Estrella GALÁN

Policy topics Estrella GALÁN is active on

What Estrella GALÁN has said (43)

• 2026-01-13 “E-000099/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission On 26 January 2026, the Commission launched new proceedings against the provider of X under the Digital Service Act (DSA) 1 , which will determine if the company properly assessed and mitigated systemic risks associated with the deployment in the EU of Grok’s functionalities on X, including risks related to the dissemination of illegal content, such as manipulated sexually explicit images and content that may amount to child sexual abuse material. Should the Commission conclude that the provider of X breaches the DSA, it can decide to adopt a fine of up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider and order it to take measures to address the breach. Under the DSA, online platforms must have mechanisms and procedures in place for reporting and expediently removing illegal content they have become aware of, including non-consensual intimate images. The DSA does not empower the Commission itself to order the removal of content, but national judicial or administrative authorities may order platforms to act against items considered illegal under national or EU law. The 2024 Directive on combating violence against women 2 criminalises different forms of cyber-violence offences, such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images, as well as material created or altered to falsely portray someone engaging in sexually explicit activities where such conduct is likely to cause serious harm to that person. Member States must transpose it by 14 June 2027, thereby establishing the illegality of such content under national law. This further complements DSA enforcement and ensures that online platform providers act against it. As for the AI Act 3 , the rules on enforcement of the AI Act will only apply as of 2 August 2026. Thus, investigations cannot be started before that date. 1 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022. 2 Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024. 3 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act), OJ L, 2024/1689, 12.7.2024.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content · Transparency and oversight of AI-generated content
• 2025-11-20 “E-004635/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive 1 applies to plans and programmes, but not to specific projects, such as the ones referred to by the Honourable Member. However, under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2 , before consent is given, projects likely to have significant effects on the environment must be subject to an assessment. For the categories listed in Annex II to the Directive, such as urban development projects 3 , the authorities must determine whether such assessment is necessary through a case-by-case study or through previously set thresholds or criteria. When a project is likely to have significant effects on a Natura 2000 site, the Habitats Directive 4 requires an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site, in view of the site’s conservation objectives. Where the obligation to carry out assessments arises simultaneously from the EIA Directive and the Habitats Directive, the authorities must, where appropriate, provide for a coordinated procedure. The Commission is not informed on the projects mentioned by the Honourable Member and based on the available information, is unable to assess compliance with the obligations arising from the relevant provisions of EU Law. Without prejudice to its role as guardian of the Treaties and in line with its strategic approach on enforcement action, focused on cases of systemic non-compliance 5 , the Commission considers that the use of the means of redress available at national level is the most effective way to address these individual cases of possible non-compliance. In this regard, the specific review procedure under the EIA Directive allows the public concerned to challenge the legality of decisions, acts or omissions subject to the Directive. 1 Directive 2001/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2001 on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment. OJ L 197, 21.7.2001, pp. 30–37. 2 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 16 April 2014 - OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1–18. 3 Referred to in Annex II, 10 b) of the EIA Directive. 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. 5 As set out in the Communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10–20) and in the Communication of 13 October 2022 COM (2022) 518 final - Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2025-11-05 “E-004379/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission According to Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of their health services and medical care. Principle 16 of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan 1 underscores the right to healthcare. The Commission supports Member States in upholding this principle through projects aimed at systemic improvements of health systems 2 . The challenge of disparities in access to healthcare in Spain is stressed in the 2025 European Semester Country Report 3 . Member States can use funding under the recovery and resilience plan (RRP) 4 , the Technical Support Instrument 5 , and the Cohesion Policy 6 to improve access to healthcare. The Spanish RRP 7 includes investments and reforms to strengthen the health system with an estimated cost of around EUR 2.4 billion. The 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy programmes for Spain, including the programme of Castilla y León 8 , provide complementary investments of around 1.56 billion. Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan puts emphasis on equal access to screening, diagnosis and treatment, for example through the 2022 Council Recommendation on cancer screening 9 . The Joint Action eCAN Plus 10 is scaling up e-health and telemedicine services, including for patients in rural and remote areas, supported by EUR 20 million and including the participation of Spain. Finally, the European Cancer Inequalities Registry supports Member States by highlighting inequalities and challenges in cancer prevention and care, including analyses of geographical and rural disparities in access to cancer services. The initiative helps Member States identify gaps and areas for action to better guide investments at national and regional level. 1 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/european-pillar-social-rights-buildingfairer-and-more-inclusive-european-union/european-pillar-social-rights-action-plan_en. 2 Guidelines on access to healthcare for people with disabilities: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail//publication/c2959f58-d63d-11f0-8da2-01aa75ed71a1/language-en; The role of healthcare in reducing poverty: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/e86e91df-a97a-11f0-89c6-01aa75ed71a1Affordability of healthcare: https://www.who.int/europe/teams/office-for-health-systems-financing-(barcelona). 3 https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a712afe4-d94e-4333-8333e8bc1ab63f1e_en?filename=ES_CR_SWD_2025_209_1_EN_autre_document_travail_service_part1_v4.pdf. 4 Recovery and Resilience Facility: https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economicrecovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en. 5 Technical Support Instrument (TSI): https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-fundingprogrammes/technical-support-instrument/technical-support-instrument-tsi_en. 6 Cohesion Policy: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/2021-2027_en. 7 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/spains-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en. 8 The 2021-2027 European Regional Development Fund Programme for Castilla y León, with almost EUR 13 million for the deployment of technological solutions to enhance the resilience, capacity and sustainability of the public health system; and the renewal and acquisition of high-technology equipment in regional hospitals to improve the quality of healthcare services and guarantee access to care for all citizens. 9 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.C_.2022.473.01.0001.01.ENG. 10 https://ecanja.eu/.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-09-26 “E-003740/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Spanish authorities replied on 17 September 2025 to the reasoned opinion issued on 17 July 2025 under infringement procedure INFR(2021)4052 1 . However, as already indicated in replies to previous questions regarding this infringement procedure (like E-001267/2024 2 ), with a view to attaining an appropriate solution, the Commission is bound to maintain the confidentiality of the content of ongoing infringement procedures and cannot share any other detail at this stage. Member States may award concession contracts for the construction and/or maintenance of motorways which eventually may include the payment of a toll by users to the concessionaire. However, this award must comply with the applicable EU public procurement rules, which are presently laid down for concessions in Directive 2014/23/EU 3 . The Commission monitors the compliance with EU public procurement and concession rules in every Member State, notably when awarding contracts for the construction, operation and maintenance of motorway networks 4 . In this regard, the Commission has a public website providing an overview of infringement procedures, including a search functionality by policy area 5 . 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_1628, https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?typeOfSearch=byDecision&langCode=EN&version=v1&refId=INFR(2021)4052&page=1&size=10 &order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate. 2 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html. 3 Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts, OJ L 94/1 of 28.3.2014. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014L0023. 4 See, for instance p.4 of the press information cited under footnote 1 above. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/member-state-infringement-cases/en, (e.g. possible search criteria: Policy area: ‘internal market’, Topic: Investment / Public procurement and concessions).”
  EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices · Rule of law in Spain
• 2025-09-25 “E-003729/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission As the Commission noted in its previous reply to written questions E-000431/2024, E000766/2024 and E-001610/2024, the rights of the child are enshrined in Article 24 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (the Charter) 1 . The EU Strategy on the rights of the child 2 aims, among others, to combat violence against children and ensure child protection. The Commission has adopted a Recommendation on integrated child protection systems 3 , which assists Member States when developing robust and comprehensive measures to protect children from all forms of violence. The EU is not party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 4 , but as Article 24 of the Charter is based on the UNCRC, the latter needs to be considered when interpreting the rights of the child. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child makes recommendations on issues relating to children to which it believes State parties should devote more attention. The Commission has no competence to monitor the implementation of opinions issued by this Committee. The Charter does not apply to every situation of an alleged violation of fundamental rights, but applies to Member States only when they are implementing EU law. Its scope does not extend to activities such as bullfighting. It is for Member States’ authorities, including their judicial authorities, to ensure that fundamental rights are effectively respected and protected in accordance with their national legislation and international human rights obligations, including the UNCRC. 1 These include the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being as well as that child's best interests must be a primary consideration in all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0142. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1238/oj/eng. 4 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 20 November 1989, https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child.”
  EU competences on human rights
• 2025-09-05 “E-003462/2025 Answer given by Mr Síkela on behalf of the European Commission The Commission’s external actions rely on a human rights-based approach (HRBA), mandatory for all actions funded under Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) – Global Europe 1 ; EU funds align with contractual human rights obligations. When support is targeted at reducing irregular migration, attention is paid to upholding migrants and refugees’ rights, including human dignity. The Commission applies monitoring tools such as initial assessments, regular partner reports, verification missions, results-oriented monitoring exercises and external evaluations. It reinforced these in 2025: contracts include clearer human rights provisions; there is new HRBA internal guidance. A procedure to handle complaints was introduced. For all contracts awarded before 2025, the general conditions foresee the suspension and termination in case of force majeure and/or breach of any substantial obligations. In Mauritania, the EU assisted authorities in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for timely search and rescue at sea and defining post-disembarkation assistance per human-rights obligations, along with monitoring and a complaint mechanism. SOPs were acknowledged by Human Rights Watch as progress. Each situation must be assessed based on substantial evidence and own merits for a proportionate approach. The Commission formalised an internal procedure for handling specific human rights abuses allegations related to EU-funded interventions. Contractual clauses allow suspension or termination if evidence of a breach or pending verification arise. Since January 2025, these include clearer partner reporting obligations on assets transfer to third parties. Where Member State agencies implement EU-funded projects, interventions are subject to HRBA and associated safeguards. 1 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/funding-technical-assistance/neighbourhood-development-and-internationalcooperation-instrument-global-europe-ndici-global-europe_en.”
  EU development aid (migration conditionality) · EU policy on Sahel and Sudan
• 2025-09-05 “E-003441/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission Member States have primary responsibility in civil protection and the EU has a supporting competence. To strengthen wildfire preparedness, the EU invested EUR 600 million in a permanent rescEU 1 fleet of 12 firefighting planes 2 . For the next multiannual financial framework, EUR 10.7 billion for civil protection and health preparedness is proposed, to secure and scale up rescEU and implement the Stockpiling Strategy 3 . The European Climate Risk Assessment 4 indicates that southern Europe is one of the hotspots for climate risks. The Commission has taken several actions to support Member States and stakeholders to become more climate resilient 5,6 . Cohesion policy and common agricultural policy are the main EU funding for prevention and climate change adaptation. The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change 7 and the Copernicus Program 8 can help European regions to better manage climate change-driven impacts 9 . The Commission is developing a European Climate Resilience and Risk Management Integrated Framework 10 , planned for end of 2026. To support Member States strengthening preparedness and addressing climate crises, the Commission coordinates peer reviews of disaster management and civil protection systems 11 and provides financing for projects, expert exchanges, and technical assistance 12 to bolster wildfire prevention, preparedness and investments. On EU funding, cohesion policy contributes EUR 14.5 billion in 2021-2027, EUR 13.4 billion for climate disaster prevention, including EUR 2.2 billion for forest fires. Spain allocated over EUR 300 million for fire adaptation measures. RESTORE 13 allows redirecting funds to recover from 2024-2025 disasters, and the Commission is in contact with Spain to assess needs. 1 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/resceu_en. 2 These planes will be stationed across the Mediterranean region, with two hosted in each of the following countries: Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The aircrafts are expected to become progressively available as of 2028. 3 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/document/download/c57d4067-1900-4616-9239ca4598b55d69_en?filename=COM_2025_528_1_EN_ACT_combined.pdf. 4 https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/publications/european-climate-risk-assessment. 5 EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, COM(2021) 82 final. 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52024DC0091. 7 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en. 8 https://emergency.copernicus.eu/ and https://climate.copernicus.eu/. 9 Like wildfire risks. 10 https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/adaptation-and-resilience-climate-change/european-climate-resilienceand-risk-management-integrated-framework_en. 11 https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/disaster-prevention-and-risk-management/ucpm-peerreview-programme. 12 https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/eu-funding-disaster-management. 13 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/newsroom/18-12-2024-commission-welcomes-adoption-ofrestore-proposal-helping-member-states-recover-from-climate-related-disasters_en.”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.) · Climate efforts
• 2025-09-03 “E-003374/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The finalisation of the legal texts of the future EU-United Kingdom Agreement in respect of Gibraltar is ongoing. The main objective of the future Agreement is to secure the prosperity of the whole region of Campo de Gibraltar and Gibraltar. This will be done by removing all physical barriers for persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union. The Agreement will take into account the unique situation of the region and ensure the protection of cross-border workers’ rights. Frontier workers will have the right to enter and leave Gibraltar and Spain, as well as reside there during their work. As regards pensions, social security coordination rules will apply: these rules merely reflect the national level of pensions. Any top-ups would be a matter for national law. The future Agreement also aims at including a financial mechanism to promote cohesion between Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar, for example on matters of training and employment. With respect to the European Employment Services (EURES), it is up to the Member States to decide on the allocation of EURES advisers for their national workers, including in Spain. They could provide information and guidance to the workers concerned.”
