Carla TAVARES

Policy topics Carla TAVARES is active on

What Carla TAVARES has said (34)

• “Mr. president. The European. Parliament. The multiannual Financial Programme shows that this Parliament is determined to ensure that negotiations are concluded between now and the end of 2027, because this is an absolutely vital budgetary instrument. But not only that, it is a political choice, and so we want a tangible outcome to those negotiations on the MFF, as it is really the beating heart of the European Union. Therefore, the Commission's proposal, of course, is not straightforward. It is there to fund a variety of different programmes with own resources in such a way as to allow the European Union to face up to unforeseen circumstances at pace. And that is why we need to beef up the role of the regions and make sure that the European Union is part of people's ordinary daily lives, and that they are at the heart of the European project, and make sure that solidarity is translated into specific projects. Make sure that nobody is left behind, because without solidarity, there is no future of our union. Thank you.”
  Own EU resources
• “Well, there's 2 or 3 points I start with. Firstly, I'd like to recognize and recognize the importance of the work that's been done in this committee by Mr. Barnier, rapporteur for the committee. Thank you on behalf of the Co-rapporteurs. Now, during this period, we need to be able to sit down with as many different committees as possible so we can find common points. And that's why I'm here today to listen to your opinion. Now there's a few points that some have already been referred to by the chair of the committee, but I do need to underscore so that there was the letter sent by the president of the commission, which is more positive. But we do still have a range of concerns specifically in relation to points that fall under the remit of the committee. So in our draft interim report, we mentioned these. Now, the size of the budget is a concern. We need funding to help us to to allow us to face or address the challenges that we face. And the interim report calls for an increase in the funding more than the commission set out. Now, we know this is going to be a difficult procedure when it comes to negotiating with the Budget Committee. Now, the architecture of the MFF as well is also a concern. We have seen a major change in how programs have been conceived and how they potentially will be implemented.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you very much. President. Commissioner. Serafin. European citizens expect more from the EU today, and they agree that we need to be more ambitious. We know that the commission is considering major reforms to the budget. Now, the European Parliament thinks that reform is absolutely vital, and we won't be happy with just protecting the current MFF because it's not enough. The message for the next MFF is extremely clear. Yes, we need reform of the MFF and we need to redirect to common expenditure. We need to have some more simplification and better flexibility. But we shouldn't just have a one approach for everything. The economic and social context is not the same as it was in 2007. It's fair to say the context to geopolitically speaking is not the same as in the past. There's uh. The US, uh, decision to step away from its international role. And this means that the EU thinks about its own role and think about how, uh, expenditure from the EU budget can support EU activities. The geopolitical order is changing. There's war at our very borders. There's a devastating. Natural disasters. There's a huge requirements in terms of security and defence. We need to drive forward the green and digital transitions. We need to find our way in the EU of achieving more security, being more competitive, being more resilient. And this needs to be done in line with what the EU represents. Right now. People's concerns are looking at their economic situation, their their jobs. And we also have this dual transition. We need to meet these expectations with the EU budget. Part of this discussion is obviously what needs to be invested from the EU budget. Our vision is that the needs are significantly higher than in the past.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Commissioner. Serafin. Minister. The national plan per member state approach to manage programmes is not an option that the European Parliament welcomes. We make that clear in our parliamentary report. We will not accept an MFF without a clear, independent and strong European social fund. Article 162 of the treaty on the functioning of the European Union defines social policy and underscores the fact that the European Social Fund is a key instrument to strengthen the social dimension of the European Union, so the ESF must be maintained. We do not want to fragment the cohesion policy either. The cohesion policy must continue to be the main policy, the main investment tool for the European Union. The cohesion policy helps us to bridge gaps between regions. It is particularly important to outermost regions. The current financing level must be maintained. Only so can we continue to maintain competitiveness and resilience in the EU.