Giuseppe ANTOCI

Policy topics Giuseppe ANTOCI is active on

What Giuseppe ANTOCI has said (80)

• 2026-03-12 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 4.6.2026 Written question The decision [1] establishing the Union Civil Protection Mechanism recognises the primary responsibility of Member States for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters and therefore Article 15(1) stipulates that when a disaster occurs within the EU, or is imminent, the affected Member State may request assistance through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre [2] . A request for assistance has not been received for the landslide in Niscemi, so the Commission cannot provide a qualitative or quantitative assessment of the question at hand. The Technical Support Instrument (TSI) [3] aims to support Member States’ efforts to strengthen their institutional and administrative capacity, including at regional and local level. According to the TSI Regulation [4] , one objective of the instrument is to assist national authorities in improving their capacity to design, develop and implement reforms. In particular, the TSI can be used to support policies for the mitigation of climate change, the environmental pillar of sustainable development and environmental protection, and for soil protection [5] . The provision of support via the TSI should be initiated by a request submitted by the Member State, following a call for requests open by the Commission. In line with Article 3 of the TSI Regulation , technical support is provided to effectively address the challenges identified in the country-specific recommendations and to implement EU law. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2013/1313/oj/eng. [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordination-centre-ercc_en. [3] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/technical-support-instrument_en. [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A057%3AFULL&uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.057.01.0001.01.ENG. [5] Extract from Article 5(f) of the TSI Regulation: please see footnote 4.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-03-10 “Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 11.5.2026 Written question The Commission does not envisage establishing standards to monitor waiting times. According to Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union [1] , Union action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the organisation of health services. This includes the management of waiting times and booking systems. That said, the implementation of the primary use aspects of the European Health Data Space Regulation [2] can lead to efficiency gains in healthcare systems, freeing up time of health professionals. The Commission supports Member States through EU4Health projects aimed at systemic improvements of accessibility of health systems, especially for vulnerable groups [3] and actions focused on health workforce challenges [4] . In addition, the Commission supports cooperation on measuring performance of health systems through the Health Systems Performance Assessment (HSPA) Expert Group. The 2021 report ‘Improving access to healthcare through more powerful measurement tools’ [5] collected specifically examples of indicators used at national level to measure waiting times. Issues related to access to healthcare are regularly discussed and addressed within the framework of the European Semester, where the Commission analyses national health systems, identifies challenges such as accessibility, effectiveness and resilience. The challenge of waiting times in Italy is stressed in the 2025 European Semester Country Report [6] . Member States can use funding under the Recovery and Resilience Facility [7] , the Technical Support Instrument [8] and the Cohesion Policy [9] to improve access to healthcare. Italy benefits from these funding opportunities. [1] http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=en. [2] Regulation (EU) 2025/327 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2025 on the European Health Data Space and amending Directive 2011/24/EU and Regulation (EU) 2024/2847, OJ L, 2025/327, 5.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/327/oj. [3] Guidelines on access to healthcare for people with disabilities: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/c2959f58-d63d-11f0-8da2-01aa75ed71a1/language-en; The role of healthcare in reducing poverty: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/e86e91df-a97a-11f0-89c6-01aa75ed71a1; Affordability of healthcare: WHO Barcelona Office for Health Systems Financing (Spain): https://www.who.int/europe/teams/office-for-health-systems-financing-(barcelona). [4] Joint Action Heroes on health workforce planning https://healthworkforce.eu/; Nursing Action https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/17-06-2025-countries-advance--nursing-action--initiative-to-tackle-nurse-shortages-across-the-eu; BeWell https://bewell-project.eu/. [5] https://health.ec.europa.eu/health-systems-performance-assessment_en. [6] https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/publications/2025-european-semester-country-reports_en. [7] Recovery and Resilience Facility: https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en. [8] Technical Support Instrument (TSI): https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/technical-support-instrument/technical-support-instrument-tsi_en. [9] Cohesion Policy: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/2021-2027_en.”
  Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2026-02-27 “E-000832/2026 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission supports the rights of persons with disabilities through the implementation of the EU Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 1 (the Strategy), which takes into account multiple forms of disabilities, including so-called invisible disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities or autism. The upcoming Communication on enhancing the strategy up to 2030, announced in the Commission Work Programme 2026 2 , will aim to reinforce action to guide the EU and Member States in their joint engagement to promote disability rights, including to support implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to which the EU and all Member States are parties 3 . The Strategy promotes inclusive education and accessible environments and calls on Member States to implement good practices of deinstitutionalisation, transitioning from institutional care to community support services, in line with the approaches reflected in the Commission Guidance on independent living in the context of EU funding 4 . The Guidance serves as a benchmark for transitioning from institutional care to community-based inclusion, providing guidance for doing so when using EU funds. The organisation of social protection, healthcare and education systems, including assessment of disability status and allocation of related benefits, are matters under the national competence of Member States. The Commission has made available EU funding under shared management programmes to address the shortcomings listed in the question and offers mutual learning and technical assistance to managing authorities to implement the approaches contained in the Commission Guidance. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/unionequality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030_en. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2026-commission-work-programme-and-annexes_en. 3 https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/crpd/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-crpd. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024XC07188&qid=1733304137184.”
  EU competences on social policies · EU policy on disability inclusion & accessibility
• 2026-02-27 “Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 19.5.2026 Written question 1. As part of the requirements of the National and Regional Partnership Plans [1] , Member States must provide a comprehensive overview of how their plans support the different categories of regions. This includes information for each measure specifying the geographic areas targeted on the basis of their NUTS [2] classification and an overview of the financial allocations to the different categories of regions. The Commission proposal also foresees a minimum allocation of EUR 218 billion for less developed regions. This enables to maintain the long-term principle of concentrating resources in less developed regions. 2. The principles of cohesion policy — partnership, shared management and multi-level governance — will be maintained. The Commission will assess how relevant partners have been involved in the preparation of the plans, including stakeholder selection, representativeness and conflict of interest safeguards as part of the approval process of the plans. These partners need to be involved in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of chapters, including through participation in monitoring committees. 3. When calibrating the milestones and targets in their plans, Member States will need to take into account the time required for their achievement in view of decommitment rules. Member States will have flexibility regarding the choice of milestones and targets to be submitted in all payment applications, across all chapters of the plan. Before submitting payment applications to the Commission, Member States must carry out the necessary verifications to ascertain themselves that the milestones and targets included in the payment application were fulfilled and that the use of funds is in compliance with applicable law. [1] Commission proposal for a regulation governing the National and Regional Partnership Plans: ‘ Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and the Council establishing the European Fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for the period 2028-2034 and amending Regulation (EU) 2023/955 and Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509’, COM/2025/565 final: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025PC0565. [2] Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-02-10 “Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission 27.5.2026 Written question The Digital Fairness Act (DFA) that the Commission plans to propose in the fourth quarter 2026 will update EU consumer protection rules. It will seek to tackle specific identified consumer protection gaps, with a particular focus on the protection of minors. More concrete EU consumer rules will facilitate enforcement against unfair practices. In parallel, the Commission plans to revise the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Regulation [1] and assess the need to centralise enforcement in specific cases directly at EU level. The Digital Services Act (DSA) [2] provides a robust framework applicable to intermediary services, addressing the dissemination of illegal content online, including scams and fraud. Ensuring consistency of the potential DFA measures with other EU rules, such as the DSA, is an important part of the ongoing impact assessment analysis for the DFA. The Commission has already issued a report on the interplay of the DSA with existing EU law. [3] Moreover, the Commission plans to adopt in 2026 an action plan against digital fraud. It will focus on prevention measures, disruption of fraudulent activities and cooperation with Member States and stakeholders to support and protect victims. [4] A provisional political agreement was reached in November 2025 [5] to revise the Payment Services Directive [6] and to establish a Payment Services Regulation, introducing stronger safeguards against online fraud with measures to strengthen awareness and prevention of payment fraud, targeting vulnerable groups such as younger and older persons and individuals with low digital skill . [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/2394/oj. [2] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj. [3] Report from the Commission on the application of Article 33 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 and the interaction of that regulation with other legal acts, COM(2025) 708 final, 17.11.2025, and the Commission Staff Working Document accompanying the report, SWD(2025) 368 final, 17.11.2025, available at: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/report-application-article-33-regulation-eu-20222065-dsa-and-interaction-regulation-other-legal. [4] Call for evidence available at: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/16313-Fighting-online-fraud-action-plan_en. [5] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/27/payment-services-council-and-parliament-agree-to-step-up-the-fight-against-fraud-and-increase-transparency/. [6] http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2015/2366/oj.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content · Privacy & digital economy
• 2026-02-10 “E-000564/2026 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Ambient Air Quality (AAQ) Directive 1 sets out limit values for the concentration of several pollutants in ambient air, including nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), in order to protect human health. On 11 December 2025, the Commission opened infringement procedure INFR(2025)2187 2 based on the reported exceedance of those limit values in the agglomerations of Palermo (at the urban traffic sampling points of PA - Castelnuovo, and PA - Di Blasi), as well as of Naples and Caserta, all between 2015 and 2024 3 . The fact that a limit value for pollutants in ambient air is exceeded constitutes a failure to comply with Article 13(1), in conjunction with Annex XI to the AAQ Directive 4 . It is sufficient that a pollution level higher than that value is measured at a single sampling point to establish that a limit value has been exceeded in a given agglomeration 5 . Given the reported exceedances, the Commission has assessed the air quality plan adopted by the Sicilian region in order to determine whether the measures adopted were in line with the requirement to keep the exceedances as short as possible set out in Article 23(1). On that basis, the Commission found in the above-mentioned infringement procedure that Italy has breached Article 23(1) of the AAQ Directive. The Italian authorities have replied to the Commission on 11 February 2026. This reply is currently under assessment. Depending on the result of this assessment, the Commission may decide on the next step. The Commission expects Italy to take, without delay, all necessary measures to put an end to the infringements listed in the letter of formal notice. 1 Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, OJ L 152, 11.6.2008. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byDecision&refId=INFR(2025)2187&page=1&size=10 &order=desc&sortColumns=decisionDate. 3 Dataset (G) Information on the attainment of environmental objectives at https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/it/eu/aqd/g/. 4 Cf. among others: C‑573/19, p. 96; C-635/18, p. 78; C-664/18, p. 54; and C-644/18, p. 71. 5 C-638/18, p. 44 and the case-law cited therein.”
  Air quality policy
• 2026-02-10 “E-000565/2026 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission Reform 1.3 ‘Reorganisation of the school system’, which aims to adapt the school system to demographic developments, is part of the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) under Mission 4, Component 1 as provided for by the revised Annex to the Council Implementing Decision (CID) on the approval of the assessment of the RRP 1 . In this context, the Commission recalls that it is a primary responsibility of the Member State to implement measures in line with the provisions set out in the CID. The latter does not prescribe the specific territorial configuration of school networks or the number or location of individual school mergers in each region. It is therefore for the relevant national and regional Italian institutions, in line with national and EU law, to define the parameters and procedures for school sizing, provided that the overall implementation remains in line with the requirements of the CID. In this regard, it should be noted that the Italian authorities have reported, within the framework of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2 on the objectives for the reorganisation of the education system, which have enabled Italy to achieve the objectives set out in Reform 1.3 of Mission 4, Component 1. Article 174 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union requires the EU to promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and to pay particular attention to regions which suffer from natural or demographic weaknesses, including island regions such as Sardinia. Flexibility for addressing specific territorial challenges related to school access and early school leaving can be sought through the use and coordination of other EU instruments, such as the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and, where relevant, cohesion policy programmes targeting educational infrastructure and services. 1 CID of 25 November 2025 amending the Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy, ST 15106/25. 2 https://reforms-investments.ec.europa.eu/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-01-23 “E-000263/2026 Answer given by Commissioner Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recognises the importance of tackling regional disparities in Italy regarding access to healthcare, and monitors these issues, especially within the framework of the European Semester. In line with the objective of supporting access to primary healthcare services, especially in regions where access is more difficult, Mission 6 of the Italian recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) 1 includes, amongst others, several measures aimed at improving territorial healthcare assistance. In particular, it establishes a new organisational model for the territorial healthcare network and it further supports the investments needed for its full implementation. The Commission services are in constant dialogue with the Italian authorities regarding the implementation of the Italian NRRP. While the Commission assesses the fulfilment of the milestones and targets envisaged in the Council Implementing Decision (CID) for the Italian NRRP and ensures coordination, monitoring, and support in implementing its measures, the national authorities remain primarily responsible for implementing their Plan as detailed in the CID Annex. 1 Annex to the Council Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy, https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15106-2025-ADD-1/en/pdf.”
  Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2026-01-21 “E-000228/2026 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Nature Restoration Regulation 1 sets the target of stopping the loss of urban green space and tree canopy cover from 2024 to 2030, and then it stipulates that there should be an increase from 2030 onwards until a satisfactory level is reached. The level that is ‘satisfactory’ will be set based on guidelines to be established by the Commission by 2028. In the implementation process the Commission will also discuss with the national authorities the most effective means to support urban areas with significant deficits in green space. The Italian recovery and resilience plan (RRP) 2 includes several investments in urban forestation, climate adaptation and sustainable regeneration of towns and cities. In particular, these include measures to protect green areas and increase their number with the objective of both preserving and enhancing biodiversity and increasing the quality of life of the inhabitants of those areas (i.e., Investment 3.1 of Mission 2 Component 4). Another set of measures (i.e., Investment 4, 5, and 6 of Mission 5 Component 2) aim to regenerate and revitalise large degraded urban areas through, inter alia, the renovation, reuse, and repurpose of public urban areas. The descriptions of the actions implementing the above-mentioned measures are included in the Council Implementing Decision 3 and monitored and assessed by the Commission, in line with the performance-based nature of the Recovery and Resilience Facility 4 Instrument. However, the selection of specific projects and their territorial distribution is the responsibility of the relevant Italian authorities, who are also responsible for ensuring that the actions are completed within the RRP implementation timeframe. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869, OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en. 3 ST 15106/25 ADD 1 - Annex to the Council Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU · EU policy on urban development
• 2026-01-15 “E-000161/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission In the context of the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness 1 , the Commission already supports the development of integrated policy responses to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness, including adequate and timely provision of emergency accommodation. Through strengthening evidence on homelessness, mutual learning activities for policy makers and practitioners and promoting funding possibilities, the Platform facilitates implementation of effective approaches in outreach, emergency accommodation and provision of services, in line with the objectives of the Lisbon Declaration. Under the European Social Fund + (ESF+), eligible measures to support homeless people in regions like Sicily combine food and basic material assistance, shelter services, and integrated social inclusion pathways. A concrete example includes the call for proposals ‘Integra’ 2 , cofinanced by the national ESF+ programme ’Social inclusion 2021-2027’, while several projects addressing homelessness in Sicily were also supported under the operational programme ‘Metropolitan cities 2014-2020 3 ’ and further opportunities will continue under the national programme ‘Metropolitan cities plus 2021-2027 4 ’. Finally, a dedicated work strand of the Platform 5 focuses on strengthening the evidence base and monitoring of homelessness across Member States. Within this work strand the Commission financially supports multiple projects which aim to improve data comparability through common methodologies and analytical tools 6 , including the Monitoring Framework on Homelessness Data and Measurement 7 . 1 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-socialinclusion/addressing-poverty-and-supporting-social-inclusion/homelessness_en. 2 https://trasparenza.lavoro.gov.it/archivio105_delibera-anac-n-6012023-procedure_0_94_984_1.html. 3 Relevant ESF projects include, for example, the following ones : ‘Poli diurni e notturni’ in Palermo (https://www.pnmetroplus.it/progetto/?codice=PA3.2.2.a), ‘Accompagnamento all'abitare’ in Messina (https://www.pnmetroplus.it/progetto/?codice=ME3.1.1.a), and ‘Habito – React’ in Catania (https://ponmetro.comune.catania.it/habito-react/). 4 https://www.pnmetroplus.it/home-2/pon-metro-plus-21-27/pn-metro-21-27-2/. 5 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-socialinclusion/addressing-poverty-and-supporting-social-inclusion/homelessness/strengthen-evidencehomelessness_en. 6 https://www.kuleuven.be/lucas/en/eu_homelessness_counts. 7 https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-monitoring-framework-to-measure-homelessness_3e98455ben.html.”