  EU-UK data transfer
• 2025-08-29 “E-003333/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission Compliance with the ‘Do No Significant Harm’ (DNSH) principle is a prerequisite for a measure to be included in a recovery and resilience plan (Article 5(2) of Regulation 2021/241 of 12 February 2021). The Commission has assessed the Spanish Recovery and Resilience plan in line with the criteria laid down in Article 19 of Regulation 2021/241, including its compliance with the DNSH principle. For this specific measure under component 14, the plan includes in the eligibility criteria of the calls for projects under the Spanish Territorial Plans for Tourism Sustainability at Destinations an obligation to comply with a list of excluded activities and the relevant EU and national environmental legislation. This requirement to include the DNSH obligation in the terms of reference of the calls was assessed positively under targets 217, 218 and 219. The fulfillment of milestones 220 and 221 will be assessed upon the submission of their relevant payment requests. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the Member State and the regional authorities to ensure that the requirements established in the selection criteria regarding DNSH are complied with during the implementation phase.”
  EU strategy for tourism development · EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding
• 2025-08-28 “E-003330/2025 Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission The EU is committed to saving lives at sea in line with international maritime law and no rescuer should be put in danger while carrying out life-saving work. Following the reported incidents, the EU immediately raised the matter with the Libyan authorities, urging them to take all necessary measures to ensure full compliance with their national and international obligations. The Libyan authorities informed that they have opened an investigation into the incident, which they indicate took place within the Libyan search and rescue zone. The most recent technical dialogue with the Libyan authorities, held on 15 October 2025 in Brussels, provided a timely opportunity to raise the EU’s concerns regarding the reported incidents and to reiterate the need for thorough investigations and stronger monitoring mechanisms, to ensure that Libya’s search and rescue operations are fully consistent with international human-rights and maritime law. The Commission remains convinced that progress, including in the protection of migrants, can only be achieved through continued engagement, in line with the EU’s overall policy approach towards the southern neighbourhood region.”
  Asylum & border control · EU relations with the Southern Neighbourhood
• 2025-07-25 “E-003089/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission closely monitors Member States’ implementation of the EU asylum and child protection rules, including to guarantee adequate reception conditions for unaccompanied minors. Under Directive 2013/33/EU 1 , and in line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 2 , the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration for Member States when implementing asylum rules, including on reception. The implementation of the obligations under Directive 2013/33/EU, such as the location of reception centres, operating such centres and relocating unaccompanied minors within the territory of a Member State, is the responsibility of Member States’ competent authorities. While the Commission provides financial support through the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund and facilitates and promotes coordination and cooperation among all levels of government, it cannot intervene in national operational decisions. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2013/33/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/char_2012/oj/eng.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2025-07-16 “E-002923/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to ensuring that there is no place for hate in the EU 1 . The Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law 2 regulates at EU level the criminal response against hate offences in the EU. It concerns all offenders, including public officials. The Commission monitors the implementation of the Framework Decision, including in Spain. It remains, however, the competence of national authorities to investigate, prosecute, and try in accordance with applicable national legislation individual cases of alleged hate offences. With a view to supporting the implementation of the Framework Decision on the ground, the Commission has in place a comprehensive policy toolbox developed with national authorities, EU agencies and international organisations under the High-Level Group on combating hate speech and hate crime 3 . As regard the EU institutions, their workplaces and their staff adhere to the highest standards in tackling discrimination and combatting hatred. This is a major priority for the Commission 4 , reflected in its HR Strategy adopted in 2022 and its Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan 5 . The possible inclusion of hate speech and hate crime in the list of ‘EU crimes’ under Article 83(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union requires a Council decision adopted at unanimity and with the consent of the European Parliament. To date, the Council has not reached the needed unanimity. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/document/c60c451c-ccd2-406a-be3a-ef65123f2bb6_en. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32008F0913. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combattingdiscrimination/racism-and-xenophobia/combating-hate-speech-and-hate-crime_en#the-high-level-group-oncombating-hate-speech-and-hate-crime. 4 No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred, 6 December 2023, JOIN/2023/51 final. 5 https://commission.europa.eu/about/service-standards-and-principles/modernising-europeancommission/diversity-and-inclusion_en.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination · Asylum & border control
• 2025-05-22 “-002066/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility 1 , the Commission disburses payments to Spain following a positive assessment of completion of the milestones and targets specified in the Council Implementing Decision (CID) of its recovery and resilience plan 2 . The Spanish authorities are responsible for the completion of milestones and targets and request payments to the Commission as they are completed. The Commission then assesses their implementation exclusively against the specific requirements set out in the CID. In this specific case, the association at stake is a beneficiary of EUR 6 000 under the Digital Toolkit Program. This grant-based program aims to boost the digitalisation of small and medium enterprises, micro-enterprises and self-employed, in any sector of economic activity, raising their level of digital maturity. It contributes to the completion of measure C13.I3 (‘Digitalisation and Innovation’). Target 200 (‘Budget committed to the Digital Toolkit Program’, assessed as satisfactorily fulfilled as part of the fourth payment request) 3 , and targets 204 and 208 (which require actual support to companies and have not been assessed by the Commission yet) are part of this measure. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R0241. 2 https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-13695-2023-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e8b93743-5a80-4c10-9caa4dabedc95728_en?filename=C_2024_4171_1_EN_annexe_acte_autonome_nlw_part1_v2_1.pdf, page 204.”
