Elena DONAZZAN

Policy topics Elena DONAZZAN is active on

What Elena DONAZZAN has said (49)

• 2026-06-17 “Thank you, president. Let me begin by expressing my solidarity towards Lithuania for what happened. Data, sensitive data, controlling the possibility of managing sensitive data. Well, this is something that is concern to all of us, and that is something that we're also dealing with as we discuss the European Space Act. But we should be thinking too about the supply chains that manage the flow of data. Chips come from China, and so they have the capacity to potentially capture information. And if you look at how mobility data are managed, that's a possibility there. And then you have sensitive health care data as well. So we should be thinking about how to make Europe independent when we have this supply chain, which should be built thinking about, the very end of that chain from the outset. We want our law enforcement to be freer to to manage what is done with this data. We need to have a focus on that.”
  Processing of health data · EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2026-06-17 “Thank you. President. Let me begin by expressing my solidarity towards Lithuania for what happened. Data sensitive data controlling the possibility of managing sensitive data. Well, this is something that is of concern to all of us. And that is something that we're also dealing with as we discuss the European Space Act. But we should be thinking too, about the supply chains that manage the flow of data. Chips come from China, and so they have the capacity to potentially capture information. And if you look at how mobility data are managed, that's a possibility there. And then you have sensitive healthcare data as well. So we should be thinking about how to make Europe independent when we have this supply chain, which should be built thinking about the very end of that chain from the outset. We want our law enforcement to be freer to to manage what is done with this data. We need to have a focus on that.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• 2026-06-17 “(14:45:04 – 14:46:17): electrification has become almost a nightmare today because all of the targets that we've set that have been, written in, dark commission rooms, are never going to be met. By 2030, well, that's in 4 years. In 4 years, we're supposed to have 50% less emissions. By 2050, we're supposed to reach climate neutrality. These are plans that someone has put together, but they have nothing to do with reality. In reality, well, you say that we have to electrify industry and transport and houses, but the grid. Who's paying for this? Who's going to pay for all of the, electrical grid? What resources are we going to use to pay for the grid in this theoretical, electrification? What are the resources for this? We've never had an answer to that. And more importantly, who is winning? Who is earning money from electrification? Well, China. And so if someone is pushing this, it's not for Europe. It's for another country not in Europe. Next speaker on behalf of Renew Europe, mister Christophe Grudler.”
  Battery supply chain: EU gigafactory sovereignty vs. reliance on Asian suppliers
• 2026-01-08 “P-000048/2026 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU has a longstanding policy of supporting the two-state solution based on the State of Israel and an independent, democratic, contiguous, sovereign, and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security and mutual recognition, and with Jerusalem serving as the future capital of both states. The EU’s position regarding Hamas has been very clear and consistent. The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks across Israel and deeply deplores the loss of lives. Hamas is listed under the EU terrorist list 1 . The EU established restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in January 2024 2 . According to Council Common Position (27 December 2001) 3 , the Commission cannot fund individuals or entities involved in terrorism or listed in its annex. All Commission grantees must uphold fundamental EU values 4 and all contracts involving EU funding worldwide contain provisions that no funds or economic resources are made available directly or indirectly to, or for the benefit of, any entities, individuals or groups of individuals designated by the EU as subject to the EU restrictive measures 5 . The European External Action Service (EEAS) staff are bound by a strict code of conduct and ethical standards designed to ensure independence, integrity, and impartiality in conducting EU foreign policy, including in line with the Staff regulation for EU servants 6 , and Internal Control Standards applicable in the EEAS. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02001E0931-20240221. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02024D0385-20240119. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32001E0931 4 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/guidelines_for_grant_applicant_.pdf 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32001E0931 6 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:01962R003120140501&qid=1770199401574”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · EU foreign policy approach
• 2025-10-02 “E-003849/2025 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission The reply from the Spokesperson’s Service during the Midday briefing on 2 October 2025 was provided within the context of acknowledging the intentions of those involved, which is consistent with the values the EU upholds, such as respect for fundamental rights and support for relief efforts. The Spokesperson’s Service operates within its mandate, supporting the President and Commissioners in effectively communicating with the press. The Commission recognises the challenges in delivering aid to Gaza and remains in constant contact with the Member States and Israel regarding the humanitarian situation. It has acknowledged several times the right of the activists on board of the flotilla to raise awareness about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, freedom of assembly being integral part of the EU values within democratic societies. As such, they should not have been subject to attacks by drones or any other means. Nevertheless, the Commission also expressed its concerns about the risks the activists on board of the flotilla were taking and the need to comply with international law of the sea. The Commission is committed to upholding the freedom of navigation under international law of the sea and calls for establishing pathways for the delivery of aid to ensure its safe and lawful passage. The Commission promotes humanitarian efforts, in full respect of international law, and is committed to maintaining this balance in its communications.”
  Relations with Israel - Palestine · EU foreign policy approach
• 2025-08-04 “E-003174/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is accelerating work on the preparation of the review of the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) standards for cars and vans, which will be fact-based, taking into account all relevant technological developments, and the importance of an economically viable and socially fair transition to zero-emission mobility. Since 7 July 2025, a public consultation 1 on the review is ongoing. As mentioned in the Political Guidelines for the Commission 2024-2029 2 , the 2035 climate neutrality target for cars creates predictability for investors and manufacturers. Getting there will require a technology-neutral approach, in which e-fuels have a role to play through a targeted amendment of the regulation as part of the foreseen review. The Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector 3 sets out measures to ensure the competitiveness of the industry in the transition to clean mobility and connected and autonomous vehicles. This includes measures to stimulate demand for zero-emission vehicles, to boost international market access and ensure a level playing field. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14765-Revision-of-the-CO2-emissionstandards-for-cars-and-vans_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0095.”
