Marco FALCONE

Policy topics Marco FALCONE is active on

What Marco FALCONE has said (19)

• 2026-01-28 “E-000351/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 1 can only be activated at the request of Italy which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 of the Regulation (EC) 2012/2002 2 . The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities 3 . The Commission stands ready to guide the authorities should they wish to apply for EUSF support. The European Regional Development Fund programmes for Calabria, Sardinia and Sicily now include around EUR 352 million to prevent and manage the risks caused by natural disasters. Out of this amount, EUR 196 million have been allocated to selected operations as of 31 December 2025, while EUR 156 million are still available to support new interventions. These funds could finance infrastructure enhancements for disaster resilience. The Commission is available to discuss with regional authorities how this financial envelope could be used to address the consequences of the recent events. Pursuant to Article 21(1) of the Regulation (EU) 2021/241 4 , Italy can also submit a proposal to amend its recovery and resilience plan. Such a proposal can include new measures if existing ones are no longer achievable. New measures shall comply with the requirements outlined in the Regulation, including an indicative timeline for the completion by 31 August 2026. Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2025/2649 5 , Member States can also amend their Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan to offer crisis payments to active farmers impacted by natural disasters and use interventions to restore agricultural and forestry potential. The Commission recalls that the Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction Regulation 6 applies to natural disasters occurring between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025. This 1 Council Regulation (EC) 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012). 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/2012/oj/eng#:~:text=of%20this%20Regulation.-,Article%202,1.%20At%20the. 3 This means, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations, and protection of the cultural heritage. 4 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility (OJ L57, 18.2.2021, p.17, Art. 21 (1): http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/241/oj). 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32025R2649. 6 Regulation (EU) 2024/3236 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1057 and (EU) 2021/1058 as regards Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE): http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3236/oj.”
  Climate efforts · Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-11-20 “E-004648/2025 Answer given by Ms Albuquerque on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is working to ensure that citizens throughout the EU have access to financial services. While digitalisation has increased access to financial services online, the rise of digital banking and the high branch costs have led to a reduction of the number of bank branches and ATMs, impacting in particular geographically remote areas. The Commission aims at enhancing financial inclusion through various initiatives. The EU financial literacy strategy 1 includes measures to improve the digital financial skills as an important element for enabling access to financial services and promoting financial inclusion. The Payment Accounts Directive 2 obliges Member States to ensure that payment accounts with basic features are offered to consumers including by those credit institutions that only provide online accounts. To improve access to cash, the Commission proposed measures to improve the availability of cash in shops and via ATMs through the Payment Services package, on which co-legislators reached a political agreement 3 . The Commission proposed to safeguard acceptance of and access to cash 4 . Member States can take additional measures to address the needs of their citizens as far as they are compatible with EU law. Profits allow banks to innovate and invest in activities that support the EU economy, thereby contributing to the overall competitiveness agenda. To that effect, banks allocate their resources according to their business strategy and resilience level. 1 https://finance.ec.europa.eu/consumer-finance-and-payments/financial-literacy_en. 2 OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, pp. 214–246. 3 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/27/payment-services-council-and-parliamentagree-to-step-up-the-fight-against-fraud-and-increase-transparency/. 4 https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/euro/use-euro/euro-legal-tender_en.”