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you. Chair. Dear colleagues, good morning. I will speak in Portuguese, so I need to give you time. Thanks. So. Siegfried just wanted to chip in after Siegfried. I wanted to express our concerns as the European Parliament regarding governance. Of course, we very much welcome the attempt to simplify the programs, make them more flexible. But once again, our complaint is about the commission's approach. Uh, the, uh, the commission's, uh, proposal may sacrifice transparency on the altar of efficiency. And then as far as budgetary nomenclature is concerned, we think the approach is insufficient and there is the risk of reducing the possibility of controlling the implementation of the Parliament's budget. And, uh, in the annual budgetary process, we may risk we losing our political weight. It's always been a challenge for us, and we can see that there is an attempt to, uh, uh, emphasize price related loan related problems. And the budgetary authorities should keep a close eye on this as part of the margin of manoeuvre, uh, of the, um, um. Uh, or offer other, um, guarantees. The fact that the commission is being authorised to borrow under the programme does not mean, in our opinion, that the Commission is authorized to take political decisions, whereas they really are the area of the co-legislators. We have to have a clear distinction between budgetary implementation and political decisions. So in this draft, we think that access to funding should be linked to the rule of law and to the rules of the EU.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “And this is something that's been discussed in the Budget Committee as well. I think it's been discussed in this committee as well. Now there's also Governance. We think the commission is trying to leave a leverage its powers. And and we need to increase transparency on the budget. We need to have a stronger role for the budgetary authority and the role of the European Parliament in that. And that's something that needs to continue. And we need to ensure that that political decisions are taken as a result of that. So those are some of the points. Well, the Parliament is not sufficiently involved when it comes to setting out criteria or also setting out aims when it comes to cohesion policy. These are some of the major concerns. Obviously, the aims for cohesion policy will be included in the national plans, so will fall to member states. And we think that the governance as well should build in local and regional authorities, more so than they currently are. And policies which are implemented as a result of national plans is something which jeopardizes the common aims of the EU in relation to cohesion policy. Now, another risk we see in the Commission proposal is that our Commission, using the using implementing powers and using work programmes, which would cut out the role of the European Parliament.”
  Conditions to access EU budget
• “Mr. president, Commissioner, Minister, first of all, I'd like to congratulate the rapporteurs for the work that they've done and their cooperation as well and the cooperation with the Commission. The budget for 2026 is an important signal of our compromise and commitments, where the EU has to stand strong and united. We need a final agreement which helps the most vulnerable areas of the globe through humanitarian aid and development aid. 35 more million more euros to help Palestinian refugees will be essential to support reconstruction work in Gaza and the region. Access to health care and education and regional stability will be helped as well. An additional €35 million for humanitarian aid will improve capacities to help the most troubled regions facing worsening, facing worsening humanitarian crises, particularly those caused by climate change. Um, budgets mean choices, and our 2026 budget is on the right side of history. It keeps the European Union as a credible present partner in developing and helping peoples that are most exposed to conflict and natural disasters, so that Europe can fully play its role as a global actor. Thank you very much.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• “Thank you. Chair. Dear Commissioner. Dear colleagues. His long standing position. Parliament will do its utmost to provide continued and unwavering support to Ukraine, as said by my colleague. Considering the urgent financial needs for continued support, we are very satisfied that the timeline decision has been taken to issue a new loan for Ukraine. The amendments of the 2127 MFF regulation is necessary to provide for the possibility of mobilising a guarantee over and above the MFF ceiling for 19 billion loan. The interest of the loan will be covered by the EU budget. The Commission has proposed to establish a new special instrument called Ukraine Loan Instrument to maybe to maybe mobilised in the framework of annual budgetary procedure to cover the debt, the debt service costs. The fact that the EU budget will cover the interest rates will have a major impact. To start with on the 2027 annual budgetary procedure and of course, possible possibly also on the budget for the years to come. We understand that the council is proposing to have a new mechanism similar to the Euro cascade. I do not know if Commissioner. It's possible. Um, could the Commission provide the provide the Parliament with its assumptions for the loan in terms of the repayment, since Ukraine will be required to pay only once? Once Russia will have start to pay war reparations, and how these are taken into consideration when planning borrowing, borrowing activities. We are particularly interested in understanding, in understanding what is the impact behind the current MFF and how are these costs going to be covered during the next MFF? It's our best and big concern since currently there is no special instrument foreseen to cover them and how. We are adding three global Europe instrument cover. These costs, which amount to around 10% of its overall envelope without reinforcements. The Commission will present a new proposal if yes, when the Commission seeks to present a new proposal. Thanks.”
