Michalis HADJIPANTELA

Policy topics Michalis HADJIPANTELA is active on

What Michalis HADJIPANTELA has said (60)

• 2026-06-17 “Dear colleagues. A more effective combating of cross-border fraud on VAT is of vital importance. This is a financial crime that deprives the European Union funds of billions of euros. It is a huge loss of revenue. It is a burden for our budget and it is money from the taxpayers pockets. We lose billions of euro that we could use for health, education, housing, innovation and effective without any delays. Cooperation between Euro, Fisc, the European, the EPPO and the Olaf is a must. The provisions necessary is access to central VAT information and full protection of personal data. I would like to thank the European People's Party who trusted me in giving me this report as a rapporteur, and I would like to thank. Thank all the colleagues for their constructive cooperation. Thank you very much. And I'm calling upon you to vote for this report.”
  VAT harmonisation
• 2026-03-18 “Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 8.5.2026 Written question 1. The EU’s legal framework, in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/429 [1] and Commission Delegated Regulations (EU) 2020/687 [2] and 2020/689 [3] , provides for harmonised measures across the Union, based on the principle of rapid eradication through stamping out confirmed outbreaks of Category A diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), combined with movement restrictions and, where appropriate, the use of vaccination [4] . 2. Under Article 12(1) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, the competent authority is required to order the culling of all animals of listed species in an affected establishment following the confirmation of FMD. Vaccination does not alter that requirement. Article 12(4) provides for limited derogations based on a case-by-case risk assessment, giving flexibility for performing the culling either in other locations or postponing the culling based on the context of emergency vaccination, provided that such measures do not compromise disease control. However, culling remains mandatory also in those cases. Indeed, these derogations do not alter the general principle of rapid eradication through stamping-out, which remains essential given the highly contagious nature of the disease. 3. Since the rules and guidelines remain unchanged, the Commission does not foresee issuing further guidelines. [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, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/429/oj). [2] 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, pp. 64–, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/687/oj). [3] 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, pp. 211-340, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/689/oj). [4] https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-diseases/diseases-and-control-measures/foot-and-mouth-disease_en.”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• 2026-02-25 “P-000777/2026 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission took the following necessary measures: monitor the foot and mouth disease (FMD); adopt immediate FMD regionalisation measures 1 and protect the EU internal market; ensure EU coordination 2 ; after a request from Cyprus, the EU FMD antigen bank shipped vaccine doses to Cyprus 3 ; provide support to all Member States, including training 4 and dispatch the EU Veterinary Emergency Team 5 on-site; regularly inform Member States and trading partners 6 on the evolution of the epidemiological situation and maintain constant dialogue with trading partners to avoid unjustified trade bans. EU co-financing of emergency veterinary measures is available under the Single Market Programme 7 . This includes costs related to the culling of animals on affected farms, compensating their owners, and cleaning and disinfecting the affected premises as well as the costs of purchase, storage and administration of vaccines 8 . Under Article 73 of CAP Strategic Plans Regulation 9 , MS may support investments in restoration of agricultural production potential following animal disease outbreaks. Under Article 78a 10 , Member States may amend their plans to introduce crisis payments for farmers affected by animal diseases, subject to formal recognition of the outbreak and the applicable loss threshold. Cyprus implements an animal welfare intervention 11 which includes biosecurity measures in pig and ruminant holdings. The Commission may also adopt exceptional support measures to address trade restrictions arising from measures implemented to combat the spread of animal diseases. 1 The Commission adopted Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/484 of 25 February 2026 concerning certain interim emergency measures relating to foot and mouth disease in Cyprus, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2026/484/oj. 2 Through European Commission comitology as provided by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed: https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/committees/paff-committees_en. 3 https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-diseases/diseases-and-control-measures/foot-and-mouthdisease/support-cy_en. 4 Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) resources: https://better-training-for-saferfood.ec.europa.eu/training/?lang=en. 5 https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-diseases/veterinary-emergency-team_en. 6 https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/77095016-118f-4792-a0fc4c89327c2d43_en?filename=ad_control-measures_fmd_chron-cyp.pdf. 7 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/690/oj). 8 https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/c1ed1748-1b55-4e7b-add0b7eb41c65a3e_en?filename=cff_animal_emergency-measures_ah-ms-guidelines.pdf. 9 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 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) http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2115/oj.. 10 Regulation (EU) 2025/2649 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2025 amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 and Regulation (EU) 2021/2116, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/2649/oj. 11 In its CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, of a total public allocation of EUR 9.7 million.”
  Agricultural funding
• 2025-09-23 “E-003673/2025 Answer given by Mr Jørgensen on behalf of the European Commission A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is conducted when a project applies to the Commission for obtaining the status of project of common interest (PCI) under the Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation 1 . When a project is included on the Union list of PCIs, it has been assessed as compliant with the criteria in the Regulation, including that the overall benefits of the project outweigh its costs. Also, when a PCI has received a grant for works under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), it means that its CBA provides evidence of significant positive externalities, such as security of supply and solidarity. The TEN-E Regulation framework is distinct from any viability assessments or due diligence that may be made by private investors or lenders, which apply their own policies. CBAs submitted by project promoters in CEF applications are not made public, because they may contain business secrets or other confidential information. It is not uncommon for PCIs to be faced with higher costs than anticipated; especially the last years, which have seen supply chain and geopolitical challenges. At the same time, their benefits have increased, notably in terms of security of energy supply and enabling the transport of renewable energy generated in the Union. Therefore, their completion remains a priority. The ending of Cyprus’ electricity isolation is one of the eight Energy Highways identified by the Commission 2 which is fully engaged with the Cypriot and Greek authorities and the project promoter to ensure a regulatory framework for investment security and strongly emphasize the Union dimension of the Great Sea Interconnector to third countries to prevent further implementation delays. 1 Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure. See in particular Article 11 on energy system wide cost-benefit analysis. 2 2025 State of the Union Address by the President: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/ov/SPEECH_25_2053.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration · EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• 2025-09-01 “P-003353/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission While the EU has a supporting competence in civil protection, the main responsibility for prevention, preparedness and response lies with the Member States. The Recovery and Resilience Plan for Cyprus 1 includes a specific investment (C2.1I9) in forests fire protection, to support the capabilities of Cyprus’ authorities to cope with fire hazards and invest in protection against risks faced by citizens, infrastructure and forests. More than EUR 25 million will be dedicated to this measure. Cyprus’ authorities also benefit from a Technical Support Instrument project to enhance the overall national capacity to deal with disasters, including wildfires 2 . Under the Cohesion Policy programme Thalia 3 , the EU allocated nearly EUR 5 million to the Cyprus Fire Service Command and Control Centre, directly contributing to fire preparedness. Funds under measure 8, (sub-measures 8.3 and 8.4) of the Cypriot Rural Development Programme 2014-2022 4 have been used for prevention and restoration of damage to forests from forest fires, natural disasters and catastrophic events (execution rate 92%). Corresponding interventions are also included in the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027 5 . On 23 July 2025, Cyprus requested firefighting assistance through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre responded by sending two medium amphibious firefighting planes from Spain and offering two light planes from Sweden. Cyprus declined the offers as the situation improved. A Greek firefighting team was deployed from 25 to 27 July 2025. Two light firefighting planes from the rescEU fleet were based in Cyprus from 15 June to 31 October 2025 for EU-coordinated firefighting response operations. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/cyprus-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en. 2 https://reform-support.ec.europa.eu/our-projects/countryfactsheets/cyprus_en#:~:text=The%20Technical%20Support%20Instrument%20%28TSI%29%20provides%20ta ilor-made%20technical,migration%2C%20and%20financial%20market%20and%20access%20to%20finance. 3 https://thalia.com.cy/en/home-en/?page=1. 4 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/fb60ea19-a336-4875-a1eac0f86fb12731_en?filename=rdp-factsheet-cyprus_en.pdf&prefLang=sk. 5 https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/cap-my-country/cap-strategic-plans_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-07-25 “E-003094/2025 Answer given by Ms Kos on behalf of the European Commission As a contracting party to the European Convention on Human Rights Türkiye has committed to abide by the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The Commission has repeatedly called on Türkiye, including in the latest 2025 Enlargement Report 1 , and in its contacts with Turkish authorities, to implement judgments of the ECtHR as a matter of priority. Respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights is also at the heart of the EU accession process. Accession negotiations with Türkiye have remained at a standstill since 2018, in line with the European Council conclusions 2 of 17 December 2024. The underlying facts leading to this assessment still hold. As noted in the 2025 Enlargement report, serious concerns remain in the areas of fundamental rights and rule of law, including the independence of the judiciary. With regard to the sensitive issue of missing persons, the Commission has been fully supportive of the efforts of the bi-communal Committee on Missing Persons 3 (CMP), which aims to recover, identify and return to their families the remains of people who went missing during the inter-communal fighting in 1963, 1964 and the events of 1974. EU funding of more than EUR 41 million since 2006 has covered around 80% of the CMP’s budget. It has allowed the committee to locate, exhume, identify and return to the families for dignified burial the remains of 1 055 persons from an official list of 2 002 missing persons. It is the CMP’s role to be in contact with the two communities and relevant authorities, including those of Türkiye, to conduct investigations, identify burial sites, and carry out excavations. The Commission stands ready to support CMP’s efforts whenever requested by the committee. 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/turkiye-report-2025_en. 2 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf. 3 https://www.cmp-cyprus.org/.”