  EU housing policy · EU competences on social policies
• 2026-01-12 “E-000059/2026 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. As for each programme funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Italy, an Administrative Regeneration Plan (‘PRiGA’) has been drafted for the Regional Programme Sicily 1 (‘RP’). The PRiGA sets objectives, actions, resources and indicators to face administrative capacity needs for a smooth implementation of the RP. In support of the plan, the regional authorities can make use of the technical assistance priority of both the ERDF programme (EUR 134.4 million) and the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) programme (EUR 42.4 million). Some actions in the PRiGA are supported by the National Programme ‘Capacity for Cohesion’, which also supports the RP by providing on-demand expertise services and by hiring permanent staff to be allocated in the Regional administration for its implementation 2 . Additional assistance to Italy for administrative capacity is currently provided by the Commission also through the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) 3 . 2. The RP Sicily allocates EUR 331 million (ERDF) for measures of specific support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 4 . With regard to the ESF+, the RP priority 4 (EUR 204 million) is entirely dedicated to youth employment. Moreover, promotion of employment and skills, especially among young people, is among the priorities of the national programme Youth, Women and Jobs, which focuses mainly on southern regions 5 . The Single Market Programme (SME Pillar) provides guidance and free advice to SMEs via the Enterprise Europe Network 6 . A broader support comes from calls for proposals in sectors such as tourism 7 . 1 https://priga.capcoe.gov.it/news/dettaglio/l1yYGZUBIId_J40Uy7FR. 2 According to the information available to the Commission, out of the 70 hirings planned, 56 persons have already been hired and entered into service by January 2026. In addition, the service centre is currently being set up to complement the activities already in place. Other support activities may be activated by the relevant administrations and contracting authorities within the scope of individual economic frameworks. 3 For example, with the ‘Next generation Behavioural Public Administration in Italy’ project in Italy, the TSI is supporting the Department of Public Administration to improve the planning process for Italian administrations, especially at the regional and local level through their PIAO (Piano Integrato di Attività e Organizzazione) plans. Improving the PIAO process for regional and local authorities helps them set clearer priorities, convert them into feasible initiatives with measurable targets and accountability, and align people, skills, and organisation to improve their implementation capacity. 4 Operational details on these opportunities can be found in the programme website: https://www.euroinfosicilia.it/bandi-e-avvisi-pr-fesr-21-27/. 5 The National Programme allocates EUR 1.9 billion out of its total ESF+ budget of EUR 2.7 billion to the south of Italy. 6 Including local network contacts in Sicily: Local contact points in Italy | Enterprise Europe Network: https://een.ec.europa.eu/local-contact-points/it. 7 Calls for proposals - European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA):”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2026-01-07 “E-000034/2026 Answer given by Mr Hoekstra on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware that the Industrial Emissions Portal Regulation (IEPR) 1 provides aggregated information on fluorinated gases (F-gases), including any reported emissions from facilities in Sicily. The Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases 2 has reinforced rules on measures to be taken to prevent emissions for all F-gases. Intentional emissions are prohibited, and operators need to take all measures that are technically and economically feasible to prevent emissions that are technically necessary for the intended use. Similarly, all necessary precautions to prevent release need to be taken during production, storage, transport and transfer of gases, and leakage needs to be minimised and repaired when detected. A strong legal framework for the covered gases is therefore firmly in place. The Commission does not have any infringement cases against Italy in relation to the F-gas Regulation. Four Member States and Norway submitted a restriction dossier covering all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) 3 . The scientific assessment is on-going at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the Commission will receive an opinion by the end of 2026. The Commission will prepare a restriction proposal as soon as possible after receiving the opinion. This restriction will complement existing ones on PFAS such as the restriction on PFHxA, adopted in 2024 or the restriction of PFAS in firefighting foams adopted in 2025. 1 The Industrial Emissions Portal Regulation (IEPR) replaced the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Regulation (E-PRTR). http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1244/oj. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/573/oj/eng. 3 Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02006R1907-20250901).”
  Air quality policy
• 2026-01-07 “E-000033/2026 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Waste Framework Directive 1 requires Member States to ensure that waste management protects health and the environment. Waste treatment operators must have permits 2 and are subject to regular inspections by competent authorities 3 . Where waste is disposed of in landfills, strict operational and technical rules apply to protect surface water, groundwater, soil and air, and to prevent risks to human health throughout the landfill’s life cycle 4 . While certain landfills 5 must comply with the obligations set out in Chapter II of the Industrial Emissions Directive 6 (IED), the landfill in question was not reported by Italy as being covered by the IED. Liability regarding the environmental consequences of accidents and incidents is primarily a matter of national law. However, the Environmental Liability Directive 7 requires polluters to remedy any significant damage they have caused to environmental resources and to act preventively in case of an immediate threat of such damage. National authorities must investigate cases of environmental damage. Interested or (likely to be) affected parties can require the competent national authorities to act. To this end, they should submit their observations to the authorities with supporting evidence. Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of EU law and enforce it. Individual cases like the one in question are better addressed at national level, where national authorities (including national courts) are best placed to ascertain whether there was a breach of EU environmental law. In line with its strategic approach on enforcement action, the Commission focuses on systemic non-compliance 8 , including under the EU Environmental Crime Directive 9 . 1 Article 13 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 109–140. 2 Article 23 of Directive 2008/98/EC. 3 Article 34 of Directive 2008/98/EC. 4 Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste, OJ L 182, 16.7.1999, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 100–108. 5 Under point 5.4 of Annex I to Directive 2010/75/EU, landfills receiving more than 10 tonnes of waste per day or with a total capacity exceeding 25 000 tonnes, excluding landfills of inert waste. 6 Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control), OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, as amended by Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 OJ L, 15.7.2024. 7 Directive 2004/35/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage, OJ L 143, 30.4.2004. 8 As set out in the Communication of 19 January 2017: EU law: Better results through better application C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10–20 and in the Communication of 13 October 2022: COM(2022) 518 final - Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers. 9 Directive 2008/99/EC and Directive (EU) 2024/1203 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on the protection of the environment through criminal law and replacing Directives 2008/99/EC and 2009/123/EC, OJ L, 2024/1203, 30.4.2024; the transposition deadline of the latter Directive is 21 May 2026.”
  Water pollution · Industrial emissions directive (IED) · Air quality policy
• 2025-11-17 “E-004570/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to ensuring a just transition towards a climate-neutral economy, taking into account environmental, economic, and social aspects. In the 2021-2027 period, the Just Transition Mechanism allocates around EUR 55 billion to mitigate the impacts of the transition. The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a key pillar of the Mechanism with a total allocation of about EUR 19.7 billion. The Commission's proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework continues to address the just transition. This is reflected in specific objective 1, ‘Europe sustainable prosperity across all regions’ point iii) of the proposed European Economic, Territorial, Social, Rural and Maritime Sustainable Prosperity and Security Fund. The introduction of greater flexibility through the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRP Plans) will enable Member States to support the transition of carbon-intensive industrial centres -such as Syracuse- currently not covered by the JTF. Member States may design territorial just transition strategies that include these areas, provided that their needs are clearly identified and justified in the NRP Plan. The involvement of local authorities, social partners and businesses will remain key, as the partnership principle will continue to apply.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-11-11 “E-004465/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is not aware of any official information from the concerned company indicating the suspension of the expanded access programme (so called compassionate use) in Italy or other Member States. It should be noted that Tarlatamab is currently undergoing the scientific evaluation for a marketing authorisation in the EU, as shown by the agenda of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use meeting on 10-13 November 2025 1 . The Commission is committed to addressing the issue of access to innovative and affordable medicines for all EU citizens, while respecting the competence and decisions of Member States on pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The adopted proposal for a reform of the general pharmaceutical legislation 2 will strengthen patients’ access to medicines by streamlining administrative requirements and shortening timelines. Other measures such as simplified procedures, support for small and medium enterprises, and reorganisation of the EMA aim to improve the availability of innovative medicines in all Member States. In addition, the proposed Critical Medicines Act provides for voluntary collaborative procurement of critical medicines and other medicines of common interest, which could include innovative cancer treatments, subject to certain thresholds and criteria. The Commission also supports the cooperation among Member States on pricing, payment and procurement policies, for instance through the National Competent Authorities on Pricing and Reimbursement and Public Healthcare Payers (NCAPR). 1 See the Agenda and Annex to Agenda of that 10-13 November 2025 meeting: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/agenda/agenda-chmp-meeting-10-13-november-2025_en.pdf. 2 COM/2023/193 final and COM/2023/192 final.”
  Pharmaceuticals regulation in EU · EU policy against medicines shortages
• 2025-11-05 “E-004363/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission In accordance with the recast Drinking Water Directive 1 provisions, which Italy has transposed into national legislation, Member States must ensure that information on the price of drinking water is provided to the consumers, for instance by means of an invoice. In the case of water suppliers providing more than 10 000 m³ per day or serving at least 50 000 people, information on prices must be made accessible online, in a user friendly and customised way and information on the structure of the tariff has to be provided annually. As regards compliance with the Concessions Directive 2 , the Commission is not in a position to make an assessment based on the available information. The Commission services stand ready, however, to receive and examine further information. The Commission will assess the completion of the projects financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) 3 in line with the requirements embedded in the relevant milestones and targets as outlined in the Annex to the Council Implementing Decision on the approval of Italy’s recovery and resilience plan (RRP) 4 . Servizi Idrici Etnei may be a beneficiary of some projects under investment M2C4.I4.2, reduction of losses in water distribution networks, including digitisation and monitoring of networks, whose last target will be assessed in the context of the ninth payment request submitted by Italy at the end of 2025. Member States’ authorities are responsible for the selection of the projects financed under the RRF and are primarily responsible to ensure the compliance of the specific projects undertaken in the context of their national RRP with national and EU law. 1 Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast), OJ L 435, 23.12.2020, p. 1–62. 2 Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, pp. 1–64. 3 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget · EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
• 2025-11-05 “E-004360/2025 Answer given by Mr Micallef on behalf of the European Commission Youthpass may be obtained for participation in a wide range of learning-oriented activities supported by Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps, including formats that are much shorter than the minimum duration required for the Italian universal civil service and formats that are not related to volunteering. Solidarity activities supported by the European Solidarity Corps – currently the main EUlevel framework for youth volunteering – are intended to complement, rather than replicate, national level schemes. Although volunteering supported by the European Solidarity Corps and the Italian universal civil service may pursue similar objectives, differences in duration and scope mean they are not directly comparable and do not justify automatic equivalence. With respect to volunteering, the aim of the Youthpass certificate is to ensure that a volunteer's experience in one EU country is recognised and valued in others. As such, the full version of the Youthpass already contains information that may permit the relevant national authorities to grant or refuse functional equivalence between the experience acquired by a Youthpass holder and that of a participant in a national solidarity or civil service scheme, on a case-by-case basis.”
  EU volunteering programs
• 2025-11-05 “E-004361/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission takes note of the specific events described in the Honourable Member’s question. Italian municipalities are free to organise open and transparent selection procedures for the assignment of ‘beach concessions’. A number of such procedures have already been undertaken and in some cases finalised. While it is the primary responsibility of national authorities to ensure that these procedures are carried out in specific cases, the Commission as guardian of the Treaties, monitors the implementation of EU law by the Member States and is committed to ensuring the consistency of general provisions with EU law. In this regard, the Commission can confirm that infringement procedure INFR(2020)4118 1 is open and that discussions with the Italian authorities are ongoing. The aim of infringement procedure INFR(2020)4118 is to ensure that Italian legislation fully aligns with the requirements of EU law, also in light of the wellestablished case-law of the Court of Justice. 1 Public Register Infringement Decisions (https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?lang_code=en&langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byCase&refId=INFR(2020)4118&page= 1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=refId).”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• 2025-11-05 “E-004362/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission In its replies to written questions E-001957/2025, E-002570/2025 and E-004345/2025, the Commission described the EU level measures to address the threat of synthetic opioids, notably to help the competent authorities in detecting these substances in drug-related deaths. The Commission proposal for a Regulation establishing the Union support for internal security 1 provides an indicative financial envelope of EUR 6.8 billion for the period 20282034. According to the proposal, the EU support should contribute to strengthen the EU and Member States’ capabilities to prevent and combat serious and organised crime, online and offline, and to improve operational law enforcement cooperation. The EU Drugs Strategy 2 and EU Action Plan against drug trafficking 3 adopted on 4 December 2025 contain measures addressing challenges posed by synthetic opioids, including nitazenes. The EU Drugs Agency and its network of laboratories will notably establish a comprehensive, EU-wide substance database for reference materials to help law enforcement perform on-thespot identification of drugs 4 . The Action Plan addresses online drug trafficking, notably by proposing to step up the role of the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation on the systematic monitoring of drug markets and of the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training to deliver training to identify and combat drug-related activities across digital platforms. In addition, the EU will strengthen cooperation with technology companies within the EU Internet Forum 5 and ensure that online intermediaries enforce their due diligence obligations under the Digital Services Act 6 . Moreover, the Commission will create a dedicated EU-level forum to strengthen publicprivate cooperation to improve the detection and disruption of drug trafficking via post and parcel services sectors 7 . 1 COM(2025) 542 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025PC0542. 2 COM(2025) 743 final, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/44305b12-34e4-4a4e-b1b5812453ae069d_en?filename=EU%20Drugs%20Strategy.pdf. 3 COM(2025) 744 final, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/6cd0d358-45f6-44db-8ba677adb900b6c0_en?filename=EU%20Action%20Plan%20against%20drug%20trafficking.pdf. 4 Action 14 of the Action Plan against drug trafficking. 5 Action 10 of the Action Plan against drug trafficking. 6 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act), OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, pp. 1–102. 7 Action 6 of the Action Plan against drug trafficking.”