  Russia-Ukraine conflict (10th term)
• “President. Minister. Commissioner. The cohesion policy is theoretically an absolutely essential tool for implementing European Union policy. It's what brings the European Union into the field and gets it closer to ordinary people. So it's the best policy we have. But is it? Success is predicated on a certain amount of reliability and, um, foresight. And after the Covid crisis, what we are now seeing are new priorities European defence and competitiveness. And once again, we are going to need to adapt our investments accordingly. Now, given that we have all of these emergencies, the European Union is going to have to provide funds for all of these policies, and cohesion policy is going to have to adapt to new circumstances. But our defence spending must not come at the detriment of our environmental, nor of our other spending, nor of an overturning of our cohesion policy, which has proved its worth down the years. Member States know the situation in their countries in the field, and they know how to disperse the funding available to them. So we cannot then gut cohesion policy.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “That's all very important. We would like to strengthen areas involving civil society, NGOs promoting human rights and programmes relating to those countries that are most conflict exposed. Armed conflict, climate change as well. We'd also like to suggest. Bolstering the program that supports Unwra and the Palestinian people. We think that this is an important political signal and a message to send on behalf of this parliament to the Palestinian people. And finally, on the results of the Conference on Financing for development that was held in Seville, we saw the outcome of the conference, and we'd like to see more concrete commitment coming forth, particularly to alleviate debt. And we want to see instruments to broaden and strengthen the impact of EU programmes. So once again, thank you to the colleague Charles for the work done as well as to the shadow rapporteurs in the room. Finally, I'd like to say that at this time it is extremely important for the work of this commitment, this committee, that the 2026 budget allows us to send this clear message saying that development areas are a priority for the Parliament. Thank you.”
  Global priorities for international development
• “I will speak in Portuguese. Thank you very much. Chairman. Commissioner, it's very nice to see you in the Budget Committee today to present the MFF. Our colleague referred to this already. The position of the Parliament is very clear on the Commission's proposal. There are a number of questions here in this meeting if we talk about the MFF Five, 2027. What is the logic behind that? Because if we do the numbers and if we look at the, um, repayments from new and article 14, there is a freezing of this expenses and also the dip of the mechanism for. Repayments also and the question of competitiveness and defence. And in view of the Draghi report. This is about amounts for the next MFF. The Commission. Should be producing results for the citizens of the EU. How will the the EU meet? The challenges. Mr. Morrison already mentioned that we need a new element, and we see in here, here that we have a nationalisation of EU funds. On top of this, the basic approach of money for reforms isn't there for the macro reforms and at the national level. These are mechanisms that are not sufficient. And. And it's not enough for the citizens who ought to be deriving a benefit from this.”
  Size of EU budget
• “(14:40:56 – 14:43:52): you, Sherbir, colleagues. Commissioner, I will speak in Portuguese. Commissioner, I'd like to thank you. I thank the commission services for the work that's been done, over the recent months to prepare this draft budget. As a shadow rapporteur on the MFF and following on from my colleague, Niels, I'd just like to reiterate a few points. On 1 hand, we're dealing with draft budget that, represents 1% of, GDP, And this does not mean that this is a proposal that should be a massive concern to us in terms of the commission's admission, especially when it comes to the MFF because in very few in a very short time now, we know what the MFF proposal actually is. As the commissioner also explained, here, we're dealing with the special support instrument for Ukraine. Just a few months ago, this is something that we discussed in this committee, I think, about 3 weeks ago. And there were some surprises. There are some concerns as well because we need to clarify now that all the costs that we have to cover for this lending, they do should not come from the instrument as was expected, but in fact, it comes from the budget as a whole. Of course, this then makes it difficult for funds to be available for other posts. This is something that we discussed in the budget committee, but also with counsel and the Cyprus presidency because this is 1 of the concerns that this is not something that should then weigh on future budgets. Now coming to other sections and on behalf of my colleague Sandra Gomesh. Firstly, of course, thank you very much for this proposal. The parliament has to now carry out its role in terms of, adopting this, budget. We have to evaluate this based on real needs and budgetary proposals. We, of course, need to analyze these documents in detail to then come up with a balanced proposal within the parliament, keeping in mind all the different sections. We have to ensure that there's sufficient financial resources to ensure all discussions up until the MFF so that all centralized organizations of the European Union can ensure efficient and effective implementation of policies and to ensure technical support as well, especially in the enlarged neighborhood. We fully believe that we will be able to work successfully with all different sections. And in the future, we will be, we will have a constructive proposal for the budget and the MFF. Thank you.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner Serafin, the position of the Parliament is set out clearly in the mandate which we received for the next MFF, but we cannot accept an EU budget that is unambitious in its objectives and lacking in funds. And we agree that the next MFF cannot be an exercise in restraint disguised as ambition. It needs to be an instrument which supports investment and cohesion, able to support a Europe which protects and leads, and which is committed to strengthen its autonomy in a world which is ever more unstable and unpredictable. Commissioner, let me say that we welcome and support the approach taken by the European Commission in their attempts to identify new own resources in this House. We have also done this work. Let me say turn to the two co-rapporteurs on own resources who are working together with this. The proposal that we are discussing today is an example of one of our contributions to the ambition that we all share for our next MFF. We know that we are under no illusions. An ambitious and credible budget can only tackle. To tackle the challenge we are faced with. It can only be done with new resources, with a new basket of new own resources. If we don't have own resources, we will not have new goals, new new ambitions, new objectives and we believe that the debate here today is a contribution to future ambition as well.”