  Vehicle content rules: mandatory EU components vs. open global sourcing for carmakers · Road transport environmental policy
• 2025-08-04 “P-003178/2025 Answer given by Ms Šuica on behalf of the European Commission Since 2000, the EU has provided more than EUR 1.25 billion in humanitarian aid to the occupied Palestinian territory, including Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Support has increased significantly since 2023 with around EUR 550 million disbursed, including nearly EUR 220 million in 2025. EU humanitarian assistance is delivered through humanitarian partner organisations, not governments. In addition, between 2004 and 2025 the Commission committed approximately EUR 6.8 billion in development assistance for the benefit of the Palestinian Territories 1 under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation instrument for 2021-2025 as well as previous instruments 2 for 2004-2020, ensuring support to the Palestinian Authority, the Palestinian population, as well as Palestine * refugees 3 . It is not possible to provide a breakdown by specific operational hub, as EU support covers the entire occupied Palestinian territory, and many actions address needs across both Gaza and the West Bank. The EU has a system of safeguards in place to ensure that EU funds are protected against misuse or deviation for unintended purposes, including terrorism such as the early detection and exclusion system. These general safeguards are reinforced by tailor-made measures specific to the West Bank and Gaza Strip context. The EU applies strict vigilance and accountability requirements to all partners, who must abide by strict ethical and professional rules, and have effective internal control and riskmanagement systems. EU-funded humanitarian aid organisations undergo a due diligence assessment prior to the disbursement of funds, assuring the Commission of their capacity to manage funds and mitigate risks such as aid diversion. For development assistance, implementing partners must pass the ‘Pillar Assessment’ process, ensuring systems and procedures equivalent to the Commission’s standards of sound financial management. The Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement with the United Nations provides the legal basis, verification and control provisions to ensure compliance with EU restrictive measures 4 . 1 Including approximately EUR 3.7 billion for the Palestinian Authority and approximately EUR 1.9 billion for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. 2 European Neighbourhood Instrument for the 2014-2020 period, European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument for the 2007-2013 period as well as a number of instruments for the period 2004-2006 such as Council Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 of 23 July 1996 on financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership or Council Regulation (EC) No 1292/96 of 27 June 1996 on food-aid policy and food-aid management and special operations in support of food security. * This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of EU Member States on this issue. 3 For more details, Commission financing decisions are available on the Commission’s website: https://northafrica-middle-east-gulf.ec.europa.eu/european-neighbourhood-policy/countries-region/palestine_en. 4 https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/communication-commission-review-ongoing-financial-assistancepalestine_en.”
  Support for international humanitarian organisations · EU Development & Humanitarian Aid · Conditions to access EU humanitarian aid
• 2025-05-22 “P-002056/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Qlab study has been followed by all relevant Commission services with expertise on fertilising products, animal by-products and environmental protection, including the Joint Research Centre. In addition, stakeholders were invited to provide technical input and feedback on the draft deliverables of the study, including the final report, in the context of meetings of the Commission Expert Group on Fertilising Products and in a dedicated workshop open to any interested party. All input and feedback received will be duly taken into consideration by the study team and the Commission services in the finalisation of the final report of this study and any future amendment of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 1 . In accordance with its empowerment, and in line with the precautionary principle, the Commission may only include new materials in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 if a scientific assessment has shown that they do not present a risk to human, animal or plant health, to safety or to the environment. Based on the results of the study and all available information, the Commission will take a decision on the materials to be included. Any safety criteria that might be introduced, including limits on total chromium content, will not go beyond what is considered necessary to ensure the safe use of the respective material in EU fertilising products and the preservation of soil health. To ensure optimal scientific quality and reliability, the study takes account of the contributions from all interested stakeholders, including research organisations. 1 Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 laying down rules on the making available on the market of EU fertilising products and amending Regulations (EC) No 1069/2009 and (EC) No 1107/2009 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003, OJ L 170, 25.6.2019, p. 1.”
  Use of fertilisers
• 2025-03-28 “E-001307/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is currently not considering a revision of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 1 (EMFAF). The EMFAF can already support the development and testing of new and innovative solutions for the fleet 2 , as well as certain investments to modernise the fleet 3 . Investments in the fleet are subject to strict conditionality, to ensure that there are no resulting harmful subsidies. Given its small budget, the EMFAF can achieve better collective benefits by incentivising, facilitating testing and development, and bringing technology to market, rather than investing in the renewal of a small number of privately owned vessels. 2. The Marine Action Plan 4 promotes sustainable fishing practices with less environmental impact, in accordance with current legislation 5 and policy objectives. It is a component of the European Green Deal and focuses on the implementation of existing legislation 6 . 3. The Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Regulation 7 establishes a coordinated EU-wide framework for action to address the adverse impacts of IAS. The marine dimension of IAS can be complemented with more specific EU laws 8 . In the Mediterranean, the EU works closely with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), developing pilot projects and research programmes to address IAS. The GFCM is setting-up a non-indigenous species (NIS) observatory, aimed at data collection and information sharing. Member States can use their EMFAF programme to support monitoring, mitigation and surveillance of NIS. 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1004. 2 E.g. prototype vessels and gears. 3 Improving gear selectivity, safety on board, energy efficiency. 4 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, The European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions ‘EU Action Plan: Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries’, COM(2023) 102 final. 5 Such as 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; and Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy. 6 In this respect, work is expected to continue on implementing the marine action plan. 7 Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 35–55. 8 Such as the Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 of 11 June 2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture; or the Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive).”