  Conditions to access EU budget · EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding
• 2025-04-02 “E-001367/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The European Platform on Combatting Homelessness was launched by the Lisbon Declaration in 2021 as a framework of cooperation, knowledge building and mutual learning, coordinated and facilitated by the Commission. In the context of the Platform, the Commission supports various on-going projects and activities in the area of homelessness which strengthen the evidence base on the extent and nature of homelessness, provide concrete policy guidance to policy makers 1 and enhance capabilities at national and local level. The work programme of the Platform, adopted in February 2022, guided its activities for the period 2022-2024 2 . A new work programme is planned to be discussed by its members in view of its adoption in June 2025. During the next phase, the Platform is meant to continue supporting national, regional and local authorities to develop integrated, housing-led strategies, monitor their actual impact and optimize the use of funding sources, as the European Social Fund Plus, to implement sustainable solutions. Also, the Platform’s work in relation to the scope, the drivers and effective policy responses should contribute to the preparation of future EU initiatives related to homelessness such as the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and the European Affordable Housing Plan. Since its launch the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness has evolved into an impactful initiative, illustrated by the adoption of national strategies in several Member States. The Commission remains fully committed to further strengthening its added value and thus reinforce concerted responses at all levels to effectively address the most extreme manifestation of poverty and social exclusion. 1 The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Policy Toolkit on homelessness, launched in December 2024 provides guidance for policy makers to prevent people from becoming homeless, support people who are experiencing homelessness, and provide sustainable pathways out of homelessness. Accessible here https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-toolkit-to-combat-homelessness_0fec780e-en.html. 2 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4c863f95-cf93-4581-8b3633259f9e8663_en?filename=UDW%20TRW1_ex_summary.pdf.”
  EU housing policy
• 2025-03-26 “E-001305/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission During the EU-Israel Association Council on 24 February 2025 and her mission to the region on 23-24 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President held frank exchanges and conveyed clear messages to the Israeli authorities on the situation in Gaza and the future of the Strip. During her visit to Egypt, she met with the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee and issued a joint statement 1 , in which the parties emphasised their categorical rejection of any displacement or expulsion of the Palestinian people out of their territory, Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem, and warned against the grave repercussions that would result from such actions. In accordance with international law, and in particular with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 (2024) 2 , the EU rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial changes in the Gaza Strip and supports unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. This is also in line with the five key conditions for the ‘day after’ set by the President of the Commission in November 2023 on Gaza 3 (Gaza to be an essential part of the future Palestinian State which cannot be reduced or amputated in any way, and no forced displacement of Palestinians). In its relations with Israel, the EU considers that political engagement and frank and open dialogue are the most effective ways to convey EU concerns. The Association Agreement with Israel 4 is the legal basis of the ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities and it provides mechanisms to discuss issues and advance the EU’s point of view. In this framework, the EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to international law, including the applicability of international human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/joint-statement-high-representative-kaja-kallas-and-arab-islamic-ministerialcommittee_en. 2 https://docs.un.org/en/s/RES/2735(2024). 3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/speech_23_5646. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A22000A0621%2801%29.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2025-02-10 “E-000597/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission As signatory to the Green City Accord 1 , Zaragoza committed to enhance urban biodiversity, increase quality green areas, improve air quality, water and waste management, and reduce noise by 2030. Zaragoza was awarded the Cities’ Mission Label 2 after concluding its Climate City Contract 3 , which plans CO 2 absorption from urban trees and actions on re-naturalisation and circular economy 4 . The Nature Restoration Regulation 5 requires Member States to ensure that, by 31 December 2030, there is no net loss in the total national area of urban green space and of urban tree canopy cover in urban ecosystem areas 6 . It should be noted, however, that the Green City Accord, the Climate City Contract and the Nature Restoration Regulation allow the local authorities, in line with the subsidiarity principle, to decide on the actions to carry out in urban spaces, provided they respect the above commitments. It is therefore not for the Commission to comment on the choice of the competent authorities on the project referred to by the Honourable Member. However, Member States must monitor the area of urban green space and tree canopy as of August 2024 and report to the Commission by 30 June 2028 7 . From August 2029, the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and to the Council. In addition, the Green City Accord signatory cities must report periodically about their progress in the run up to 2030 8 and the Climate City Contract provides for monitoring measures, which will allow the Commission to follow up on the compliance by Zaragoza with the above commitments and obligations in due time. 1 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/urban-environment/green-city-accord_en 2 EU Mission Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/fundingopportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/climate-neutraland-smart-cities_en 3 https://netzerocities.app/resource-4068 4 Ibid. cfr. Part B ‘Pathways’, pillar 3, page 73. 5 Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869. OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj 6 Compared to 2024. 7 Articles 20(1)(b) and 21(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/2991. 8 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/european-green-city-accords-report-progress-and-achievements2020-2023_en”
  EU policy on urban development · Nature protection and restoration in the EU
• 2025-01-16 “E-000174/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The Transatlantic relationship has been a cornerstone of peace, security, and economic growth. The EU follows the situation closely. The EU remains steadfast in promoting its interests, prioritising security, stability, and prosperity for its citizens. As a matter of principle, the EU has been consistent in condemning extra-territorial application of third-country legislation (sanctions) attempting to regulate the activities of natural and legal persons under the jurisdiction of the Member States. The EU considers such application of third country’s legislation as being in violation of international law. The mandate of the High Representative/Vice-President dictates that the incumbent can only propose measures for the Council’s consideration. Adopting measures or recommending the adoption of measures by Member States is not within the scope of her mandate.”
