do on a European level. And which measures would you be particularly careful with? Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “Our own place, a spot in the sunshine and someone in the neighborhood that can always love you. This is the start of a nostalgic hit song in the 80s in the Netherlands, because it was such a given that everybody had their own home. But how different are things now? Europeans pay more than 60% more to housing than in 2015, and in Hungary, that's even 200%. The cost of housing grew almost four times more than our wages, and this means that many young Europeans only leave their house when they're in their mid 30s. They are forced to pass on opportunities or delay crucial decisions, like starting a family because they cannot find a place to live. People are rightfully furious and rely on policymakers to come up with solutions. And the EU is now assuming its responsibility. Besides local, regional and national governments, we are enabling these solutions. The plan is comprehensive and it focuses directly on the construction workers and the technicians who are going to build our houses, because bricks don't stack themselves. We are investing in people and we will prove it can be done. Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “So much for giving me the time to speak. I had two shadow reports at the same time. So yeah, that's that makes it quite impossible. But housing, we are working on it. Uh, but let's now talk about Creative Europe, because Creative Europe remains one of our most loved programs, both by our committee and its intended recipients. And it remains chronically oversubscribed, which means we have to turn down creative and value driven projects, which could potentially impact our European project immensely. Last MFF, the budget was increased, uh, but with inflation and energy costs, that increase is quickly has quickly evaporated. If we are serious about culture, we must demand with real resources in the next budget cycle. Um, and I want to talk about the audiovisual sector because it deserves special attention, because European producers are facing unprecedented pressure from American streaming, from American streaming giants who dominate distribution and audience access. Without stronger support, we risk losing not just market share, but our cultural sovereignty and raising the ceilings in the media strand. Boosting distribution support and protecting the independent creators are urgent. At the same time, we must cut red tape. The current application and reporting procedures are so complex that small organisations and young creators often give up before they even apply. So let me ask, how can we make sure that every euro in this programme actually reaches creators instead of disappearing in bureaucracy? And how do we make sure that our cultural diversity survives in market dominated by global platforms? Colleagues. Creative Europe in the future. Agora is Europe at its best, but if we want it to remain credible, we must be bold. More funding and less democracy, more funding and less bureaucracy. Sorry, I almost said something weird, but that's okay. Thanks.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll be speaking Dutch. I have a very brief question in relation to Europe, and then also a question in relation to the Netherlands, for you, if I may. There's the position paper from the EPP. And could you take a close look at that? Because in it they plead for a high quality housing and housing which has very high efficiency levels. But at the same time they call for a revision of the Nature restoration law, the Ambient Air Quality Directive, the soil monitoring law, the ETS two, and the Energy Performance of Building Directive. And if you are to revise all of that legislation, then you're giving people involved in construction what they don't want, which is uncertainty. Everyone wants certainty so they can get to work with that. So I'd like to invite your take on that particular statement. Now, when it comes to the Netherlands, could I ask you to give us your views on what to do with the nitrogen file? All building projects are stopped because the emissions are so high, because of the agricultural sector, and we can't really build anything. And the animal husbandry sector, from a political point of view, seems to be untouchable. And the climate laws are being given the blame for our housing crisis. But we need to be honest about the difficult choices we need to make. If we do want to make sure that everyone has a roof above their heads, I am not pointing the finger in any way. I want us to take an honest look at statistics, and make sure that the Netherlands can get out of this deadlock so that future generations are given a future. And. Would you be willing to assist the Netherlands in making sure that better advice is available from the EU and so that the changes, necessary changes can be implemented?”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• “The claims you are making are all counted by science. And. In the last Summer loan floods and forest fires, etc. cost 43 billion. What are you going to say to people who are losing their homes? If you're saying that climate is something that we don't need to worry about.”
  Climate efforts
• “Yes. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Commissioner, to be that, you're here to have another discussion with us about this important topic and that you presented to us these four pillars. I'm very happy with the topics, and I think we can have definitely elaborate discussions on that, but I would say that I miss one aspect that that maybe would would have deserved a separate pillar. And I'm I hope you want to consider my suggestion that the whole labor side of things and the whole skill side of things really deserves a lot of attention. And I would say it wouldn't. Yeah, it wouldn't be wrong to have that as the fifth pillar of this, of this plan, because I think investing in skills, investing in the professionals and also recognize recognizing the diplomas of the skilled professionals so they can work all over Europe, but also the sufficient protection of people with, with sufficient labor inspection, because we know that how that building sites are, are the high risk places for having not the right labor circumstances. So I hope that your report will contain a strong aspect about labor and especially about investing in skills and recognizing the the skills of the of the certified workers and protecting them. Thank you.”