  Funding for fisheries and aquaculture · Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-03-11 “E-001036/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is monitoring the impact of the Red Sea situation on maritime traffic 1 , and is aware of the changes in traffic patterns from deep sea routes and larger container vessels in East Mediterranean and in some Central Mediterranean ports, which may impact ports in different ways. 1. As announced in the Competitiveness Compass (COM/2025/30 final) the Commission will present an EU Ports Strategy, addressing competitiveness of EU ports. The Commission supports employment and protects workers through various instruments, such as the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2 . Under the relevant ESF+ national and regional programmes, workers may receive support for upskilling and reskilling as well as for reintegration into the labour market. More information is available via the programmes’ Managing Authorities 3 . 2. The ports referred to by the Honourable Members are part of the trans-European transport (TEN-T) core network. While EU funds are not designed to directly compensate for economic losses, several instruments can help mitigate long-term impacts of disruptions. The Connecting Europe Facility 4 can support infrastructure projects that strengthen port accessibility, intermodality and digitalisation. The Just Transition Mechanism 5 , Recovery and Resilience Facility 6 , and European Regional Development Fund 7 can support projects related to infrastructure, sustainability, and workforce training. The Cohesion Fund 8 , particularly relevant for Slovenia’s port of Koper, and used to improve rail transport connections for the port of Rijeka in Croatia, can assist with infrastructure improvements and regional development projects. 1 See in particular the Report from the Commission Monitoring of the implementation of Directive 2003/87/EC in relation to maritime transport COM(2025)110 final. 2 See https://ec.europa.eu/esf/main.jsp?catId=62&langId=en 3 For Italy: ESF+ Programme Veneto Region; ESF+ Programme Emilia-Romagna region; ESF+ Programme Friuli Venezia Giulia and ESF+ National Programme Youth, Women and jobs. Contacts available at: https://opencoesione.gov.it/it/programmi_2021_2027/. For Croatia: ESF+ National Programme, Efficient human resources - https://esf.hr/esfplus/. For Slovenia, see priority 6 in the multi-fund Cohesion policy programme https://evropskasredstva.si/en/slovenias-cohesion-policy-programme-2021-2027 4 https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/infrastructure-and-investment/connecting-europe-facility_en 5 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/finance-and-greendeal/just-transition-mechanism_en 6 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en 7 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regionaldevelopment-fund-erdf_en 8 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/cohesion-fundcf_en#:~:text=Fund%20features,About%20the%20Fund,dedicated%20national%20or%20regional%20programmes”
  Decarbonisation of maritime transport · EU funding for transportation · EU transport infrastructure integration
• 2024-12-20 “E-003073/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission has not yet taken a decision on the safety criteria needed for EU fertilising products containing materials derived from animal by products (ABPs) because the scientific assessment to determine the necessary safety criteria is not yet finalised, including for possible limits on chromium content. The assessment covers multiple types of materials, and many consultations have been carried out to collect the latest scientific evidence available. 2. The way fertilising products are regulated allows manufacturers to choose between national rules or EU rules for marketing their products. The inclusion of new materials derived from ABPs in the Fertilising Products Regulation 1 (FPR) will not change national rules but will create new opportunities for the industry to trade their products more easily across the EU and increase the offer for farmers. 3. The Commission is fully committed to implement the circular economy in the field of fertilising products. However, in accordance with its empowerment, the Commission may only include new materials in the FPR for which there is scientific evidence that they do not present a risk to human, animal or plant health, to safety or to the environment. Therefore, the Commission will take into account the circular economy principles but also the risks associated with the use of these materials in its decision making. 1 Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 laying down rules on the making available on the market of EU fertilising products and amending Regulations (EC) No 1069/2009 and (EC) No 1107/2009 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003, OJ L 170, 25.6.2019, p. 1-114, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1009/oj”
  Use of fertilisers
• “(17:26:09 – 17:26:51): Yes. I've got a a recommendation, in fact, because you already mentioned that 70% of the chips act and the 260,000,000,000 that you mentioned that today is being spent outside Europe. So my request is that we should listen to the world of production a lot more. There's a degree of arrogance, I think, when it comes to the technical aspects for in our committees and our European Commission as well on that because you're laying down the law over others, but you don't understand what is going on and how what you do can have an effect on industrial production. Without production, we won't have a chip sacked either.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “Thank you very much. Uh, president. Uh, well, indeed, there's still a lot to do to close this gap for women doing the same job as men, getting the same treatment. There are so many women that are earning 25% less than men, which means that their pension is only half colleagues. Now, this is a complex matter, trying to bring about a work life balance and get the family looked after. Uh, looking after not only their children, but also their older parents. And this means that they have to do part time work to be able to fit it all in and to sustain and support the role of women. The Meloni government has, uh, has, uh, brought in new, uh, obligations under the direct directive. 960. And, uh, there are certain checks and balances that need to be respected. We need to make sure that we have social and wage parity. But there's a cultural issue here. What we're talking about here is support. Support to women as mothers to to families. They provide life. When we talk about social housing, we ought to think about that. I'm part of the committee. The House committee and homeless and immigrants are being looked after. But what about working women, low income mothers? No one's really thinking about them. They have an enormous contribution to society. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “Thank you. I am also a member of the. So my chair, Madame Zimmermann, for having this discussion together. And thank you for your presence, uh, Mr. Arbo, because it is very a very important topic, the one we are talking about. Um, I welcome the Commission's effort to to implement the programme quickly. I was the shadow rapporteur in EDP, so I know what important, uh, what, what's the importance to have this instrument Immediately useful for our industry. I just remind to my colleague that after the presentation from our guest Arbor coordinators or group representatives from all political groups from both committees will have a possibility for intervention, followed by replies that you you can have all the time that we need today. And if time allows, we will also conduct a second round of speech. And just one thing to to to underline this important topic, thinks about the opportunities for European Union and the sector of defense to be implemented and to be strengthened for our industry of defense. So that's why the two committees are together listening with you with your speech. And place the. Madam Zimmerman, take the floor. The floor is yours.”
  Defence spending
• “This topic has been addressed by a number of colleagues. The Commission has to act not so much on redefining the economy through a strategy, but in defending manufacturing. And we're in the industry committee after all. But also, a number of relevant questions have been put on steel, for example. And of course, I'm speaking to you as an Italian, but also the fact that 70% of steel being produced with green technologies looking at the prices going up and the plan for defending European steel, that of course, all of us would welcome is risking having a result that is actually making things poorer. Because if we're not protecting. Semi-processed products, then we're going to see what's happening. Is stopping steel coming in from outside, from third countries? Of course, we'd like to see that because we want to defend European steel. But if the costs are going to diverge more, the paradox will be that we're trying to defend European steel, but we won't be having any European production. And this is happening in the automotive industry as well. This was a clear mistake. I think that we really need to correct today. So I certainly hope that the Commission will be listening to what's going on out in the world. It shouldn't be the politicians to decide. It shouldn't be the commission. I mean, there need to be strategies in place to force the hand, but Also, we need to look at lead markets per sectors. And that means we're going to have to be listening to people out there who actually work on the ground more. Thank you.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. Clean technology should be Europe's strong point. Our cultural response to this, I think, far more than other countries in the world. However, there's a risk today that we will be simply pushed out of this race. We have to move back towards a more pragmatic approach, an approach based on technological neutrality. This is something which is in a treatise but simply isn't pursued or implemented. The fact is there a series of laws which prevent us adopting a pragmatic approach. There's clearly an attempt to direct us in a very technocratic path. We hear a lot of talk about renewable energy. We need that. But at the same time, we shouldn't demonize major investment made by the automotive sector. We can't simply rely on electric cars, which would leave us dependent on China. They're becoming more and more expensive and harder to buy. Another important issue is, of course, nuclear power. We should discuss this without prejudice and misconceived ideas. In Italy, for example, we've decided to move forward and invest in that area.”