  EU competences on foreign affairs · Relations with Israel - Palestine · EU-US relations
• 2024-12-02 “E-002708/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission Under Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, where a question on the interpretation of acts of the institutions is raised in a case pending before a court or tribunal of a Member State against whose decisions there is no judicial remedy under national law, that court or tribunal shall bring the matter before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The CJEU has declared that a court or tribunal against whose decisions there is no judicial remedy under national law is required, where a question of Community law is raised before it, to comply with its obligation to bring the matter before the Court of Justice, unless it has established that the question raised is irrelevant or that the Community provision in question has already been interpreted by the Court or that the correct application of Community law is so obvious as to leave no scope for any reasonable doubt 1 . Therefore, national courts against whose decisions there is no remedy under national law and which refuse to refer to the CJEU a preliminary question on the interpretation of EU law that has been raised before them are obliged to give reasons for their refusal in the light of the exceptions provided for in the case-law of the CJEU 2 . In the judgment referred to by the Honourable Member, the Spanish Supreme Court (Court of last resort) stated that the arguments set out in the case and the judgments of the CJEU mentioned therein made it unnecessary to raise a preliminary question before the CJEU for the resolution of the appeal. Therefore, the Supreme Court did not have doubts on the interpretation of the relevant EU Law that would make it necessary to bring the matter before the CJEU for the resolution of the appeal. The Commission does not intend to take further action. 1 Judgment of the Court of Justice of 6 October 1982, in CILFIT v. Ministero della Sanità, C-283/81. 2 Ullens de Schooten and Rezabek v. Belgium, 2011, § 62; Sanofi Pasteur v. France, 2020, § 70.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-11-06 “E-002450/2024 Reply The European Union is deeply alarmed by the dramatic military escalation in the Middle East and it has called on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, put an end to all hostilities immediately and fully abide by international law, including international humanitarian law. It has also reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself and the European Union’s commitment to Israel’s security and to regional stability. In exercising its right to defend itself, Israel must fully comply with its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law, in all circumstances. The EU has also recalled the need to fully implement the International Court of Justice orders 1 . In relation to the situation, the Council has also imposed restrictive measures against a number of persons and entities under the EU framework of restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses 2 , as well as against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad 3 . Concerning arms trade, the Council is not in a position to comment on shipments from or through Member States. In this regard, the Council refers to its reply to Written Question P-003630/2023, and the fact that the control on the export of arms by Member States is subject to national legislation, Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP 4 and the Arms Trade Treaty 5 (ATT). The competent authorities of the Member States take the final decision on whether to authorise or deny an individual export or transit license for military equipment, in accordance with said legal frameworks. The Council, through its competent Working Party, works towards increased convergence amongst Member States’ arms export policies. This includes exchanges of views on the application of the criteria set out in the Common Position. 1 www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/10/17/european-councilconclusions-17-october-2024/; www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/pressreleases/2024/06/28/european-council-conclusions-27-june-2024/ 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02020R199820240913&qid=1732270490517 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02024R038620240913&qid=1732270685388 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32008E0944. 5 https://thearmstradetreaty.org/treaty-text.html?templateId=209884”
  Disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons · Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2024-10-18 “E-2158/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The Association Agreement with Israel 1 is the legal basis for the ongoing dialogue with the Israeli authorities. In this framework, the EU will continue to reaffirm its commitment to the applicability of human rights and humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory. The Commission closely coordinates its position with the Council of the EU on the matters raised in the written question of the Honourable Member of the European Parliament. A possible decision to suspend the entire Association Agreement with Israel would require a Council Decision and would, in accordance with Articles 217 and 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, require unanimity by Member States. The EU has a long-standing position on the non-recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the territories occupied by Israel since 1967 and considers Israel’s settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory illegal. The EU applies a differentiation policy to ensure that goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory do not benefit from trade preferences under the Association Agreement. In 2015, the Commission adopted an Interpretative Notice to provide guidance on the labelling of products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory and how the existing legislation on labelling should be applied 2 . The approach of the Interpretative Notice was confirmed by a judgment of the European Court of Justice in 2019 3 . Official controls on the labelling of imported goods are primarily the responsibility of Member States, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 on official controls on the agri-food chain 4 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:411c0668-144d-44a1-a5e3dd2342f7a5b5.0017.02/DOC_1&format=PDF 2 2015 EC interpretative notice on the indication of goods from the territories occupied by Israel: https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52015XC1112(01) 3 2019 European Court of Justice ruling on foodstuffs originating in the occupied territories: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf;jsessionid=A16C97FD2EEC535918F5478A663AC7D6?tex t=&docid=220534&pageIndex=0&doclang=en&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=8005913 4 http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• 2024-10-16 “E-002113/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The EU is committed to the preservation of cultural heritage of European significance, in accordance with Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which provides that the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance are primarily a national responsibility, and that action by the EU is limited to encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, supporting and supplementing their action. In view of pursuing the policy of healthy soils defined by the EU Soil Strategy for 2030 1 , the proposed Soil Monitoring Law 2 , currently undergoing inter-institutional negotiations between the co-legislators, envisages an obligation on the Member States to address unacceptable risks for human health and the environment from contaminated sites by taking risk reduction measures. Without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law and investigate potential breaches of the relevant rules. 1. The Commission was not informed about the planned renovation of the former gas and electricity factory in the city of Oviedo. 2-3. According to the information received from the Spanish authorities, the European Regional Development Fund 3 and the Just Transition Fund 4 have not supported and are not expected to support any part of the special plan to renovate the interior of the gas factory in Oviedo. No funding has been given by the European Investment Bank 5 for this project either. 