  Own EU resources
• “Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will speak in Portuguese. First of all, I would like to thank you for this presentation, Mr. Bey. At the Parliament and in particular in this committee. We are at a key moment in the context of the preparation of the new map, and I think that we still have some work to do, and it's normal to still have a few doubts. You mentioned with regards to budgetary control that, um, the tools used in the r f ended up being a challenge because we didn't have enough information on costs at the same time. We still need more information on indicators and milestones to be able to determine whether or not this instrument is efficient. Now, over the past few months in this committee, we have heard the say that the, uh, targets at aren't as satisfactory and therefore should not, uh, be implemented. And the commission says that they are met and carries out payments. So what do you think about this topic, and how can the Parliament improve its work in this area, and how can we improve the committee? We have been working on these issues already. We have already discussed these issues in the committee with regard to the legislative aspects, the treatment of data and the incorporation of a. This is something that was widely discussed in this committee. You also referred to it in your presentation. You referred to the final costs and final beneficiaries and the difficulty that we face in accompanying these beneficiaries. Do you think there are any other aspects that can be useful when it comes to, um, getting ahead? We don't want the Parliament to lose its position, its determinant position in the support. And we don't want these issues to remain only under the remit of the Commission. And when it comes to support and data, it's difficult to follow up on data. And I think that's one of the main challenges of the next MFA. We also need to include things that worked well in the air. And there are other points related to the RF that we can improve on. I have another question that I noted down here. In relation to the next MFF. So related to the question that you mentioned earlier, how can we gather data on KPIs? This is a major challenge and I really enjoyed your presentation because it's useful for this Parliament, uh, to, um, come up with a proposal for a report. And we have these issues to assess. They are relevant and allow us to learn. And I'd like to just, uh, reiterate, Uh, that's the EC. The Parliament and the commission are aren't always in agreement here. There's divergence when it comes to the data that we have access to, in particular when it comes to the RF data. Thank you very much.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Mr. President. Mr. president, Commissioner, Minister, let me start off by thanking both rapporteurs who have done a great job during these difficult geopolitical times. We know that the budget has constraints, but the challenges are limitless of course. So we need to take decisions. You know, we need to see what we want to do in 2026 and the budget, you know, it has to be credible. It has to be pragmatic, uh, climate, human rights, democracy, all of that has an impact on the citizens of the EU. So it has to be centered on them. And they don't just just want short term answers from us. And you know, of course, the EU can't compromise with its own values. And under the 2026 budget, uh, there is a possibility to support, uh, uh, there can be support for refugees from Gaza and to have reconstruction in Gaza. That is an obligation and resources. And budget is not just about values. It's not just about money. It's also about value.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine
• “Thank you. I'll be speaking in Portuguese. Secretary of state, I'd like to come back to a subject already raised, but that nonetheless, I have to come back to. There's been, as we know, long history of blockading countries with third world countries, such as the Post-cotonou agreement mentioned. And as such, I'd like to ask you to what extent this position is consistent with the presidency's aim of implementing wide ranging, complex measures to provide humanitarian, economic, diplomatic and defence measures that meet the needs of partner countries. Thank you.”