  Energy transition (state support)
• “Your mandate is very important. Sovereignty, security and democracy. And this is a mandate when we're talking about this digital package is something which, of course, covers issues such as security data two aspects that are important private data and non-personal data. But we talk about security in general. It'd be interesting to hear from you a little more depth on that, because data security also is about security of the chains of. Production where we get the data from and where it goes. So everything coming from abroad, from third countries, for example, is important as well, especially coming from Far East and China. You were talking about the Chips act, and I think we need to raise questions. And that's why I'm talking to you now about whether we can really re import get industries back in the EU for producing things like chips, producing technology that we're losing in things that we use every day, like mobile phones. So we're looking at digital mobility for citizens. Another question concerns the relationship Between your competencies and the Space Act that we're starting to look at. In a little more detail, there's one article referring to security. And so we'll also fall under your remit. Thank you.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “Commissioner, if we want to strengthen the European research area, our research must be open and free and not affected by ideology. Well, as the rapporteur, I tried to simplify things rules, procedures, bureaucracy. Of course, as you said, and to develop an ecosystem that's favorable to the entire sector space in this case. And research is vital. We have universities, we have public centers, we have government centers, inter-governmental, and all of these areas and groups are supporting research to bring out new goods, new services, better management and data is a very sensitive issue. So we need to have the right funding. But private investment is very important there, and we have to have a clear and open regulatory framework for that. I think that we must overcome this distinction between civilian and military research, as you said before. These two things need to dovetail when we talk about research. This has to be open space. There are agriculture. There's agriculture, national and European data security, commercial and defense areas are all very important. And we need to have a political but also an ethical focus. There are certain sectors that are just being focused on, but we must be more open. Otherwise we'll lose out. So less control. And as you said before, we need to attract the best minds. And that's what Europe particularly needs. Thank you.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “Thank you president. We decided to give the title of global tech race to this debate. But to run we need to have the elements that will mean that we can actually win this race. The first thing is to lift all of the weights, because no one can run with whilst laden. And the commission following the comment on the Draghi report, there's been this sort of motto that we need to cut red tape. But Draghi, even in this chamber, stated that there was lack of clarity. There was too much bureaucracy, far too weighty. And then there's a technocratic bureaucracy. Technocratic technocracy says that this is when we produce, how we produce what products should be made. And there's only one way of doing that. But our competitors don't think this way. They are structured words. China and the US, they invest in research. They don't have this weight that we have. They have so much more freedom. Therefore our strength has to be enhanced. Traditional industry cannot be relegated outside of the technical realm. Ai has to be dealt with as a key. In Europe, we have huge ability to come up with projects. Our universities are extremely reputable. So there's one solution we must find technological neutrality. That must be our way forward. And these funds that have been announced must be up to the task to integrate Defence Competitiveness Fund, and the research funds must be able to defend and enhance our industry.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. Let's carry out an exercise to leave energy outside the ideological arena. Of course, at the moment, we're at war. Europe has decided its side, and we have to take our supplies from Russia. But let us establish an objective of trying to leave gas behind. And I think when we look at technological neutrality, which is also energy neutrality. We need to try and deal with the issues such as competitiveness. There's no ideology in competitiveness. We have to understand the cost of production affects what we do and how costs for families can be reduced. All sources of energy are needed. Then we need diversification of energy sources, all energy. As the Italian government has done, we should have agreements to try and have other sources of getting gas, but also nuclear, which cannot be taboo.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “The colleague can start the the meeting of today. And thank you for your present. Thank you most of all to Mr. Andrews, our Commissioner for Defence and Space. And thank you also for coming in a difficult way because of the rain and the traffic. So thank you for upsetting my invitation to this exchange of views with our committee. Commissioner Sibelius will present us today the space package and defence omnibus proposals that were adopted yesterday. We have approximately 90 minutes for discussion, which will be conducted in accordance with the speaker list. I invite all members who are not in the speaker list and wanted to take the floor Uh, under catch the eye to put their nameplates vertically in their shoulders. Time permitting, I will allow members who wanted to ask a follow up question to do so. So please indicate it to me. Uh, I wanted to remind everyone, including our guests, to please stick to the assigned time. I would now like to give the floor to commissioner for ten minutes to make his opening statement, please.”