  Regulation of drug precursors in the EU · EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2025-10-17 “E-004099/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission Eurostat’s employment data confirm the positive trend observed in Italy since the start of the post-COVID recovery, with employment rates increasing everywhere across the country, reaching a record-level rate of 67.1% among people aged 20-64 nationally in 2024. Despite this growth, the employment rate at national level, not only for Sicily and southern regions, remains still far below the EU average. As highlighted by the Country Report 2025 1 , regional disparities are particularly pronounced 2 and result from structural weaknesses in southern regions and a prevalence of smaller, less competitive and less innovative firms offering fewer job opportunities. Supporting Member States and regions achieving high employment levels is part of the ESF+ general objective, as indicated by Article 3(1) of the ESF+ Regulation 3 . Under specific objectives set out in article 4(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/1057, ESF+ programmes can support improving access to employment and activation measures for all jobseekers, unemployed and inactive people outside the labour force. Moreover, Italy is also required 4 to target at least 12,5 % of its ESF+ resources to dedicated actions and structural reforms for youth employment, vocational education and training 5 . At 73%, Italy’s 2030 employment rate target remains substantially above current levels, calling for continued efforts. As indicated in the Country Report 2025, Italy should work towards reaching its 2030 target for example by better using the potential of underrepresented groups through a more effective active labour market policy system, addressing skills mismatches and labour shortages, shifting taxation away from labour, improving job quality as well as women’s participation in the labour market through access to quality childcare and long-term care. 1 https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b1061802-4b9c-4ecb-9a38d6fa9d7ef64d_en?filename=IT_CR_SWD_2025_212_1_EN_autre_document_travail_service_part1_v3.pdf. 2 In 2024, the employment rate between the North-East and the South regions recorded a gap of 22.5 pps. 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1296/2013. 4 In accordance with art. 7(6) of the ESF+ Regulation. 5 Around 40% of the overall ESF+ allocation of the regional programme ESF+ Sicily 2021-27 (i.e. EUR 430.8 million on a total budget of EUR 1 061 million) pursues these goals.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-10-17 “E-004100/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The protection and empowerment of children online, as well as offline, is a key priority for the Commission. The guidelines on the protection of minors 1 under the Digital Services Act 2 provide a concrete set of measures that providers of online platforms accessible to minors can implement to meet their legal obligation to provide a high level of privacy, safety, and security for children and teenagers on their services. For example, platforms should hide children’s personal information, data, and social media content from accounts they are not connected with. In light of the quickly evolving technologies and societal factors, a review of these guidelines is planned for 2026. Several Member States have called for an EU-level digital age of majority. The Commission is convening a panel of experts to advise the President of the European Commission on the EU’s approach to a potential social media age restriction for minors. The Commission supports digital education for families through the Better Internet for Kids strategy 3 (BIK+) by providing freely accessible resources and learning modules for parents and caregivers, covering topics such as online safety, gaming, and parental controls. Through the EU funded BIK+ portal and the EU co-funded network of Safer Internet Centres in Member States, families can access guidance, practical tips, and localised training. Moreover, the Digital Education Action Plan 4 (2021-2027) focuses on strengthening digital skills and competences, including digital literacy. In early 2026, the Commission will publish updated guidelines for teachers and educators on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy through education and training with a focus on social media and influencers 5 . 1 Commission publishes guidelines on the protection of minors | Shaping Europe’s digital future https://digitalstrategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/commission-publishes-guidelines-protection-minors. 2 Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32022R2065. 3 Home - Better Internet for Kids https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en . 4 Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 - European Education Area https://education.ec.europa.eu/focustopics/digital-education/actions. 5 Guidelines for teachers to foster digital literacy and tackle disinformation - European Education Area https://education.ec.europa.eu/focus-topics/digital-education/action-plan/guidelines-for-teachers-to-fosterdigital-literacy-and-tackle-disinformation .”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online · Privacy & detection of online child abuse
• 2025-10-15 “E-004038/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is firmly engaged in stepping up the fight against online piracy which continues being a major threat to European creative and media ecosystems. For instance, the Commission adopted in May 2023 the Recommendation on combating online piracy of sport and other live events 1 . The Commission will soon present its assessment of the effects of the Recommendation. On that basis, the Commission will examine if additional measures are needed at EU level, including to address infringements of other type of copyright-protected content and to increase cross-border cooperation between national authorities. The Digital Services Act (DSA) 2 , which includes measures for combating illegal content online, further supports efforts to streamline removal processes and increase transparency and accountability of online platforms. Moreover, the Commission is directly enforcing the DSA vis-à-vis the providers of designated very large online platforms (VLOPs) and, where necessary, takes steps to ensure that these providers comply with the regulation. The DSA does not set out what is considered illegal content. In its fight against online piracy, the Commission is supported by the European Union Intellectual Property Office which regularly collects and publishes data related to infringements of intellectual property rights, covering, among others, publications 3 . 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=PI_COM:C(2023)2853. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:4625430. 3 https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/publications/online-copyright-infringement-in-the-european-union-filmsmusic-publications-software-and-tv-2017-2023.”
  Privacy & law enforcement · Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content
• 2025-10-09 “E-003977/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The effective implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) 1 is a priority for the Commission. It is carrying out a dialogue with all Member States to make sure that their legal and institutional frameworks are aligned with the EMFA and facilitate its application at national level. This dialogue concerns all relevant aspects of the EMFA, including the rules on media ownership transparency and media market concentrations. The responsibility for ensuring that the media sector can provide independent and pluralistic information while competing in open and efficient markets lies primarily with Member States. EU State aid rules clarify the conditions under which public support may be granted by Member States, and the Commission has approved a significant number of aid schemes for the press sector. Moreover, through programmes such as Creative Europe 2 , the EU provides funding to foster media innovation and resilience. Initiatives such as the Journalism Partnerships action 3 (the yearly call for proposals is currently open) encourages media to collaborate and test business models to strengthen their financial independence. Looking ahead, the Commission will reinforce financial support for journalism under the new Media Resilience Programme, which will bridge current support to media with the increased funding proposed in the new Multiannual Financial Framework. The Commission is monitoring the implementation of press publishers’ rights across the EU. The effectiveness of the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market 4 will be assessed, taking into account market developments. The Commission is also monitoring under competition rules conducts from dominant platforms that might affect publishers. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1083, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1083. 2 https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe. 3 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/funding/call-proposals-journalism-partnerships-collaborations-2026. 4 Directive (EU) 2019/790, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/790/oj/eng.”
  EU support for traditional (non-digital) media
• 2025-10-01 “E-003808/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission Sicily’s programme 2021-2027 allocates EUR 147 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 1 to waste management, including to build new or modernise existing recycling plants but excluding incineration and landfill facilities. According to the Managing Authority no projects have been selected under the programme. The Italian Recovery and Resilience programme excludes activities related to landfills, incinerators 2 and mechanical biological treatment plants 3 . Sicily’s updated ordinary waste management plan (WMP) was notified in February 2025, and the special WMP was notified in October 2025. The Commission is in dialogue with the region of Sicily to finalise the plans and ensure they fulfil the ERDF enabling condition ‘2.6. Updated planning for waste management’. The Commission will not reimburse any expenditure related to this objective until the enabling condition is met 4 . Member States can apply for technical support to design and implement reforms 5 . EU waste legislation aims to reduce incineration and landfilling 6 at Union level. Member States must fulfil the EU legal requirements, including to establish an integrated and adequate network of waste disposal or recovery installations, as referred to by the principles of selfsufficiency and proximity 7 . The waste Early Warning Report 8 evaluates Member States’ risk of not attaining the 2025 municipal waste and packaging targets. Italy was not considered at risk of not reaching these targets. More details about the situation in the Italy are available in 1 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regionaldevelopment-fund-erdf_en. 2 This exclusion may not apply to actions in plants exclusively dedicated to treating non-recyclable hazardous waste, and to existing plants, where the actions are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency, capturing exhaust gases for storage or use or recovering materials from incineration ashes, provided such actions do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants. 3 This exclusion may not apply to actions in existing mechanical biological treatment plants, where the actions are for the purpose of increasing energy efficiency or retrofitting to recycling operations of separated waste to compost bio-waste and anaerobic digestion of bio-waste, provided such actions do not result in an increase of the plants’ waste processing capacity or in an extension of the lifetime of the plants. 4 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy. 5 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/technical-supportinstrument/technical-support-instrument-tsi_en. 6 Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste, OJ L 182, 16.7.1999, p. 1–19, amended by Directive (EU) 2018/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 100–108. 7 Article 16 of the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3–30, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 109–140. 8 Waste Early Warning Report EUR-Lex - 52023DC0304 - EN - EUR-Lex, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52023DC0304.”
  EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding · Circular economy
• 2025-10-01 “E-003807/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 1 supports Member States and regions in improving water management systems and infrastructure. Under the Regional Programme Sicily ERDF 2021-2027, EUR 154 million have been allocated to support sustainable water management 2 . Data transmitted by the managing authority to the Commission indicate that 3 around 84% of the resources were allocated to 17 projects, and the expenditure at the level of beneficiaries reached 68% of the allocation. The Mid-term Review of cohesion policy includes water resilience among its priorities 4 . The Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) includes four investments in the water sector in component M2C4. The Commission does not decide on the allocation of projects across regions 5 , but assesses the implementation of measures based on the Annex to the Council Implementing Decision on the Italian RRP 6 . The final targets for those investments are due by the second quarter of 2026 and will be assessed in the context of the tenth payment request. The Commission adopted a report 7 on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive 8 and the Floods Directive 9 , which is accompanied by country-specific staff working documents for each Member State, including Italy 10 . The Commission identified some challenges and gaps and established country-specific recommendations to ensure all necessary efforts are taken to ensure compliance. As outlined in the Water Resilience Strategy 11 and building on these findings and recommendations the Commission will engage in ‘Structured Dialogues’ with each Member State to work jointly towards enhancing implementation of the EU legislation by overcoming the root causes of the implementation deficits. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regionaldevelopment-fund-erdf_en. 2 These investments concern new and upgraded water supply networks, improvements to reservoirs and the reuse of wastewater. 3 At the end of August 2025. 4 This includes the possibility to step up investments in water, including in water reuse for non-agricultural purposes, blue biotechnology, infrastructure for addressing water stress and drought prevention, the deployment of nature-based solutions, the ecological restoration of freshwater ecosystems, and the improvement of wastewater treatment. Further information are available at: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/informationsources/publications/communications/2025/a-modernised-cohesion-policy-the-mid-term-review_en. 5 Which falls under the remit of the Member State. 6 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/10d790a3-f955-4377-aa97b3f74d3d179d_en?filename=COM_2025_285_1_EN_annexe_proposition_cp_part1_v3.pdf. 7 On 4 February 2025, COM/2025/2 final. 8 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1–73, as amended by Commission Directive 2014/101/EU of 30 October 2014, OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 32–35. 9 Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on the assessment and management of flood risks, OJ L 288, 6.11.2007, pp. 27–34. 10 SWD(2025) 18 final. 11 https://commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/water-resilience-strategy_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-07-15 “E-002903/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission enforces EU laws and upholds the Treaties, as ‘guardian of the Treaties’. Infringement procedures are a bilateral process between the Commission and the central government of the Member State concerned. The Member State alone is responsible under Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union for compliance with the obligations arising under EU law. There are currently 69 ongoing infringement procedures against Italy. Since 2012, Italy has paid EUR 1.2 billion following judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union in infringement procedures imposing financial sanctions against Italy 1 . The Commission publishes press releases on all important decisions in infringement procedures, providing key information on the specific case, including on the involvement of regions, where particularly relevant. Ongoing infringement procedures with recent decisions that involve the region of Sicily concern the implementation of electronic tolling 2 and the management of the spread of invasive alien species 3 . In March 2025, the Court of Justice imposed financial sanctions against Italy over urban waste water treatment 4 . 2. The Commission ensures a high level of transparency and public information of its enforcement action. Apart from a press package with every infringement cycle, all infringement decisions are published in a public register 5 , updated in real time. In April 2025, the Commission launched a new Europa webpage 6 that offers more user-friendly information on infringement cases, including maps and customisable graphs. As regards financial sanctions, it is the prerogative of the Court of Justice of the European Union to determine and impose them on Member States, based on a request by the Commission. The amounts are published in the Court’s judgments. The Commission’s public register also makes it possible to search infringement cases in which sanctions have been imposed. 1 Payments relate to ongoing and closed cases, and amounts are definitive only after the exhaustion of all legal remedies. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_2745. 3 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_25_1241. 4 For failing to comply with its collection and treatment obligations for four agglomerations, three of which are in Sicily, cf. Case C-515/23. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/search-infringementdecisions/?typeOfSearch=byCase&activeCase=true&langCode=EN. 6 https://ec.europa.eu/implementing-eu-law/member-state-infringement-cases/en.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions · EU engagement with civil society
• 2025-07-15 “E-002902/2025 Answer given by Mr Serafin on behalf of the European Commission Pursuant to Article 22 of the Regulation 2021/241 on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) 1 , Member States are primarily responsible for protecting the financial interests of the EU with regard to the RRF funds. In Italy, the body designated to audit the RRF funds ex ante is distinct from the Italian Court of Auditors. This body is the Ispettorato Generale per il PNRR, located within the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Nonetheless, the Italian Court of Auditors is part of the governance of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The Italian Court of Auditors may carry out ex post audits on a risk basis and on the expenses linked to the RRF (not on compliance with milestones and targets). The Commission will assess the compatibility of this reform, which aims to boost the effectiveness of administrative action by mitigating the chilling effect associated with the risk of liability 2 , with obligations laid down in Article 22 of the RRF Regulation once the bill is adopted. Once a Member State adopts provisions that may relate to its audit and control arrangements, the Commission reassesses these arrangements, in light of the requirements of the Regulation, and may launch system audits, review reports or corrective measures. If the revised arrangements are considered inadequate, the Commission may downgrade the rating 3 of the RRF Plan, in which case no more payment can be made to the Member State until the related weaknesses or deficiencies have been addressed. In shared management, the Commission can impose financial corrections under the Common Provisions Regulation 4 or Common Agricultural Policy if the reform undermines the management and control systems used. Moreover, the European Anti-Fraud Office and European Public Prosecutor's Office carry out investigations related to fraudulent activities and other serious crimes or irregularities, each within the scope of their respective competence. The Commission can also act under the Conditionality Regulation 5 if a breach of the principles of the rule of law affects or risks affecting the EU’s financial interests, if there is no other instrument that can protect the EU budget more effectively, and if the other conditions of that Regulation are fulfilled. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0241. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/9ccf6a60-8e2f-4193-868b30a24c9e37e0_en?filename=16_1_63949_coun_chap_italy_en.pdf. 3 Against the criteria 2.10 of Annex V of the RRF Regulation. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R1060. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32020R2092.”
  Rule of law and democracy in the EU (political compass) · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-07-04 “E-002741/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Ribera on behalf of the European Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2831 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid was adopted in 2023, entered into force on 1 January 2024 and will apply until 31 December 2030. It is based on a thorough evaluation conducted in 2020 and wide stakeholders’ consultation prior to the adoption. De minimis aid may be cumulated with State aid granted under another legal basis (most notably the General Block Exemption Regulation - Commission Regulation (EU) 651/2014) but the beneficiary company cannot receive State aid for the same costs twice. When complying with these cumulation rules, Member States are allowed to grant State aid to address regional disparities in line with the General Block Exemption Regulation. Before its expiry in 2030, the Commission will assess whether and how the Regulation should be revised, in line with the Better Regulation rules. Solid data allowing this review will be available when all Member States have a register of de minimis support. A central register will become mandatory as of 1 January 2026 allowing for reliable data to be available by the time of the next review. As it was the case in 2023, the Commission will assess whether the threshold or other conditions should be reviewed and, to that end consult the relevant stakeholders, including Member States, regions, companies and wider public.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-07-01 “E-002677/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Firearms Directive 1 aims to ensure the security of citizens in the EU by setting minimum standards for the acquisition, possession and commercial exchange of firearms. In order to prevent potential discrepancies due to incorrect transposition into national law, it is crucial that the Member States implement the Firearms Directive in a correct manner. Italy notified the complete transposition of the Firearms Directive in 2018. After a thorough review of the notified legislation on firearms, the Commission determined that the laws do not yet fully transpose the Directive’s provisions. Therefore, the Commission launched an infringement procedure against Italy on 18 June 2025 2 . Italy has two months to respond and address the remarks raised by the Commission. In the absence of a satisfactory response, the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion. To maintain an adequate level of confidentiality on the ongoing infringement procedure, the Commission is currently unable to provide further specific information on this procedure. 1 Directive (EU) 2021/555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons (codification), OJ L 115, 6.4.2021, p. 1–25. 2 INFR(2025)2070.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2025-07-01 “E-002676/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission As part of the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed 1 adopted in 2019 encourages Member States to ensure access to adequate and effective social protection to all workers, including those in non-standard form of employment such as temporary contracts. This covers a broad range of social security branches, including old-age benefits. The Commission supports Member States in their implementation efforts through a dedicated monitoring framework with agreed common indicators, as well as through the Technical Support Instrument and targeted mutual learning opportunities. Moreover, the EU also provides country analysis and guidance, including on pension policies, within the European Semester economic coordination cycle 2 . In this context, the Commission monitors employment and social policies of the Member States, including Italy, and addresses specific recommendations linked to in-work poverty. While pension policy and legislation are decided and implemented predominantly at national level, the EU supports national efforts to ensure a high level of social protection, including pension adequacy. It is up to the national authorities to determine and adapt the details of the different national pension schemes to provide adequate income in old age. To assist in this effort, in 2022 the Social Protection Committee approved a benchmarking framework on pension adequacy 3 . 1 Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed: https://eurlex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019H1115(01). 2 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/european-semester_en. 3 https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/social-protection-social-inclusion/socialprotection-committee/indicators-sub-group/monitoring-and-benchmarking-frameworks_en.”