  EU development aid (migration conditionality)
• “I will speak in Portuguese. First of all, thank you very much for your comments. They're very useful. They're very important for us here in the Parliament, particularly as we work on the next MFF for financing the EU. Now, my colleagues have asked a number of pertinent questions already. I was very pleased, uh, to hear that you were working with the Portuguese authorities, that the relations had improved. This discussion, though, makes me wonder about countries that aren't part of the eppo. Denmark. Ireland. Hungary. How does that work? How effective are these anti-fraud investigations in this, these EU countries and how have things developed? Have there been any improvements in relations with these three countries that aren't part of the EPPO?”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• “Mr. president. Madam president. Mr. president, I'd like. To start off by welcoming the Cyprus presidency and wishing you the best of success. The European Parliament is committed to wrapping up the negotiations of the upcoming MFF by the end of 2026. This new MFF is vital for Europe of the future. It's an ambitious framework with new own resources and the right tools so that the EU can respond quickly to unforeseen events and that will bolster competitiveness, security and other priority areas. Cohesion policy the Cap are also at the heart of the European project, of course, solidarity specific investment to reduce disparities and making sure that no one gets left behind. Because without this there cannot be a common future. These will be key negotiations so that a multiannual budget will put citizens at the heart of our policies. We are confident that the Cyprus Presidency will consider the MFF as a key file to negotiate over the next few months. I hope we're going to reach compromises that will rise to the challenge. We want a strong EU with solid objectives that will work together.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you sir. I will speak in Portuguese. Commissioner. Vice presidents. Madam Chair. Chairman, a lot has been said about the transfer of projects from the RAF to cohesion policy, and it's a good measure. Allow me to say it. I was a mayor. In Lisbon for the last 12 years, and I know that it's very difficult to try and execute the RAF and cohesion stuff at the same time. We've got a short period of time for implementation, we've got a large amount of funding and we've particularly in the social and educational areas, that we need to make sure we don't lose the funding and we need to do this through cohesion funding through the member state funding. Now, as we move on to the next MFF and of course, that's another difficulty coming our way. But unlike some of the other colleagues, I know what it's like in a local authority where we don't manage to complete a lot of the projects that were under the RF. So if we could transfer them to cohesion, that's good. I mean, in the majority of member states, my country is no different when it comes to the execution rate for the current MFF is low and it's low because we simply can't find staff. For example, we open up a competition and we can't get any applicants. So. I think it's good that we're allowed to move these projects to cohesion. As for the country recommendations, the Court of Auditors remains very critical as to the implementation of the RF and next generation. Now, if I'm not mistaken, there were measures in response to the last report that were, uh, that would change the way the process works. Can measures be taken so that we have a more credible performance assessment before the end of 2026? And will they be ready for the next MFF?”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you. Thank you. Chair, very quickly, just to thanks to. Sabra.Can I thank all colleagues for their contributions? Of course. This is a very important discussion. Now, it's up to each and every one of us to work for an ambitious budget, which helps us deal with the challenges we're facing. You know, you can't make an omelette omelet without breaking some eggs, so it will be some work to increase the MFF. We have to understand that we can't do everything, but it is within our power to work together and to prioritise and work out what's most important for EU citizens. And as I said earlier on, we've who've sent in. Having listened to you all today, I think we're on the same page. We've got the same concerns. And what is our challenge in Parliament? We have to focus on what brings us together. Only in that way will we have a good MFF proposal. Thank you.”
  Size of EU budget
• “And we are also against the idea of pushing or merging a whole range of policy areas into one national plan. And we highlight this in our interim report. And you know, as we see things, this leads to significant uncertainty in relation to predictability for funding for beneficiaries. Now on these points, both the level of funding and the the structure of the funding we think the amount that has been allocated for regional policy is not significant enough. I mean, it's, you know, obviously there is flexibility, but this is something that is welcome. But the actual percentages don't affect the national plan. So therefore there is a risk that we could undermine the predictability and the coherence of the funding programmes. There's also a situation where we could have politicised distribution of funds, given that there aren't enough funds available and they could have competition between final beneficiaries. And this is something we've highlighted time and time again. Now, the Commission has already put forward some some amendments as a result of discussion around article three two, four. We need to continue working on these to defend our position. The Parliament's position that is now another important point is that conditionality needs to be respected. We need to make sure also, we're not penalising specific regions, municipalities or final beneficiaries who aren't involved or are not responsible for violation of certain criteria.