  EU-Turkey relations · EU competences on human rights
• 2025-07-14 “E-002864/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission EU funding planned for the Cypriot health system under the cohesion policy for 2021-2027 and the Recovery and Resilience Facility amounts to respectively EUR 5 million 1 and around EUR 100 million 2 . While no specific funding is allocated to women’s health, the overall strengthening of the health system is expected to contribute to women’s health. Horizon 2020 3 and the Horizon Europe 4 projects portfolio related to women’s health include 15 projects worth EUR 47 million that are conducting research related to endometriosis. Information about currently open and upcoming funding opportunities for further research on gynaecological diseases, including endometriosis, can be found through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal 5 . Moreover, with specific relevance to delivering tangible improvements in the provision of healthcare, the Commission is mainstreaming gender into its health policy and supports Member States in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including conditions such as endometriosis, under the ‘Healthier Together’ initiative 6 . Under this framework, the EU4Health programme 7 provides funding for actions related to the prevention and management of NCDs. Furthermore, the Commission supports best practice exchange among Member States via the EU Best Practices Portal 8 . The Commission is also supporting them under the EU4Health Programme 9 through Europe's Beating Cancer Plan 10 . The European Cancer Inequalities Registry 11 monitors Member States’ performance in cancer care, including the gender dimension. The 2022 Council Recommendation on cancer screening 12 takes due account of specific needs of women. Accordingly, the project SOLACE 13 aims to enhance female participation in lung cancer screenings. 1 Open Data Portal for the European Structural Investment Funds https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/cohesion_overview/21-27. 2 European Commission Fenix database (current as of 14 August 2025). 3 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-2020_en. 4 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home. 6 Healthier together – EU non-communicable diseases initiative https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicablediseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en. 7 EU4Health programme 2021-2027 - a vision for a healthier European Union https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en. 8 Best practices Portal https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/dyna/bp-portal/. 9 https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en. 10 https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-02/eu_cancer-plan_en_0.pdf. 11 https://cancer-inequalities.jrc.ec.europa.eu/. 12 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.C_.2022.473.01.0001.01.ENG. 13 Strengthening the screening of lung cancer in Europe (SOLACE): https://health.ec.europa.eu/noncommunicable-diseases/cancer/europes-beating-cancer-plan-eu4health-financed-projects/projects/solace_en.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Sexuality and reproduction
• 2025-07-10 “E-002818/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission supports national efforts to increase vaccination coverage. The Council Recommendation on strengthened cooperation against vaccine-preventable diseases 1 led to many Commission actions 2 . The Commission is now implementing actions from the Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers 3 , including a joint action with EUR 20 million of EU funding 4 . Current EU4Health projects seek to improve vaccine uptake, overcome hesitancy and reduce physical barriers 5 . Commission communication campaigns, notably #UnitedInProtection 6 , promote reliable, evidence-based information. The European Vaccination Information Portal 7 provides sound and neutral information on vaccines. Joint Research Centre research offers behavioural insights on vaccination 8,9 . The Commission will also continue combating disinformation, including on vaccines. During the pandemic the Commission worked together with Member States to make best use of all available tools 10 . Since February 2025, the Code of Conduct on Disinformation 11 forms part of the co-regulatory framework in line with the Digital Services Act 12 including for providers of online platforms and search engines. The Commission supports access to vaccines for Member States through joint and central procurement mechanisms 13 that ensure access based on public health needs rather than national purchasing power. Central procurement allows the Commission to act on behalf of Member States in emergencies, simplifying negotiations and speeding up vaccine access. Following a request for assistance, vaccines can be delivered through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism 14 , including those part of the medical rescEU stocks 15 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018H1228(01). 2 https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/roadmap-implementation-actions_en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202404259. 4 Joint Action DP/CR-g-24-28, Cancers caused by infections, vaccine-preventable cancers, and addressing communicable diseases (HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis) under the EU4Health 2024 Work Programme. 5 https://overcomingobstaclestovaccination.eu/en ; https://euvabeco.eu/ ; https://vax-action.eu/; https://cooperatorvax.eu/. 6 https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/sante/items/783315/en#:~:text=United%20In%20Protection%20is%20an%20aw areness%20campaign%20launched,to%20raise%20awareness%20of%20the%20benefits%20of%20vaccination. 7 https://vaccination-info.europa.eu/en. 8 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/behaviouralinsights/about_en#:~:text=The%20mission%20of%20the%20CCBI%20is%20to%20support,space%20for%20cro ss-disciplinary%20exploration%20and%20innovation%20in%20policymaking. 9 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC131583. 10 Joint Communication – Tackling COVID-19 disinformation: getting the facts right https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/74655880-d534-4013-86de-9d22b521d943_en 11 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/code-conduct-disinformation 12 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/digital-servicesact_en. 13 https://health.ec.europa.eu/health-emergency-preparedness-and-response-hera/preparedness/procurement-andstockpiling_en. 14 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en.”
  Joint EU procurement of medicines · Covid-19 vaccines procurement · Vaccination
• 2025-07-10 “E-002819/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the importance of effectively enforcing Directive (EU) 2016/802 on the sulphur content of marine fuels 1 , including through the use of real-time emission monitoring systems. To that end, Commission Decision (EU) 2015/253 2 sets about 10 000 inspection obligations per year across the EU. These include fuel-based inspections, i.e. documentation checks, testing of fuel used onboard (about 1 500 per year) or sold by fuel suppliers. On emission testing, the Decision provides for the possibility for Member States to reduce fuel testing if they use technologies such as fixed stations, drones or planes. Currently, the Commission has no plans to mandate approved reporting devices but is exploring digital alternatives as explained below. 2. The Commission assesses compliance with current requirements with the technical assistance of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) 3 . Data collected in the THETIS portal 4 on the EU inspections indicate a high level of compliance (above 90% 5 ) with no clearcut indication of major infringements on which the Commission, as guardian of the Treaty, should act. Moreover, according to the European Maritime Transport Environmental report 6 , sulphur emissions in the EU have dropped by 70% since 2014. Nevertheless, in view of improving cost-effectiveness, the Commission continues to work with the Member States and EMSA, to develop a centralised targeting system to prioritise inspections based on risk which would reduce fuel testing. 1 Directive (EU) 2016/802 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels (codification), OJ L 132, 21.5.2016, pp. 58–78. 2 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/253 of 16 February 2015 laying down the rules concerning the sampling and reporting under Council Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels, OJ L 41, 17.2.2015, pp. 55–59. 3 https://emsa.europa.eu/. 4 https://portal.emsa.europa.eu/web/thetis-eu. 5 Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on implementation and compliance with the sulphur standards for marine fuels set out in Directive (EU) 2016/802 relating to a reduction in the sulphur content of certain liquid fuels, COM/2018/188 final. 6 https://emsa.europa.eu/emter-2025/full-report.html.”
  Decarbonisation of maritime transport
• 2025-07-02 “E-002682/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission According to Article 355.5.b of the of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, during the United Kingdom’s (UK) membership in the EU, ‘the Treaties [did] not apply to the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus except to the extent necessary to ensure the implementation of the arrangements set out in the Protocol No. 3 on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus’ 1 . Such arrangements did not include environmental law. Following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Based Areas (SBA) annexed to the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement provides that EU law applies to the SBAs only to the extent necessary to implement the arrangements outlined in the Protocol No. 3. These arrangements primarily involve customs, taxation, duty relief, social security, agriculture, fisheries and veterinary and phytosanitary rules, border control, and administrative cooperation. No environmental provisions are included. The UK has established an SBA Environmental Department in 2002 in recognition of new and impeding environmental legislation to which the Administration of the SBAs has legal and policy responsibilities 2 . In accordance with the UK 1960 Declaration on the Administration of the SBAs, the SBA Administration seeks to replicate as far as possible the legislation of the Republic of Cyprus and this also applies to environmental legislation. The SBA Administration is also a signatory to many International Conventions and with this comes an obligation to demonstrate good environmental Stewardship of the Bases. 1 Protocol No 3 on the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus annexed to the Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded, Official Journal L 236, 23/09/2003 P. 0940 – 944. 2 SBA Administration website: https://www.sbaadministration.org/index.php?view=article&id=126.”