  EU policy on permanent and fixed-term employment · EU policy on aging workforce and pensions
• 2025-06-23 “E-002506/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission Local communities or local actors can submit proposals for addressing various environmental and climate issues to several funds and programmes tailored to provide support. A guide to help applicants to choose the most suitable programme for financially supporting their proposals is available online 1 . The EU programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) 2 provides financial support for projects that address various environmental and climate issues and related risks. LIFE projects are awarded following annual calls for proposals 3 , open to all types of beneficiaries (i.e. public and private entities, business and non-governmental organisations, research, cities and local authorities). LIFE projects have a bottom-up approach and are developed in close collaboration with local communities. A project addressing hydrogeological instability, managing natural risks and enhancing natural capital in crossborder areas across Member States, as well as sharing knowledge and best practices in these areas can be eligible for funding. The Commission has proposed to continue providing for funding for such LIFE actions also under its proposals for a new Multiannual Financial Framework 4 of 16 July 2025. Interreg programmes 5 support cooperation projects and partnerships in cross border areas that cover also risk prevention and management with joint investments in capacities, knowledge, methodologies for more climate resilient territories, including in mountain areas. Raising population awareness, with particular attention to local communities and young people, is also promoted. Programmes France-Italy (ALCOTRA) 6 and Alpine Space 7 both cover the Province of Cuneo. These operations can also be supported from the Cohesion policy Structural Funds 8 , notably the European Regional Development Fund pursues a specific objective of sustainable water management 9 . The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme 10 helps people make their voices heard and increase inclusion and democratic participation. Through calls for proposals 1 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/cba047ab-b6a6-11ef-91ed-01aa75ed71a1. 2 https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en. 3 https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life-calls-proposals-2025_en. 4 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-budget/eu-budget-2028-2034_en. 5 https://interreg.eu/. 6 https://www.interreg-alcotra.eu/fr/presentation-duprogramme#:~:text=Interreg%20ALCOTRA%20est%20un%20programme%20financ%C3%A9%20par%20l%E 2%80%99Union,la%20coh%C3%A9sion%20entre%20r%C3%A9gions%20frontali%C3%A8res%20fran%C3% A7aises%20et%20italiennes. 7 https://www.alpine-space.eu/. 8 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/whats-new/newsroom/31-01-2023-eu-cohesion-policy-europeanstructural-and-investment-funds-supported-smes-employment-of-millions-of-people-and-clean-energyproduction_en. 9 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regionaldevelopment-fund-erdf_en. 10 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/citizens-equality-rightsand-values-programme/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme-overview_en.”
  Climate efforts · EU engagement with youth
• 2025-06-23 “E-002505/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Italian authorities have confirmed, in the context of procedure INFR(2014)4231, that the practice of call-ups of discontinuous volunteer firefighters has ceased since the end of 2024. The tasks previously assigned to these workers will be discharged by permanent firefighters who have been newly recruited for that purpose. Consequently, the Commission considers that there are no grounds for pursuing further the issues of less favourable treatment of discontinuous firefighters and of misuse of successive fixed-term employment relationships with them. The Commission has informed the complainants accordingly 1 . The Commission notes that it follows from settled case law that the framework agreement on fixed-term work 2 does not lay down a general obligation to provide for the conversion of fixed-term employment contracts into contracts of indefinite duration 3 . 1 By means of updates published on 4 March 2025 and on 12 June 2025 on the Commission’s multiple complaint website: https://commission.europa.eu/about/contact/problems-and-complaints/complaints-about-breaches-eulaw-member-states/multiple-complaints_en. 2 Annexed to Council Directive 1999/70/EC of 28 June 1999 concerning the framework agreement on fixed-term work concluded by ETUC, UNICE and CEEP (OJ L 175, 10.7.1999, p. 43). 3 See, for example, judgment of 7 April 2022 in case C-236/20, PG, ECLI:EU:C:2022:263, paragraph 60.”
  EU policy on permanent and fixed-term employment · EU competences on social policies
• 2025-06-17 “E-002437/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is implemented according to the shared management principle. The Member States implement programmes, providing these funds to beneficiaries and final recipients. The Member States have the primary responsibility for setting up a management and control system which comply with the requirements of the regulations, ensuring that this system functions thus preventing, detecting and correcting irregularities. The Commission is involved in programmes’ monitoring, as well as committing and paying out approved expenditures and verifying the control systems. Article 91(1) of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) 1 indicates the responsibility to submit payment applications falls on the Member States. The Commission reimburses these payments ex post, according to the rules established by Article 93 CPR, once expenditures have been incurred by a beneficiary and paid by the Member States. It is the responsibility of the national managing authority to verify the eligibility. This verification is in turn subject to multilevel controls 2 that, at the moment, have not identified any irregularities, or such have not been communicated yet. Article 74(1) of the CPR establishes a timeframe of 80 days for the payment to beneficiaries, 3 but not for the payment to project participants. In the case at stake, according to the information available, the workers can be identified as project participants, thus they are not subject to the 80 days' timeframe indicated by the CPR but to national rules. 1 Regulation (EU) No 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 – Common Provision Regulation - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj/eng. 2 Controls performed by the Audit Authority of the programme itself and by auditors of the Commission services. 3 ‘The managing authority shall ensure, subject to the availability of funding, that a beneficiary receives the amount due in full and no later than 80 days from the date of submission of the payment claim by the beneficiary […]’.”
  EU policy on social criteria in public funding · EU expenditure on social policy
• 2025-06-17 “E-002436/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission cannot communicate on potential information submitted by Member States, beyond what is publicly available. 2. According to EU rules 1 , a Member State may impose a public service obligation (PSO) between an airport in the EU and an airport serving a peripheral or development region in its territory or on a thin route to any airport on its territory considered vital for the economic and social development of the region. By imposing a PSO, the Member State can set fixed standards of continuity, regularity, pricing or minimum capacity, if the market itself does not deliver an acceptable level of air services to such regions. Italy has imposed PSOs on the routes Comiso-Rome and Comiso-Milan from 1 November 2025 2 . The tender 3 , aimed at selecting the operator(s) of the PSO routes, is on-going. The Commission is not aware of any delays in the tender procedure. 3. The Commission supports airports in their green transition, in particular to incentivise the deployment of renewable and low-carbon fuels, feeding stationary aircrafts with electricity, and greening ground movements at airports. EU funding is provided through a number of instruments, notably the Framework Programme for research and innovation (Horizon Europe 4 ), the Connecting Europe Facility 5 , the InvestEU programme 6 (in cooperation with European Investment Bank and other implementing partners), the Innovation Fund 7 , and the Structural Funds (for investments at regional airports and in outermost regions aimed at environmental impact mitigation, as well as security, safety, and air traffic management systems). 1 Article 16 of Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 September 2008 on common rules for the operation of air services in the Community, OJ L 293, 31.10.2008, p. 3–20. 2 See information notice (C/2025/2268) published in the EU Official Journal on 11 April 2025. 3 See information notices (C/2025/2273 and C/2025/2275) published in the EU Official Journal on 11 April 2025. 4 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-opencalls/horizon-europe_en. 5 Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014 (Text with EEA relevance), OJ L 249, 14/07/2021, p. 38–81. 6 https://investeu.europa.eu/index_en. 7 https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-funding-climate-action/innovation-fund_en.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-05-22 “E-002068/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recognises the concerns raised about the agromafia and its impact on the agri-food sector. The Commission is already gathering relevant data through the work of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation and the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation in the context of serious and organised crime. In addition, the Commission can rely on the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the European AntiFraud Office, in cases of crimes affecting the EU’s financial interests, including cases of food fraud involving serious health risks. Moreover, Italy’s 2014–2020 European Regional Development Fund National Programme for Legality funds tools to detect and monitor criminal activity that blocks development, helping to identify crime areas in less developed regions. The Commission recognises the need to strengthen cooperation among national authorities in the fight against organised crime, including the phenomenon of agromafia. In response, the ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy 1 places the fight against organised crime prominent in its approach. As part of this Strategy, the Commission will propose in 2026 new rules to reinforce the EU’s capacity to combat organised crime, providing Member States with more effective tools to address all forms of serious and organised criminal activity, including agromafia. The Commission also urges Member States to swiftly transpose the Directive on asset recovery and confiscation 2 , adopted in May 2024. This Directive introduces more robust measures for the systematic detection, freezing, and confiscation of criminal assets, including in cases of unexplained wealth. It enhances Member States powers to disrupt criminal enterprises, including those linked to agromafia. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM%3A2025%3A0148%3AFIN. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1260/oj/eng.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters · Environmental crimes and justice
• 2025-05-16 “E-001981/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Commission acknowledges the situation regarding school canteens in Sicily and is working closely with Italy to ensure the effective implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan 1 . Investment 1.2 2 supports the construction or renovation of canteen spaces for at least 1 000 structures 3 . This would allow schools to extend school time, increase the educational offer and keep schools open beyond school hours. The Commission will assess its implementation via the target for ‘Structures to host students beyond school time’ 4 , whose completion is expected by Q2 2026. The European Social Fund + (ESF+) regional programme (RP) in Sicily contributes to combat education poverty and improve access to essential services. Under its specific objective 4.5 5 , the RP launched in 2023 the call ‘Open schools for the territory’ 6 , making available EUR 27 million 7 to enhance training provision, supporting students at risk of failure and dropout, and promoting schools as cultural hubs. The call also supports access to school canteens, covering the costs of meals for students participating to afternoon activities. The ESF+ contributes to the implementation of the Child Guarantee through targeted actions and structural reforms to tackle child poverty. To this end, Italy has earmarked EUR 1.1 billion of ESF+ resources, with roughly EUR 25 million 8 to be invested in Sicily. The Commission regularly monitors these funds to ensure goals are met. Member States have developed national plans for the Child Guarantee, also overseen by the Commission. Through these efforts, the ESF+ strives to break the cycle of poverty and provide every child with equal opportunities, a crucial aspect for the effective implementation of the Child Guarantee, particularly in regions like Sicily. 1 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en. 2 Plan for the extension of full-time under Mission 4, Component 1. 3 The Council Implementing Decision (CID) does not envisage a specific distribution of such structures across Italian regions. It is therefore within the Member State’s remit to decide the allocation of such structures over the national territory. 4 M4C1-21, part of the 10 th payment request: ‘At least 1 000 structures are built or upgraded to facilitate the extension of school time and the opening of schools to the territory beyond school hours’. 5 ESO 4.5 ‘Improving the quality, inclusiveness, effectiveness and labour market relevance of education and training systems, including through the validation of non-formal and informal learning, to support the acquisition of key competences, including entrepreneurial and digital skills, and promoting the introduction of dual training systems and apprenticeships (ESF+)’. 6 Avviso 10/2023: https://www.sicilia-fse.it/avvisi-e-bandi/pr-fse-2021-2027/avviso-10-2023. 7 EUR 9 million annually for three consecutive school years 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26. 8 On top of this specific allocation for Sicily, the ESF+ national programmes ‘Social inclusion’ and ‘School and skills’ also contribute to the Child Guarantee across Italy, including in Sicily.”
  Support for families · Child poverty policy
• 2025-05-16 “E-001980/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission With regard to infringement procedure INFR(2023)2181 1 , the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Italy on 7 February 2024, to which Italy responded on 21 June 2024 2 . The Commission is assessing Italy’s reply together with additional data and information gathered since the letter of formal notice was sent. Based on this assessment, the Commission will decide on the next step of the procedure. The breaches concern the Italian fleet and the implementation of the Habitats Directive 3 in the waters over which Italy exercises its jurisdiction in the Mediterranean Sea. Several locations and Natura 2000 sites across Italy have been taken as examples of the contested breaches. The Commission based its assessment on a combination of sources, including official data reported by Member States, scientific assessments from international organisations, and peerreviewed academic research. Although some information is available, the real extent of bycatch in Italian waters is not fully known because Italy has failed to put in place an appropriate monitoring system in accordance with Article 12(4) of the Habitats Directive. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_24_301. 2 Upon request by the Italian authorities, a two-month extension of the time limit to reply to the letter of formal notice was granted. 3 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50.”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU · Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-05-12 “E-001883/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Freedom of expression and information is a pillar of democracy and protected under the EU Charter. 1 The Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 helps create a safer digital space where the fundamental rights of users are protected online. The DSA defines the responsibilities of online platforms and specifically helps to ensure freedom of expression online. Under the DSA the Commission monitors the compliance of all designated Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Search Engines (VLOSEs) including TikTok. 2 In order to address harmful and potentially illegal content under the DSA, the providers of online platforms, including social media platforms need to put in place an easy-to-use reporting tool for users to notify them about the presence of illegal content on the platform. In addition, competent authorities in each Member State may order providers to take action against certain items of illegal content and provide them with specific information. As VLOP, TikTok has to comply with additional obligations. Namely, the diligent assessment and effective mitigation of the systemic risks, including in relation to the freedom of expression and the removal of illegal content. Mitigation measures can include the automatic detection of harmful content. Digital Services Coordinators (DSC) are the competent authorities to monitor compliance with the DSA in each Member State. They also gather complaints from individual cases like the one you mentioned and assesses the need for further action. In Italy, the Communications Regulatory Authority (AGCOM) is the designated DSC. Users also have the right to go through out-of-court dispute settlement bodies in case of disagreement with the platform’s actions. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM:4625430. 2 Supervision of the designated very large online platforms and search engines under DSA | Shaping Europe’s digital future.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-05-12 “E-001884/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Return Directive 1 envisages that detention for the purpose of removal can only take place as a measure of last resort. Detention must as a rule take place in specialised detention facilities and detention conditions need to respect fundamental rights 2 . Any physical or administrative constraint put on a third-country nationals detained should be limited to what is strictly necessary in order to ensure effective preparation for removal 3 . The Return Directive does not prevent Member States from imposing a sentence of imprisonment to punish the carrying out of offences other than those stemming from the mere fact of illegal stay, including in situations where the return procedures have not yet been completed 4 . Member States may establish criminal sanctions for conduct other than the mere fact of illegal stay, and such measures must respect EU law The Commission regularly assesses the compliance of national legislation with EU law and make take appropriate measures where necessary. It also closely monitors developments related to the rule of law through its annual Rule of Law Report 5 . 1 Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals. 2 Judgement of 10 March 2022, Landkreis Gifhorn, C-519/20, ECLI:EU:C:2022:178, paragraph 46. 3 Judgement of 10 March 2022, Landkreis Gifhorn, C-519/20, ECLI:EU:C:2022:178, paragraph 45. 4 Judgement of 7 June 2016, Selina Affum, C-47/15, EU:C:2016:296, , paragraph 65. 5 The Decree-Law on Security is mentioned in the 2025 Rule of Law Report, which was published by the European Commission on 8 July 2025.”