  EU competences on space policy
• “Thank you. Dear president, I was in the previous committee, so just take my. Okay. I was speaking Italian. Well, I believe it's fundamental, fundamental to talk about the research into coal and steel, because this these represent the basic materials which were at the basis of the foundation of Europe for many years. Of course, the situation was demonized, and it was obviously very important to focus on decarbonization. And we should, however, do that without demonizing these basic materials. Decarbonization carbonization, of course, is positive and everyone supports that. But there has to be a sustainable transition in time. And I know this is something that our chair believes in too. So thank you, chair. And I would table some amendments which are only about neutrality. And I hope, therefore, that they will be acceptable because today, obviously, we're in a huge transition transformation stage and we do need something to support us in this route. Uh, in substituting, uh, the materials. So. We've got resources which have to be processed. And obviously this instrument is fundamental in helping us with this. This is an opportunity for us and shouldn't be looked at as a further restraint or restriction. Uh, we have to look into finished and semi-finished products so that we can be practical in finding solutions. And I know that the chair has done an excellent piece of work, and he would perhaps favor this approach, and I'm very happy as shadow rapporteur. Thank you.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Commissioner. I really carefully listened to what you said. Uh, many people, uh, your points raised some real thought. Now you want to raise prosperity. We're talking about 450 million inhabitants in Europe, but they are lacking purchasing power. Purchasing power is decreasing. And the production, uh, branches of an industrial Europe, which we want to remain industrial, are suffering. So I have two questions. Why is it good to produce outside? Because it's less costly. Why does it cost less? Because there are too many rules. Secondly, why is it a good idea to buy products from abroad, whether it be steel or cars? Chinese cars are really intruding the European market, but they cost less expensive. They're less expensive abroad. So, though I appreciate that you want to help our companies reach this mid cap, but we mustn't forget that 94% of European companies are under 200, have under 250 workers, and they need to be supported. And the first tariff we have is our rules. How do you intend to simplify things above and beyond, announcing to cut back costs by 4 million a year? And you were talking about consistency. But there's really. Even though the Green Deal has caused some damage and it must be reviewed and revised radically, I think.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Commissioner, if we want to strengthen the European research area, our research must be open and free and not affected by ideology. Well, as the rapporteur, I tried to simplify things rules, procedures, bureaucracy. Of course, as you said, and to develop an ecosystem that's favorable to the entire sector space in this case. And research is vital. We have universities, we have public centers, we have government centers, inter-governmental, and all of these areas and groups are supporting research to bring out new goods, new services, better management and data is a very sensitive issue. So we need to have the right funding. But private investment is very important there, and we have to have a clear and open regulatory framework for that. I think that we must overcome this distinction between civilian and military research, as you said before. These two things need to dovetail when we talk about research. This has to be open space. There are agriculture. There's agriculture, national and European data security, commercial and defense areas are all very important. And we need to have a political but also an ethical focus. There are certain sectors that are just being focused on, but we must be more open. Otherwise we'll lose out. So less control. And as you said before, we need to attract the best minds. And that's what Europe particularly needs. Thank you.”
  Research priorities within the EU · EU-level coordination of research agendas
• “(17:22:17 – 17:24:13): Thank you, president. I will speak in Italian. Thank you very much for your presentation covering a lot of ground. But there are some issues that I think need to be looked at to drill down to the complexity. On semiconductors, this is absolutely essential for many products. Semiconductors, as you already said, constitute an urgent priority for us today. And, of course, we need to see how we can reduce the reliance we have and other competitors as well. So what didn't work with the first CHIPS Act if we are now moving to the CHIPS Act 2 today? And above all, how can that then play in when we're talking about essential sectors like defense, the automotive that you mentioned? Looking at the automotive sector, we're seeing a disaster in the case of in the course of coming about because we're not gonna have a European automotive sector soon, and the domestic appliance sector in Europe will be the same. It's cost a lot less to buy in products from China. And not we're not just talking about semiconductors. So it's not just that the problem. So this the second point is we're not growing a lot. We don't have productivity here. In The US, they've doubled their productivity, double digit growth because because they've invested a lot in AI. We need to invest in human resources. Yes. But there's a risk that there won't be industrial supply chain at all to absorb that because there'd be no industry at all. So what can your act do when it comes to industry? Thank you.”
  Sourcing of critical raw materials
• “Thank you president. Well Europe was born as a result of a carbon and steel pact energy and construction. It was just after the Second World War. So now we're dealing with the same issues again. We need to find responses for energy costs which are too high for all our productive sectors. And we need to defend steel, which is crucial for construction and many other sectors. So we have two problems how we can protect our steel, how we can defend it. Because when we talk about overproduction, we're seeing an invasion of overproduction into Europe. And then on the other hand, we need to deal with the issue of energy. Given that we have differing member states, they're the two serious problems that we have. But the solutions are timid. They're not up to the task. Commissioner, solutions need to be much more robust. We need to be clearer in what we're doing. We certainly need to review cbam, but we wasted an opportunity there when we discussed energy intensive businesses. We need to ensure that decarbonisation, which is an objective that we should all share or we need to find a solution there which is technologically neutral. And when we talk about steel and protecting the steel industry, let's recall that Italy produces steel, of which 80% is produced using electricity. So it's very green. And yet in Europe we're importing steel from elsewhere. So we really need to be strategic when it comes to dealing with this issue. Thank you.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you very much, Commissioner, for attending. Theories and ideologies are the enemy of competitiveness. The numbers speak for themselves. The reality is completely different in Europe. Steel dropped by 30% since 2008. Aluminium dropped by 22% over the past two years. On energy. We're trying to tap into wind and solar energy. Unfortunately, winds are never consistent. We've limited our sources of energy. We've stacked the deck against ourselves in terms of US companies are crying out for assistance. You said there's a clear need for somebody to give a steer. We've we are have been cast adrift. We need a compass. The ideological drift from a green policy, which lays down the law to companies saying they need to do purely this, that or the other. That's rubbish.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. President. I would like to speak in Italian also to be better understood from in my country, because I believe that the role here is to speak for in favor of our people. Uh, grazie. Thank you for being here, Commissioner. This idea of a mosaic or a puzzle is one that I like, but, uh, grids are very physical. I've just spoken to the University of Turin, the Polytechnic and the Sao Paulo um, Foundation and looked at a report on, uh, energy data, um, and in particular focusing on the south of Europe, although it actually looks at all of Europe and, uh, countries that we have to compete with, energy costs are too high and are becoming even more so. We're dependent on everyone. And when we talk about renewables, we are equally dependent. Uh, if you produce energy, you know that you're dependent on those who make, uh, windmills or solar panels. I'm talking here about China here. And of course, when we're talking about respect for the environment, China is very far from our standards. So my question is how much does the grid infrastructure cost across Europe. Have we analyzed that? Um, high, medium and low voltage, uh, to charge uh, lorries for example. Will they it won't be possible to charge um, trucks. Um, do we have money for it in the MFF. Do have we, um, planned to, um, the money necessary for grids to take electricity across the whole of Europe.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Commissioner, if we want to strengthen the European research area, our research must be open and free and not affected by ideology. Well, as the rapporteur, I tried to simplify things rules, procedures, bureaucracy. Of course, as you said, and to develop an ecosystem that's favorable to the entire sector space in this case. And research is vital. We have universities, we have public centers, we have government centers, inter-governmental, and all of these areas and groups are supporting research to bring out new goods, new services, better management and data is a very sensitive issue. So we need to have the right funding. But private investment is very important there, and we have to have a clear and open regulatory framework for that. I think that we must overcome this distinction between civilian and military research, as you said before. These two things need to dovetail when we talk about research. This has to be open space. There are agriculture. There's agriculture, national and European data security, commercial and defense areas are all very important. And we need to have a political but also an ethical focus. There are certain sectors that are just being focused on, but we must be more open. Otherwise we'll lose out. So less control. And as you said before, we need to attract the best minds. And that's what Europe particularly needs. Thank you.”