  Environmental crimes and justice
• 2025-06-25 “E-002544/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The co-legislators agreed to set up the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) as a performance-based instrument where payments are based on Member States’ progress in implementing reforms and investments, and not on the costs incurred to do so. In line with the RRF Regulation 1 , Member States share cost estimates of the measures they intend to include in their recovery and resilience plan (RRP). When assessing an RRP (or its revision), the Commission evaluates if the estimated costs are reasonable, plausible, not covered by other EU funding sources, and commensurate. There is no legal obligation for the Commission to monitor whether disbursements exceed actual costs. According to the Regulation 2 Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring prevention, detection and correction of fraud, corruption, conflict of interest for the use of RRF funds, avoiding double funding and ensuring compliance with relevant law. The Commission assessed each national control system when assessing RRPs and carries out audits to verify Member States’ compliance with their obligations. It has the right to reduce proportionately the support and recover any amount due to the Union budget, in cases of serious irregularities affecting the financial interests of the EU that have not been corrected by Member States. The Commission is strongly committed to transparency and publishes data on the 100 largest recipients of funds for the implementation of RRF measures, as per the Regulation. Upon request of the European Parliament, the Commission asked Member States for a list of the 100 largest final recipients and shared this data with the Committee on Budgetary Control. 1 Article 18(4)(k) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, OJ L 57, 18.2.2021 (RFF Regulation). 2 Article 22(1) of the RRF Regulation.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget · Conditions to access EU budget
• 2025-06-11 “E-002329/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Commission refers to its reply to question E-001716/2025, noting that the EU’s occupational safety and health (OSH) acquis provides comprehensive protection against all occupational risks, without explicit provisions for specific medical conditions. As detailed in the above Commission reply, the development and implementation of specific measures fall under the prerogative of Member States. Nevertheless, there are several EU actions addressing various cardiovascular disease risks. The Council, in its conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health in the EU 1 , among others, invited the Member States to address hazards for cardiovascular health in their OSH policies, as well as to consider promoting the installation and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in and out of hospital settings, including in communities and physical activity centres. There are various EU funding programmes that Member States can use to help fund initiatives for the installation of AEDs in different high-capacity environments. For example, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) can be used to fund the purchase of AEDs to be used in public schools, workplaces and similar high-capacity environments as part of a wider operation (and not as a standalone purchase). The Commission is currently reviewing the Workplace Directive 2 and the Display Screen Equipment Directive 3 to address new ways of working. 1 Cardiovascular health: Council calls for more robust efforts to help prevent cardiovascular diseases Consilium. 2 Council Directive 89/654/EEC of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace (first individual directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC). OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 1–12. - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1989/654/oj/eng. 3 Council Directive 90/270/EEC of 29 May 1990 on the minimum safety and health requirements for work with display screen equipment (fifth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16 (1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) (90/270/EEC). OJ L 156 21.6.1990, p. 14. - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1990/270/oj/eng.”
  EU rules on hazardous working conditions · EU competences on health
• 2025-05-06 “E-001827/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU is fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) agreed framework, in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis. It remains crucial that Türkiye commits and actively contributes to such a peaceful settlement, including its external aspects. As per the conclusions of the Special European Council of 17-18 April 2024, the EU attaches particular importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation 1 . As per the Council conclusions on Enlargement of 2024, welcoming the recent steps taken by the UN Secretary-General towards a resumption of settlement talks, the EU remains ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal 2 . These messages are continuously communicated to the Turkish authorities. Concerning restrictive measures, under Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union, it is strictly the prerogative of the Council of the EU, through its Member States, to take, with unanimity, decisions to adopt, renew or lift sanctions regimes. The EU will continue to call on Türkiye to comply with its international obligations, and with the EU values, as a candidate country for EU accession. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf. 2 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16983-2024-INIT/en/pdf.”
  EU enlargement · EU-Turkey relations
• 2025-04-08 “E-001416/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission 1. Member States are responsible for organising and carrying out market surveillance as provided for in Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 on market surveillance and product compliance 1 . The Commission helps with coordination and advice, e.g. through the EU Product Compliance Network, and with joint actions. The Commission also designates EU testing facilities 2 . 2. Most unsafe products are sold via online marketplaces and directly imported in large volumes of individual parcels. The Commission is pursuing Priority Control Area controls in cooperation with all Member States to assess these products’ compliance with EU regulations at the border and will use all existing tools to enforce them. The Commission has proposed an ‘EU Customs Data Hub’, a secure and cyber-resilient set of electronic services and systems to handle logistic and commercial data at EU-level. This will enable customs to proactively identify risks in e-commerce supply chains at EU-wide basis and take control and mitigation measures including the possibility of issuing ‘do not transport’ instructions to prevent non-compliant goods entering the EU. Through the implementation of the Customs Control Equipment Instrument, the Commission is supporting Member States with funding to enhance control capacities at border crossing points and in laboratories. To this end, two grant agreements were recently signed with Cyprus 3 . In the future, for products requiring a Digital Product Passport, customs will retrieve and use the information included therein also for risk analysis. 3. According to Article 41 of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, Member States shall lay down rules on penalties applicable to non-compliance, that must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. 1 OJ L 169, 25.6.2019, p. 1-44. 2 https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/goods/building-blocks/market-surveillance_en. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projectsresults?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=es_SortDate&isExactMatch=true&frameworkPro gramme=43251534&countries=20000871.”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards · EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
• 2025-03-19 “E-001181/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report 1 warns that Europe risks falling behind in the area of innovation. In response, the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass 2 includes targeted actions, such as a new EU Start-up and Scale-up Strategy and a 28 th regime to address the obstacles preventing new companies from emerging and scaling up. The Single Market Strategy 3 presents an action plan to improve the functioning of the Single Market and promote cross-border provision of services and cross-border movement of goods and to support competitiveness and innovation more broadly. The Commission is simplifying EU rules and their implementation to reduce complexity and compliance costs for businesses, including sustainability reporting 4 . Further measures are planned in the Commission’s 2025 work programme 5 . In addition, the Commission’s goal is to make Europe the ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) Continent’. The AI Act 6 ensures market access, legal clarity and stronger consumer trust, while safeguarding EU citizens’ safety and fundamental rights. The AI Continent Action Plan 7 , launched on 9 April 2025, will boost the EU's AI innovation capabilities. Evaluations and fitness checks will allow evaluating the potential to simplify, consolidate and codify the EU acquis and find opportunities to cut costs. As part of its simplification agenda, the Commission will conduct an ambitious and comprehensive screening of existing EU legislation to stress-test the EU acquis and identify overlaps, contradictions, and obsolete provisions. The Commission will also apply the new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and competitiveness checks with a strong sector focus, and analysis on SMEs impacts. 1 The 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, COM(2025) 26 final. 2 A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, COM(2025) 30 final. 3 The Single Market: our European home market in an uncertain world. A Strategy for making the Single Market simple, seamless and strong, COM(2025) 500 final. 4 Sustainability Omnibus: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/commission-simplifies-rules-sustainabilityand-eu-investments-delivering-over-eu6-billion_en. 5 2025 Commission work programme: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/strategydocuments/commission-work-programme_en. 6 Artificial Intelligence Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689. 7 AI Continent Action Plan, COM(2025) 165 final.”
  Artificial Intelligence · EU Single Market harmonisation · Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• 2025-03-19 “E-001180/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The green taxation reform is a key element of Cyprus’ recovery and resilience plan 1 . It aims to internalise environmental externalities, encouraging more efficient use of resources and incentivising the adoption of renewable energy. This is crucial in Cyprus where carbon prices and municipal waste recycling lag behind the rest of Europe, and water scarcity is a challenge. The green taxation reform includes a carbon tax, which constitutes a transition towards the Emissions Trading System applicable from 2027 to buildings and road transport, a levy on water and a charge on landfill waste, both of which will be incrementally increased. As regards the taxation of motor and heating fuels, and of electricity, in the recent Action Plan for Affordable Energy and Clean Industrial Deal 2 , the Commission has reiterated its call on Member States to complete the revision 3 of the current Energy Taxation Directive. This is a recognition of the crucial role that the revision can play in promoting affordable energy and clean industry. As communicated in the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, the Commission will issue a recommendation to Member States by the end of 2025. This will be taken forward in line with the present Directive 4 , which allows decreasing taxes for electricity consumed by households and energy intensive industries. In addition to structural and cohesion funds, the Social Climate Fund aims to support a fair transition towards climate neutrality. It will provide Member States with dedicated funding so that the most affected vulnerable groups can be directly supported. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/cyprus-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en. 2 COM(2025) 79 final and COM(2025) 85 final of 26.02.2025. 3 COM(2021) 563 final of 14.07.2021. 4 Council Directive 2003/96/EC of 27 October 2003.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices · Energy (green transition)
• 2025-02-21 “E-000816/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission 1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission approved several State aid measures covering various forms of support. The Commission adopted a series of decisions, covering State aid, either in the form of damage compensation under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) or under the ‘Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak’. 1 Those decisions covered both individual measures and schemes. Where Commission decisions relate to individual aid measures aimed at supporting air carriers those decisions identify the beneficiaries. Where the Commission approved schemes, it does not necessarily have knowledge of which airlines ultimately received State aid. All Commission decisions approving such measures are accessible at the webpage for Competition Policy of the Commission 2 . 2. Commission State aid decisions describe in detail the form and duration of the financial assistance to be offered by the Member State in question. They also describe the conditions for repayment or exit of the Member State in question, where such conditions are applicable. Furthermore, they describe any applicable monitoring and reporting obligations to be complied with by the Member State in question. The Commission has no information as to what proportion of loans or other financial instruments has already been repaid to date. 1 Communication from the Commission - Temporary framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak (OJ C 91I, 20.3.2020, p. 1), as subsequently amended. 2 https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu”
  EU funding for transportation · EU Competition policy
• 2025-02-05 “E-000502/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Already since its accession to the EU, Cyprus has been bound by the Schengen rules. Its gradual integration into the Schengen area without internal frontiers, culminating in a Council decision on lifting checks at the internal borders, is subject to a positive Schengen evaluation 1 and a unanimous decision of the Council. Cyprus’ first-time evaluation is ongoing, and the Commission is closely monitoring the progress made by Cyprus in fulfilling the technical Schengen requirements. The Commission is aware that Cyprus’ integration into the Schengen area requires due respect to its special situation and the framework applicable in line with Protocol 10 2 . The Commission stands ready to engage in a dialogue with Cyprus on how this can be achieved, including with regard to the Green Line. The Commission already provides substantial financial support to Cyprus for border and migration management as well as police cooperation. During the 2021-2027 programming period, more than EUR 292 million 3 have been allocated to Cyprus under the Home Affairs Funds 4 . This includes measures sustaining the implementation of the Schengen requirements, such as EUR 9.9 million to support digital systems (e.g. the Schengen Information System), EUR 67.7 million for the construction of the new reception and pre-departure centres in Limnes, and EUR 30 million to enhance Cyprus’ surveillance systems at the external sea border. 1 In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/922 on the establishment and operation of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, OJ L 160, 15.6.2022, p. 1–27. 2 Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded - Protocol No 10 on Cyprus; OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 955–955. 3 Under the 2021-2027 programming period, so far more than EUR 90 million have been allocated under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund programme of Cyprus, EUR 80 million under the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument programme and EUR 25.6 under the Internal Security Fund. On top of this support EUR 96.4 million have been provided under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund directly from the Commission (emergency assistance, union actions for Member States under pressure). 4 This includes the Border Management and Visa Instrument, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Internal Security Fund.”
  Enlargement of Schengen area · Asylum & border control
• 2025-02-05 “E-000501/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) critical role in providing timely, robust, transparent and independent scientific advice concerning the EU food and feed sectors. This is essential to ensure a high level of protection of human health and for evidence-based decision-making in the context of the operation of the internal market. To address delays in risk assessments, EFSA has prioritised the speed and efficiency of its scientific advice production 1 in its multiannual programming plan. From the experience gained, delays in assessing products requiring pre-market approval are mainly due to issues relating to the quality and/or insufficient data in application dossiers, leading to the need for (sometimes multiple) requests to applicants for providing additional information. For example, during the yellow mealworm assessment 2 referred to by the Honourable Member, EFSA had to request three times additional information from the applicant, causing pauses in the scientific evaluation until the requested data was provided. To address these challenges, EFSA has intensified efforts 3 to assist applicants, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in improving dossier quality, thereby reducing the overall time needed for risk assessments. EFSA ensures transparency in relation to its risk assessments via the ‘Open EFSA’ platform, which enables all stakeholders to follow the process from the receipt of the dossier to the adoption of the relevant scientific output 4 . The Commission is currently evaluating EFSA’s performance 5 , with the evaluation report due by March 2026, to identify potential improvements in the EFSA’s functioning and organisation. 1 EFSA Programming Document 2025-2027 (page 10): https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/202501/programming-document-2025-2027.pdf 2 Safety of frozen and dried forms of whole yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283, adopted 28 November 2024, https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9155 (see at page 23, section ‘7. Steps taken by EFSA’). 3 These efforts include for example: The updated EFSA's Novel Food Scientific Guidance: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/8961 (published in September 2024) providing advice for applicants on preparing novel food application dossiers; Call for expressions of interest targeting potential SME applicants who are interested in receiving EFSA’s pre-submission advice on the application requirements in novel foods: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/call/call-expressions-interest-efsas-advice-novel-food-smes-2025edition; Call for expressions of interest in joining EFSA’s new stakeholder community on applications for food and feed products: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/call/call-expressions-interest-joining-efsas-new-stakeholdercommunity-applications-food-and-feed 4 E.g. date of receipt and validation of the request, status of assessment, risk assessment deadline taking into account the ‘stop-the-clock’ periods in case of requests to applicants for additional information, publication date of the scientific output, etc. For more information, see at: https://open.efsa.europa.eu/ 5 Article 61(2) of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002. For more information, see at: https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontal-topics/general-food-law/performance-evaluation-european-food-safetyauthority_en?prefLang=da”
  EU policy on novel foods
• 2024-11-27 “E-002668/2024 E-002934/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission According to Regulation (EU) 2018/858 on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles 1 , where a vehicle or component represents a serious risk, the manufacturer shall immediately inform national authorities 2 on the risk and the measures taken. Where the risk requires rapid action, national authorities must take all appropriate restrictive measures 3 . Hence, Member States must ensure the proper recall of vehicles. The new framework on general product safety 4 strengthens the obligations of economic operators and the rights of consumers to information and to cost-free, timely and effective remedies in case of product safety recalls. Economic operators shall actively reach out to consumers and provide them a choice between at least two remedies 5 . In addition, the standardised template for recall notice 6 will make it easier for consumers to identify and understand recalls and for businesses to comply with their obligations. 1 Regulation (EU) 2018/858 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles (OJ L 151, 14.6.2018, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj). 2 Approval authorities and market surveillance authorities. 3 Article 52(3) of the Regulation. 4 Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety (OJ L 135, 23.5.2023, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/988/oj), which applies from 13 December 2024. 5 e.g. repair, replacement or reimbursement (Article 37 of the GPSR). 6 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1435 of 24 May 2024 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards establishing the template for a recall notice (OJ L, 2024/1435, 27.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/1435/oj ).”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards · EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
• 2024-11-13 “E-002508/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Commission and the Cypriot authorities are actively engaged in a constructive dialogue to facilitate the implementation of the ambitious Cypriot Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). RRPs implementation slowed down in 2023 due to the need to divert administrative capacity to address recent crises – including Russia’s war against Ukraine, the related efforts to revise the RRPs to include the REPowerEU chapters, as well as the impact of supply disruptions, among others. Still, RRPs implementation on the ground have continued to move ahead. On 16 September 2024, the Commission finalised the positive assessment of the second payment request under the Cypriot RRP, bundling together the second and third instalments of the non-repayable support. Subsequently, the Commission authorised the disbursement of the related financial support 1 , including the partial suspension related to the Commission assessment on the fulfilment of a milestone 2 . This leads the total amount of resources disbursed to more than 27% of the total plan allocation. The Commission is also currently assessing the third payment request submitted by Cyprus on 3 July 2024, related to the fourth instalment of the non-repayable support. Another payment request related to the fifth instalment of the non-repayable support was submitted by Cyprus on 18 December 2024. The Commission remains committed to assisting and supporting the Cypriot authorities in the implementation of the RRP also considering the latest guidance on RRPs 3 . The targeted revision of the Cypriot RRP adopted in July 2024 4 to cater for technical adjustments related to the assessment of the second payment request is a good example of the cooperation between the Cypriot authorities and the Commission. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/2cd56c2e-67d7-4124-a5ac52bbac3920e0_en?filename=C_2024_8043_1_EN_ACT_part1_v2.pdf 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/331d5782-ecbc-4403-8f1a1694fb53c0ca_en?filename=C_2024_8046_1_EN_ACT_part1_v3.pdf 3 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3a3d5707-5adc-4f6a-a5b51d23f1a24235_en?filename=OJ_C_202404618_EN_TXT.pdf 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CONSIL:ST_11806_2024_INIT”
  Conditions to access EU budget · Digitalization of public governance & administration
• 2024-11-12 “E-002500/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and relevant EU legislation provide for a common policy for third-country nationals requiring international protection in a Member State 1 , as well as for nationals of a Member State applying for asylum in another Member State 2 . The EU asylum legal framework is thus not applicable to the situation described by the Honourable Member. In line with the TFEU, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund may support only actions focusing on third-country nationals, including stateless persons or persons with undetermined nationality who are not citizens of the Union 3 . A comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue would be the quickest and most direct way to solve the problems related to displaced persons and property issues, which have been topics discussed by the leaders of the two Cypriot communities in the framework of negotiations. The matter raised by the Honourable Member once again emphasises the importance of resuming negotiations and reaching a solution. The EU remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the United Nations (UN) framework, in accordance with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis. It is ready to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal 4 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT:en:PDF Art. 67(2) and Art. 78(1) and (2). 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT:en:PDF, Protocol No 24. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02021R1147-20240611, Art. 2(11) and 5(4). 4 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf”
  Asylum & border control
• 2024-11-12 “P-002499/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 1 can only be activated at the request of Cyprus which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities. This means, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations and protection of the cultural heritage. Private damage is not eligible. 2. Under the Programme ‘Thalia 2021-2027’, Cohesion Policy supports Cyprus with some EUR 79 million (EU contribution), for long-term investments aimed at risk prevention and resilience-building, particularly in the coastal areas of the country, through targeted anti-flood measures. Under the Cypriot Rural Development Programme 2014-2022 and the Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023-2027, support is foreseen for the restoration of agricultural potential. Additionally, on 21 October 2024, the Commission put forward a legislative proposal 2 called RESTORE - Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction 3 , which, if adopted, will allow for some targeted flexibilities under the 2021-2027 cohesion policy framework. This would ease the budgetary pressure on Member States and regions affected by natural disasters. New specific measures were also put forward under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 4 to provide additional assistance to farmers, forest holders and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by natural disasters. The proposals are subject to colegislative negotiations. 1 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012 2 COM(2024) 496. 3 It would allow Member States to reprogramme part of their European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund Plus allocations in response to natural disasters occurred as from 1 January 2024 until the end of the 2021-2027 programming period with a possibility of EU financing up to 100 % and an additional prefinancing of 30%. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A495%3AFIN”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2024-09-24 “E-001799/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission The EU, as expressed repeatedly 1 , recognises only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law, in accordance with the respective United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2 . The EU expects the same from the partners. This message has been clearly conveyed to the Azerbaijani authorities. The EU has also actively and continuously expressed its preoccupations to the members of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), at all levels, and called upon OTS members not to implement any decision that would allow for the so-called, internationally not recognised, ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ to acquire observer status in the OTS. This decision would be regrettable and in contradiction to the principle of territorial integrity and the Charter of the United Nations. Human rights and the rule of law are central to the EU’s engagement with Azerbaijan. The EU will continue to address these critical issues as part of the regular Human Rights Dialogue as well as in bilateral contacts. To this end, it is important to keep channels of communication open. The EU has reacted publicly to the increasing number of detentions of scholars, activists and journalists in the country in recent months 3 , and will continue to call on Azerbaijan to uphold its obligations under international law and release those imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/cyprus-statement-spokesperson-observer-status-turkish-cypriot-secessionistentity-organisation_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/ots-statement-high-representative-participation-primeminister-orb%C3%A1n-informal-summit-organisation_en 2 https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/58970?ln=en&v=pdf; https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/67600?ln=en&v=pdf 3 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/azerbaijan-statement-spokesperson-human-rights-situation_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/council-europe/1506th-meeting-committee-ministers-11-september2024-eu-statement-exchange-views-european-committee_en?s=51”
  EU-Azerbaijan relations · EU-Turkey relations
• 2024-09-24 “E-001803/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam and hot water are listed in Annex II.3.a of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 1 . According to Article 4 of the Directive, prior to granting a consent for such projects, Member States must determine whether an environmental impact assessment, including public consultation, is necessary based on a case-by-case analysis or on specific criteria, such as the location, size or type of projects. In case Natura 2000 sites are likely to be significantly affected, such projects shall be subject to an appropriate assessment of their implications for the sites and be authorised in accordance with the Habitats Directive 2 . The recently revised Renewable Energy Directive 3 and Regulation 2022/2577 4 further simplify and shorten administrative permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects, without prejudice to the rights for public participation under the Aarhus Convention. Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law, including verifying individual cases of potential breach of the relevant rules or taking the necessary steps for enforcement, and the appropriate measures to address any matter that has arisen. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will monitor the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. Once the project starts operating, the competent Cyprus authorities should verify whether the company operating the solar farm complies with the development consent that was granted to it and with any environmental conditions imposed. Measures to protect biodiversity should be taken into account in the permitting phase, including when granting, reviewing and updating permits. 1 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1–21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1–18. 2 Articles 6(3) and (4), Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50. 3 Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023, OJ L, 2023/2413, 31.10.2023. 4 Council Regulation (EU) 2022/2577 of 22 December 2022 laying down a framework to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, OJ L 335, 29.12.2022, p. 36–44. The application of certain provisions of this Regulation has been extended until 30 June 2025.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-24 “E-001805/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission The Turkish Foreign Minister’s invitation to the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers on 29 August 2024 constitutes one of the recommendations suggested by the High representative/Vice-President and the Commission in the 29 November 2023 Joint Communication to the European Council about the state of play of EU-Türkiye political, economic and trade relations 1 . The aim of the recommendations that feature in the Joint Communication is to energise key areas of EU-Türkiye relations. In April 2024, the European Council took note of the Joint Communication and tasked Coreper, respecting the competences of the relevant institutions, to advance work on the recommendations in line with previous European Council conclusions and in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner 2 . The European Council also made clear that Türkiye’s own constructive engagement will be instrumental in advancing the various areas of cooperation identified in the Joint Communication and underlined that, in this regard, the EU attaches particular importance to resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation. The EU remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis. The European Council welcomed the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar as the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Cyprus and supports the UN efforts for the resumption of settlement talks, including the informal trilateral meeting that took place on 15 October 2024 in New York. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/SPEECH_23_6190 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/m5jlwe0p/euco-conclusions-20240417-18-en.pdf”
  EU-Turkey relations · Trade relations with Turkey
• 2024-09-24 “E-001802/2024 Answer given by Ms Ferreira on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the reports indicating that the Mayor of Paralimni-Deryneia and the Deputy Mayor of Deryneia have been denied entry by the Turkish Cypriot ‘administration’ into the areas of the Republic of Cyprus (RoC) where the RoC Government does not exercise effective control. The crossing point in Deryneia was constructed with EU funds under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community (Council Regulation (EC) No 389/2006 1 ). The crossing of people to and from the areas in which the RoC Government does not exercise effective control takes place under the rules of the Green Line Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 866/2004 2 ). The Commission supports the opening of crossing points because they allow movement of people, trade to take place, to establish and maintain contacts between the two communities, and to experience life across the island. Unjustified restrictions on crossings do not contribute to building confidence between the two communities. All projects that the Commission funds through the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community aim to facilitate Cyprus’ reunification. The Commission continues to raise with both communities the importance of building trust and engaging in a dialogue to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem within the United Nations framework. The Commission also stresses the need to refrain from actions that raise tensions, notably at a time when the United Nations Secretary-General is trying to revitalise the settlement process. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R0389 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02004R0866-20150831”
  EU enlargement
• 2024-09-24 “E-001800/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission The EU has repeatedly made clear that it recognises only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law, in accordance with the respective United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions 1 . It has also actively expressed its concerns to the members of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), at all levels. The EU continues to call upon OTS members not to implement any decision that would allow for the so-called, internationally not recognised, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to acquire observer status in the OTS. This decision, pending ratification of the organisation’s members, is regrettable and contradicting the fact that several members expressed strong support to the principle of territorial integrity and the UN Charter 2 . Regarding the participation of the Hungarian Prime Minister and of the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs in the informal summit of the OTS in Shusha, Azerbaijan, this was done in their national capacity and not in Hungary’s current role as rotating Presidency of the Council. Hungary has not received any mandate to advance the relations with the OTS on behalf of the EU 3 . Serving as the rotating presidency does not entail any external representation of the EU which is the responsibility of the President of the European Council (Article 15(6) of the Treaty on EU 4 ) insofar as the representation concerns common foreign and security policy matters, without prejudice to the powers of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on those matters (Article 27(2) of the Treaty on EU) and the President of the Commission (Article 17(1) of the Treaty on EU) on matters outside the scope of the common foreign and security policy. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/cyprus-statement-spokesperson-observer-status-turkish-cypriot-secessionistentity-organisation_en 2 https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter 3 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/ots-statement-high-representative-participation-prime-ministerorb%C3%A1n-informal-summit-organisation_en 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02016M%2FTXT-20240901”
  EU-Azerbaijan relations · EU-Turkey relations · EU competences on foreign affairs
• “Thanks all of you for the comments. Um, just to just very briefly to comments. The first one about the tax evasion, we prefer to be transparent. We have to tackle tax evasion. We are here to discuss with all the colleagues, uh, how to tackle this. And our aim is our aim is to achieve tax, uh, to tackle tax evasion that having tax transparency. So we are open to all your suggestions and to be able to tackle it. Regarding the the message you would like us to set about pillar two in the previous month. I had a very a lot of meetings with everyone that wanted to to give me opinions about the report. Last night I had a meeting with an organization that was from the US. They were not happy that we have pillar two in our report. So a huge business, a business organization that represents a lot of US companies. So this is stresses the the idea that we are doing something correct. So I told them, okay, this is your opinion. Thank you for letting us know. But this is Europe. This is not the US here. So I understand what you are saying. And with your amendments, feel free. Feel free to place as much amendments as you can. We can make it even stronger. Thank you very much.”
  Tax Havens
• “Given that the proposed allocation for cyber security increased significantly by 55%, could you clarify whether the administration has the capacity to effectively absorb and implement these additional resources. Secondly, regarding the Spac, the Secretary General answered most of our questions regarding the financing, but I would like to. I would like some more information. With respect to the rent. How much rent will be paid for the new buildings and as well, how how is planned? Uh, how is your planning regarding the meetings that will take place in the premises that you have found? Thirdly, could you please provide us with more information on the action plan on administrative simplification? When do you expect full implementation of the plan and what are the associated budgetary implications? The the concept of Europa experience has been revised recently to. Europa experience centers will be opened in open in 2027 in Munich and Bratislava. But seven cities but seven capital cities, including Nicosia and Lisbon that we have here. My colleague do not have European experience centers yet. Could you explain how the revised concept is expected to generate long term cost savings? Additionally, what are the plans for the capital that do not yet have Europa Experience centers? Finally, how do you foresee the role for artificial intelligence in the application of multilingualism? Thank you very much.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “Three questions. he first one comes from the fact that it was mentioned that the budget was 6 billion. So we would like to in a, in a, in a in the next meeting if it's possible to have more teachers where these 6 billion were spent from the budget. The second I want to ask a question to to miss 111 about the. You mentioned that European Investment Bank funds some some companies in in respect of um innovation. So what is the and you mentioned three if I, if I, if I'm not wrong, what is the amount of the investment and what are the criteria for these investments. And the third question that it's it's from all of you. It's we have recently been on the news that there is a lot of cases of H5n1 threat in the US. And I would like to know from you what are the what are you what are you actually doing? So we are prepared in case we have a pandemic. Thank you very much.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you. Chair. Dear colleagues. First, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to all colleagues from across the political spectrum for the constructive and collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the meetings for the report. The role of the role of simple tax rules and tax fragmentation, European competitiveness because they were not easy, but because we were they were in a good spirit and in Telling the truth. We managed to have a, I believe, a good result. As rapporteur, I made it a priority to engage openly, with honestly, inclusively and constructively with colleagues. I believe we succeeded in developing a balanced and coherent report that reflects a wide range of perspectives, while ensuring clarity and readability. The text integrates key contributions from each group and maintains a clear and focused narrative in the text. We acknowledge that although the European Union has introduced a variety of tax related measures in recent years, this this has often led to increased complexity and and administrative burdens for businesses, potentially undermining the European Union's overall competitiveness. We acknowledge the Commission recognition of these challenges, and through this report, we aim to contribute Constructively by putting forward recommendations that encourage simplification, reduce administrative burden and help remove barriers to cross-border investment, while ensuring that efforts to combat tax avoidance and evasion remain effective. Thank you very much.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “President. Dear Commissioner, dear colleagues. Today's discussion about the EU. Us agreement comes at a crucial juncture for our common market, which is our most important weapon and is based on free trade with our partners throughout the world. This is why I would like to point out that a trade war will not be beneficial for anybody, not here in Europe or in the US. On the contrary, we see that this brings about uncertainty and it hits both workers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. So we need to be very serious and methodical in order to conclude a trade agreement that will lift as many obstacles as possible, and will allow goods and services to be traded freely and without tariffs between the two continents. And this will increase our competitiveness. It will create new opportunities and a green transition. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Dear sir. Madam Minister. Miss Commissioner. Dear colleagues. Cyprus knows war. For the past 52 years, we have been living with the consequences of the illegal Turkish invasion. And still we are suffering. A third of our country is under occupation. The operation against the Iran regime has also come to our country. Cyprus remains safe due to the immediate solidarity of the European Union. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart Greece, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the other friendly countries. Greek fighter jets. The European frigates and the counter missile batteries are protecting our country. We now see that we are not alone. It's not a slogan anymore. It is something we can see. In fact, these past few days, our families by our side. And we are grateful. Also, Madam chair, we would like to thank you for your clear words. The security of Cyprus is the security of the EU. This solidarity in action leads us into a new era. And of course, our goal always remains a fair solution for the Cyprus issue.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• “We addressed that simplifying administrative procedures and eliminating overlapping tax rules is critical to enhancing the European Union's economic growth, tax simplification and digitalisation. We propose incorporating an exanthem impact assessment and a competitiveness check for both existing and new tax measures, ensuring the support of the European Union's economic objective. Digital tools, including artificial intelligence, have great potential to modernise tax systems, lower compliance costs and enhance transparency, international taxation and noise in the pillars. Since in light of recent developments in the United States, the report should address the OECD pillar two, and we also highlight the importance of evaluating the Anti-tax Avoidance Directive in this context. Tax barriers in the single market. Citizens should be able to invest across member states without facing unnecessary complexity, effectively resulting in double taxation. Combating tax evasion and aggressive tax planning. While directives such as hdac6 are crucial for transparency, we must ensure their application remains proportionate, avoiding disproportionate burdens on compliant businesses and intermediaries. Striking the right balance between oversight and simplicity is essential. Cross-border taxation and labour mobility. We address that. Facilitating the free movement of workers and the self-employed is key to boosting investments, taxation and innovation. We must align our tax policies with the ambition to foster research and development, innovation and long term economic resilience. Finally, finally, we refer to the Draghi report. Reinforcing our commitment to a more competitive and resilient European economy. Following our productive exchange of views with the European Commission and experts yesterday, we hope to integrate further expert insights to make the report even more impactful. Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing the shadows and continuing our collaboration in shaping a focused and effective final report. Thank you.”
  Priorities of taxation policy in the EU
• “Dear, dear Commissioner, dear colleagues as an MEP from a small but dynamic economy Cyprus, I see every day SMEs having difficulties with the complex tax rules. Today's report shows the way for a Europe that will be simpler, fairer and more competitive. As the rapporteur, I would like to especially thank all of the political groups that took part in the negotiations constructively and supported the final text. We have achieved a wide consensus which shows that despite our differences, we can come together when we have a common goal, and that goal is to support competitiveness and fairness in the EU. We all understand Stand that the European Union needs a simple tax framework that will be modern and will help competitiveness, and small businesses will attract investment and will help with social cohesion. In a time when we have a lot of financial challenges in the world economy. A simplified tax framework is of the essence. Mr. Commissioner, this report shows the way in order to simplify procedures, to have clearer rules, while at the same time have high standards against tax evasion and aggressive tax planning in order to have more competitiveness. We need to have a very good assessment of the. Risk assessment, as well as better coordination between the member states and review useless rules that are at the expense of SMEs, especially SMEs, that are the backbone of the European economy and are very important for growth in all Member States. Dear colleagues, I would like to call upon you to support this report as a decisive step in order to have a fairer, more competitive and more united Europe. Thank you very much.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “(15:17:45 – 15:19:30): Dear chair, dear colleagues, as EPP group, it is our it is our absolute priority to keep European industry competitive and to deliver real decarbonization. The temporary decarbonization fund can do both. With our amendments, we are not trying to reinvent CBAM or the ATS. We are correcting a very concrete gap. As free allocation is phased out, companies that export steel, aluminum, fertilizer, cement, and related products are exposed to carbon costs their competitors in third countries often do not face. If we do nothing, production and job risk moving out of Europe and global emissions go up, not down. That is why we focus the fund on clearly defined, objectively identified leakage risk and why why we and why support is linked to export exposed volumes and to the full carbon cost along the value chain. At the same time, we insist on strong conditionalities and simplified procedures for SMEs so that support is genuinely linked to decarbonization investments. For the APP group, this instrument should be rule based and WTO compatible. It is a bridge solution until the ATS review delivers a permanent and competitive framework. I'm very interested to hear the views of colleagues from NV, but also from the opinion of Itray so that we can build a solid, coherent position on this fund. Thank you.”
  Carbon leakage support
• “Thank you chair, and good morning, everyone. I would like to thank again the shadows for the meeting we have yesterday and the constructive discussion we had. As I said, the aim is to do something really good. So we feel proud as a committee that we have managed to do something to help European Union businesses, that they are struggling due to this complex situation. We are, we are now, I will read the a few comments that I have about the report. And then I'm I'm at your disposal for For any further questions regarding the any report. The role. The role of simple tax rules and tax fragmentation and European competitiveness. It draws attention to the pressing need for a more efficient European Union tax framework. At its core, it calls for greater transparency, predictability and simplicity, as these are elements essential for driving sustainable growth, encouraging investment, generating employment, and supporting better compliance across member states. The report recognises that while the European Union has implemented numerous tax measures in recent years, these have often added layers of complexity, increasing the burden on businesses and potentially hampering competitiveness. We recognise that, the Commission has acknowledged this challenge and is now considering ways to declutter the tax framework. This report presents an opportunity to address remaining barriers to cross-border investment, entrepreneurship, and worker mobility. It aims to advance tax simplification while maintaining effective action against tax avoidance and evasion. The report is structured around several thematic areas. The first one is taxation in the business environment. We call for a tax system that is both business and compliance friendly. In particular, we urge the Commission to simplify tax procedures and reduce compliance costs, especially for SMEs, to promote innovation and growth, competitiveness and economic growth.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you chair. Um, we are looking at the we are looking at the largest fund in the history of the European Union with over €865 billion across seven years as shadow rapporteur for the EPP Group. I have worked on strengthening the HR perspective, introducing amendments to enhance industrial competitiveness, energy infrastructure, digital transformation and research and innovation. Our amendments send a clear signal. Energy security and affordability are prerequisites for industrial survival. European industry is losing competitiveness, not because of lack of ambition, but because of lack of affordable energy. The fund must address this explicitly. We are also calling on the Commission to develop tracking coefficients for industrial energy and digital objectives in the performance regulation, as you cannot enforce what you cannot measure. Furthermore, we are insisting on technological neutrality on making net zero acceleration values. A concrete funding vehicle and ensuring that the research and innovation investments in the plants complement Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund. Finally, on smart specialisation strategies, we want synergies between cohesion and research programmes to be operational, not merely declared. Member States must be required to use S3 as the actual framework for their research and innovation chapters. I count on broad support for these priorities. The competitiveness of our industry cannot wait. I'm looking forward to working constructively with the rapporteur and shadows on the content, and on delivering a solid opinion for our colleagues. Thank you very much.”