  European Banking Union · EU policy on banks profits
• 2025-03-05 “E-000947/2025 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission 1. The existence of free allocation exceeding emissions in the first phases of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is well known, especially between the years 2008 and 2012, but to a lesser extent also in later years. This situation was addressed already with measures taken following the revision of the ETS Directive 1 in 2018, strengthening the system, and a shortage of free allocation compared to verified emissions can clearly be seen from the start of the fourth trading period in 2021. It should also be highlighted that the majority of excess allowances are assumed to have been sold, and to a fraction of the value quoted, since the current value of an EU Allowance is more than 10 times higher than 10 years ago. Hence, the Commission does not see a major risk of distortion of competition. 2. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) 2 obligation to be paid by importers will be reduced by the corresponding free allocation that an EU producer would receive for the production of the same goods. This will ensure that products produced in the EU and in third countries are treated equally. This adjustment for free allocation will include a definition of CBAM benchmarks, which in turn will be based on a combination of the EU ETS benchmarks. The gradual phase-out of ETS free allowances in CBAM sectors from 2026 to 2034 will be mirrored by a corresponding increase in the CBAM obligation. This is because the CBAM adjustment for free allocation will gradually decrease and thereby the CBAM obligation will increase. 1 Directive (EU) 2018/410 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2018 amending Directive 2003/87/EC to enhance cost-effective emission reductions and low-carbon investments, and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 (OJ L 76, 19.3.2018, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/410/oj 2 Regulation (EU) 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a carbon border adjustment mechanism (OJ L 130, 16.5.2023, p. 52, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/956/oj”
  State Aid · Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• 2025-02-21 “E-000812/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has recently conducted in-depth market surveys in relation to electronic payments. A 2020 Report 1 on the application of the Interchange Fees Regulation 2015/751 examined developments in card fees. Supported by a comprehensive Study 2 , it found that interchange fees declined and that ‘Scheme fees, which are not within the scope of the IFR, appear to have increased to a limited extent’. A follow-up Study in 2024 largely aligns with the previous Study on fees aspects 3 . For more than 20 years, the Commission has focused antitrust enforcement actions on interchange fees, which resulted in several decisions addressed to Visa and MasterCard 4 , upheld by the European Courts 5 , leading to significant reduction in those fees. The Commission is continuously monitoring the payments market and actively investigating when relevant. 1 Report on the application of Regulation (EU) 2015/751 on interchange fees for card-based payment transactions, Commission Staff Working Document of 29.6.2020 SWD(2020) 118. https://competitionpolicy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/d8055968-b4c2-424b-b281c4c6959df19b_en?filename=IFR_report_card_payment.pdf 2 Study on the application of Interchange Fee Regulation, 2020, prepared by Ernst&Young and Copenhagen Economics, available at https://ec.europa.eu/competition/publications/reports/kd0120161enn.pdf 3 https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/document/65d4f65a-6b23-49c7-91cb-e5cd166a19ed_en 4 https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/financial-services/cases_en; https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/AT.34579; https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/AT.39398; https://competition-cases.ec.europa.eu/cases/AT.40049 5 MasterCard judgments, case C-382/12 (2014) and case T-111/08 (2012).”
  EU Single Market harmonisation · Financial regulation
• 2024-12-11 “E-002859/2024 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the importance of reliable maritime connections on short cross-border routes like Santa Teresa di Gallura-Bonifacio, which support local residents, tourists, and economic activities. Maritime services between Member States are subject to European Union rules ensuring open and competitive markets 1 . Where market forces alone are insufficient to ensure adequate connectivity, Member States may impose public service obligations (PSOs) or conclude public service contracts (PSCs) in accordance with specific conditions established by EU law 2 . Member States determine operational specifics, in compliance with EU legislation 3 . In case of PSCs with compensation, the State aid rules have to be respected. The Commission supports Member States by ensuring compliance, facilitating funding through instruments like the European Regional Development Fund or the Recovery and Resilience Facility, and sharing best practices. Italy and France have had opportunity to use these tools to ensure reliable connectivity. In case of cancellations or delays in departure of more than 90 minutes of waterborne passenger services, the carrier must offer passengers the choice between re-routing to the final destination and reimbursement of the ticket price in accordance with the EU legislation on waterborne passenger rights 4 . Passengers may also be entitled to compensation from the carrier in certain cases. The responsibility for ensuring the correct application and compliance with these rules lies in the first instance with the national enforcement bodies designated in each Member State. 1 Council Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 of 22 December 1986 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport between Member States and between Member States and third countries. 2 Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 of December 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage). See also Case C-280/00 Altmark Trans v Nahverkehrsgesellschaft Altmark GmbH [2003] ECR I-07747 and Case T-454/13 SNCM v European Commission [2017] 2 ECLI:EU:T:2017:134. 3 Article 106(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union OJ C202/2016. Member States may apply Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 of 23 October 2007 to public passenger transport by inland waterways and, without prejudice to Regulation 3577/92 (maritime cabotage). 4 Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway.”