1 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/eu-soil-strategy-2030_en 2 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-directive-soil-monitoring-and-resilience_en 3 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en 4 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/just-transition-fund_en 5 https://www.eib.org/en/index”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-15 “E-002078/2024 Answer given by Mr Fitto on behalf of the European Commission According to the information received by the Spanish Authorities, OneToro is the beneficiary of a loan convertible into shares granted by a financial instrument set up by the region of Andalusia and supported from the European Regional Development Fund. The loan amounts to around EUR 2.5 million of which around EUR 1.9 million of public contribution. The rights of the child are enshrined in Article 24 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 1 . EU-funded projects shall comply with applicable EU and national law. Moreover, Member States have the responsibility to ensure that fundamental rights are effectively respected and protected according to their national legislation and international human rights obligations, including the UNCRC 2 . The Audiovisual Media Services Directive 3 (AVMSD) includes minimum coordination provisions to ensure the protection of minors from potentially harmful content. According to Article 6a of the AVMSD, Member States must take appropriate measures to ensure that minors are not exposed to programmes which may impair their development, including via video sharing platforms. It is for Member States to determine to what extent certain programmes may impair the development of minors and decide what measures to take according to the AVMSD. On the other hand, the Digital Service Act 4 , in particular its Article 28, also contains obligations on online platforms providers regarding the online protection of minors. Should a Member State fail to abide by its obligations under AVMSD, the Commission may decide to open an infringement procedure pursuant to Article 258 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 97(1)(d) of Regulation 2021/1060 5 , which may lead to the recovery of EU funding amounts unduly paid. 1 These include the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well-being as well as that child's best interests must be a primary consideration in all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions. 2 UN Convention on the rights of the child. 3 Directive 2010/13/EU on audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2018.303.01.0069.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2018:303:TOC 4 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 on a single market for digital services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=oj:JOL_2022_277_R_0001 5 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/LSU/?uri=CELEX:32021R1060”
  EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
• 2024-10-02 “E-001928/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission analyses each payment request in accordance with the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) 1 . The Commission assesses the completion of the milestones and targets only upon the submission of each payment request. The measures referred to in the question fall under component 14 (i.e., modernisation and competitiveness of the tourism sector), milestones 220 and 221, of the Spanish Recovery and Resilience Plan 2 . These would tentatively be submitted under the 7 th and 10 th payment requests. For each measure, the RRF Regulation requires, among others, the need to ensure the respect of specific conditions of the Do-No-SignificantHarm principle. Disbursements under the Facility are tied to the satisfactory fulfilment of these conditions. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R0241 2 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/spains-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-30 “E-001877/2024 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The availability of appropriately equipped and easily accessible rape crisis or sexual violence referral centres is a key element of the specialist support that victims of sexual violence will be entitled to under the recently adopted Directive (EU) 2024/1385 1 . In line with the standards of the Istanbul Convention 2 , the Directive requires that these centres exist in sufficient number and be adequately spread over the territory of each Member State. The Commission will closely monitor compliance with these requirements in the context of the transposition of the Istanbul Convention and of the Directive, for which implementation workshops will start in 2025. Spain has allocated Next Generation EU funds for the construction of these centres. In particular, the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) for Spain 3 , under Component 22, Investment 4, includes a target with number 327 related to the creation of 52 24-hour comprehensive care services for victims of sexual violence. The satisfactory fulfilment of this target of the plan will be assessed in the context of the 7 th payment claim of the RRP. The Commission remains committed to monitoring the effective use of EU funds allocated under the RRP and to ensuring full compliance with the newly adopted EU legislation on combating violence against women and domestic violence. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1385/oj/eng 2 Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence Istanbul, 11.V.2011. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/spains-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• 2024-09-20 “E-001771/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Biodiversity Strategy 2030 1 and EU environmental legislation do not preclude urban development projects as long as applicable legal requirements are fully respected. Under the Habitats Directive 2 , any project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site 3 must be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of its conservation objectives. The authorities can agree to the project only after having ascertained that it will not adversely affect the integrity of the site(s) concerned, with limited exemptions from this rule 4 . Member States must ensure that the species protection regime under the Habitats and Birds 5 Directives is respected, inside and outside Natura 2000. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 6 requires that, before consent is given, urban development projects 7 that are likely to have significant effects on the environment be subject to an impact assessment. For projects listed in Annex II 8 , such assessment must be carried out only when the competent authorities so determine, having regard to the selection criteria listed in Annex III. The EIA Directive provides for specific review procedures that allow the public concerned to challenge the legality of decisions, acts or omissions subject to its provisions on public participation. As regards EU rules on air quality 9 , according to the latest data 10 , no exceedances of the NO 2 limit values have been registered in Alcobendas 11 . In line with the Commission’s strategic approach on enforcement action, the use of the means of redress available at national level is the most effective way to address individual cases of possible non-compliance 12 . 1 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en 2 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 The urban development referred to by the Honourable Member is located near the Special Area of Conservation ‘Cuenca del río Manzanares’ (Site code: ES3110004) and the Special Protection Area ‘Monte de El Pardo’ (Site code: ES0000011). 4 Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive. 5 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7–25. 6 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 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1–18. 7 The concerned project categories are defined in Annexes I and II to the EIA Directive. In particular, urban development projects are referred to in Annex II, 10 b). 8 Urban development projects are referred to in PÑoint 10, b) of Annex II to the EIA Directive. 9 In particular, Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, OJ L 152 11.6.2008, p. 1. 10 Made available by the European Environment Agency in September 2024. 11 Air Quality Zone ES1308 Corredor del Henares. Data available under the following link: https://aqportal.discomap.eea.europa.eu/ 12 As set out in the Communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10–20) and in the Communication of 13 October 2022 COM(2022) 518 final - Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-18 “E-001748/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission On 12 July 2024 1 , following a thorough investigation, the Commission informed the provider of X of its preliminary view that X had failed to comply with some obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA) 2 in areas linked to dark patterns, advertising transparency and researcher access to data. Since the investigation is ongoing, the Commission cannot comment on it at this point in time. The Commission is responsible for supervising and enforcing the specific obligations that apply to very large online platforms and very large online search engines under the DSA. All actions taken by the Commission based on the DSA are undertaken within the limits of its supervision and enforcement powers and follow due process, in compliance with the principles of good administration, legal certainty and respect for the rule of law. All acts and decisions taken by the Commission are subject to judicial review. The Commission is present on several social media platforms to reach users, journalists and EU citizens through all means possible. X is one of the social media platforms that the Commission uses in daily communication efforts. The Commission remains vigilant on any developments on X and has discontinued paid-for advertising on the platform in autumn 2023. The Commission is supporting the development of European digital public infrastructures and digital sovereignty through the Digital European Programme 3 with the European Digital Identity Wallets 4 among them. 1 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/commission-sends-preliminary-findings-x-breach-digital-servicesact 2 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act). 3 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/digital-europeprogramme_en 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 as regards establishing the European Digital Identity Framework.”