  Asylum & border control · EU policy on criminal justice
• 2025-05-02 “E-001789/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The misuse and trafficking of firearms is a priority identified in the ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy 1 , the Commission’s EU action plan on firearms trafficking 2 and is operationalised by a dedicated four-year plan within the European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) 3 . The latest figure on illegal firearms is from the 2017 study mentioned by the Honourable Member, based on data aggregated from different sources 4 . Due to the lack of more reliable harmonised data, the Commission is not able to provide more precise and up to date figures on the number of illegal firearms in circulation. The Commission has announced in its 2025 Work Programme the intention to adopt a proposal on harmonising firearms-related criminal offences. The aim of such initiative would be to reduce the number of illegal firearms in circulation, and ultimately, to reduce firearmsrelated violence. Under the Internal Security Fund 5 the Commission launched a call for projects on the protection of public spaces, including the topic of firearms. In March 2025, the Commission selected four projects for a total of EUR 8 million. The projects aim to improve preventive actions and reinforce the capabilities of law enforcement agencies 6 . 1 COM(2025) 148 final. 2 COM(2020) 608 final. 3 EMPACT cycle, a platform led by Member States: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/law-enforcementcooperation/empact-fighting-crime-together_en. 4 Aaron Karp, Estimating Global Civilian-Held Firearms Numbers, Briefing Paper, Small Arms Survey, June 2018, available at https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/sites/default/files/resources/SAS-BP-Civilian-FirearmsNumbers.pdf. 5 ISF-2024-TF2-AG-PROTECT. See awarded projects: https://homeaffairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/cc4034e6-bc2a-4d71-92389f61d465c91b_en?filename=Projects%20funded%20under%20ISF_booklet.pdf&prefLang=ar. 6 https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-provides-eur-30-million-strengthen-protection-publicspaces-2025-03-12_en.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters · Privacy & law enforcement
• 2025-05-02 “E-001788/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 1 supports the fisheries sector, notably by fostering sustainable fishing in the long term, enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and supporting diversification initiatives to further strengthen the sector’s resilience. In specific cases, EMFAF can also compensate fishers for the temporary cessation of fishing activities. The Italian authorities can consider mobilising resources from the Italian EMFAF Programme to support the fisheries sector. 2. The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) provides scientific advice for shared stocks in the Strait of Sicily. Its latest evaluations, including data up to 2023, note the improved status of the European hake and deep water rose shrimp stocks 2 , both sustainably exploited with increasing biomass. The improved status of the giant red shrimp in the Strait of Sicily 3 was also noted, although its fishing mortality remains above the target value despite increased biomass. On the other hand, the small pelagic stocks in the Strait of Sicily lack recent evaluations and are unlikely at Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). The Commission recalls that the Fisheries Restricted Areas (FRA) in the North of Strait of Sicily, in place since 2019 and established in the nursery areas, contribute to the sustainable exploitation of the deep water rose shrimp and of the Mediterranean hake stock 4 . The monitoring of the FRAs falls also under the Joint Inspection Scheme in the Strait of Sicily, supported by the European Fisheries Control Agency 5 . Further benefits to the demersal stocks could derive from the establishment of FRAs in the Southern part of the Strait of Sicily in line with Resolution 6 GFCM/47/2024/1. 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 Geographical Subareas (GSAs) 12-16. 3 Geographical Subareas (GSAs) 12-16, 21w. 4 This is the only hake stock having reached MSY in the Mediterranean. 5 Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/15 on an international joint inspection and surveillance scheme outside the waters under national jurisdiction in the Strait of Sicily (geographical subareas 12 to 16), amending Recommendation GFCM/41/2017/8 and repealing Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/6. 6 Resolution GFCM/47/2024/1 on a roadmap for a joint project to collect all required and identified scientific evidence to provide a basis for the discussion of potential additional measures for the long-term portion of the management plan for demersal fisheries in the Strait of Sicily, in response to Recommendation GFCM/45/2022/4.”
  Funding for fisheries and aquaculture · Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-04-14 “PE772.969v01-00 EN E-001519/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Séjourné on behalf of the European Commission The Commission undertakes regular annual eProcurement workshops with Member States, to understand their current eProcurement services and monitor their operational effectiveness. This proactive stance aims to ensure, as much as possible, the integrity and security of eProcurement systems across the EU. It also aims to maintain trust and transparency in public procurement processes and foster an environment where public procurement is conducted in a fair, efficient, and secure manner. So far, throughout the duration of these workshops, no instances have been reported or discussed wherein buyers or suppliers have manipulated eProcurement services with the intention of altering bids. This suggests a high level of integrity within the existing eProcurement systems employed by Member States. More specifically, regarding the incident in Sicily, the Commission has been in contact with Italian authorities and at this stage understands that potential irregularities appear not to result from the manipulation of the eProcurement service itself. The Commission remains committed to pursuing further contacts with Italian authorities should investigatory procedures later uncover evidence of a security breach or malfunction within the eProcurement service used in Sicily.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• 2025-04-14 “E-001518/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 1. Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 1 (the Regulation) opens the EU internal market to competition in domestic maritime transport (cabotage), ensuring equal access for EU shipowners. Under normal circumstances, domestic fares are typically set by private operators themselves. However, under the Regulation, Member States may derogate from the freedom to provide services by imposing public service obligations and/or concluding public service contracts to ensure adequate (notably affordable) transport services. It is for each Member State to decide whether to impose public service obligations or introduce social tariff schemes for specific groups (such as students, pensioners, or persons with disabilities), if the public authorities deem that commercial prices are not adequate to ensure connectivity, such as in this case between Sicilian Islands and mainland Italy/Sicily. 2. State aid rules for services of general economic interest (such as the maritime services at hand) impose transparency requirements at various levels. First, the entrustment act governing the provisions of the services must clearly foresee the compensation mechanism and the parameters for establishing the compensation, that may include a reasonable profit. Second, for large contracts (exceeding EUR 15 million), the entrustment act as well as the annual compensation amounts must be published 2 . Finally, concerns about unjustified compensation can be reported to the Commission as potential incompatible State aid. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/1992/3577/oj/eng. 2 Commission Decision 2012/21/EU of 20 December 2011 on the application of Article 106(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to State aid in the form of public service compensation granted to certain undertakings entrusted with the operation of services of general economic interest.”
  EU funding for transportation · Decarbonisation of maritime transport
• 2025-04-03 “P-001378/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission The Commission takes the risk of work accidents very seriously. The EU legislation on occupational safety and health (OSH), including Directive 89/391/EEC 1 , ensures protection of workers against all risks at work. EU OSH Directives lay down minimum requirements and Member States may adopt more stringent protective measures. It is primarily for the national authorities to investigate accidents and enforce national measures transposing EU Directives. The Commission analyses and publishes data on work accidents reported by Member States in the framework of the European Statistics on Accidents at Work 2 . This is currently done at national level. The European Social Fund Plus 3 promotes health and safety at work via its different programmes. The one for Sicily 4 plans to invest more than EUR 3.7 million (EU share) on measures for a healthy and well–adapted working environment addressing health risks. The Commission and EU OSH stakeholders pursue, in line with the EU Strategic Framework for Health and Safety at Work 2021 – 2027, actions to prevent work-related accidents and illness in line with a Vision Zero approach to work-related deaths. For example, the EU regularly adopts new legislative measures and guidelines to prevent the exposure of workers to hazardous chemicals, such as asbestos and other carcinogens, at work. In addition, the Commission has published several guidelines such as on protecting the health and safety of workers in agriculture 5 , which include information on work safety in transport and in construction 6 . Finally, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work published several Online interactive Risk Assessment Tools (OiRA) for different economic sectors including agriculture and construction. 1 OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A31989L0391 2 See e.g. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Accidents_at_work_statistics 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/1057 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021. 4 https://fse.regione.sicilia.it/ 5 See https://osha.europa.eu/sites/default/files/OSH_workers_agriculture_livestock_farming.pdf 6 See https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/96b5fe83-ef7d-4628-9af0-e02b25810c1d”
  EU rules on hazardous working conditions · EU competences on social policies
• 2025-03-27 “E-001303/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission Almost all the agglomerations of the province of Caltanissetta are concerned by an on-going infringement procedure for failure to comply with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) 1 . In that province, 13 agglomerations 2 are covered by the ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) 3 that found Italy in breach of the UWWTD. In this regard, the replies submitted by Italy between 2022 and 2025 are under assessment and the Commission will decide in due course on the next steps to be taken. For three more agglomerations 4 covered by another case, the Commission decided in March 2024 to lodge an application with the CJEU 5 . In a third case 6 , Italy was condemned on 31 May 2018 7 to pay a penalty payment for every six months of delay. In May 2022, there were still 66 non-compliant agglomerations, including Niscemi, corresponding to a penalty payment of EUR 22 562 033. Member States are primarily responsible for the application and correct implementation of EU law. The Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of the Directive in the province of Caltanissetta in the context of the above-mentioned procedures. The Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) 8 supports a number of projects on waste water to reduce the number of equivalent inhabitants residing in agglomerations noncompliant with the UWWTD 9 under investment M2C4.I4.4. Regarding this investment, the Commission positively assessed milestone M2C4-36 on the assignment of funding to project proposals in the context of the fifth payment request. The subsequent targets M2C4-37 and M2C4-38 on the reduction of number of equivalent inhabitants residing in agglomerations non-compliant with the UWWTD will be assessed after the submission of the relevant future payment requests. 1 Council Directive of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment (91/271/EEC), consolidated version, OJ L 135 30.5.1991, p. 40. 2 San Cataldo Consortile, Butera, Campofranco, Delia, Gela, Marianopoli, Mazzarino, Milena, Montedoro, Serradifalco, Sommatino, Sutera, and Villalba in the framework of INFR(2014)2059. This case covers over 600 agglomerations throughout the Italian territory. 3 Judgment of the Court of 6 October 2021, Case C-668/19, European Commission v Italian Republic, ECLI:EU:C:2021:815. 4 Vallelunga Pratameno, Santa Caterina Villarmosa, and Mussomeli in the framework of INFR(2017)2181. This case covers 179 agglomerations throughout the Italian territory. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_1234. The case is currently pending (C-594/24). 6 INFR(2004)2034. 7 Judgment of the Court of 31 May 2018, Case C-251/17, European Commission v Italian Republic, ECLI:EU:C:2018:358. 8 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en 9 Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment, OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40–52.”
  Water pollution · EU policy on water management
• 2025-03-27 “E-001302/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. In accordance with Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Union action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care 1 . Several actions under the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan can support the improvement of cancer diagnosis and care. The EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Centres, to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2025, will for instance connect structures delivering high-quality cancer care across Europe to help reach patients regardless of where they live. Furthermore, the 2021 Council Recommendation on screening and the Cancer Plan refer to the development of cancer quality assurance schemes providing measurable indicators to assess and improve the quality of cancer services (i.e. screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care). The first scheme on breast cancer has been finalised. Colorectal, lung, prostate, cervical and gastric schemes are expected between 2026 and 2030. 2. Within the Regional Programme Sicily 2021-2027, an indicative amount of EUR 59,7 million from the European Regional Development Fund is allocated to investments in the field of public health. Among other interventions, the programme supports the modernisation of diagnostic infrastructure. According to the information available to the Commission, the managing authority of the Programme is currently finalising the selection of the projects to be financed. Moreover, the National Programme Health Equity 2021-2027 has allocated 17% of its budget (EUR 104.9 million) to support local healthcare services in Sicily. Funding covers the improvement of equipment including cancer screening centres, accessibility and the resilience of healthcare systems. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C:2008:115:FULL.”
  Public and private sectors role in healthcare services
• 2025-03-13 “E-001096/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission On 8 December 2022, the Commission adopted a Recommendation on the procedural rights of suspects and accused in pre-trial detention and on material detention conditions 1 . The Commission is also supporting the exchange of best practices in the Member States by funding organisations such as EuroPris, which organised a roundtable on prison intelligence in relation to organised crime in May 2024 2 . Moreover, as announced in the ProtectEU Strategy, the Commission is working to address any obstacles in the fight against criminal networks through new EU rules on fighting organised crime, to be adopted in 2026. The Commission is committed to ensure the rights, support and protection of witnesses, including police informants. The issue was identified as an area requiring improvement in a 2015 study 3 and recognised as a priority for intervention in the 2023 EU Roadmap to Fight Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime 4 . These aspects are also being taken into consideration in the context of the ongoing efforts to revise the current rules on organised crime. The Commission does not dispose of information on the number of additional places that have been created through the construction of prisons using EU funds. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/recommendation-on-procedural-rights-of-suspects-andaccused-people-subject-to-pre-trial-detention-and-on-material-detention-conditions.html?fromSummary=13. 2 https://www.europris.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Summary-Prison-Intelligence-Roundtable-Brussels2024-1.pdf. 3 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/a1183e4b-1164-4595-a742-fb4514ddd10d. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023DC0641.”