  Powertrain choice: EV-only pathway vs. equal support for hybrids, e-fuels, H2
• “Dear chair. Commissioner colleagues, this delegated act is a targeted simplification that preserves the integrity of the European Union taxonomy while cutting unnecessary red tape so companies can focus resources where they matter the most. It exempts non-financial companies from assessing taxonomy, eligibility and alignment for activities that cumulatively account for less than 10% of capital of CapEx or OpEx expenditure. It also allows companies to forego OpEx alignment where OpEx is not material, while maintaining disclosure of totals Toddlers and explanations. Reporting templates are streamlined with materially fewer data points, clear summaries which will ease the burden of the preparation by companies and auditors without sacrificing decision. Useful information for the market. These measures apply from the 2026 reporting cycle and form part of the Commission's wider omnibus simplification efforts to restore competitiveness while preserving the environmental ambition that we have set in stone in this Parliament. The EPP will continue to advocate for cutting bureaucracy and helping Europe invest and grow. Stakeholders across have called for this kind of materiality based relief. Some, including our group, has suggested an even higher threshold of up to 30%, as discussed in policy deliberations. And 10% threshold is a workable compromise that provides immediate relief and clarity without compromising environmental and climate made ambition. Crucially, the taxonomy remains a compass for capital allocation, and the simplified templates still ensure transparency, comparability and accountability in line with the goals of the European climate law. Colleagues in energy and Encon are rightly vigilant about ambition and can be assured the materiality exemptions preserved for disclosures require explanations and keep the focus on real world outcomes. On that basis, I urge for broad support for this delegated act so the omnibus package can help Europe meet climate and environmental targets realistically and on time. And sorry for.”
  Green Taxonomy
• “Madam president, dear colleagues, the European Union is more than a political and economic union. It's a family of 27 member states working for peace and solidarity. In my capacity of shadow rapporteur for the budget for 2026, I will defend consistently the need to secure that European agencies are endowed with the resources they need to work in favour of European citizens. A strong budget for our institutions means a more competitive Europe, a stronger Europe, capable of defending the interests and the rights of its citizens. At the same time, the budget is an act of solidarity and investment in our common future. That is why we support the increases proposed by the European Parliament for Erasmus+, for civil protection for farmers, young farmers in particular, who are the backbone of the EU and SMEs. Thank you so much.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Hello? Yes, you can hear me. Yes. Thank you for the presentation. Yesterday I had a meeting with the representatives of Invest Europe from the whole of the European Union, Germany, Italy, France, Spain. And their main concern that I agree with them is that we are doing legislation to crack down on tax avoidance. And by doing all these legislations, we punish the the good taxpayers, the people that they are paying their taxes on time. They are loyal and they give them additional burdens and additional legislation to comply. So what can we do? I believe we should give emphasis not not not so much to the people that they are trying to avoid tax. But we should give emphasis to the taxpayers that they are loyal to us and they pay for all of us. This is a this is the comment I would like you to make about.”
  Priorities of taxation policy in the EU
• “Given that the proposed allocation for cyber security increased significantly by 55%, could you clarify whether the administration has the capacity to effectively absorb and implement these additional resources. Secondly, regarding the Spac, the Secretary General answered most of our questions regarding the financing, but I would like to. I would like some more information. With respect to the rent. How much rent will be paid for the new buildings and as well, how how is planned? Uh, how is your planning regarding the meetings that will take place in the premises that you have found? Thirdly, could you please provide us with more information on the action plan on administrative simplification? When do you expect full implementation of the plan and what are the associated budgetary implications? The the concept of Europa experience has been revised recently to. Europa experience centers will be opened in open in 2027 in Munich and Bratislava. But seven cities but seven capital cities, including Nicosia and Lisbon that we have here. My colleague do not have European experience centers yet. Could you explain how the revised concept is expected to generate long term cost savings? Additionally, what are the plans for the capital that do not yet have Europa Experience centers? Finally, how do you foresee the role for artificial intelligence in the application of multilingualism? Thank you very much.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “Yes. Thank you chair. Thank you. Madam. Madam president, I just want your comment about the US debt, we see that it's out of control. And what is your opinion? Will, will, will it explode at once? And then in the European Union have a problem as well. So I want you to comment about the huge US debt.”
  EU fiscal rules and oversight of national budgets
• “(10:49:32 – 10:53:25): Because mister Salini, he has to he has other commitments. Let me first address the CBAM scope extension. The proposal to to broaden coverage to additional downstream products is not about reopening the regime arbitrarily, but about correcting gaps creating created by the current methodology. We need to add CN codes for goods that are clearly exposed to international competition and carbon cost, yet were immediate in order to safeguard the competitiveness of European producers. At the same time, we must close loopholes. Article 27 a, which allows the commission to exclude goods from CBAM, should only be used as a last resort for a limited period and only where no effective and less restrictive alternatives exist. We also need a more robust definition of of circumvention, shorter processing times, and mandatory default values for countries and goods at high risk of resource shuffling to prevent reallocation of low carbon residual volumes just for the European Union market. Several elements of the commission proposal go too far or in the wrong direction. The new fast track exemptions based on undefined serious and unforeseen circumstances should be deleted. The existing exemption procedures are sufficient. Pre consumer steel scrap should not be treated as a high carbon precursor because aligning its footprint with blast furnace materials will penalize electric arc furnace producers and risk driving more scrap exports out of the European Union. Instead, we should reject this change and protect our circular steel industry. Finally, must be evidence based. The commission should define and publish annual KPIs on imports and European Union production of CIPAN goods. If the data show that C band is not delivering its intended effect or is causing serious adverse impacts, the phase out of the free TS allocation for these sectors must be halved. On the temporary decarbonization fund, our line is equally clear. We reaffirm the absolute need for a permanent and export solution for the most exposed CBAM sectors and recognize that this fund is limited in scope and duration and cannot replace the ATS revision. Free allowances must remain in place until CBAM adequately addresses export related leakage. Given the uncertainty on carbon leakage risk and the fund's modest financial envelope, we are calling for an early comprehensive review of its effectiveness, including whether the eligible sectors and the level of resources are sufficient and, if necessary, a legislative proposal to adjust them. In addition, we propose a new article mandating a thorough assessment of barriers European Union, ETS covered companies face when assessing foreign markets. Within 1 year, the commission should present an analysis of this economic structure and obstacles, their impact on competitiveness and growth beyond the beyond the internal market, and based on that, a legislative proposal for a possible union level support mechanism, including financial instruments, to help our industry complete globally. Thank you very much.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Okay. Thank you. I would like to welcome all of you here in the European Parliament. Before I give my assessment, it's good to when you have a problem, it's good to identify the reason of the problem, why we have a housing crisis. We have a housing crisis because we don't have a lot of supply. One of the reasons. Second reasons. Housing is expensive. Why is expensive? It's expensive because we have managed recently, with the help of the European Union to increase prices of raw materials. And I'm saying, with the help of the European Union, because we had a huge investment plan in in a few years where we had to build a lot of a lot of infrastructure that gave us that raw materials will increase. And we managed to increase the prices. The second reason is why is expensive to build. Now we have managed in the European Union to overregulate. We have to build a house. So much regulation. We don't use technology. We don't use artificial intelligence to make things easier. So this makes prices very high. Another reason for this is the fact that. There is a lot of demand for housing. With the introduction of Airbnb, a lot of people, they prefer to use their houses with RPM. I'm sure in a lot of European Union cities this is not regulated. So they don't pay taxes. They avoid taxes and they give incentive to house owners instead of renting the property to have it under Airbnb. So we limit the supply as well. So how do we tackle this problem on the supply side. I'm in favor of giving incentives.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you. Chair. I would like to welcome our minister in the European Parliament. The econ Committee would like to wish him and Cyprus, a successful presidency, and the committee will be here to support you. The question I would like to ask to Mr. Keravnos is as a next, next president of a bank in Cyprus and a supporter of the digital euro, what is what is your remarks about what you have to say about to my colleagues that they are against digital Euro because they consider it something that is expensive and something that it can be provided by the private market, by the private sector. So what is your answer to the critics of the digital euro?”
  Digital euro
• “Colleagues. Preparation in the European Union for drought and wildfires are being debated, while Cyprus is and other countries are dealing with dreadful disasters and droughts. Wildfires. What we need is early preparation and the correct cooperation with the proper authorities in order to deal with the situation. And we recognize the importance of the civil protection mechanism of the European Union, which makes a considerable contribution towards a immediate response. But unfortunately, that isn't enough to be successful and efficient in dealing with this. We need to ensure that the budget of the European Union, including the new MFF, will provide considerably, considerably more funding for prevention and preparedness, and we must also ensure that we have access to water for all citizens, especially in those countries with lack of rain, as is the case in Cyprus.”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• “In summer 2015, the south of Europe and my country, Cyprus in particular, experienced catastrophic fires that took many lives but also destroyed a significant part of our natural environment. And that unprecedented crisis showed us the degree to which we had to be ready with the necessary means and with adequate cooperation of member states for crises. We are pleased to see the Commission's initiatives, particularly the strengthening of the Ucpmb and the capacity to respond to forest fires in Cyprus, because this meets an important need for citizens Infrastructure and for the environment. Madam Commissioner. When it comes to a place like Cyprus and fires. Are there concrete measures within the mechanism, uh, that are intended to deal with. This and other extreme, um, phenomena in the next MFF?”
  Management of EU forests
• “We have to give incentives. We have to give incentives to increase the supply. To increase building a lot of houses when we built. We should give incentives as well. We are possible to increase the percentage of the building permit to build as many as possible floors. So with this way we can, by increasing the by by increasing the floors, we can have an available floors for vulnerable, for people. For first time owners, we have to give incentives, tax incentives. When first time buyers. They buy a house to be able to claim tax credits. Developers that they provide the market with a with housing in with which help to increase the supply of housing. We can give them additional tax credits. And on the other hand, in order to reduce the prices, we have to regulate for sure the RPM market. We have to give incentives to landlords to aim for long term rentals, because if we have long term rentals, this turns the rent to go down instead of having short term rentals. And as well, the main the main task of the European Parliament is we have to simplify the process of having permits. We have to simplify the way we build houses. I think we all of us nowadays, we know how to build a house. So we have to find the simplified way. And with this, we have to try to reduce the the prices of the houses in order to reduce them the price. So, uh, with this way we will be having affordable houses for all the European Union citizens. Thank you very much.”
  EU housing policy · EU regulation of short-term rentals
• “Madam president, minister, commissioner, colleagues. Primarily, I'd like to thank my political group, the EPP, for its confidence by designating me. To the negotiating committee. It's an honour and a great responsibility. The EU budget for 2026 does indeed prove in practice. Our collective efforts for a fairer, renewed Europe. After these negotiations, we have guaranteed the resources that would allow us to fund the different programs that will allow us to improve the daily lives of our fellow citizens and the efficacy of the EU's work. We also. Have increased funds which will allow us to carry out humanitarian work in my country to find disappeared persons. Rescue. It's not just a figure we're talking about here, but it's being able to respond better to be better prepared. Vis a vis natural disasters. And we have bolstered crucial areas health farmers, young people. And we're also investing in research and innovation with Erasmus+, which will allow us to offer new opportunities, which will allow some people to be able to change their lives. And thank you very much to the rapporteurs.”
  Size of EU budget
• “President. Commissioner. Housing is a fundamental right. However, across Europe, including Cyprus, hundreds of our citizens do not have adequate housing. The response of miss von der Leyen, and the promise of decent housing for all is not enough. We need to act. The European Investment Bank must draw up a funding programme and member states governments, including the Government of Cyprus, must come forward with concrete proposals for decent housing. This is a fundamental right for all of us and an obligation to future generations.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you chair. I would like to think for the speakers for their presentation. Um, I believe our aim is to be the number one currency in the world and not to be second currency. So my in order to achieve this, we have heard the presentation of, of of experts here. I would like to ask first a question to Mr. Wallace. He mentioned about unified issuer of bonds. What can we do as a Parliament specifically in order to have unified issue of bonds? And my second question, which is for Mr. Begg and Miss Lab, they spoke about unified safe assets. I we understand about this. And again, what to what can we do as a parliament in order to achieve this? Thank you very much.”
  European Banking Union
• “Yes. Thank you chair. Um, I would like my question is we have heard a lot of all the speakers mentioned that, um, we should not keep the money in savings accounts, in the bank accounts and invest them in pension funds. My question is, how can we convince the European Union citizens that with this, they will have the benefit for the citizens and and we are not helping the financial intermediaries or foreign markets. And my second part of my question, because I have still time. We know that Europe is an aging population. Um, how can we address this in the, uh, in this legislation that we're trying to do at the moment? We know that, um, we are an ageing population and we have to address it because we don't have a lot of young people to pay for our pensions. Thank you.”
  EU policy on aging workforce and pensions
• “President. Commissioner. Colleagues. The Eib's strategy for investments is important as a cornerstone for the future of Europe. They have played a very important role in strategic projects, supporting innovative projects, providing development and helping all Member States. I want to underline with great satisfaction the Cyprus investments in trying to counter its housing crisis. And I am delighted to announce that our country is now able to avail itself of funds of above €100 million to provide housing for low income households and students. So this opens up new horizons for our young people and also the vulnerable people in society, giving them access to decent, affordable housing. So this access to affordable housing is a tool, an instrument that can provide solutions to our demographic problems, which would be an incentive for some families to have children and to be able to have a dignified life. Now, at the same time, we need to focus on cooperation with the private sector. If we are innovative enough, we can be effective in investing so that we can focus on sustainable development objectives and targets and work together with SMEs and support them because they are the backbone of Europe's economy. Thank you.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “Could you therefore please clarify the assumptions used for the 2027 estimation, and whether any adjustments have been made to reflect the experience from recent years? For Budget line 2,007.02 on construction of buildings and fitting out of premises in Strasbourg and specifically the chamber. We will ask for clarification on the planned works to the visitor's gallery. What does this include for Digital.com? Could you please outline any concrete measures that you took to ensure efficiency and ensure that every Euro spends delivers measurable results? Additionally, there is a decrease of €1.5 million for information campaigns. Which activities are concerned by the cut? Finally, for Digital.com, could you please provide more details for the planned opening of the Europa Experience Centers? Finally, for DGs films, we have seen that in previous years they have. There have been variations in expenditure execution, sometimes leading to last minute relocations of funds. Could you provide an assessment of how realistic the current estimates are and whether mechanisms are in place to improve budgetary predictability? We understand you are gradually overhauling your application architecture based on the SAP platform, a European solution widely used by public administrations and many European companies. Can you provide us a Instead of play for this procedure. And finally, we were provided with an explanation for the general expenditure allowance budget line. Can you provide us with more details as to the indexation procedure? Thank you very much.”
  Discharge of EU institutions and agencies
• “Madam president, honourable members. Honourable president of the Republic of Cyprus. Taking up the rotating presidency of the EU is a crucial milestone for such a small country. We will support all efforts to make sure that this presidency is a success. We will prove our ability and we will also prove how hardworking the Cypriot people are. The Cyprus presidency comes at a time when there is a lot of geopolitical instability. What is happening is testing our determination. At the same time, the fact that Cyprus remains divided is an open wound and it is a factor of instability for Europe. This wound has to be healed. But we have to make sure that the EU contributes to this and stands firm for 52 years. Our homeland is feeling the impact of the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation. The EU has to show to Cyprus the same clear stance that it took in the case of Ukraine. They have to do so forcefully and with a sense of responsibility for a fair and peaceful Europe.”
  EU-Turkey relations
• “Thank you chair. I'd like to thank all the speakers for their very comprehensive analysis. My question will be specific to the to me, to the doctor angel of the European Commission. We are, um, breathing before I say it, in this room and especially in this committee all the time we are mentioning we have to do things, we have to do things. We have to simplify, simplify, simplify. We are in another meeting where this is come from, the committee. When are we going to achieve all this that we are saying on all these meetings and all these schedules and all these reports that we are preparing? Because as a Parliament, without your executive powers, we cannot do them. And to be more specific, on, um, on tax, on transfer pricing, we implemented a transfer pricing that, like you said, sometimes is not clear. And we are asking European businesses to pay a lot of fees for doing these studies. But I don't know if there is a positive outcome, either in revenues or in other in other other other positive outcome, or the reason why we insist so much in the transfer pricing. We cannot see the benefits of this. So this is my question. But most importantly, I would like to to listen to a plant where all these things that they were discussed. Today we have a roadmap to implement them and not in six years, in six months time to have the same meeting and to hear the same and same again. Thank you very much.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Dear colleagues. Firstly, I would like to thank all of our four DGs for being present today and for their comprehensive presentations. Cooperation and coordination are very important to ensure a sound and balanced outcome for Parliament's estimates. As we assess the 2027 preliminary draft estimates. Your input is crucial in ensuring that Parliament's budget remains efficient, transparent and aligned with its priorities. Now I will make a few comments regarding our DGs for DJI tech. Cyber security has been a priority for a few years, especially now in the current geopolitical situation. It is very important we understand there is an increase to be able to meet the target of 10%. Could you please explain in more detail what are the plans for 2027 specifically? Could you could you please provide a further detail as to the budget line? 21 03.01 individual equipment. Could you let us know of the European Parliament policy for individual equipment? Their life cycle and replacement. Could you please explain the 5.6% increase. Are there any challenges with IT equipment in the offices, including laptops and software functionality that need to be addressed? Finally, are there are areas within DJI Tech's budget where additional savings could be made without compromising security and performance. For DGs in law for Budget Line 2024 energy consumption, we received some further information as to the calculations for the budget 2027. However, we noted that we notice that this budget line has been a high fiddle line in seed transfers of 2025 of around 3.3 million. Therefore, if we understand correctly, this suggests that the initial appropriations may have exceeded the actual needs.”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• “Yes. Good morning, honorable chair. Esteemed colleagues. Mr. Naidu, the outcome of the second Extraordinary session of the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee represents a moment of caution and an opportunity for renewed commitment. While we acknowledge the significant step taken earlier this year with the approval of IMO Net zero framework, the decision to adjourn deliberation for a full year leaving the draft amendments pending is disappointing. The close vote reveals a deep division among among IMO members. It underscores the complexity of balancing environmental ambitions with the practical realities faced by the shipping industry and member states. However, it also highlights the urgent need for continued dialogue and consensus building As members of the European Parliament committed to environmental protection, climate action as well as the safeguarding of our competitiveness. We urge the Commission to use this period wisely. We must intensify efforts to support the IMO members in bridging their differences through technical assistance, capacity building and constructive engagement. Looking ahead, the European Union needs to reaffirm its leadership and ensure that the net Zero framework is adopted in a manner consistent with our ambitions under the European Green Deal and the clean industrial Deal, without undermining the competitiveness of European maritime hubs. Smes must be safeguarded while fragmented and overlapping regulations need to be prevented. Could the Commission elaborate on the specific steps it is taking to support Member States in preparing for the for them coming. I am on negotiations within the global framework. Thank you.”
  Decarbonisation of maritime transport