  EU rules on digital competition · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2024-09-18 “E-001749/2024 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has no specific information on the situation referred to by the Honourable Member. As set out in its reply to written question E-000297/2023, internal security matters, including actions by national authorities for the purpose of maintaining law and order and safeguarding internal security, remain the responsibility of the Member State concerned. Consequently, policing matters, such as the one referred to by the Honourable Member, fall within the remit of the Spanish authorities. Specific matters of fundamental rights and policing also do not fall within the scope of the Rule of Law report. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union applies to Member States when they are implementing EU law 1 . Outside those situations, it is for Member States, including their judicial authorities, to ensure that fundamental rights are effectively respected and protected in accordance with their national legislation and international human rights obligations. 1 Article 51(1) EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law in Spain
• 2024-09-03 “E-001598/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission As the Commission stated in its reply to written question E-001055/2024, it appears from the available information on the project referred to by the Honourable Member that the relevant environmental impact assessment procedure pursuant to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 1 is currently underway and the project has not received development consent at this point. It is therefore too early to verify compliance with the applicable EU law. The Commission expects the responsible regional authorities to ensure that a robust environmental impact assessment be conducted in light of all relevant environmental objectives to ensure that the project complies with applicable legislation, particularly the Nature 2 and the Water Framework 3 Directives. Regarding the main water body potentially impacted by the project, reported to be in less than good ecological potential, the authorities must in principle ensure that no further deterioration occurs and that the project does not prevent it from reaching good status. Without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law. National means of redress are available, and, in case of alleged breaches of the law, the competent national Courts could order the suspension of the project, where appropriate. 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 16 April 2014 - OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1–18. 2 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); Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version), OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7–25 3 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy - OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1–73.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “What a shame that Mrs. von der Leyen could not to stick around just a little longer to listen to our comments. The European Union is spending billions on rearming and that will bolster the economic interests of the US alone. What we need to do in the European Union is put an end to genocide in Gaza. Yet we don't seem to have time, resources or political will to achieve that goal. We are directly witnessing the extermination of an entire people instead of championing human rights. We are strengthening NATO and doing Trump's bidding. We need social justice and peace. Mr. Gosta, there are two urgent matters that the European Union must act on. We need to break off the Association agreement between the EU and Israel, and we need to send resources to help the Palestinian people. The individuals in Gaza are suffering. People are screaming on the streets of Europe. Listen to what they have to say. Take action.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Mr. president. Thank you. President. Commissioner. Minister. Well, the fact that this European Union is going in the in the wrong direction and that this budget is a clear example of this, Europe was born on the crumbling of crumbles left after the war. And instead of investing in peace, we finance war. Instead of protecting people, we use social funds to pay for arms instead of saving lives. Millions of euros are there to build higher walls and to let people die in the sea. This budget is not a coincidence. It's really a shameful political endeavor. We're not just talking about figures. There's a Europe that has lost sight of its future. The citizens need to have investment in education, in housing, in health and social justice. But this budget is leaving Europeans on the sidelines. Thank you.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Men work. Lobbying, climate fanaticism, gender ideology. Woke. What? How what kind of insults are being are being, you know, aimed against us? The fight against discrimination is, um, undermined by the right. And you use this discrimination as a tool for propaganda. Hate is never innocent, and it always ends up in violence. 1 in 5 people in the European Union suffer insults, attacks, discrimination just for being who they are or for who, for loving whom they love. But the far right has become the second biggest threat in France, and the one of the most important threats in the United States as well. In Spain, we've seen a far right terrorist cell that was discovered and these far right terrorists encourage attacks on migrants as well. We need to see the adoption of the anti-discrimination directive to rectify what has been in deadlock for the past 17 years, and we need to focus on this because our lives are at stake. Commissioner, we need to stop this war against hate. War. We need to continue this war against hate. We need to continue this war against discrimination. Because even though some people have only been shown hate, we won't stop. We won't stop fighting for people's rights. Thank you.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “Thank you very much, president. In my country, we have a coalition government that wants to improve people's lives. But we have the same problem again and again. It's the problem of housing. Let me explain to you what I mean. From 2008, the minimum wage has gone up 61%, but families still cannot make it to the end of the month. And the reason for this is quite simple. When we look at the cost of housing, that's gone up 78%. A lot more than wages have gone up. All of people's money goes in to their housing. It is a black hole. It increases inequalities. It means people can't live dignified lives. This talking about our children, grandchildren, neighbors, all of these people who've had to leave their neighborhoods because of the cost of housing. And this is a result of, uh, policies, uh, because of speculators who've come in. And the right to housing has now become a luxury. The solution is simple. We need to intervene when it comes to the housing market. The Parliament needs to say, is it on the side of people or on the side of elites that have led to this precarious situation? Thank you.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you. President. In these first 100 days, the new commission has started a war against migrants and against international law. In these 100 days, they've given the green light to the suspension of the right to asylum at our borders and have criminalised solidarity. With the innovative ideas, they claim that they're going to open a new prisons in third countries for migrants whose only crime is to look for protection. Is there any difference between the White House's announcements and when it comes to migration? And we know how things go. If you look at history, when migrants are persecuted and criminalized, then you're paving the way, way for regression on our rights. For example, women's rights, LGBTI plus rights or labor rights and civil liberties. Why are you giving ground to the far right? This is only going to lead us to an authoritarian model, one which will endanger our democracy. From our perspective and from a human rights standpoint, the Commission is not doing well in the first 100 days.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner. Good afternoon. And I unfortunately have to say that since you began your term, when it comes to, uh, defending human rights, you've not presented any good news. You've just presented proposals that go against those who need protection. For example, we have the list of safe countries of origin. It increases forced expulsions and it also goes against international law, including countries like Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt where we know very clearly that human rights are not upheld. We very clearly we basically it's very clear that you want to just declare them safe so that then later they can be subcontracted, and then you can set up return centers to which you can send and indefinitely hold, uh, people who try to come to Europe in whichever way they could, because they had no other alternatives or those who have been rejected or sent back, perhaps also within a request for international protection. So the next, next step is the revision of safe third countries. And to revise that list where you're trying to break all links between the asylum seeker and the country they are being sent to, irrespective of the will of the person concerned. But this is profoundly unjust because this is a blow against the right to asylum. So this being said, I have three questions. Firstly, doing away with this criteria of connection and leading to immediate suspension of resources. How exactly are you going to ensure that expulsions to a safe third country do not violate the non-return principle? Secondly, when do you plan to present the proposal of safe third countries? And thirdly, when are you finally going to present a proposal for legal, safe way, ways that actually align with the needs of people who need an opportunity, who need to find a way to reach the European Union without actually risking their lives. Thank you.”