  EU policy on criminal justice · EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2025-03-13 “E-001095/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Commission will continue monitoring Member States’ actions to put in practice the Recommendation 1 on the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists to safeguard the independence of media and journalists as part of the wider rule of law context and will determine whether additional steps are required. It will also ensure the effective application of the European Media Freedom Act 2 . Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the European Media Freedom Act and to take the necessary steps for enforcement. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will monitor the situation on the independence of media and journalists and may decide to take appropriate action including, where appropriate, infringement proceedings. The Commission will continue assessing all relevant developments related to media freedom and pluralism in all Member States, under the annual Rule of Law Report. The Commission is committed to ensure the rights, support and protection of witnesses, including investigative journalists. The issue was identified as an area requiring improvement in a 2015 study 3 and recognised as a priority for intervention in the 2023 EU Roadmap to Fight Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime 4 . As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the European rules on organized crime, the Commission is also looking into this issue. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/dae/redirection/document/79357 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401083 3 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/a1183e4b-1164-4595-a742-fb4514ddd10d 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023DC0641”
  Privacy & law enforcement · EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2025-03-06 “E-000988/2025 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 1. Mobility issues in rural areas are fully recognised at EU level 1 . Under the current programming period of the European Regional Development and Cohesion Funds, investments should contribute to addressing rural mobility issues and promoting sustainable solutions 2 . To assist rural municipalities, the Commission designed and funded the SMARTA-NET project 3 , which delivered a catalogue of innovative rural mobility solutions, training programmes for local authorities and practitioners, and established the European Rural Mobility Network, connecting 70 rural municipalities from 14 Member States. 2. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) can support projects of accessibility to mountain areas, incl. innovative and soft mobility transport solutions, under the Specific Objective (c) (ii) 4 of Regulation 2021/1058 5 . The Regional Programme Sicily ERDF 2021-2027 has in fact planned such actions of support to improve accessibility to inner areas, smart public transport systems and soft local mobility 6 . These actions are based on local strategies and with local authorities responsible for the planning and selection of projects. The responsible local authority for Madonie, an inner area with a dedicated territorial development strategy, is currently selecting projects. The Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan includes around EUR 4.6 billion of investments that could, as part of their scope, promote sustainable mobility in mountain areas. 3. Any internal reallocation of the resources within the Regional Programme Sicily ERDF 2021-2027 can be requested by its Managing Authority to the Commission, following the approval by the Monitoring Committee, if adequately justified and in line with applicable Regulations 7 . 1 The New Urban Mobility Framework (2021) promotes sustainable connections between rural, peri-urban, and urban areas. The Commission’s Long-Term Vision for Europe’s Rural Areas (2021) calls on Member States and regions to develop sustainable rural mobility strategies. In the 2023 Barcelona Declaration, EU transport ministers agreed on the importance of recognizing sustainable rural mobility needs in regional and national transport planning systems and called for investments, leveraging the Social Climate Fund and Fit for 55 policies. The Logroño Declaration (2023) advocates allocating EU funds to rural mobility projects. 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 on the European Regional Development Fund and on the Cohesion Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 60–93) includes references to rural and mountainous areas in Recitals (1), (45), (47) and Article 10 (Support for disadvantaged areas). 3 https://www.smarta-net.eu/ 4 Specific Objective (c) (ii) ‘developing and enhancing sustainable, climate resilient, intelligent and intermodal national, regional and local mobility, including improved access to TEN-T and cross-border mobility’. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1058/oj/eng 6 Actions 3.2.3, 3.2.4 and 3.2.7 of the Regional Programme, respectively. 7 Regulation (EU) 2021/1058 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1058/oj/eng), Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1060/oj/eng).”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2025-03-06 “E-000987/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission recognises the benefits of granting the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and the European Court of Auditors access to information technology tools like Arachne for fraud detection, investigation and prosecution. Arachne's Charter and privacy statements specify conditions to access personal data, ensuring access serves the public interest. Balancing data analysis and sharing with data privacy, security and legal compliance is crucial. 2. The Antoci protocol targets the misappropriation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funds linked to organised crime in Italy requiring certification from relevant local authorities. Extending it to all CAP funding or other areas requires careful consideration of the EU's limited criminal law competence and the differences across Member States. 3. The Commission supports using new technologies to protect the EU’s financial interests, complying with safeguards. Article 36(6) of the Financial Regulation 1 provides a legal basis for a modernised data-mining and risk-scoring tool 2 , emphasising interoperability and artificial intelligence (AI). Co-designing activities with Member States are crucial, leading to the set-up of a Group of Experts on the tool's design 3 . The antifraud working group from the Member States Learning Network collaborates with the Commission on Arachne for CAP funds. OLAF’s Anti-Fraud Information System offers tools and databases to national authorities for protecting EU finances. OLAF and Member States are intensifying exchanges on harnessing new technologies' anti-fraud potential. European anti-fraud actors are examining AI's role in protecting the EU budget, in line with the AI Act 4 and the Apply AI Strategy. The Commission is also evaluating options to enhance the EPPO's use of new technologies 5 . 1 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union: https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2509/oj/eng 2 A working group, consisting of the Commission departments and agencies, was established in 2022. 3 Commission Decision C(2024) 7889. 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence and amending Regulations (EC) No 300/2008, (EU) No 167/2013, (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) 2019/2144 and Directives 2014/90/EU, (EU) 2016/797 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Artificial Intelligence Act) - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1689/oj/eng 5 Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 implementing enhanced cooperation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘the EPPO’), OJ L 283, 31.10.2017, p. 1–71 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/1939/oj/eng. In the context of the forthcoming evaluation of the EPPO Regulation and the possible proposal to amend it, the Commission will look into options to enhance both the use of new technologies by the EPPO and the coordination between the EPPO and other relevant partners to step up the fight against fraud affecting the Union’s financial interests and the recovery of misused EU funds.”
  Accounting and auditing of EU budget · Agricultural funding
• 2025-03-06 “E-000986/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware that the Ministry of University and Research presented to the Parliament in September 2024, the bill No. 1240 ‘Provisions on the valorisation and promotion of research’ with the aim of further modifying the rules concerning the career of researchers, already reformed following the entry into force of the decree-law of 30 April 2022 ‘Further urgent measures for the implementation of the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP)’, converted with amendments into law of 29 June 2022, no. 79. The Commission, in the context of the implementation of the NRRP, maintains a constant dialogue with the Italian Authorities as well as stakeholders, including trade unions, and carefully monitors the implementation of the reforms and investments. At this stage, the bill no. 1240 has not been adopted. The Commission is not in a position to comment on a draft law. The Commission attaches high importance to promote job security and stability for researchers 1 , within the remit of EU competences. These elements are addressed in the European framework for research careers and the European Charter for Researchers 2 . The Commission supports Member States and stakeholders in the implementation of the new framework through a set of initiatives. Regarding the possibility for the Commission to support the structural financing of pre-tenure and tenure-track university positions, it is a responsibility of the Member State to propose measures amending its Recovery and Resilience Plan, that the Commission can then assess in accordance with the Recovery and Resilience Facility (Regulation (EU) 2021/241). 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/7282/oj/eng C/2024/7282, 05/12/2024. 2 Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe.”
  Research priorities within the EU · Governance of academic priorities within the EU
• 2025-02-19 “P-000759/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission STMicroelectronics’s Catania initiative is in line with the European Chips Act 1 objectives to strengthen the global competitiveness of the EU industry and ensure the security of supply in the semiconductor sector by attracting investments and enhancing production capacities. The implementation of this project is ongoing. While it is too early to assess its impact on the semiconductor ecosystem, the sheer volume of investment involved is expected to have a significant impact both on the market and on highly skilled jobs created by STMicroelectronics. It is worth noting that the facility is planned to operate at full capacity by 2032. The Catania project places in Europe a substantial source of silicon-carbide device production for which there are currently capacity constraints. It strengthens the European competitiveness in this key technology at global level, when the green and digital transition accelerate the silicon-carbide expected demand by numerous industrial sectors. This investment in new technologies aligns well with the long-term semiconductor strategy of the European Chips Act while attracting and safeguarding high-quality jobs. As stated by the Italian authorities, in the period from 2024 to 2031, approximately 26 000 full-time equivalent positions will be employed, out of which 19 000 refer to local, regional and national induced employment, and another 4 000 to other EU regions 2 . 1 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/european-chipsact_en 2 https://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/cases1/202450/SA_107594_101.pdf”
  State Aid · EU industrial funding
• 2025-01-23 “E-000308/2025 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the issues raised in relation to the development of nature trails on the island of Ustica. In this regard, according to Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive 1 , any project not directly connected with or necessary to the management of the site but likely to have a significant effect thereon shall be subject to appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. According to Article 6.4, if, in spite of a negative assessment of the implications for the site and in the absence of alternative solutions, a project must nevertheless be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest, the Member State shall take all compensatory measures necessary to ensure that the overall coherence of Natura 2000 is protected. Italy has transposed these provisions in its legislation 2 and has adopted national guidelines 3 to improve their application across its regions. Sicily has also transposed such guidelines into its regional legal order 4 . It is for the Italian competent authorities to apply the above rules and procedures to this project and to ensure that, if damage to a protected sites has occurred, it is adequately restored. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission may decide to intervene if systemic issues with application of these provisions of EU law arise. According to information available to the Commission, although originally selected by the regional authorities to be funded with the European Regional Development Fund 5 under the Regional programme Sicilia 2014-2020, in the end the project was financed with national funds (Piano Sviluppo e Coesione 2014-2020). The project received no EU resources on which the Commission could exert any checks. 1 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206 22.7.1992, p. 7. 2 https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/la-valutazione-di-incidenzavinca#:~:text=Si%20tratta%20del%20processo%20d,di%20significativit%C3%A0%20di%20tali%20incidenze 3 https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/linee-guida-nazionali-la-valutazione-di-incidenza-vinca-direttiva-92-43-ceehabitat-articolo 4 Decreto Assessoriale 36 del 14 febbraio 2022 ‘Adeguamento del quadro normativo regionale a quanto disposto dalle Linee guida Nazionali sulla Valutazione d’incidenza (VincA), approvate in conferenza Stato-Regioni in data 28 novembre 2019 e pubblicate sulla Gazzetta Ufficiale dello Stato Italiano del 28 dicembre 2019, n. 303.’ Decreto Assessoriale n. 237 del 29 giugno 2023. ‘Sostituzione degli allegati al decreto n. 36 del 14 febbraio 2022, concernente adeguamento del quadro normativo regionale a quanto disposto dalle Linee guida nazionali sulla valutazione di incidenza (VIncA)’. 5 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en”
  Nature protection and restoration in the EU · EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding
• 2025-01-22 “E-000266/2025 Answer given by Mr Kadis on behalf of the European Commission 1. All Member States, including Italy, have submitted the list of designated ports authorised for landing and transhipment of fisheries products for 2025, in compliance with Article 5(3) of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008 1 . 2. It is up to the Member States’ authorities to determine if the ports in their territories are suitable for inclusion in the list of designated ports under Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008. Italian authorities have not designated the Port of Licata as designated port in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 1005/2008. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2008/1005/oj/eng”
  Environmental regulation of fisheries
• 2025-01-09 “E-000063/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the risks of criminal infiltration in sports, which is a sector at a particularly high risk of corruption 1 , and is targeting this phenomenon through several initiatives. In particular the Commission proposed a new Directive on combatting corruption 2 which is now being negotiated by the co-legislators. The Commission has also requested a study to examine what measures Member States have been taken at national level to mitigate this risk. In addition, in its European Internal Security Strategy the Commission has set out a whole-of-society approach to security and will propose new measures to tackle organised crime. At European level, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) is already working closely with sport bodies such as the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the International Olympic Committee to tackle corruption in sports and supports national law enforcement units in operational actions in this area 3 . 1 High-risk areas of corruption in the EU: A mapping and in-depth analysis, 4 November 2023; https://op.europa.eu/fr/publication-detail/-/publication/5c0730b2-9769-11ef-a130-01aa75ed71a1/language-en 2 Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and the Council on combating corruption, COM (2023) 234 final. 3 https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/time-out-for-match-fixers-manipulatinglivestreams”
  EU policy on criminal justice · EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2024-12-17 “E-002982/2024 Answer given by Mr Tzitzikostas on behalf of the European Commission 1. Under the Regional Programme Sicily 2021-2027 1 , EUR 90 million are indicatively allocated for upgrading or extraordinary maintenance of secondary and local roads benefitting inner areas, to increase their safety standards and their functionality. Under the Regional Programme Sicily European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 20142020, around EUR 201 million were allocated to strengthen secondary and local connections of inner areas and those in agricultural and agro-industrial production districts with the main roads and railways of the trans-European transport network. 2. In its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy 2 , the Commission committed to ‘explore options to further support safe, smart and sustainable road transport operations under an existing agency or another body’. In line with this commitment, the Commission launched a feasibility study, which identifies shortcomings in the current policy implementation and governance set-up and explores options to enable swifter deployment of innovation and new technologies for competitive, safe, smart and sustainable road transport and keep EU technical regulation fit for purpose. While the feasibility study on the possible support to this development has been completed, the Commission’s assessment of the needs has not been finalised yet. Further steps on this issue will be decided by the Commission following the outcome of this assessment. 3. The construction of Highway 117 (Santo Stefano di Camastra to Gela) is not financed under the ERDF. According to the available information, support is provided by national funding; therefore, the matter falls under the responsibility of Italian authorities only. 1 Supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en 2 https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/mobility-strategy_en”
  EU funding for transportation · EU transport infrastructure integration
• 2024-12-17 “E-002993/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. Sicily’s second Flood Risk Management Plan 1 plans the updating of flood hazard and risk maps 2 . The Italian authorities informed the Commission that, although the updating of such maps was suspended for administrative reasons, the Regional Council gave a mandate to the Regional Department for Financial Planning and Programming to avail itself of the funding available for updating the maps by 31 December 2026. 2. Cohesion policy 3 supports climate change adaptation, disaster risk prevention, and resilience. Under the European Regional Development Fund 4 , EUR 103 million are indicatively allocated for floods and landslides, with the possibility for prevention measures 5 . Still, under shared management, in line with the applicable regulations, responsibility to select measures lies with the Managing Authority based on a programme approved by the Commission. While the Recovery and Resilience Facility 6 supports Italy in hydrogeological risk reduction and the development of a monitoring system to predict and mitigate climate change risks with a focus on Southern Italy, the Council Implementing Decision Annex 7 does not require resource allocation specifically to Sicily. Any allocation to this region is a decision of the Italian authorities 8 . 3. Existing measures to assess landslides include the European landslide susceptibility map 9 and the European Ground Motion Service 10 . Strengthening the knowledge base and promoting soil health can mitigate floods and droughts whilst making the environment more resilient to landslides and soil erosion thanks to improved water retention 11 . 1 Covering 2022-2027, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/floods_en 2 Page 55 https://pti.regione.sicilia.it/portal/page/portal/PIR_PORTALE/PIR_LaStrutturaRegionale/PIR_PresidenzadellaR egione/PIR_AutoritaBacino/PIR_Areetematiche/PIR_Pianificazione/PIR_PianoGestioneDirettiva200760CE/PIR _PianoGestioneRischioAlluvioni2021/PIR_PGRAIICiclo/PIR_RelazioneMedotologicaPGRAIICiclo/Relazione %20metodologica%20PGRA%20II%20ciclo%20di%20gestione.pdf 3 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/what/investment-policy_en 4 2021-2027 Regional Programme for Sicily, https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eufunding-programmes/european-regional-development-fund-erdf_en 5 Such measures could include the implementation of databases, the development of forecasting models and territorial analyses for risk studies and mitigation models. 6 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility_en#national-recovery-and-resilience-plans 7 Annex to the Council Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15114-2024-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf 8 For example: https://pnrr.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/il-pnrr-il-dipartimento-della-protezione-civile/. Projects in Sicily are relevant for reporting under the RRF if they contribute to the milestones and targets of the investments mentioned above, as set out in the Annex of the Council Implementing Decision. 9 https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/content/european-landslide-susceptibility-map-elsus-v2 10 https://land.copernicus.eu/en/products/european-ground-motion-service 11 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_3637”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
• 2024-11-18 “E-002572/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission The Commission does not have any specific measures in place to monitor Italian urban afforestation plans. The Nature Restoration Regulation 1 , in force since August 2024, sets targets for urban tree cover, that will be monitored and measured in the future in line with the requirements of the Regulation. These targets are aimed at preventing the loss of trees in cities, towns and suburbs, before 2030, and then to set targets for a steady increase in urban trees after this date. In the context of the Italian Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) 2 , investment M2C4-I3.1 ‘Protection and enhancement of urban and peri-urban forests’ focusses on reconstructing ecosystem on the basis of the ‘right tree in the right place’ principle. The planting of 4.5 million trees is planned by end 2024, with 3.5 million plants to be transplanted in their final destination by 2026. Investment M1C3-I2.3 ‘Programs to enhance the identity of places, parks and historic gardens’ aims to requalify these green areas. The Commission services assess the compliance of the measures implemented by Member States against the requirements of the relevant milestones and targets of the Annex to the Council Implementing Decision on the approval of the assessment of Italy’s RRP. While national authorities are solely responsible for implementation, the Commission works closely with Italian authorities to ensure a smooth, timely and proper implementation of the plan. The RRF Regulation 3 envisages an ex post global assessment of the Facility, including its impact in the long term. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2024 on nature restoration and amending Regulation (EU) 2022/869, OJ L, 2024/1991, 29.7.2024. 2 https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resiliencefacility/country-pages/italys-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en 3 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility, OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17–75.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-11-13 “E-002529/2024 Answer given by Mr Hansen on behalf of the European Commission Management of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is subject to strict rules on sound financial management. Article 61 of the Financial Regulation 1 details the obligations of Member States to avoid conflict of interests. This provision is directly applicable to all Member State actors involved in implementing the EU budget, including for preparatory acts and audits, and controls. It requires that situations involving conflict of interests are prevented and that such situations are addressed, including those which may objectively be perceived as a conflict of interests. Rural Development Programmes are implemented through shared management with Member States. It is therefore primarily for the national competent authorities to implement these programmes and ensure related controls and transparency, including by publication of beneficiaries and using other tools to enhance control and audit functions. The Commission ensures through audits that the Member State systems adequately protect the Union budget. As part of these audits, the Commission verifies whether appropriate measures are in place to detect and address conflict of interests. Should the Commission become aware of deficiencies in the control system of a Member State, it can take a series of measures like financial corrections. Also, enhancing transparency and accountability in public decision-making remains a key priority for the Commission. In this regard, the Commission proposed a Directive on combating corruption which inter alia requires Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that abuse of functions is punishable as a criminal offence, when committed intentionally 2 . The proposal is now subject to co-legislative negotiations. 1 Regulation (EU) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union – recast OJ L, 2024/2509, 26.9.2024. 2 Article 11 of the proposal for a Directive on combating corruption, replacing Council Framework Decision 2003/568/JHA and the Convention on the fight against corruption involving officials of the European Communities or officials of Member States of the European Union and amending Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of the European Parliament and of the Council, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2023%3A234%3AFIN”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2024-10-29 “E-002310/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission Projects to build an astronomical observatory are not listed in the Annexes of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 1 , but they or their associated works (such as roads) may be considered infrastructure projects 2 . For such projects, Member States should determine if they are to be made subject to an assessment because of the likely significant effects on the environment taking into account the relevant selection criteria (such as size and design of the whole project, location, cumulation with other existing and/or approved projects) in Annex III of the Directive. If the Italian authorities conclude that the project will have significant effects on the environment, an EIA has to be carried out. For projects subject to an EIA, Member States have to ensure that the public is informed and that consultations with the public concerned 3 and local, regional and environmental authorities are carried out. The Madonie natural park is designated as a Natura 2000 site, under the Habitats 4 and the Birds 5 Directives. Under Article 6.3 the Habitats Directive, any project likely to have a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site shall be subject to an appropriate assessment of its implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives. Italy transposed the above provisions 6 and has adopted appropriate national guidelines 7 . Sicily has also adopted specific guidelines 8 . The Commission is not aware of the details of the mentioned project. However, without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, national authorities, including the judiciary, are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with the relevant EU environmental law. It appears that judicial proceedings are currently ongoing 9 . 1 Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014. 2 EIA Directive, Annex II, point 10 (b) or (e). 3 Including environmental associations. 4 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50. 5 Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 020 26.1.2010, p. 7. 6 https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/la-valutazione-di-incidenzavinca#:~:text=Si%20tratta%20del%20processo%20d,di%20significativit%C3%A0%20di%20tali%20incidenze 7 https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/linee-guida-nazionali-la-valutazione-di-incidenza-vinca-direttiva-92-43-ceehabitat-articolo 8 https://si-vvi.regione.sicilia.it/viavas/index.php/it/strumenti/linee-guida 9 https://www.legambientesicilia.it/2024/09/26-08-2024-ricorso-al-tar-per-salvare-la-mufara-nel-parco-dellemadonie-minacciata-dalla-realizzazione-di-un-osservatorio-astronomico-richiesto-il-blocco-dei-lavori/”
  EU policy on permitting for renewable energy projects
• 2024-10-29 “E-002309/2024 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The Commission approved Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under Regulation (EU) 2021/24 1 , which establishes milestones and targets detailed in the Annex to the Council Implementing Decision 2 . The Commission works closely with the Italian authorities to ensure smooth implementation and compliance to NRRP requirements. The NRRP does not directly finance teachers’ recruitment costs, but supports a reform (Mission 4, Component 1, Reform 2.1) to improve recruitment and qualification processes, aiming to increase professional standards. The reform targets the recruitment of at least 70,000 new teachers covered by the reform through permanent contracts by 2026. The reform introduced a structured qualification pathway and transitional measures to allow teachers with temporary contracts to participate in recruitment competitions and complete the qualification process during the ‘probationary period’. This contributes to reducing the excessive use of consecutive fixed-term contracts in the school system, improving working conditions and guaranteeing more stable employment conditions. Under EU law (Directive 1999/70/EC 3 ), Member States are required to take effective steps to prevent the abuse of successive fixed-term contracts. The EU Court of Justice held that there is no general obligation on Member States to automatically convert fixed-term contracts to permanent ones, but it is for the Member States to lay down the conditions for their conversions. Nevertheless, where abuse has taken place, effective guarantees for the protection of workers must be provided for. In that regard, Italy amended its rules on financial compensation for misuse of fixed-term employment contracts, with law of 14/11/2024, n. 166 4 . 1 Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility. 2 Annex to the COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION amending the Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/IT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CONSIL:ST_9399_2024_ADD_1&qid=1717059380496 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/1999/70/oj/eng 4 G.U. 14/11/2024, n. 267.”