  Funding for vocational training
• “Mister Gotink you are holding this bank you're speaking about the internal market but you are holding it back because in your manifesto you said that we want to have budgets that will remain our own to ensure sovereignty so you're holding this back. Your party said for example that we need to recognize diplomas across Europe when are you going to take your foot off the break for the internal market? Where?”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “400 million. 400 billion is what we pay for fossil fuel from outwith the continent. This is money that goes to non-democratic rulers. And who pays for that? Well, your average citizen who has a very high energy bill. And then our industry, which is being crushed by energy bills and we know that renewables are the way forward. We need to forget about coal. We need to forget about fossil fuels. There's only way forward. And that is cleaner European industry that makes us less dependent. It makes us cleaner. And it means that we can develop our clean tech industry and we can be leaders for the whole world. It's now time for the climate cop, and it's time to get the rest of the world to go with us. To phase out fossil energy and coal. We've been trying to do this, but at the same time, China, although they're investing in clean technology, are also happily building a coal fired power plants. So my question to the commission is how are you intending to cut loose from coal?”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Commissioner, for your plan. I know you're doing what you can with what you have, but is it really enough? Should we not be asking for properly for proper integration of the European energy market? Shouldn't we be asking for a specific plan for the future of each steel producing region? Where are we going to invest in our green steel? Where are we going to invest in clean tech or the defense industry? What do you need? What do you need for member states to convince member states to take a genuinely European approach? This is what we really need to hear from you now. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “What do we have with the US and Mercosur? And can you have the PowerPoint presentation? Yes, please. You can have it. It is in the hands of the Secretariat. And I'm sure that the Secretariat will will share it. Yes. Exports are important in the dairy sector. They are allowing to keep a balance on the domestic market. We have a positive trade balance. And with the US the Turnberry agreement was giving an advantage to EU dairy products. So we are, let's say better off with that particular agreement. Then with having across the board 15% tariffs on Mercosur, we have new export possibilities that are opened in the form of tariff rate quotas, 10,000 tonnes for milk powder, 30,000 tonnes cheese and 5000 tonnes infant formula. But the most important is to be close to farmers, to understand their concerns, to accompany them on the road. And there you know that the commission is working on a strategy for livestock. And of course, dairy farmers are part of livestock farmers. They will also benefit from this strategic pathway that we would like to put on the table before the end of June this year. We have a look there also on generational renewal that was mentioned by a number of you. We have a look at competitiveness, at crisis resilience, and also at territorial balance and at the diversity of milk production systems across the union. I'm conscious that I'm exceeding my word time. Sorry for that chair. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Dear president, ESF. Let us talk about the successes we have gained, but also about the rule of law during trilogue. This was discussed thoroughly and we have made steps, but some members of our group are still still have concerns, and I hope that Madam Executive Vice-President can respond to them. First, on the fund itself, the European Social Fund Plus is important to renew because it is a fund that invests in people, their opportunities and their skills to invest in people. Means asking, what do Europeans need to thrive in times of change? And that is why we have worked hard to make the ESF ready to respond to our crises. Whether it is helping someone to gain new skills for a greener economy, or to gain new skills for defence for a safer Europe, for example through vocational education and training for renew, this is of great importance and we are happy with the results. And also thank you to the rapporteur for providing those. But then the rule of law. Let me be clear. We have made important steps. But my concern is that with this revision, we still leave open the possibility to reprogram funds in a way that allows to circumvent the rule of law provisions. And I want to hear from the European Commission, do we agree that money from this fund cannot go to Hungary through any route for as long as they have not made real progress and change. The European Commission gave us the statement during the trilogues, but can you please confirm that we agree on this position here in plenary? Thank you very much.”
  Rule of law in Hungary
• “Mr.. Mr.. I want to compliment you on your contribution. I think we can easily agree that save energy is made in Europe is made local, and that's the way to make it affordable for our citizens. So how do you feel about Miss Montserrat making political games out of our energy debate on the expense of our citizens, instead of putting their best foot forward to make sure that we make renewable energy clean energy. And if we make it in Europe.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “European and Europe is a mirror and beyond languages and borders. Uh, even if we think differently, think differently from others. Many of the things that enrich societies will simply never become known to the public, because they are too much on the vanguard. Too much, uh, too modern, if you like to be acceptable. So, uh, it's something that which may not be profitable, but it is something that is valuable. So every single euro that we invest in culture is investment in empathy. We don't want Europe to lose its nature. So about those 8.9 billion I think indeed we can be very, very proud of that. But at the same time, the sector is very, very worried because will the money actually go to all sectors? Will it be properly and equally distributed? Uh, will money be squandered in red tape? Uh, so let's not forget creators. They have to benefit from this culture without creators is just a dark movie theater. It's just a white screen. Here we have producers, independent producers, independent artists as well. Independent theater musicians as well. Uh, perhaps funds could be provided more specifically to, uh, creators themselves, to specific sectors, particularly independent sectors, for us to be certain that, uh, creators receive the money from the Patriarch.”
  EU and national cultural identities
• “When we talk about the single market, of course, we can immediately agree. When we talk about the simplification Agenda. We can agree. But can we also agree on that? The free market alone is not enough anymore to protect Europe. Can we agree that we need a European preference? If we look at China with their made in China policy, they made sure that our car industry moved to China. If we look at the US where they are with their Inflation Reduction Act, they made sure that their green industries came back to the US. Should we not do the same in Europe? I would like to hear the opinion of the EPP about that.”
  "Buy European" provisions
• “Thank you very much. People working excessive hours and unpaid overtime. People not being able to take a break. People working in unsafe working conditions. This is reality for millions of people working in Europe. And when it happens, and when we ask the question who is actually responsible? We see in the whole chain, it wasn't me, it wasn't me, it wasn't me, it wasn't me. And this is what we need to fight. And I think that this report found the right balance because a subcontracting as a concept is not the problem. Abuse is the problem and we need to fight that. We need to fight that because it has nothing to do with competitiveness. It has to do with unfair competition. It has to do with unfair competition at the cost of people. Or as maybe Shaggy would say it, you may think that you're a player, but you're just completely lost. Thank you.”
  EU policy on employment subcontracting