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• “(14:40:56 – 14:43:52): you, Sherbir, colleagues. Commissioner, I will speak in Portuguese. Commissioner, I'd like to thank you. I thank the commission services for the work that's been done, over the recent months to prepare this draft budget. As a shadow rapporteur on the MFF and following on from my colleague, Niels, I'd just like to reiterate a few points. On 1 hand, we're dealing with draft budget that, represents 1% of, GDP, And this does not mean that this is a proposal that should be a massive concern to us in terms of the commission's admission, especially when it comes to the MFF because in very few in a very short time now, we know what the MFF proposal actually is. As the commissioner also explained, here, we're dealing with the special support instrument for Ukraine. Just a few months ago, this is something that we discussed in this committee, I think, about 3 weeks ago. And there were some surprises. There are some concerns as well because we need to clarify now that all the costs that we have to cover for this lending, they do should not come from the instrument as was expected, but in fact, it comes from the budget as a whole. Of course, this then makes it difficult for funds to be available for other posts. This is something that we discussed in the budget committee, but also with counsel and the Cyprus presidency because this is 1 of the concerns that this is not something that should then weigh on future budgets. Now coming to other sections and on behalf of my colleague Sandra Gomesh. Firstly, of course, thank you very much for this proposal. The parliament has to now carry out its role in terms of, adopting this, budget. We have to evaluate this based on real needs and budgetary proposals. We, of course, need to analyze these documents in detail to then come up with a balanced proposal within the parliament, keeping in mind all the different sections. We have to ensure that there's sufficient financial resources to ensure all discussions up until the MFF so that all centralized organizations of the European Union can ensure efficient and effective implementation of policies and to ensure technical support as well, especially in the enlarged neighborhood. We fully believe that we will be able to work successfully with all different sections. And in the future, we will be, we will have a constructive proposal for the budget and the MFF. Thank you.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you. Chair. I will speak in Portuguese. Thank you very much. I too would like to begin by thanking our presenters and our. Guests here today for the reports that they have presented, the data, the studies that was also and I'd also like to endorse the comments that were shared by my colleagues. I think that indeed, the current MFF was a first step and a significant step when it comes to gender equality, and we know that we've made progress through this MFF. But of course, there's much still to be done, and it's been significant nonetheless in making these first significant steps towards that gender equality. Now, an obvious question. I am a rapporteur along with my other colleague on the next MFF. We need to simplify. We need to make sure that gender equality is fully factored in. In a cross-cutting way throughout the entire MFF so mainstreamed. So two questions how with the experience that we can take away from this current MFF, how could we improve our approach for assessment of the indicators in the area of gender equality, making it more effective and be more result based? So two different things, two different indicators here and that would assist us, I think, and hopefully we can reflect that in the next MFF. And how can we simplify and in which way can we simplify these indicators and this data. What other dimensions. We got information from the Austrian Parliament. How can we integrate other dimensions? Which which other dimensions should we integrate into the next MFF, in addition to what we've already discussed and that you've already seen in the current MFF? Thank you.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “President. Commissioner. Minister. The European Parliament has had a clear and constructive position right from the start of the MFF discussions. Madam president, allow me to highlight a few points. The MFF. The size of the MFF is not sufficient to meet the needs of the European Union post 2028. We need an MFF that is aligned with the real needs when it comes to cohesion, competitiveness of the regions, agriculture and defence. European competitiveness needs to be built in alignment with the European values and social rights and sustainability. The current architecture does not meet the real needs of the European Union. We need a budget that is simple and transparent, with an amount that is sufficiently detailed to allow the budgetary authority to take far reaching decisions. The gradual phase out of next generation EU and the RF will have an immediate impact on the budget and an immediate investment gap. And so with regard to these safe assets, we need the capacity for to really meet the needs of people. We have to take significant steps in the right direction, and we are committed to working with the European Commission, of course, but we will not stand down from our role to defend a Europe that is fairer and that will stand up to the challenges that we may face today and tomorrow.”
  Size of EU budget
• “And our own resources are, of course, essential to fund the union's priorities. Reduce our dependency vis a vis national contributions. I would like to once again emphasise the extraordinary work done by the Co-rapporteurs in the area of own resources, and we worked with them hand in hand in this draft. We say that we are concerned that the proposal is. There's a proposal to increase the gap vis a vis sectoral rules as part of the next MFF. And we think that there is a possible possibility of changing this without the participation of the Co-legislator, which is extremely worrying. And we would like to call for there to be a gap. Between the indicative amounts, and that we should restrict ourselves to a 5% gap. I would also like to recall the fact that the MFF regulation and the sectoral proposals should be negotiated as a package as a whole, so that they are consistent in full respect of the powers of the European Parliament, which is a co-legislator, but which is also a budgetary authority. Consequently, we are now going to Uh, start, uh, this, uh, along this road within the Parliament. Uh, we will continue to have a very strong voice in this file so that we have a significant impact.”