  EU research funding · EU-level coordination of research agendas
• “Thank you. Now it's my turn. Do a question. Two questions. Firstly, coming back to the question posed by Zambrano. What do you all think about decoupling in the Parliament? In a recent session we voted in favor of decoupling. Will this actually help to make things more transparent whilst at the same time reducing energy prices. Secondly, as pointed out by our colleague Van Dijk. We take the view that it's perfectly plain that nuclear power reduces energy prices. France is an example of this. Whereas Italy has high prices. Renewables clearly aren't enough and they are rather patchy and sporadic. So the question is really about infrastructure. Will it cost a great deal to set up the necessary energy infrastructure, particularly for electricity? The cost is sure to be high. How will you go about tackling that?”
  EU approach to electricity market and prices
• “Thank you president. It's been very useful for me and exciting to work as a shadow on this, because European works councils can really take on an important role. We've had 330 crises in the area that I have worked in, and we only found results by working with the workers themselves. We need to make sure that we don't see this as a retroactive fight, but something that can really go forward. It's going to help work. It's going to help the areas we work in and the territories there. Yesterday's rights have been renewed. Especially the interlocutor. It's not always the same who we might have expected if we think about the stereotypical approach. European Works Councils, I think, are in form the principle of co-determination and lead us to the reflection that we need to undertake. There are cases where in Bolzano, for example, there are politicians who are standing against an industrial development, a steelworks, for example, and it's the workers who are actually trying to defend it. It's a new world.”
  EU regulation on worker representation in company decisions
• “And just to close and and thank Mr. Arbore and you, colleague for our interesting briefing and, uh, work program. We will closely monitor further developments on this important file, in particular in light on the negotiations in the next multiannual financial framework, because we know that one of the points is how much we are able to invest and how much. Also, we are able to build a very a very European defense system ecosystem. Thank you.”
  Defence spending
• “Thank you very much. President. Let's immediately state that China is our biggest problem from an industrial point of view and from a market balance point of view, the very high production capacity in the infinite ability to get hold of other critical raw materials, the very low cost of labor, unlimited state subsidies, and the almost absence of environmental laws means that we in Europe are completely outside of the market. We can't compete. The biggest problem with Europe is Europe itself, with its absurd laws and increased costs for producers. But the second problem is China, which sees Europe as a market just for its own produce, from Textiles to components, thermomechanics and electric batteries, solar panels. Essentially, it's all Chinese. They're invading our market not just for consumption, but also for production. They're destroying our manufacturing capacity. When we talk about industry, one of the main issues is, is still China has a huge production of potential. China alone has more than five times the, um, the capacity that we have in Europe. We're invaded by, uh, by, by, by their steel. And there's a commission has a steel plan, which will probably be a an unmitigated disaster. So, um, working on on steel is one thing. Trying to reduce the quotas is another thing. But we also need to protect the, um, semi-processed and and finished products. Because if these, um, are not submitted to, to any duties, they're just going to come and flood our market. Thank you.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market · Trade relations with China
• “Thank you chairman. Thank you Commissioner. As you underscored, we just had a vote this morning, which was quite a clash. With, uh, Mr. Ala as the rapporteur. It was a kind of open confrontation to try and counter this rigid approach. We need to overcome that sort of definition of exclusive sectors. We have to provide freedom of research. And we thought that this fund should be made available to a freer form of research, um, without percentages and quotas, without that rigidity. And you underscored and I appreciate the fact that we need to look to simplification as well, because of the return for European research, which needs to be a leader in the world to show that our productive and manufacturing systems will benefit from that. Uh, I think we also have to take on board the challenges of SMEs. A few questions: after the next generation of the EU, we're going to be facing a problem of resources. The universities who are trying to receive money to carry out research, there's a risk that they're not going to be able to fulfill that promise of producing that network of European knowledge. What can we do to support them? Dual use. Secondly, that's also an important point. We have looked at that here, and obviously we have a report to report on this. Looking also at simplification. Looking at the Draghi report too, but also making sure that security is at the top of our agenda and looking at our research, but also our companies being able to compete, but within with security at the top of the priority list. On gender gender based violence. Well, that's a different topic. We talk about women who are researchers, who are doctors who can actually pursue a career in research, but maybe they don't have as many opportunities.”
  Research priorities within the EU
• “To have strong companies and good jobs. We need a complete manufacturing sector and predictability of rules and minimum conditions for our companies to be able to invest, grow and stay in Europe. Unfortunately, we've often done the opposite. We've excessively regulated and today we're trying to correct that. At the same time, we're simplifying through omnibuses and that's a positive thing. But on the other hand, we introduce rules that jeopardize entire sectors such as the car manufacturing sector. We've chosen to go with electric vehicles, but it's too late. As you've said, Commissioner, we've already lost 200,000 jobs just since the beginning of this mandate. Energy is clearly a strategic sector. But what who's benefiting from the Green Deal? Most of the. Elements that go into our green energy are produced in China. Ets is a tax that only we pay. And to get rid of the steel industry, which, as the Commission knows, should be protected.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market
• “This maybe just push you a bit further. 20 years ago, ten years ago, we'd have European mobile phones. But then at some stage, the changes broke, just stopped. So the question is. You have the single market, single market and the rules. But if you have prices so low on the other side of the planet, that means that it has an impact on production capacity. We'd not producing things in Europe. So is it not time to re manufacture, as it were, digital products here?”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “Thank you very much. Uh, president. Uh, well, indeed, there's still a lot to do to close this gap for women doing the same job as men, getting the same treatment. There are so many women that are earning 25% less than men, which means that their pension is only half colleagues. Now, this is a complex matter, trying to bring about a work life balance and get the family looked after. Uh, looking after not only their children, but also their older parents. And this means that they have to do part time work to be able to fit it all in and to sustain and support the role of women. The Meloni government has, uh, has, uh, brought in new, uh, obligations under the direct directive. 960. And, uh, there are certain checks and balances that need to be respected. We need to make sure that we have social and wage parity. But there's a cultural issue here. What we're talking about here is support. Support to women as mothers to to families. They provide life. When we talk about social housing, we ought to think about that. I'm part of the committee. The House committee and homeless and immigrants are being looked after. But what about working women, low income mothers? No one's really thinking about them. They have an enormous contribution to society. Thank you.”