  EU transport infrastructure integration · EU funding for transportation
• 2024-12-04 “E-002754/2024 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission All sectors, including maritime transport, need to contribute to the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a key policy to achieve this objective. The economic and social impacts due to the ETS extension to maritime transport were looked at in the Impact Assessment 1 that accompanied the legislative proposal in 2021. Regarding costs, the analysis showed that the estimated impact on commodity prices relevant to European trade was expected to be relatively small (less than one percent price increase by 2030), with a very low effect on demand. The Commission acknowledges the specific challenges faced by islands. The EU ETS contains derogations allowing Member States to exempt from ETS surrendering obligations until end-2030, voyages by passenger vessels between islands with fewer than 200 000 residents and other ports in the same Member State. Furthermore, in case of transnational public service contracts established by two Member States, one having no land border with another Member State and the other being the closest, shipping companies do not need to surrender allowances if the Member States decide to exempt such a line. The Commission will monitor and report biennially on the implementation of the ETS extension to shipping. These reports will analyse possible transport cost increases and impacts on shipping services that constitute essential services of territorial continuity. The first report will be published in March 2025. If appropriate, the Commission will propose measures to ensure the effective implementation of the system. Member States can also decide to use their ETS revenues to further encourage the decarbonisation of the maritime sector and may benefit projects connecting islands. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=SWD:2021:0601:FIN”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-11-26 “E-002662/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission EU islands are very diverse and face a variety of different challenges, including varying levels of economic growth and demographic trends. These different needs require tailor-made approaches, covering several EU policies. For example, EU Cohesion policy is designed to address EU regional economic and social disparities, including in island regions, in cooperation with Member States. Over the 2021– 2027 programming period, the policy supports investments for increased competitiveness, innovation, green transition, better connectivity, and inclusive growth in all EU regions. In addition, Member States can use Cohesion policy territorial tools to address the particular needs of islands. The Commission also supports the ‘Clean energy for EU islands’ initiative 1 to promote and accelerate decarbonisation of islands’ energy systems and facilitate exchange of best practices. Furthermore, the EU's trans-European transport network (TEN-T) policy 2 incorporates the new overarching concept of a European Maritime Space, which aims to strengthen the integration of islands into the European Single Market and advance territorial cohesion. All of these lessons learned, will feed into the preparations for the post-2027 financial period. 1 https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/ 2 Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013, OJ L, 2024/1679, 28.6.2024.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions · Cohesion and rural funding
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Commissioner, In this year and a half, the housing committee has wrapped up extraordinary work in order to analyze the root causes of the housing crisis in Europe. We've also looked at the expectations of European citizens. We all agree on one principle. There isn't a one size fits all for housing across the EU. So what are the needs of the big cities in the north is very different to the needs of rural areas and towns in the South, and so on and so forth. Of course, all of this is linked to de-population, but also the social fabric of the communities themselves. This report has focused on two key issues. First of all, streamlining the regulatory framework. And then the need to reduce taxation and whittling down VAT. This measure is something that the Italian delegation, Forza Italia wanted. We need to release new resources. We need to boost private investment. There needs to be a new pact between the sector and public institutions. We've done our bit. Now the ball is in the court of the commission to come up with specific answers.”
  EU policy on urban development
• “Thank you, Madam Chair. Well, it's very clear that, uh, we owe quite a lot of thanks to the shadows and all of those, uh, colleagues who moved amendments to clarify certain aspects within the opinion. This association agreement is also there to try and align. Uh, dispositions with regard to financial services and transparency in Italy with regard to the Republic of San Marino. We have had a few problems with regard to the agreement that was in place in the past. There are certain, uh, aspects linked to money laundering that we need to keep a close eye on. And the issue of tobacco, which is a big issue involving to Andorra. So we do need to keep a close eye on these. However, I should say that personally, I have met the Secretaries of State for Foreign Affairs of both Andorra and San Marino. We agreed that there was a need not only to align the legislation of these two states with our community are key. But beyond that, they felt the need to be fully aligned with our rules on transparency and financial services and the struggle against money laundering. So on the basis of those assurances, I'm convinced that we can put together a compromise that can take into account all of the different, things we should take into account, and it should allow us to integrate these two small countries in line with the European values. Thank you.”