  Recruitment policies in the EU · EU policy on permanent and fixed-term employment
• 2024-10-28 “E-002270/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is not aware of the issues raised by the associations in question. The agglomerations of Cinisi and Terrasini are included in an infringement procedure 1 opened by the Commission against Italy for incorrect application of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) 2 . Italy was condemned by the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) 3 regarding 41 agglomerations with more than 10 000 population equivalent discharging into sensitive areas. On 18 May 2018, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice 4 , as Italy had not yet fully complied with the ruling with regard to 14 agglomerations. In 2023, the Commission referred back the case against Italy to the CJEU as regards for five agglomerations 5 . The case is currently pending 6 and may result in financial penalties being imposed on Italy. 2. The project in question aims to bring the aforementioned agglomerations into compliance with the UWWTD. Waste water treatment plants below a certain capacity threshold 7 fall within the projects listed in Annex II of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 8 , for which Member States must determine whether the project shall be subject to an assessment in accordance with Articles 5 to 10. Based on the information available to the Commission 9 , an Environmental Impact Assessment of the project was carried out by the local authorities and got a favourable opinion by the national administration. 3. Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions, including rulings of the CJEU, and to take the necessary steps for enforcement. The Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action. The Commission intervenes only in cases of systemic breach of EU law 10 . 1 INF(2009)2034 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_2626 2 Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40–52. 3 Judgment of 10 April 2014, European Commission v Italian Republic, C-85/13, EU:C:2014:251: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?lgrec=fr&td=%3BALL&language=en&num=C-85/13&jur=C 4 Under Article 260 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. 5 Including Terrasini and Cinisi. 6 C-515/23, Commission v. Italy. 7 150 000 population equivalent, as defined Article 2(6) of Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment. 8 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (codification), OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1– 21. 9 Regione Siciliana - https://sivvi.regione.sicilia.it/viavas/index.php/it/component/fabrik/list/50?provvedimento___id_provvedimenti_raw=198 1&limitstart50=0&resetfilters=1 10 Communication from the Commission – ‘EU law: Better results through better application’, (2017/C 18/02) OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10, point 3.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-28 “E-002269/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission Strengthening Member States’ cyber resilience capabilities, coordinating national cyber efforts and securing critical infrastructures are top priorities for the Commission, which monitors closely cyber threats and incidents affecting the EU’s critical infrastructure. The Directive on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS 2 Directive) 1 requires from entities in 18 critical sectors, including public administration, to take risk-based cybersecurity risk-management measures and report significant cyber incidents. The NIS 2 Directive transposition deadline for the Member States was 17 October 2024. The Commission is now assessing the Italian transposition legislation that was notified on time. In addition, Regulation on digital operational resilience for the financial sector (DORA) 2 requires financial entities to develop capabilities to detect, prevent, limit the impact of information and communication technologies-related incidents, to respond and recover from them, and report major incidents. To assess the effectiveness of the entities’ capabilities, DORA introduces testing requirements. Investment 1.5 ‘Cybersecurity’ 3 , worth EUR 623 million, from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) spans from creating a Cybersecurity Agency to the implementation of actions boosting Italy’s cyber resilience capabilities. In the context of Italy’s fifth payment request, five milestones and targets were assessed as satisfactorily fulfilled: (i) creating the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN), (ii) defining the national cybersecurity architecture, (iii) the start-up of a network of cybersecurity laboratories, (iv) activating a central audit unit within the ACN (v) completing five strengthening interventions. 1 http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2555/oj 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2554/oj/eng 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52024PC0509”
  Cybersecurity investments for critical infrastructure
• 2024-10-10 “E-002008/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Fitto on behalf of the European Commission 1. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 1 supports Member States and regions in improving water management systems and infrastructures. Under the Regional Programme Sicily ERDF 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 and the National Programme Infrastructures and Networks ERDF 2014-2020, some EUR 460 million have been allocated to support sustainable water management in Sicily, with priority for infrastructural interventions reducing losses in the water supply network. These investments concern new and upgraded water supply networks, improvements to reservoirs and the reuse of wastewater. While Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan allocates EUR 4.8 billion to enhance water supply management through targeted projects, the Council Implementing Decision Annex does not allocate resources specifically to the province of Enna. Any allocation to Enna is a decision of national and regional authorities. 2. According to the Common Provisions Regulation 2 (CPR), the selection and funding of operations is the responsibility of the regional or national authorities managing the programmes. Furthermore, the CPR lays down enabling conditions for Member States to access the ERDF with a view to ensuring that the necessary prerequisites are met for the effective and efficient implementation of a selected specific objective. For the Regional Programme Sicily ERDF 2021-2027, the enabling condition ‘2.5 Updated planning for required investments in water and wastewater sectors’ is not yet fulfilled; therefore, payments of EU contributions to this sector have not started. The Commission monitors the programmes’ implementation and progress towards the fulfilment of the applicable enabling conditions in regular meetings with the managing authorities. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-10-02 “E-001926/2024 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission Human dignity, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and of association are respectively protected by Article 1, Article 11 and Article 12 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 1 (the Charter) and the Commission is committed to ensuring their respect within the remit of its competences. However, according to its Article 51(1), the Charter applies to Member States only when they are implementing EU law. The Italian draft law on ‘Provisions on public security’ lays down, inter alia, national provisions introducing criminal offences related to ‘passive resistance’ or obstructing traffic on roads or railways during demonstrations, and the amount of the penalties for these offences. In so far as such provisions do not relate to a situation within the scope of EU law, they do not seem to fall within the scope of the Charter. The EU competence in the area of substantive criminal law is set out in Article 83 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and does not cover the areas of crime concerned by the Italian draft law on ‘Provisions on public security’. Furthermore, in accordance with Article 72 TFEU, Member States are responsible for maintaining law and order and safeguarding internal security. Therefore, in these cases, it is for the Member States, including their judicial authorities, to ensure that fundamental rights are effectively respected and protected, in accordance with their national legislation and international human rights obligations. As concerns the respect for the rule of law, the Commission monitors the respect for the rule law in all Member States, including Italy, in the context of the annual Rule of Law Report. 1 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, OJ C 326, 26.10.2012, p. 391-407.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law · Rule of law and democracy in the EU (political compass)
• 2024-09-27 “E-001858/2024 Answer given by Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission 1. In line with its strategic approach on enforcement action 1 , the Commission aims to swiftly follow up on systemic cases. The Commission is currently pursuing two infringements cases against Italy for systemic non-compliance with EU law relating to illegal landfills. Italy has been condemned to pay fines for 200 illegal landfills 2 and for failure to ensure definite closure and rehabilitation of 44 landfills 3 . Individual cases such as the Mazzarrà landfill in Messina are better addressed at national level which can examine the situation on site, its surroundings and the characteristics of the waste deposited 4 . Those authorities have to ensure that the provisions of the Landfill Directive 5 are followed, including permitting, water control, leachate management, protection of soil and water, and procedures for closure and after-care 6 . 2. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 7 can support Member States in interventions for rehabilitation of industrial sites and contaminated land, including investments for decommissioning, reconverting or making safe existing landfills provided that such investments do not increase their capacity, and in line with the polluters pay principle. Priority is given by the Italian Partnership Agreement 8 to interventions aimed at sites in the list of National and Regional Interest, with a clearly established timeframe and implementation capacity. For the case in Sicily, the ERDF Regional Programme includes an indicative allocation of around EUR 8.9 million for this type of interventions, on condition that they are included in the regional decontamination plan. The choice of the specific initiative to support is under the responsibility of the regional authorities. 1 As set out in the Communication of 19 January 2017: EU law: Better results through better application C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10–20 and in the Communication of 13 October 2022: COM(2022) 518 final - Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers. 2 Case C-196/13: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62013CJ0196. The amounts corresponding to the landfills brought into conformity have been progressively deducted. In June 2024, there were 11 non-compliant landfills, corresponding to a penalty payment of EUR 2 600 000. 3 Case C-498/17: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:62017CJ0498. In April 2022, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Italy as the breach persisted for 12 landfills. 4 As set out in the Communication of 19 January 2017 ‘EU law: Better results through better application’, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10–20 and in the Communication of 13 October 2022 “Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers” COM(2022) 518 final. 5 Council Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste, OJ L 182, 16.7.1999, p. 1–19, amended by Directive (EU) 2018/850 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 100–108. 6 Articles 7-13, Annex I.2-I.3 and Annex III of the Directive. 7 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en 8 https://commission.europa.eu/publications/partnership-agreement-italy-2021-2027_en”
  Environmental crimes and justice · Water pollution
• 2024-09-20 “E-001776/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is not aware of the reasons of the national delays in the works to upgrade the Scordia purification plant. Only the competent national authorities are responsible for the disbursement of the national funds and the Commission has not identified any EU funds earmarked by the Italian authorities for the project in question. On the basis of the last call for payment sent by the Commission to the Italian authorities, concerning the 7 th semester after the applicable judgment 1 of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Italy paid a fine of EUR 95,429, specifically for the municipality of Scordia for breaches of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive 2 . In order to avoid further penalties, the competent national authorities must ensure full compliance with the abovementioned ruling by ensuring the required collection and treatment of wastewater, including, if appropriate, by programming available EU funds to build the necessary infrastructure. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports the construction and upgrade of urban wastewater treatment infrastructure. Dedicated resources are allocated in the ERDF regional programme for Sicily for an amount of around EUR 72 million. Under shared management the responsibility for the selection of interventions lies with the Managing Authority of the programme. 1 C-251/17, Commission v. Italy (2018) ECLI:EU:C:2018:358. 2 Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40–52.”