  Gender pay transparency
• “Thank you. Thank you very much. President. Commissioner, you you you said something about the future of the E-cars and von der Leyen. And many have, of course, emphasized this. All is the product. The producers, the analysts, the expert, the experts. Where is the proper assessment, assessment, assessment of the thing. The small E-car or the Lada, just as it was promoted in Soviet times in the Soviet Union. But the numerous the numbers are telling us something completely, completely different. And so there is the truck. E truck as well. And imagine the space, the space in transport, the costs are and how much it will cost for electrifying all of these, for providing electricity for these automobiles. What sort of burden will there exist for the grid as well? And at the same time, the Chinese market has taken over 55%. Factories are closing in Europe, 55% once again of cars are produced. E cars are produced in China. Let's not forget that. So indeed, uh, I think I think indeed it will require a different majority to be able to pass this particular ban or to approve of it in the future. Thank you.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Well, thank you, ministers. Well, I am reassured by the defense of traditional industry and to not put one against the other new technologies, against the traditional industry, but to increase investment, which is a mission of your presidency. Obviously, we need to make sure that it's the market that decides and not our rules alone. With that said, do we have enough energy? Do you intend to have a science based assessment of the targets and objectives, the sustainability objectives, because that would also provide investors with another type of message and to attract investment. The simplification that you, Minister, must have uh mentioned means, uh, reviewing the due diligence directive because that sends many companies out of Europe.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “Thank you chair all Italians. Today I will speak in Italian to us. Well, Italians hold this issue very much dear to their hearts. Uh, given the situation, we have a problem today. We have the manufacturing sector, which is 20% of GDP, 30 million people working in it, and 70% of exports, as we've heard. But it's losing ground. Uh, 200,000 jobs are at risk. So advanced Manufacturing represents one of the solutions, but not the only solution. The drop in manufacturing in key sectors where we were strong before. For example, the automotive industry. These sectors need to be able to manufacture more with investments and incentives. Robotics is obviously one of the solutions to the problem. We've lost a lot of ground to our competitors who are very aggressive, for example, China, and they work in such a way that we cannot stand against them. And on the other hand, the United States has changed their direction for some time now. They're talking about their national security, and public investment is being made with incentives and reshoring attempts. Europe is being crushed by this. So we need to have coordinated action at European level for many reasons. First of all, competitiveness. We have to have advanced manufacturing in order to have more efficiency. From an energy point of view, this is always the big problem. Europe is very strong in research, but it's not able to industrialize the product because there are too many rules. It's only in Europe that we're subject to these rules. And there is a risk, therefore, of deindustrialization. We cannot allow that. Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “President. Commissioner, I think it's well timed that we talk about this given our, uh, the events of last night. We, in fact, began talking about the Space Act a few days ago. There's a lot to do, uh, with the sovereignty and with security when it comes to our data and our control systems and the production system, which has to try to make up the gap that exists between the biggest manufacturers in the world. If we can't control production, if we can't strengthen our big state industries, along with a supply chain that needs to be strengthened with the help of European funds, our ability to control our components, our data and our systems will be insufficient. Today, security is a civil and military areas. We have to protect ourselves, understand that we need sovereignty over our space.”
  EU competences on space policy
• “Jacqueline. Commissario sei per cento di emissioni prima al mondo per economia circolare superando ovviamente. Of course we are clean. We have an industry which has produced and has actually respected the environment. Maybe from clean. We need to move to real industrial act or deal or whatever you want to call it, because within this act there are 40 provisions which need to be carried out in 25. But what are businesses asking for? And the Draghi report says this simplification is what they call for less bureaucracy, less red tape. And they want to be heard. And I haven't heard this in very beautiful document 24 pages. Technological neutrality is only mentioned five times. Let us be realistic. Europe, which is based on steel and coal just pact, an agreement between production and industry. Today it's based on gas and oil, and these are not so dirty, but relevant investments. Considerable investments have been made. Now we've reduced the steel, aluminium and automotive business. Clearly we need to change tack. Thank you so much.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “President. Thank you. And thank you to the director for the very clear presentation. Some of the background is very clear. Obviously, space is very important. That's the backdrop. It has implications for security, for autonomy, strategic autonomy and the whole question of security and production. And it's also equally clear that this program is behind on the time table. This is partly because of the issue with the signing of the contracts. So could you please tell us how we can speed it up? We need to accelerate clearly. And there is clearly great will on the part of the Commission to speed up and to involve the comprehensive network of SMEs. So how do you envisage doing this? We do actually have a lot of potential in Europe, certainly in Italy we do. And so I'd like to see progress here in Venice. In Italy there's going to be a Congress on space, and we're going to be looking at the production line and the supply lines. And I think this is useful in terms of European output, but we've obviously got to bear in the forefront of our minds the whole question of security and connectivity. Thank you.”
  EU competences on space policy
• “So thank you for giving me this opportunity. I very much value the program as a shadow. I've been involved in working on this program, trying to boost production. But we do know that 1.5 million is not enough in order to build a tank. Especially our last generation tank, you need 25 million each. And this is a huge amount of money for a mine disposal ship. It's over 100 million. So these are very significant costs and we need to factor that into our considerations. So it really is a kind of start up to our defense industry. And that's very good. It's positive that we've got a start up and that we're going to do joint procurement and that we've got a good program in place. But we do need to develop this. We need to take it forward in terms of defense as well as in terms of industry. This is very important, and I think that it will probably be something that becomes ever clearer as we proceed. The structure the infrastructure is expensive. Obviously, the assets are expensive, as I've just said, but we also need to invest in human resources, in manpower. So there's a lot for us to think about. It's more than material assets, mobility. We need to think in terms of the individuals that are involved. And we need to think in terms of efficacy and efficiency and a well structured system. So we do need to look at the structure across all these different aspects ammunitions. Light arms tanks. Aviation, maritime equipment, mine removal equipment. But we've also got to look at our human capital because that is one of the most invaluable things that we have. Indeed, it's probably the most invaluable resource that we have, and we do need to protect it at at as one of the absolute highest priorities. Thank you.”