  EU policy on social & environmental impact of foreign investments
• “Thank you very much, chairman. And thank you to our colleagues. In particular, Miss Zovko. We've had some interesting discussions in the past on this agreement. It's unprecedented and strategic in nature. It's very important because we are talking about not only geographical but also political boundaries in the EU, and therefore I think we need to take the wider view. Here the Econ committee is doing work on the Association Agreement with Andorra, the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino. And I'm sure once these arrangements are concluded, that will be a truly historic step. We will be working with two further political entities, which share our values and our principles, and will contribute strategically towards strengthening European security. So the economic aspect is important, but the security aspect also access to the market for industry, for services and finance is of course of the essence. But equally opening up these markets is something which is taking place on the on the basis of mutual recognition and trust and respect for each other's principles. The financial sector is very relevant with these relations, so we need to make sure that financial and tax standards are congruent.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you. Chair. I will speak in Italian. President of the Eurostat data show that the EU's economic Model is running out of steam, the situation risks worsening because the balance in our economy is based on exports, and that could change via the new geopolitical framework and the choices made by the US. We talk about budgetary constraints and bureaucracy. As long as we do that and don't take clear political choices, our competitors will be going forward. And the under the Polish presidency, we've heard some interesting things about the single market investing in competitiveness, single defence, reduction of energy costs. In the light of all of that. Don't you think it's necessary to make permanent the issuance of European bonds? We in Italy have been always talking about this. Silvio Berlusconi said this. Tajani says it today. Otherwise, how do you think you can, um, fund the investments? And then to avoid speculation on energy prices, don't you think it's necessary to have a common long term gas contracts? And I'm thinking of single storage for Europe, inter alia. Thank you.”
  Own EU resources
• “Over the last few years, global payment systems have undergone a lot of changes, and there's been a lot of innovation. We've seen new financial instruments such as crypto becoming part of our everyday lives. So monetary governance will be necessary and it will be facing a lot of challenges, not least the digital euro. The world is changing, that is true. But at the same time, protecting citizens, especially the weakest systems from citizens from these risks is an age old responsibility. We need to protect our citizens. We also need to protect our European institutions. We need monetary resilience because the euro is not only a single currency to us, it is one of our European values, and we don't want it to be submerged or overshadowed by the currencies of other countries or private sector platforms for Italia and the European People's Party, in a liberal spirit of innovation, believes that it is important to protect cash. We should keep cash and strengthen cash because cash is an anchor that we can cling on to. It's also a choice that many Europeans make, and it is a vehicle for inclusion for the most vulnerable in society. They see cash as something they can hold on to that symbolizes their freedom.”
  Means of payment (cash vs digital)
• “Thank you. President. In 2025, the ECB showed balance in European monetary policy on interest rates. We would, however, expected more courage to give more strength to our economy and more liquidity and to the real economy. 2025, however, was distinguished by an extraordinary technological, um, project. Uh, here I'm referring to the creation of the digital euro. The ECB has laid the foundations for an additional digital currency, as well as a new payment system both on and offline. This is necessary to strengthen the autonomy of the EU. That's why in 2024, we already wanted to focus a specific chapter, chapter on the in the ECB report on the digital Euro. There was, however, only just a reference to it. But tomorrow we will firmly support the two amendments on the digital euro. And we'll do that because we believe this means defending not just the project, but also guaranteeing that Europe has monetary strategy and sovereignty that is needed to ensure competitiveness for Europe. And to ensure that our territory can compete with other foreign competitors and territories. The um. We have to be up to this challenge. Thank you.”
  Digital euro
• “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I'll be speaking Italian. First of all, thank you very much, chair, for having changed the order of the items and allowed me to speak first because of problems I'm having with my flight. That's why I came so late. The opinion we're talking about today is about an outfit report. Which is the end of a process of 11 years. So let's hope that this can be adopted. Within a short period of time within the European Parliament. It's basically. An association agreement enlarging Europe and enlarging our European borders. Division vision behind this. Is a more inclusive vision when it comes to peace and stability, and as well as competitiveness of our companies and the question of benefits for our citizens. We've taken on board the amendments that have come in from colleagues. There are about 40 of those. We think that we can conclude the work within the deadline that we have set ourselves, that's to say, before the summer break, so we can get this done in the Econ committee. And then we can, uh, move on to a vote. I've had a first look through these amendments, and I think it's correct that we see these association agreements not from a critical perspective, but we need to look at them from a perspective which is proactive and constructive and optimistic. The logic we should be taking is an inclusive one rather than condemning various problems. Now, if I look at the amendments that have come in, I hope that we can build a vision, which is one of opening. I hope that those are an appropriate compromise we could reach, that would be balanced, and that would take into account all of the different sensibilities of the different parties. So that at the end of the day. After quite a lot of years of work starting in the Effort Committee, we can conclude this process and expand the frontiers of the European Union.”