  Cohesion and rural funding
• 2024-09-13 “E-001700/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 1. The primary responsibility for disaster risk management lies with Member State authorities. The Commission's main role is to coordinate a response through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) 1 when activated. The Commission also supports national efforts with financial support such as under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2 or the forest fire prevention and restoration measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 3 . 2. The Commission supports local and regional authorities in implementing effective prevention strategies through funding from the ERDF in technologies for early detection and monitoring of fires, as well as critical infrastructure to enhance resilience against fire hazards. In Sicily the ERDF Regional Programme 2021-2027 allocates around EUR 204 million of EU resources to investments related to environmental risks 4 . 3. The Commission has established a fleet of planes and helicopters under rescEU 5 in 2019. The Commission is also working on creating a permanent wildfire fleet, comprising new aircraft 6 dedicated to EU-coordinated response operations. One of the key activities for institutional capacity development is the UCPM peer review programme 7 . After the 2023 wildfire season, the Italian Civil Protection Department requested a peer review of its wildfire risk management system 8 . Finally, the Commission has established the Expert Group on Forest Fires, which allows for the exchange of good practices among the fire management services of the EU countries and its neighbours. Through the Copernicus European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the Commission also provides most advance technology for the assessment of fire danger and real time monitoring of wildfires. 1 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en 2 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en 3 https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-agriculturalfund-rural-development-eafrd_en 4 Of which EUR 55 million are estimated to be invested on risk prevention and management measures related to fires. 5 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/resceu_en 6 Planned to become gradually operational as of end 2027. 7 https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/disaster-prevention-and-risk-management/ucpm-peerreview-programme 8 The report is planned to be finalised before end of 2024 and will highlight good practices and provide recommendations.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-09-05 “P-001638/2024 Answer given by Mr Reynders on behalf of the European Commission Detention conditions are primarily a responsibility of Member States. All Member States have, however, committed themselves to respect the standards on this matter drafted by the Council of Europe, such as the 2006 European Prison Rules 1 . Moreover, on 8 December 2022, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation on the procedural rights of suspects and accused in pre-trial detention and on material detention conditions 2 . It should be noted that the minimum standards, as laid down in the Recommendation, are not legally binding on Member States. Member States should have informed the Commission on their follow-up to this Recommendation by 1 October 2024. Based on this information, the Commission will monitor and assess the measures taken by Member States and submit a report by Q1 2025. Italy’s national recovery and resilience plan (hereinafter referred to as NRRP) includes one measure aiming at the renovation and requalification of inadequate structures of the administration of justice. However, Investment 1.2 ‘Construction of buildings, requalification and strengthening of real estate assets of the administration of justice’ under component M2C3 does not concern correctional facilities. The investments targeting correctional facilities mentioned in the 2023 report 3 by the Italian Ministry of Justice on the administration of justice are included instead in the ‘Piano Nazionale Complementare’ (hereinafter referred to as PNC), which as such fall outside the remit of the NRRP 4 . 1 https://rm.coe.int/european-prison-rules-978-92-871-5982-3/16806ab9ae 2 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_7570 3 https://www.giustizia.it/cmsresources/cms/documents/anno_giudiziario2024_relazione_ amministrazione2023.pdf 4 https://www.italiadomani.gov.it/it/il-piano/Risorse/piano-complementare/piano-nazionale-complementare.html. The PNC is a national investment plan that Italy created to complement the RRP through national resourceshttps://www.italiadomani.gov.it/it/il-piano/Risorse/piano-complementare/piano-nazionalecomplementare.html. The PNC falls under the responsibility of the Italian authorities and is not subject to the assessment of the Commission services.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2024-09-02 “E-001596/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission Without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law. Installations refining mineral oil and gas are covered by the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) 1 and must operate in accordance with permits based on the use of Best Available Techniques (BAT), which 2 apply also to the ISAB S.r.l. plant 3 . Prevention of industrial accidents is specifically covered by the Seveso III Directive 4 , requiring operators to take measures to prevent these accidents and limit their consequences. According to the Seveso database 5 the ISAB S.r.l. refining plant is an upper-tier establishment 6,7 . As soon as practicable 8 , Member States shall inform the Commission of any major accidents 9 . The Commission is proactively liaising with the Italian authorities to receive further information and follow up as appropriate. Under the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD) 10 operators must, in case of imminent threat, prevent environmental damage and, where environmental damage has occurred, remediate its environmental impact. The ELD addresses cases of significant damage to water, land, species and sites protected under Birds 11 and Habitats 12 Directives. A significant risk of human health being adversely affected is one of the criteria to determine cases of damage covered by the ELD 13 . The revised IED confers a right to individuals whose health has been affected by breaches of national measures adopted pursuant to the IED, to claim and obtain compensation for that damage from the relevant natural or legal persons 14 . 1 Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 amending Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste; OJ L, 2024/1785, 15.7.2024. 2 Published in 2014, 2014/738/EU: Commission Implementing Decision of 9 October 2014 establishing best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions, for the refining of mineral oil and gas (notified under document C(2014) 7155), OJ L 307, 28.10.2014, p. 38–82. 3 Part of Priolo Gargall’s petrochemicals hub. 4 Directive 2012/18/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on the control of majoraccident hazards involving dangerous substances, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directive 96/82/EC, OJ L 197, 24.7.2012, p. 1–37. 5 E-SPIRS, https://espirs.jrc.ec.europa.eu/en/espirs/content 6 Meaning that it is subject to more stringent requirements. 7 E.g. production of a safety report and the elaboration of an external emergency plan. 8 And at the latest within one year. 9 Pursuant to criteria defined under annex VI of the Seveso III Directive. 10 Directive 2004/35/CE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 April 2004 on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and remedying of environmental damage, OJ L 143, 30.4.2004, p. 56–75. 11 Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7–25. 12 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7–50. 13 Now undergoing a Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) Evaluation, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/law-and-governance/environmental-compliance-assurance/environmentalliability/implementation-commission_en 14 in Article 79a.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-08-30 “E-001573/2024 Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has not been aware of such ‘regional authority's suppressed report on the common agricultural policy fund fraud’ and cannot thus currently comment on any related misuse of funds. When the Commission becomes aware of any suspected cases of fraud, corruption or any other illegal activity affecting the EU budget, it informs the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). OLAF analyses information of potential investigative interest to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to open an investigation. OLAF can carry out administrative investigations when there are suspicions of fraud, corruption or other illegal activities against the financial interests of the EU. In addition, in case of criminal conduct in respect of which the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) could exercise its competence, the case is reported to the EPPO, who can initiate a criminal investigation. From a food safety perspective, the current EU legal framework is considered fit for purpose. Its implementation and enforcement remain under the responsibility of the Member States. Italian authorities have neither informed the Commission nor other Member States within the Alert and Cooperation Network (ACN) 1 about the illegal slaughter of animals or the sale of meat unfit for human consumption in relation with the situation described. This absence of communication would conform with the EU legislation if the issue remains strictly limited to the Italian territory. 1 https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/acn_en”
  GMOs
• 2024-07-26 “E-001431/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 1. Member States are primarily responsible for the correct implementation of EU law and should verify individual cases of potential breach of the relevant rules. The Commission’s strategic approach focuses on systemic non-compliance 1 . The new Environmental Crime Directive 2 promotes the protection of the environment through criminal law 3 . Member States will have to establish in their national legal orders an up-to-date list of conducts constituting environmental criminal offences as well as concrete dissuasive penalties for both natural and legal persons and adopt measures to facilitate the practical work of enforcers 4 . This will contribute to the overall protection of the environment including illegal waste management and illegal use of regulated chemicals 5 . 2. The Commission has no information pointing to a possible systemic misapplication of EU law 6 . 3. The EU has adopted a large body of legislation on occupational safety and health (OSH), applying to all workers 7 . The Commission actively monitors the transposition and application of this OSH acquis by Member States while the EU Agency for Safety and Health at Work has developed a large amount of good practices, information and tools 8 . The Pesticide Directive 9 establishes a framework for Member States to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides by reducing the risks and impacts of their use on human health and the environment. The conditionality mechanism 10 links Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 11 1 Regarding illegal waste management, Sicily is concerned by the following systemic case: in the framework of INFR(2003)2077, the Court of Justice imposed on 2 December 2014 in C-196/13 a penalty payment of EUR 42 800 000 for the presence in the erritory of Italy of 200 illegal landfills, 12 of which in Sicily. From this sum, the amounts corresponding to the landfills brought into conformity have been progressively deducted. In June 2024, there were 11 non-compliant landfills in Italy, 1 of which in Sicily. 2 Directive (EU) 2024/1203 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on the protection of the environment through criminal law and replacing Directives 2008/99/EC and 2009/123/EC, OJ L, 2024/1203, entered into force on 20 May 2024. 3 Member States have until 21 May 2026 to transpose the rules of the new Environmental Crime Directive into their national legal systems. 4 Including regular training, cooperation mechanisms, sufficient resources and national strategies on combating environmental crime. 5 Inter alia also of pesticides and biocides. 6 A systemic failure to comply with a provision of EU law is reflected by widespread factual evidence and its continuation over a long period of time, C-494/01. 7 Starting with the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC: Council Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work, OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1–8, and by further adopting related Directives. 8 https://osha.europa.eu/en 9 Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides, OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 71–86. 10 Articles 12 and 14 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013, OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, p. 1–186.”
  Energy (green transition)
• 2024-07-16 “P-001360/2024 Answer given by Ms Ferreira on behalf of the European Commission 1. Under cohesion policy, European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme SICILIA 2021-2027 has a budget of EUR 36 million for the action ‘Increasing infrastructure, with priority to civil distribution, sewerage and purification networks’. The Italian Resilience and Recovery Plan 1 includes support for sustainable water management, with the Member State responsible for the allocation of Recovery and Resilience Facility support across regions. The common agricultural policy supports the use of risk management tools in case of adverse weather conditions, preventive actions and restoration of agricultural potential damaged by natural disasters. The LIFE programme can support innovative solutions for desalination. Financial support from EU funds can be given to investments aimed at ensuring sufficient water supply if they meet the eligibility criteria and the requirements of the water and environmental acquis 2 . Investment Projects need to be in line with the requirements of the programme in place; for some funds shared management principles apply. 2. As of 6 August 2024, Italy has not activated the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) 3 to address the situation in Sicily. If Italy decides to apply, it must do so within 12 weeks from the occurrence of the first damage, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. The EUSF may cover part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations 4 . 3. The Value Added Tax (VAT) Directive 5 does not preclude the application of reduced VAT rates to the supply of water, including bottled water 6 . The decision to take up this option is at the discretion of Member States which may also decide to apply reduced rates or exemptions 7 . 1 See revised Annex to the Council Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy. Sustainable water management measures regard Investments 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 of Mission 2, Component 4. https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/a0e7539e-8d32-11ee-8aa6-01aa75ed71a1/language-en 2 The Commission Directorate-General for the Environment published in 2022 a guide providing a detailed description of those 2021–2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF) and NextGenerationEU funding programmes and instruments that could support projects that directly or indirectly contribute to the EU’s environmental policies and objectives https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/33b54f0d-025111ed-acce-01aa75ed71a1 3 Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legalcontent/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012 4 Private damage is not eligible. 5 Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax (OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1), as amended. 6 Article 98(1) and Annex III, category 2. 7 Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of 5 April 2022 amending Directives 2006/112/EC and (EU) 2020/285 as regards rates of value added tax, OJ L 107, 6.4.2022, p. 1.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you. Chair, and thanks to the rapporteur. Now, organized crime is no different than everyday violence, control of territories, exploitation of the weak and above all, it undermines the confidence of citizens in democracy because a complex crime prospers when states decline. There are no borders. And in Europe too, you have drugs and money laundering have become international. And Ecuador is a central hub of this. The data which we have are very striking, with 44.5 people out of 1000 who have suffered crime homicides. There's been a 400% rise in recent years, and a huge proportion of worldwide trade in cocaine goes through Ecuadorian ports, one of which has become the main source of origin of cocaine headed for Rotterdam. So this is a wake up call. One person in three in Ecuador has suffered crime. And who pays for this this week? So it's for this that we regard this agreement as important. We support it and we don't support it at the price of the breach of privacy laws, because we are happy with the, uh, positive, uh, opinion of the, the watchdog. So we'll keep an eye on that. But the priority That priority is to fight transnational organized crime, particularly in this case drug trafficking, which is depriving our young people of their health and their future. Thank you.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• “Thank you president. Now we are discussing the future of the cap. And yet there's an alarm in our rural areas. 80 a billion cuts in the cap, 8 billion less for Italy. That could bring the entire farming system to its knees. We cannot invest in weapons, taking resources away from those who give us nutritious food and promote local cohesion. There are regions that are devastated by drought and water resources that have collapsed. And yet we're talking about a single fund. And meanwhile farmer is farming is disappearing. That is why we need dedicated resources, structural resources to deal with climate events and social cohesion. And then there's the issue of legality. Every euro must be traceable without any mafia intervention. We should not have this bureaucratic cost that falls on the shoulders of honest farmers. Defending farming means that we should defend work, the dignity of our territories. We cannot allow us to lose sight of this command.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you very much Chair. Good evening Commissioner. The declared objective on the communication on the Democracy Shield is that of strengthening the resilience of our institutions. What I would like to stress is that democracy is not only under threat from outside but also from the inside. Look at the systematic corruption and the distortion of public powers and it remains impunished. As the shadow reporter of the anti-corruption director, I think it's quite strange that we're talking about a Democracy Shield when today the Council is blocking the approval of the anti-corruption directive, especially on Article Eleven, the abuse of office. It's being blocked by some countries, especially my country Italy. This actually weakens democracy. It weakens the message that we as Parliament want to get out to European citizens. So Commissioner, I would like to ask you to double down on your very important work and to send a strong message by sharing the subject that we have. I know that you met the Italian press federation representative and the member of the order of journalists. I would like to know whether you are aware of how difficult freedom of the press is in Italy at the minute. Thank you.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “Thank you. Good evening, commissioner and colleagues. Recruiting minors into organized crime is a scourge for the whole of Europe. These young children are, exploited by these gangs to commit various crimes, including violent crimes. Given this alarming situation, we must act. We need effective policies to defend these, fragile and vulnerable people. We also need to intervene with the techno companies whose platforms are used to recruit these children. We need to, focus on the types of crimes that these recruiters, use. This can be an essential instrument, this text. We need prevention that can help these children to find alternative routes, But we have to intervene early before they get into the legal system and take care of people who are born 50 inside or outside of the, perimeter of a city. That's what's going to give them hope. Thank you.”
  Safety features & content control for child protection online
• “Thank you. Thank you. We welcome the programme of the Danish presidency. Well, we don't necessarily share your acceleration towards rearmament, but we do believe that we need to enhance trust in the rule of law. But we can't have a Europe with the rule of law if we don't have Europe based on a legality. It's unacceptable that after years on the new anti-corruption directive, we're faced with a blocked dossier because of a minority of member states. Almost all of the countries of the union in their own penal code have issues related to corruption. And the rapporteur has been working on this, and corruption is not waiting for anyone. In the meantime, public resources, European resources are taken in with impunity. So Danish presidency, we call for courage. We need leadership, determination in order to take these cases, isolated cases, and to take an efficient stance and have the right instruments to fight corruption. It's not only a political issue, it's a moral issue. Thank you.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “Thank you chairman. So we all listen carefully to what you said beforehand. We took notes of your comments and some of your predictions regarding the future role of Europol. In my view, we have already decided to place Europol at the heart of our future strategy. You actually underlined that we have adopted some important agreements recently. Most recently, in fact, we voted in an important agreement with Ecuador yesterday, and we are very satisfied about that agreement. I'd like to compliment our chairman on his work on that. When it comes to the new regulation, we do have some quite clear ideas about that. I do hope that with the new regulation, Europol will see its role enhanced, in particular when it comes to its right to initiate investigations. In my modest view, it also has an important role to play when it comes to countering hybrid threats. It's important that we be in a position to protect ourselves from these threats, and it would be a mistake not to use Europol on those activities. So I have a question for you and also a question for our two other panelists. So my question for you. The will, the the commission has said that it will be coming forward with the new piece of legislation on organized crime. Will this lead to improvements when it comes to exchange of data between the forces of order, between the police forces? Of course, while avoiding conflicts of interest and turf wars. And this comment also applies to the other two panelists, including Mr. Brown. Is there a problem in terms of a lack of coordination between technical systems within member states? If so, what have you been doing to try to address these problems in particular, given the headlong rush of technology? How what can you do to try to reduce these gaps? Thank you.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• “Thank you. President. This is summer Sicily, with the region in Italy which was most affected by fires, with the tens of thousands of interventions by the firefighters and huge agricultural and forest areas going up in smoke in Sardinia. There are 2500 fires on average per year. At the beginning of September there were 26 in 1 single day. 2025 is already a record year for Europe in terms of land burnt. This tragedy is of particularly badly affecting the regions of the Mediterranean, and citizens of farmers and local communities have paid the highest price. They have also burnt together with the fires and institutions are suffering from inefficiency and delays. So Europe must strengthen its prevention and make early warning better and enhance the rescue fleet, particularly in the southern regions, and reinvest in the forest areas that have been destroyed. Invest in training firefighters and rescue workers. The European Union will be measured by its ability to protect its fragile land areas and its citizens.”
  EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)