  Defence spending
• “So thank you for the address of our president. And before starting some information about the work of today, the speech to Text Service will be available for accessibility purposes until 530 in the afternoon. Just scan the QR code and the posters with your phone or tablet. A web page will open and you can follow the live transcription for translation. You can choose among ten languages from the options in the menu. If the transcription stops, please refresh the page. And now, going into our important topic of today. I would like to welcome Mrs.. You have a wonderful name, Inmaculada Plascencia Borrero. I supposed to have a good pronunciation, but I am Italian so we are friend senior expert DG just thank you for your for accepting our invitation to this exchange of views in the context of the third Disability Rights Week. After the opening presentation by Mrs. Plascencia Borrero, I will give the floor to Mr. McNamara in his capacity as a representative member of the EPP network for Rights of Persons with disability Disabilities. Is here. Yes, please. The floor is yours. No no no no. Oh, no. Sorry. Just a minute. And then we started with the first round of questions by coordinators and their representative. No no no no no.”
  EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• “Thank you very much. Uh, president. Uh, well, indeed, there's still a lot to do to close this gap for women doing the same job as men, getting the same treatment. There are so many women that are earning 25% less than men, which means that their pension is only half colleagues. Now, this is a complex matter, trying to bring about a work life balance and get the family looked after. Uh, looking after not only their children, but also their older parents. And this means that they have to do part time work to be able to fit it all in and to sustain and support the role of women. The Meloni government has, uh, has, uh, brought in new, uh, obligations under the direct directive. 960. And, uh, there are certain checks and balances that need to be respected. We need to make sure that we have social and wage parity. But there's a cultural issue here. What we're talking about here is support. Support to women as mothers to to families. They provide life. When we talk about social housing, we ought to think about that. I'm part of the committee. The House committee and homeless and immigrants are being looked after. But what about working women, low income mothers? No one's really thinking about them. They have an enormous contribution to society. Thank you.”
  Support for families
• “(09:19:01 – 09:21:30): you, chair. Thank you, chairs. And thanks to all the shadows as well for the work that they're doing on this in a very expedite fashion. Agile, as the name explains, is to advance these technologies that we're looking for and to bring in innovation in the defense realm. There's a limited bud budget, but I would note that this instrument needs to be adapted to make sure that we can speed things up in bolstering the role of these new technologies that we need, and we need to have a greater impact in the defensive sector as well. Looking at prototypization where we're moving towards modern form of defense, there are a few elements that are necessary. This program has to be simple and simplified. We cannot create an overcomplicated instrument given that the main target of all this is SMEs and startups. We need to make it accessible easily. We need to have lump sums that are used in the main form of providing financing. Secondly, we need to invest in disruptive technologies, but also we need to take into consideration their real operative applications. It's essential to bridge the gap between, developing and implementation. We need to see close what, close watching brief on this and work with the member states, not just in theory or in research. So we need to see an effective adopt adoption of good solutions with the defense industry involved and with the main frontline providers involved. Well, this is the only way for us to be autonomous, and, obviously, we need to look at how the market can work with this as well. Thirdly, it's essential to guarantee that there's complementarity with existing instruments as well, both at European level, like the EDF and also at NATO level as well. Then we need to make sure that this innovation doesn't remain on paper. This program could provide a pilot project for the future. It needs to be translated into operative capacities to work with our industry, but also to respond to our armed forces' needs. Thank you.”
  Artificial Intelligence for military purposes
• “Thank you, chair. Thank you, chairs. And thanks to all the shadows as well for the work that they're doing on this in a very expedite fashion. Agile, as the name explains, is to advance these technologies that we're looking for and to bring in innovation in the defense realm. There's a limited bud budget, but I would note that this instrument needs to be adapted to make sure that we can speed things up in bolstering the role of these new technologies that we need, and we need to have a greater impact in the defensive sector as well. Looking at prototypization where we're moving towards modern form of defense, there are a few elements that are necessary. This program has to be simple and simplified. We cannot create an overcomplicated instrument given that the main target of all this is SMEs and startups. We need to make it accessible easily. We need to have lump sums that are used in the main form of providing financing. Secondly, we need to invest in disruptive technologies, but also we need to take into consideration their real operative applications. It's essential to bridge the gap between, developing and implementation. We need to see close what, close watching brief on this and work with the member states, not just in theory or in research. So we need to see an effective adopt adoption of good solutions with the defense industry involved and with the main frontline providers involved. Well, this is the only way for us to be autonomous, and, obviously, we need to look at how the market can work with this as well. Thirdly, it's essential to guarantee that there's complementarity with existing instruments as well, both at European level, like the EDF and also at NATO level as well. Then we need to make sure that this innovation doesn't remain on paper. This program could provide a pilot project for the future. It needs to be translated into operative capacities to work with our industry, but also to respond to our armed forces' needs. Thank you.”
  Artificial Intelligence for military purposes · Defence spending
• “Thank you. Chairman. We've lost the microphone for the speaker. Please. Microphone for the speaker. Microphone? The minister said something I appreciate. And that is that we cannot exclude any technology. I take that. That is a confirmation of technological neutrality. But at the same time, you've said we wanted to attract investments. Well, investments follow the market and the rules that Europe has set, uh, unfortunately, too often has undermined this investment. Here I've heard colleagues from all parties basically say the same thing to you. We need to have the courage. More than balance. I agree with Hitler to change direction. The chemicals issue remains one of the major problems. I'll touch on two chemicals. Underline has participated in a meeting with the chemical industry and has announced an action plan. We'd like to stand. How to save the chemical industry in Europe just as well. Ets and quotas. We're moving towards this not being free. And we have the problem of energy costs. And I believe that these are the issues that we need to deal with. Bearing in mind that by demonising everything linked to fossils does not help investment.”
  Powertrain choice: EV-only pathway vs. equal support for hybrids, e-fuels, H2