  EU enlargement
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Commissioner, In this year and a half, the housing committee has wrapped up extraordinary work in order to analyze the root causes of the housing crisis in Europe. We've also looked at the expectations of European citizens. We all agree on one principle. There isn't a one size fits all for housing across the EU. So what are the needs of the big cities in the north is very different to the needs of rural areas and towns in the South, and so on and so forth. Of course, all of this is linked to de-population, but also the social fabric of the communities themselves. This report has focused on two key issues. First of all, streamlining the regulatory framework. And then the need to reduce taxation and whittling down VAT. This measure is something that the Italian delegation, Forza Italia wanted. We need to release new resources. We need to boost private investment. There needs to be a new pact between the sector and public institutions. We've done our bit. Now the ball is in the court of the commission to come up with specific answers.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you, Chairman. I'll speak in Italian. Miss Lagarde, dear colleagues, the ECB is an independent bank, and that should continue as is set out in our treaties. But the ECB should also be responsible and accountable to European citizens. Thanks to the constant dialogues that we've held with you, President Lagarde, we have more democratic oversight, which is essential so that the ECB can be an engine for growth considering our European socioeconomic condition. Unfortunately, the general situation at the moment has not seen a strong growth as we were expecting. It's actually quite weak, and the idea of not wanting to cut interest rates is quite surprising, to say the least.”
  ECB monetary policy
• “Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner, colleagues. Banking Union for Europe represents one of our strategic goals which will increase competitiveness, improve access to loans, increase investments by offering better and more services at lower costs. Unfortunately, the delay to this process has meant a significant handicap when looking at our competitors, the US and China, first and foremost. Today, in the light of geo political changes, there is, I think, impetus to set up a more integrated, stable and resilient banking system that will be more efficient and the Commission hopefully will ensure we have full banking integration, which will support companies, households provide opportunities for new development projects. We need simple, clear, uniform rules across the whole of Europe, but what we also need is to ensure that we build the third pillar to this, namely the European Deposit Insurance Scheme. Plus, we mustn't forget the system for small co-operative banks, which are a strategic component of this whole system across Europe. This is our challenge and this is what we are committed to building. Thank you.”
  European Banking Union
• “Thank you. Chair. Commissioner, we're very much in favour of the proposal for this European plan for having affordable housing. The topic of housing is something that I'm sure should feature on the European agenda. On one hand, we are satisfied with the new strategy on housing. But at the same time we cannot be sure about resources being made available. Simplification is good. Trying to simplify is also good. Looking at the links between public and private is also good, but we need to make sure that there are financial instruments that are clear and specific in place. We also need to look at reduction in tax for those who are investing, for example VAT. For us in Forza Italia and the European People's Party, the home is sacred. It's something that lies at the foundation for the establishment of a society. And we need to have a pragmatic, concrete and efficient approach. This is the only way that Europe will be able to win on behalf of our citizens.”
  EU housing policy
• “Thank you. Chair. I will speak in Italian. Today, the tobacco market and nicotine market has changed deeply. The commission was right to launch a revision that takes into account that new feature. Starting from that premise, however, I've got two questions for our experts, in particular to Mrs. Scoppio, but also to Mrs. Pelser. The first is about the differentiation of health risk for our citizens. There are various studies now which show how heated tobacco, electronic products and other products such as pouches represent a different health impact compared to traditional smoked products. However, sadly, the commission proposal doesn't today include a clear fiscal distinction based on health risk. So my question is, do you think that the current formulation appropriately reflects the available scientific findings? Wouldn't it be better to increase differentiation in taxation between low risk products and traditional smoking products? The second topic, however, is about the member states fiscal sovereignty, another fundamental factor. The proposed directive gives the Commission the power to update every three years the tax level using a delegated act. Is that mechanism not going to lead to an automatic alignment between different tobacco products? This taxation system might deprive member states of autonomy in the fiscal policies that they wish to apply, in light of their own specific economic, social, or manufacturing realities. That's why we think we need to define a modern piece of legislation that respects health and is both balanced and proportionate as well.”
  Heated tobacco products