  Own EU resources
• “In this context and territorial coordination, we need to provide support to implementing entities. The government reports annually to the Parliament on the state of the RF implementation, namely on the financial disbursement and targets achieved during the previous semester. And by providing details, um, fact sheets per measure. So what we think or I think it's important the RF control audit systems all the report it's important. But I think this part it's important to facilitate work of the audit Audit bodies. The government has stepped up the IT system, which is accessible to authorities with a rule in the RF implementation and collects all data concerning individual measures. The data are continually updated and extract and published in a structured manner of a monthly basis, allowing for a real time record of the state of RF expenditure and for data verification. Lists of all stakeholders involved in such tenders are published as open data in a case critical elements are found. The government collaborates with the Commission and other administrative administrative levels to check what could be part of the RF intervention and what could be achieved through complementary Interventions with other funds to ensure the achievement of the targets. Suspicions of fraud predominantly concerns loans. Checks on performance are more difficult than expenditure checks. About the IRF implementation from the perspective of local and regional authorities, the speed of IRF implementation at the regional level was being determined by the type of intervention, not the implementation implementing body, according to a regional government representative.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you very much, chair. I'll be speaking Portuguese, and I'd also like to thank the commissioner for being present with us. I just wanted to pass on a couple of comments. I was a mayor for a quite a few years, and I must say that the RAF had a genuine positive impact in our local areas across a number of different countries, across all 27 member states. But as Victor just said, we also know very well because of the data that we have and the report from the Court of Auditors, that there are difficulties out there. We're talking about huge investment schools, health and in many member states. There were interventions in the area of housing. And if the deadlines are not complied with for various reasons, contractual difficulties, resources, etc., well, there might be legal appeals, but and there may be a possibility of extension. And then on top of all that, we have the issue of real power and flexibility and budgetary rules for defense. So my question is, have all of the difficult alternatives to extension been considered that could deal with the legal limitations and also with regard to the own resources? I think it's very important that we support the implementation of the RRF, and it certainly should. We should certainly learn from this in dealing with the MFF.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you very much. President. Commissioner. We can't get into this debate without pointing out the stabilizing effect of the four member states at a time of great uncertainty. It avoided social and economic consequences that could have been very negative. It strengthened competitiveness, it increased resilience, and it supported the ecological and digital transition, leaving no one behind. This facility avoided the greater fragmentation of the single market and helped to increase social and territorial cohesion. There are no or not enough audits of the ref. There's not enough oversight and transparency for final beneficiaries as has been demanded by this parliament. It's important that the lists are regularly updated in each country, and that they are published, and that it is known exactly who this aid goes to. We also have to point out the faults in the national communication and control mechanisms. Given the lack of audits, which creates uncertainty in member states, and too much red tape, which is not desirable. So we want to guarantee so that the oversight and audits work well in Member States so that there is compliance by these funded projects with national and EU laws. Lastly, Commissioner, I would like to mention that we've done everything possible to extend the implementation of RF for ongoing projects. We can't abandon them. We have to keep moving in this direction. Thank you.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• “Thank you very much. I'll be speaking Portuguese. Good morning everyone. And firstly, I'd like to say thank you very much for the cooperation and the proposed amendments tabled by my colleague Goerens in his text. Moreover, I'd like to thank the EPP colleague for what you said. We know that working in budgets is a real adventure at times. Sometimes we see that the challenges are stacking up. And I want to say that this is the time when we're finding out what the new MFF will look like. This week we are, however, concerned as well about this area of development and the press conference. And my colleague Siegfried, we spoke about this and we mentioned our experience of drawing up different programmes. Furthermore, we mentioned different concerns relating to the area of development. We would also like to echo the suggestions tabled because they are priorities for the 2026 budget. We support the request for strengthening sub-Saharan African programmes and humanitarian aid programmes, particularly with a focus on education. I think given the current backdrop, we need to send a clear signal to the Commission as well. We do need to bolster those programs where we see EU support being vital to implement these programmes in these cooperation and sustainable programmes.”
  EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• “Thank you sir. I will speak in Portuguese. Like my colleague Sigfried said, I would like to thank the commissioner for joining us today, but I am not happy with the way we were notified about the MFF proposal. We need your help so that we can understand the programme. You're looking for something ambitious and simpler, but we cannot see that those goals have been achieved. Sigfrid made it clear that we are seeing renationalisation of the budget losing the European dimension, and that is not what the Parliament called for. We told you clearly, repeatedly that we can't do more with less. There will be trade offs. Citizens need more Europe, not less Europe at the moment. Now I have a few questions for you. Firstly, on the budget. How can this be more ambitious? If there is no allowing for inflation and repayments under next generation EU, how can we ensure greater competitiveness and the like? We know that next generation EU has to be repaid and that will drain from the budget. You say that this will be a simplified approach, but we think it's more complicated now that there is a national and regional partnership plan. It reduces transparency and undermines democratic scrutiny. Citizens are being punished this way. Looking at the regions now. As my colleague pointed out, what would Parliament's role be in this procedure? This is something that we have raised. Time and again, we need clarification here. What role will Parliament play in the upcoming MFF? Another point that has been reiterated.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you chair. In this. Parliament we pretty much share this opinion about Parliament's role, and we would like to reinforce our commitment to conclude all this successfully on time. It is essential and crucial to succeed in doing so. As you said, this is only the beginning. We are aware that, uh, when we talk about national regional plans, uh, this is going to be a real challenge for Parliament. So I must stress, uh, how hard all colleagues have been working. Uh, they've really valiantly cooperated, uh, with us to try to get this proposal. And, uh, outside of the fact that there are divergent opinions, uh, there are certain aspects, certain people which are, uh, who are opposed to the interim reports. But most of us agree, and I think we all have a major responsibility, and I am sure that we will always succeed in being up to meeting this challenge. Thank you.”
  EU political integration
• “President, Commissioner. Minister, the competitiveness of compass lays out a route and sets the bar quite high. It's all well and good having ambitious goals, but we also need political will to roll out these policies and goals and the need there needs to be a be a broad compromise to finance all this. The capital market is needed to win over private investment. There's also the banking union, which has been in place for ten years. More flexible budgetary rules and tinkering with defence spending is by the by. All public investment being channelled into the next MFF is not an option. Without more substantial extra funding, we will not make Europe competitive again. The Draghi report says there's a 700 billion shortfall. And it will get worse if we worse if we fail to act. We need to muster public and private investment. Therefore, we ought to have an ongoing investment tool in place. It is essential, Commissioner, that we have an MFF which is viable, sturdy and flexible enough to roll out the EU's Use policies.”
  Size of EU budget
• “Thank you. Thank you Mr. president, I will speak in Portuguese. President. Madam president. President of the ECB. First of all, I would like to very much welcome the way the ECB has been carrying out its role, which is key to European economic policy. These are difficult times. It's a challenge for the European Union. I read the interview you recently gave to the Financial Times. One of your major proposals is to create a genuine European safe asset. And I was wondering what conditions you think have to be put in place if this safe asset is to be politically accepted and play its full role? What do we need to think about the design and dimensions of this asset for it to be attractive for the market? If we were talking about 5 or €6 Trillion euros, as suggested by some specialists. Is that realistic? And what would the ECB do to ensure the liquidity of this safe asset? Thank you.”
  ECB monetary policy
• “Mr. president Commissioner I'd like to start by expressing my thanks to all of you who contributed to this debate. I'd just like to pick out 2 or 3 messages that I consider to be key. First, of course, the EU is a project of peace and prosperity, and it needs economic strength and credibility in defence in order to do its job. We need investment in defence and security. We need investment in technological advances in European industry beyond the military sector as well. We need investment in the infrastructure for our regions and our local communities. We need to ensure more cohesion, more competitiveness across the EU and that doesn't leave any region behind. Investment is needed by new own resources, own resources that Have not existed in the past, and which would not be possible resources that Member States could not do on their own. We need to allow joint borrowing in the case of crises or emergencies, and we also need to have mechanisms that can be codecided through the European Parliament as a co-legislator and a budgetary authority. I'm hoping that this will be the first of many conversations that we will have on this topic. We continue to work very hard to ensure that we have a budget that is in line with the needs of the Union after 2027. I'd like to thank the Co-rapporteur Siegfried for the excellent work that we did together, also the Greens and the renew for their support in particular. Throughout the committees and in all the work that we've done, we've seen and we know that The next budget will also help us realise the European project. Thank you.”
  Own EU resources