  Asylum & border control
• “More pressure on Russia, sanctions on Russia. And we're hearing the same old mantra, Mrs. Vanderlyn, you can speak, but in the white House you wouldn't even be at the adult's table rearmament you're talking about. But you haven't mentioned the word diplomacy. Is that because you were a defense minister before, although none of your sons served in the German Army, you're serving the war of the rich against the poor.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “Well, Now, neither the political groups nor who put von der Leyen in her position, nor her herself, cannot justify this spending on military rather than social. The reality is that inequality is increasing in the EU, that there are housing crisis across Europe, and that people can't make ends meet at the end of the month. And she's not only not providing responses, but she's breaking social cohesion, which is one of the pillars of the EU. We see a 14%, a very vague number on social spending, whereas we see, if you look at what, compare it to what's being spent on military. Also, social funds are being diluted between a number of different areas with no specific objectives. Spanish workers who and across Europe who work with the most vulnerable people are extremely concerned. Listen to them because they work directly with people who are suffering. The European Social Fund is one of the best tools that we have and that we've ever had. If you, Madame von der Leyen, isn't concerned about the security of Europeans and Europe, then I don't understand why this isn't one of her priorities.Thank you.”
  EU expenditure on social policy
• “Thank you. Your question is very timely because right now, when the commission is not preparing a proper humanitarian response, there is great responsibility here. The European Agency for asylum has said that if only 10% of the Iranian population needed to flee, then we would be facing one of the largest flows of refugees in history. We're not talking about 2015, when there was a huge movement of refugees, but essentially we need a response like we had for Ukraine. Even though these people are not blonde with blue eyes, they still need to be cared for in a dignified way.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Thank you very much, president. Europe is continuing to increase its defence spending, whereas we have many people who lack the most basic necessities. They don't have proper housing or jobs and are living in poverty. We have European authorities who are trying to contend with the kinds of phantom threats that we cannot even discern and are continuing to be complicit with Israel and are failing to suspend the Association agreement, which they should do immediately, because if you cut the European Social Fund, then you're attacking the working people of Europe, because once again, when you have to choose between helping our poor people and enriching the arms industry, then you always go for the arms industry. Whereas in actual fact, what we need more than anything else is to try and reduce inequalities. And if we cut these funds to benefit defence, and this is a real blow to the most vulnerable in societies, and it is to disdain social well-being, and it is to then gamble people's lives for political ends, because a society cannot be measured in terms of the size of its armies, but rather people who are able to work and study and have jobs and work in dignified Circumstances in Europe will only be strong when it effectively protects its people, and not when it simply boosts its arsenals and its arms.”
  Defence spending
• “Gracias, Presidente.Thank you. President. Ladies and gentlemen, over 3600 people died in Spain this summer because of the heat. 82% more than the previous summer. These are not statistics. These are lives. And generally, we're talking about very vulnerable people. Elderly people, workers and even children. And it's not just in the south of Europe. Even every year, Europe breaks temperature and heat records. People say that we're climate fanatics, as if climate change was an ideological question, whereas it's a reality and it kills. And so we need to act now. We need to work for our citizens in homes and schools and workplaces in Spain. We have pioneering legislation to protect workers with basic measures, such as stopping work at the highest times of highest temperature or having heat alerts because it's not difficult, it's just a question of political will. And so this Parliament has to do something if it doesn't want to be strangled by the reactionary far right.”
  EU climate adaptation and disaster preparedness
• “Yes. Thank you. President. Commissioner. The blackout last week showed that Spain has to regain control of its energy system. A system which is in the hands of For only. A large companies which impose their conditions on others. When it comes to public services, citizen responsibility and the management that allowed the lights to be switched back on within 15 hours. Then there were those who are now saying, talking about fanaticism, trying to go back to the past. If they'd been managing all of this, we'd still be in the dark. And then they referred to the extreme weather phenomenon last October, with hundreds of deaths under their watch. So we shouldn't be looking at nuclear. Nuclear energy, which is highly contaminating, very costly. The solution is to have a 100% public grid, which is green, and which puts an end to the privileges of the large energy companies. Electricity. Energy is a right, a right which is being denied to the people who live in the canal. And this is another example of how the right tries to manage crises. So we need a situation which is fairer and more just to to defend its citizens.”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you. President Israel hasn't stopped killing in Gaza. Not for a single day. Over 500 violations of the cease fire. And there are cases like Mahmoud Gardi, who was hit by a drone despite having been identified as a journalist, or the Fadi and Juma brothers, aged eight and 11. They were assassinated when they went to gather wood. These are deaths which go unpunished while the United States pursues and sanctions people who cooperate with the International Criminal Court. The only way open to the Palestinian people to get justice when it comes to Trump's blacklist, we have United Nations rapporteurs, judges, prosecutors. Now we have international law organizations that are working on the ground. And that is something that for some time, the European Commission hasn't been standing up when it comes to international law. The European Union has buried its values in Gaza and it remains mute, while the US and Israel use their peace plan as a smokescreen to continue with genocide and to continue watering the Palestinian ground with blood and impunity. Commissioner. What is the moral authority with which you can celebrate Christmas? And the speaker has been cut off?”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you. President. Mrs. von der Leyen does not represent us, and she hasn't even stayed here so that we can say this face to face. She'll obviously have gone to take a phone call from her friend Trump. United States and Israel are pulling us into an illegal war. This is outrageous, but not at all surprising. Ultimately, one is carrying out genocide and the other rule uses the rule of might is right to dominate the world. But what is unforgivable is that Mrs. von der Leyen wants to put Europe behind them towards this world without rules, which looks down on international law. This war, this world that is championed by Trump, Netanyahu and Putin and now Mrs. von der Leyen. This is disgraceful. Her statements have shown that she does not represent the peaceful spirit of Europeans, and with her words that we see that she is undermining the values of the European Union. And here and now we say resign. Now, European citizens do not want to be complicit in another barbarity and are saying loud and clear no to war, as has the Spanish government. And one question, even though you're not here, Mrs. von der Leyen, please answer my question. Whose side are you on with the international rules based order and European values, or those who want to put paid to.”
  EU-US relations
• “Thank you. President. When we talk about consumer protection, we see the commission pursuing its policy of saying one thing and doing something else. It claims to protect consumers, but believes the and seeds to the blackmail of companies that breach our right. What about airlines and the way they are behaving in Spain? Abusive practices have been sanctioned by airlines. Well, you in the commission have launched an investigation into Spain. Let me be crystal clear. You will not prevent us from taking action. We believe that any company, no matter how big it is, is not above the law. What about protecting workers in Europe? Look at the predator policies used by vulture funds. The Spanish ministry has imposed a historic fine on Airbnb to prevent it breaching the law and infringing housing rights. So what? Whose side will you be on? Will you stand with the multinationals or with consumers?”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards