Paolo INSELVINI

Policy topics Paolo INSELVINI is active on

What Paolo INSELVINI has said (44)

• 2026-07-08 “(14:40:36 - 14:41:42): For too long, the institutions have treated NAF co traffic as an endemic illness, something that is invincible and can't be solved. And some and that means that we've ignored the problem. If we are responsible for this and we need to, step up our efforts, and we need to believe in the fact that these criminal networks can be defeated. They can be defeated in their awful actions which affect children and innocent people. And if we do that, we will have fulfilled our duty. So we need to make the resources available, and we need to monitor the major ports with we need to have a really firm approach, and that's the only way we can fight against these traffickers in death. And we need to support those who fight them at the coalface. Thank you.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters
• 2026-06-16 “(11:38:02 – 11:38:55): Colleagues that, now uncontrolled migration, what we have to do is we have to deal with that particular problem in Europe. But we ought we ought to deal with this issue by providing for stability in situ, in The Middle East, in Africa, because, the displacement of these people, is not the solution. These individuals have to be able to enjoy stability and peace where they are. And I think that is a way to deal with uncontrolled, migration here here in Europe. We have to provide for peace at home so that these individuals can be able to thrive and live, in welfare where they are.”
  Asylum & border control
• 2026-06-16 “(11:36:24 – 11:37:23): I think 1st of all, an effort has to be made I think, indeed, just as humanity humanity has to be adopted, an approach which has been espoused, of course, by his all holiness, pope Leo as well, from the left, from the right, from all sides, from all geographic sides as well. We have to work, together in a concerted fashion with a pragmatic approach as well in order to achieve peace. But, this has to take place with the protection of civilians, the civilians in Lebanon, the civilians everywhere. We've seen, the caravans of cars, thousands and thousands of people that have left left their homes, we have to provide something for them. It has to be an approach of humanity. Thank you.”
  EU-Lebanon relations
• 2026-03-05 “Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission 21.5.2026 Written question In its formal response [1] to the ‘My Voice, My Choice’ European Citizens’ Initiative, the Commission does not introduce a new funding area under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) [2] . One of the specific objectives of the ESF+, set out in Article 4(1)(k), is that of enhancing equal and timely access to quality, sustainable and affordable services, including access to person-centred care including healthcare. Therefore, the ESF+ can support initiatives, selected at national level, that aim to ensure and enhance equal and timely access to healthcare services . These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance social cohesion and improve the overall quality of life for everyone living in the EU. The Commission Communication [3] explicitly states that any Member State action in response to this initiative would have to remain fully neutral as to where the patients come from, and could not therefore be targeted or limited to patients from other Member States. The Commission’s follow up to the initiative is fully in line with EU law and the division of competences between the EU and the Member States. In its formal response, the Commission recalls that any financial support for Member State action promoting health must comply with the limitations set out in Article 168(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Therefore, the Commission stresses that it is for Member States to decide whether they want to allocate resources received though ESF+ to abortion care, and that Member States remain competent for organising the delivery of this health service. [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52026XC01383. [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R1057. [3] See footnote 1.”
  Abortion policy · EU competences on health
• 2026-02-25 “P-000781/2026 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission recalls that the investigation of criminal offences is the competence of national authorities. The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) facilitates the rapid and secure exchange of criminal intelligence across the EU and provides advanced analytical support to help national authorities identify links between suspects, financial flows and transnational criminal networks. At the operational level, the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) platform 1 enables Member States to coordinate investigations and transform separate national child sexual exploitation cases into a shared, intelligence-led EU response. In July 2025, the Commission created the expert group Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse 2 to advise the Commission, share best practices, and support the development and implementation of prevention measures. Moreover, the Commission has presented two legislative proposals 3 to prevent and combat child sexual abuse which include provisions to reinforce the prevention of child sexual abuse online and offline, including across borders. Both proposals are being negotiated by the co-legislators and the Commission continues to support the co-legislators in reaching swift agreement, in particular on the rules that determine the possibilities and obligations for online platforms to take action against child sexual abuse. Moreover, the Commission remains committed to combating serious and organised crime, including the disruption of corresponding financial flows, as reflected in ProtectEU: a European Internal Security Strategy 4 . The ‘follow the money’ approach remains a cornerstone of this effort, further reinforced by the adoption of the 2024 Directive on Asset Recovery and Confiscation 5 . 1 https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/empact. 2 C(2025) 5252 final. 3 COM/2022/209 final, COM/2024/60 final. 4 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52025DC0148. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/LSU/?uri=oj:L_202401260.”
  EU law enforcement cooperation in criminal matters · Anti-money laundering regulation
• 2025-11-04 “E-004336/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission Freedom of religion or belief is one of the key priorities of the EU’s external human rights policy. Over many years, the EU has spearheaded the fight against religious intolerance and for freedom of religion or belief. The persistence of terrorist attacks targeting civilians in Cabo Delgado deserves the EU’s full attention. The EU Delegation in Maputo is regularly in contact with national authorities, the National Human Rights Commission of Mozambique, local civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders. The volatile security situation in Cabo Delgado is regularly discussed during exchanges with Mozambique authorities, including during the recent Mozambique-EU Partnership Dialogue. Moreover, the EU is actively engaging on the ground through the Military Assistance Mission EUMAM Mozambique, which provides monitoring and specialised training and advisory support to strengthen the capacity of the Armed Forces of Mozambique to prevent and counter terrorist attacks when these occur, in line with international humanitarian law. The EU-Mozambique Human Rights Dialogue, last held on 29 October 2025, provides an opportunity for the EU and Mozambican authorities to raise the issue of children’s rights, focusing on the forced recruitment and use of children as combatants by insurgent groups, which constitutes a serious violation of both human rights and international humanitarian law. Addressing these challenges and fostering a safer and more tolerant environment for all is a key element of the EU’s engagement. The European External Action Service, with the support of EU Delegations, works tirelessly with partner countries to promote and protect Freedom of Religion and Belief and stands ready to join effort with the next Special Envoy.”
  EU policy on African region · EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU
• 2025-11-04 “E-004345/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is aware of the threat posed by nitazenes. The EU Drugs Agency’s (EUDA) Early Warning System on New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) monitors 96 opioids on the European drug market. Nitazene opioids have dominated the NPS market since 2019 and 25 nitazenes were identified by October 2025. Outbreaks of drug-induced deaths driven by nitazenes were reported mainly in Estonia and Latvia 1 . Other Member States reported fatal and non-fatal poisonings related to nitazenes 2 . Acknowledging these threats, the Commission and the EUDA have intensified activities. With its strengthened mandate 3 , the EUDA published its first threat assessment report addressing the increased availability, use and harms of highly potent synthetic opioids in the Baltic region 4 . Moreover, a network of forensic and toxicological laboratories was set up in November 2024 to generate data and exchange information on new trends 5 . The EUDA is currently monitoring the impact of the controls introduced on nitazene opioids introduced by China in July 2025 and which were discussed in the recent EU-China Dialogue on Drugs that took place on 25 September 2025. On 4 December 2025, the Commission presented a new EU Drugs Strategy 6 and Action Plan against drug trafficking 7 which address the health and security challenges posed by synthetic drugs, including nitazenes. 1 101 drug-induced deaths mentioning nitazenes reported by Latvia in 2023 and two in 2022, and 61 reported by Estonia in 2023, 30 in 2022 and five in 2021. See: https://www.euda.europa.eu/publications/european-drugreport/2025_en, ‘Drug-induced deaths – the current situation in Europe’. 2 https://www.euda.europa.eu/publications/european-drug-report/2025_en, ‘Drug-induced deaths – the current situation in Europe’ and ‘New psychoactive substances – the current situation in Europe’. 3 Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2023 on the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006, OJ L 166, 30 June 2023, pp. 6. 4 https://www.euda.europa.eu/publications/threat-assessment/threat-assessment-report-synthetic-opioids-balticregion_en. 5 https://www.euda.europa.eu/activities/network-oflabs_en#:~:text=The%20EUDA%20Network%20of%20forensic%20and%20toxicological%20laboratories,share %20knowledge%2C%20expertise%2C%20best%20practices%20and%20up-to-date%20information. 6 COM(2025) 743 final, https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/44305b12-34e4-4a4e-b1b5812453ae069d_en?filename=EU%20Drugs%20Strategy.pdf. 7 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.”
  Regulation of drug precursors in the EU
• 2025-10-21 “E-004145/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission As of today, the Commission has no information or evidence regarding the application of additional fees on imports from the EU, nor about the reported decision by Ukraine to introduce additional document checks and security deposits, which would be causing delays and increasing the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) price of EU goods. The Commission services invite the industry operators who are experiencing the impact of the reported measures to share any relevant details with the Commission services in DirectorateGeneral for TRADE without delay. Pending the reception of the above information and its subsequent assessment, as an initial step the Commission will start inquiring about the reported existence of customs issues on goods imported from the EU with the Ukrainian authorities, including, if necessary, on the occasion of the 10 th meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Committee in trade configuration under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area 1 , which will take place on 2 December 2025. 1 https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/eu-ukraine-deep-and-comprehensive-free-trade-area, part of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, provisionally applied since January 2016: https://eurlex.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2014/295/2025-03-13.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• 2025-10-07 “E-003928/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, as well as the EU-Türkiye Association Agreement, allow partners to take trade restrictive measures in case of phytosanitary risks. In such cases, any measure should be scientifically based, proportionate, non-discriminatory, and the exporting party should be given the possibility to apply risk mitigating measures so that trade can resume. The Commission will reach out to the Italian authorities to obtain updated information on the state of play. On that basis and in case of uncertainties as to whether the above conditions have been met, the Commission may approach the Turkish authorities to seek clarification on the scope and justification of the measure. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to raise the issue through the appropriate bilateral and technical channels.”
  Export of EU agri-food products · Trade relations with Turkey
• 2025-10-02 “E-003845/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission Nigeria faces systemic insecurity affecting, among others, Christian individuals, communities and places of worship. While not being the sole cause of violence, religion is deeply embedded in national and community identities and influences politics at every level. Engagement towards freedom of religion or belief is among the EU’s strategic priorities. In Nigeria, the EU responds across all communities through humanitarian, development and rights-based actions guided by neutrality and impartiality. The EU humanitarian assistance amounts to over EUR 46 million in 2025 which is provided to the most vulnerable in areas affected by conflict or violence such as the Northeast and the Northwest and where needs are the most acute. It is channelled to the affected populations regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or political affiliation. Under the ‘supporting sustainable social protection systems in Nigeria initiative’ (EUR 13 million), the EU expands institutional capacity to protect vulnerable groups (women, children, and persons with disabilities) from poverty and exclusion. In security and governance, the EU Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC II) 1 integrates freedom of religion or belief and justice reforms. In addition, the EU is funding prevention and countering of violent extremism projects and cooperates with the National Peace Committee, the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organisations to promote accountability and peacebuilding between various communities. The EU complements its programmes with diplomacy through demarches, senior official meetings and peace dialogues, urging transparent investigations, including into religious-based violence. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/nigeria/eu-partners-launch-rule-law-and-anti-corruption-eu-rolac-iiprogramme_en?s=114.”
  EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU · EU policy on African region
• 2025-09-09 “E-003494/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission In a procedure before the Court of Justice, the Advocate General issues an Opinion in complete impartiality and independence 1 . Subject to the exceptional situation in which the oral part of the procedure is reopened, the parties are not authorised to put forward observations, in particular in response to the Advocate General’s Opinion, once the President of the formation of the Court has declared the hearing closed 2 . The Commission does not comment on Opinions issued in pending cases and awaits the ruling by the Court. 1 Article 252 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 2 Practice directions to parties concerning cases brought before the Court, OJ L, 2024/2173, 30.08.2024, paragraph 87.”
  EU competences on human rights · LGBTIQ+
• 2025-09-04 “E-003493/2025 E-003421/2025 Answer given by President von der Leyen on behalf of the European Commission The Strategic Dialogue is an inclusive and collaborative process aimed at addressing critical challenges facing the sector and ensuring its continued success as a major driver of the European economy. As stated in the Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector 1 that was the outcome of the first two meetings of the Dialogue, the sector is undergoing a structural transformation of unprecedented speed and magnitude. To ensure the broadest possible participation in the preparation of the Action Plan, the Commission invited input from more than 100 organisations in dedicated thematic dialogues, among them also the Automotive Regions Alliance. The Strategic Dialogue has shown its value as a forum of exchange between the President of the Commission and representatives of the industry. For practical reasons, the size of the group cannot be expanded further to allow sufficient time for all participants to express themselves. This is not merely a matter of organisational efficiency but an essential requirement to ensure effective exchange. The Commission is consulting stakeholders extensively in the preparation of the proposals announced in the Action Plan. The Committee of the Regions, under whose auspices the Automotive Regions Alliance has been formed, will also be consulted on the legislative proposals. 1 COM(2025) 95 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0095.”
  Road transport environmental policy · EU Competition policy
• 2025-09-02 “E-003357/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission is not aware of this practice and has no information on its occurrence in EU Member States. Member States’ laws may regulate recognition of medical prescriptions from outside the EU based on bilaterial agreements. 2. The Commission must respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care in accordance with Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 1 . Directive 2011/24/EU 2 on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare provides rules under which a patient may travel to another Member State to receive medical care and get reimbursed under certain conditions 3 . This also includes the recognition of medical prescriptions. However, this Directive only applies to the EU/ European Economic Area (EEA) countries. 3. The European Medicines Agency plays a central role in monitoring the safety of all authorised medicines through the EU pharmacovigilance system, which includes EudraVigilance. However, it is important to note that the distribution and administration of medicines fall primarily under the responsibility of EU Member States, as they relate to the organisation and management of national healthcare systems. They have strict rules in place to ensure that the access to puberty blocking medicines is appropriately controlled. These include clinical guidelines and national rules requiring in some instances the approval of more than one physician and a psychological assessment before prescribing. If these national rules are circumvented, this should be reported to the relevant national authorities or professional organisations where the physicians have prescribed them. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/tfeu_2008/art_168/oj/eng. 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2011/24/2014-01-01/eng. 3 Article 7(1) of Directive 2011/24/EU includes as a general principle for the reimbursement of costs that the healthcare in question is among the benefits to which the insured person is entitled in the Member State of affiliation.”
  Pharmaceutical imports & exports rules · EU competences on health (internal-competence axis, sharpened)
• 2025-07-23 “E-003054/2025 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on behalf of the European Commission The Digital Services Act (DSA) protects freedom of expression by providing important safeguards for users of online platforms regarding content moderation, including requirements for transparent terms and conditions, clear appeal processes and safeguards against arbitrary content removal. Thus, when platforms remove or demote content, they must inform the user that posted the content, explain why they took the content moderation decision, and offer the opportunity to challenge it. However, the Commission's direct supervisory powers under the DSA apply specifically to Very Large Online Platforms and Very Large Online Search Engines (those with at least 45 million monthly recipients in the EU). As Blogger does not currently fall into these categories, it is not currently subject to the Commission's direct DSA supervision. For content moderation issues on Blogger, the recipients of the service may therefore need to use the platform's own complaint mechanisms or contact the competent national Digital Services Coordinator 1 , who handles DSA compliance for smaller platforms within Member States. 1 https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/dsa-dscs.”
  Digital platforms liability for harmful and illegal content · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-07-14 “E-002861/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission is committed to fighting racism, xenophobia and all forms of intolerance, combating any form of discrimination and protecting and promoting the rights and values as enshrined in the Treaties and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 1 . The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme (CERV) 2 is an important funding instrument to reach these objectives. Established by Regulation (EU) 2021/692, it is implemented through work programmes adopted after consultation with the CERV Programme Committee, whose members are representatives of EU Member States and associated countries participating in the programme. The 2025 work programme was adopted on 18 July 2024. Subsequently, the call for proposals to promote equality and to fight against racism, xenophobia and all other forms of discrimination was launched, aligning with the objectives of the programme’s Regulation and the priorities outlined in the 2025 work programme. With its six priorities, this call has a wide scope and coverage which accounts for the diversity of the European society. The Commission is determined to engage all relevant actors to work towards the common goal of achieving an open, inclusive and respectful European society, where no one feels excluded, threatened, discriminated or unsafe. In this respect, in addition to the activities funded through the CERV programme, a dialogue with religious and non-confessional organisations based on Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union has been developed and includes, among its main partners, representatives of the main Christian churches and organisations present in Europe, which are regularly consulted on the major political and policy developments at EU level. 1 Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (OJ C 326, 26.10.2012, pp 391-407). 2 Regulation (EU) 2021/692 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (OJ L 156, 5.5.2021, p. 1).”
  LGBTIQ+ · EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination · EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU
• 2025-06-23 “E-002504/2025 Answer given by Mr Síkela on behalf of the European Commission The EU is countering hostile influence on local population from foreign actors. The EU has not suspended its cooperation with central Sahel countries and cooperation channels remain open. However, as requested by the European Council in October 2023, the EU has adapted its actions to developments in the region. Political orientations were provided by the Foreign Affairs Councils of December 2023 1 and February 2024 2 , with the latter emphasising humanitarian aid, reinforced cooperation with Chad and Mauritania, support to the Economic Community of West African States and stronger strategic communications. The adaptation is coherent with different situations in each country, and with the position taken by African organisations, which have suspended a number of countries. The EU has maintained non-military security support at Mali’s request, cooperation programmes where shared interests exist, and humanitarian support when possible. It has increased security and non-security support to more like-minded countries in the region and improved strategic communication via an expanded Africa Task Force. A new EU strategy for the Sahel and the planned renewed approach to the Sahel will propose actions addressing geopolitical competition. Support to populations in Burkina Faso and Mali continues, illustrated by Annual Action Plans (AAPs) adopted up to 2024 3 . In Niger, about 20% of the portfolio was maintained, with EUR 16 million in new contracts recently agreed under AAP 2021 4 . Though national Multiannual Indicative Programmes (MIPs) for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger 5 were ended during the 2024 mid-term review for political and operational reasons, funds remain earmarked for these countries for 2025-2027 under the regional MIP (complex settings envelope) 6 , allowing more flexible programming in line with EU priorities. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/68697/background-brief-fac-231211.pdf. 2 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2024/02/19/. 3 https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/31adbafe-7097-4c76-b60f4b6ed395bdc4_fr?filename=aap-2021-c2021-9674-burkina-faso_fr.zip&prefLang=en; https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/73b098f7-080f-40e8-ad83d18c69004fbe_fr?filename=aap-2023-2025-c2023-2289-burkina-faso-part-1_fr.zip&prefLang=en; https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/0e97874f-6215-4474-9c33b7eced53b1d2_fr?filename=aap-2024-c2024-8908-burkina-faso_fr.zip&prefLang=en; https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/652f1b3f-3890-4eb4-978833e7a2271017_fr?filename=aap-2024-c2024-1428-mali_fr.zip&prefLang=en. 4 https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/12081011-38a9-433f-ae562888221abd9b_fr?filename=aap-2021-c2021-9374-niger_fr.zip&prefLang=en; FN; https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/68697/background-brief-fac-231211.pdf. 5 https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-01/mip-2021-c2021-9376-mali-annex_fr.pdf; https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b6668f96-ddc3-4750-ab559dead1c7e7aa_en?filename=mip-2021-c2021-9242-niger-annex_fr.pdf&utm_source=chatgpt.com; https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/2f36acfa-a4d9-4ed3-80e93f634e1579d1_en?filename=mip-2021-c2021-9396-burkina-faso-annex_fr.pdf. 6 https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/document/download/b710ea86-1496-45b9-acb998e95ef419ea_en?filename=ad-2024-c2024-8897-sub-saharan-africa_en.zip.”
  EU policy on Sahel and Sudan · EU foreign policy approach · EU development aid (migration conditionality)
• 2025-06-17 “E-002428/2025 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission Freedom of expression is a fundamental right and a cherished value in the EU. It is protected under Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (“the Charter”). The Commission is committed to ensure the respect of the Charter, within the remit of its competences. According to its Article 51(1), the Charter applies to Member States only when they are implementing EU law. Moreover, according to Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union, the maintenance of law and order and the safeguarding of internal security in the Member States fall within national competence. The definition and application of rules and sanctions governing the holding of demonstrations is the responsibility of Member States, outside the scope of EU law. From the information provided by the Honourable Member, the national measures in question do not appear to involve EU law. The right to freedom of expression is also protected by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The ECHR, which the Honourable Member refers to, is however an international treaty and not an instrument of EU law and its application is overseen by the ECHR in Strasbourg. It is the competence of 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, such as the ECHR, and in full respect of the values on which the EU is founded.”
  LGBTIQ+ · Disinformation & online freedoms
• 2025-05-28 “E-002128/2025 Answer given by Mr Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission The EU fiscal framework recognises the challenges from demographic changes 1 . Member States’ medium-term plans should include a fiscal path that ensures fiscal sustainability, also reflecting costs related to demographic ageing. Reforms and investments that help address the economic and fiscal impact of ageing can be included in the plan and considered among those that justify a more gradual fiscal consolidation. In line with Protocol 12 annexed to the Treaties 2 , investment means gross fixed capital formation as defined in the European System of Accounts. Tackling the impact of demographic change is a shared commitment for the entire Commission and the organisational arrangements will follow the evolution, if any, of the related tasks. The Commissioner for the Mediterranean is responsible for steering the implementation of the Demography Toolbox 3 to help Member States address their demographic challenges. Moreover, employment and social policies, education and training, territorial cohesion policy, migration, fiscal policies, health policies, and others, all contribute to managing demographic change. The Commission's proposal for the next multiannual financial framework includes national and regional partnerships for investments and reforms tailored to each Member States’ specific needs, including demographic challenges 4 . For instance, investment in quality and affordable childcare and health/long-term care positively impacts well-being and labour market participation 5 . 1 Recital 5 of Regulation 1263/2024 (EU) on the effective coordination of economic policies and on multilateral budgetary surveillance and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1466/97. 2 Protocol (No 12) on the Excessive Deficit Procedure annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. 3 Communication Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action COM(2023) 577 final. 4 Communication A dynamic EU Budget for the priorities of the future - The Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 COM(2025) 570 final. 5 Communication on the European care strategy COM(2022) 440 final.”
  EU competences on demographic policy · Support for families
• 2025-04-15 “E-001531/2025 Answer given by Mr Brunner on behalf of the European Commission Human dignity, non-discrimination, freedom of expression as well as freedom of thought, conscience and religion are common values and fundamental rights set out in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. The EU does not have legislation regulating either blasphemy or defamation of religion. The Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA on combating racism and xenophobia 1 requires Member States to criminalise public incitement to violence or hatred based on race, colour, religion, descent, or national or ethnic origin, when directed against a group of persons or a member of such group. In the Joint Communication ‘No place for hate: a united Europe against hatred’ 2 the Commission and the High Representative committed to step up efforts to tackle hatred in all its forms, including hatred against people of the Christian faith. National authorities, including national courts, remain competent to determine whether a specific behaviour or act qualifies as hate speech or hate crime under applicable national law and to regulate the authorisation of public events. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32008F0913. 2 Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council on ‘No place for hate: a Europe united against hatred’ JOIN/2023/51 final.”
  Disinformation & online freedoms · EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• 2025-04-11 “E-001501/2025 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has implemented preventive measures for foot and mouth disease (FMD), which include: i) closely monitoring the EU situation; ii) developing specific legislation with disease control measures for FMD and other diseases 1 within an EU legal framework 2 , iii) adopting immediate emergency measures with FMD regionalisation measures 3 which require movement restrictions and controls in the restricted zones, thus protecting the EU internal market with tighter biosecurity measures; iv) ensuring EU coordination through standing committee meetings 4 ; v) managing and deploying vaccine doses from the EU FMD antigen bank; vi) providing support to all Member States, including training 5 and dispatching the EU Veterinary Emergency Team 6 on-site to assist the competent authorities; vii) regularly informing Member States and trading partners 7 about the evolution of the epidemiological situation, and viii) maintaining constant dialogue with trading partners to advocate for the recognition of EU regionalisation and to avoid unjustified trade bans. EU co-financing of emergency veterinary measures is available under the Commission’s Single Market Programme, covering costs related to animal culling, owner compensation, and premises cleaning and disinfecting. Support is also possible under the common agricultural policy 8 for risk management (e.g., insurance), on-farm biosecurity (e.g., fencing), and agricultural restoration post-outbreaks (i.e., restocking). Additional emergency measures 9 for farmers affected by natural disasters, including animal diseases, were adopted on 19 December 2024. Member States may also request exceptional support 10 for farmers impacted 1 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687 of 17 December 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and the Council, as regards rules for the prevention and control of certain listed diseases (OJ L 174, 3.6.2020, p. 64, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2020/687/oj). 2 Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’) (OJ L 84, 31.3.2016, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/429/oj). 3 The current regionalisation is regulated by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/672 of 31 March 2025 concerning certain emergency measures relating to outbreaks of FMD in Hungary and Slovakia and repealing Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/613 (OJ L, 2025/672, 2.4.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2025/672/oj). 4 Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed: https://food.ec.europa.eu/horizontaltopics/committees/paff-committees_en. 5 Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) resources: https://better-training-for-saferfood.ec.europa.eu/training/?lang=en. 6 https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-diseases/veterinary-emergency-team_en. 7 https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/a0dcc301-94d4-4eb3-8c648cda1d3afc92_en?filename=ad_control-measures_fmd_chron_de-20250110.pdf. 8 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 L435, 6.12.2021, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2115/2024-05-25). 9 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R3242&qid=1735899275178. 10 Article 220 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1308/2024-11-08).”
  Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU
• 2025-03-18 “P-001149/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission On 11 March 2025, the High Representative/Vice-President issued a statement on behalf of the EU 1 , strongly condemning the horrific crimes committed against civilians. The EU has called for a swift, transparent and impartial investigation to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. It welcomed the transitional authorities’ commitments in this regard, in particular the establishment of an independent investigative committee and called on them to allow the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic to investigate all violations. The EU is in contact with interim authorities and local actors, including civil society, and consistently advocates for an inclusive, peaceful, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political transition that protects Syrians from all ethnic and religious background without discrimination. In this context, it welcomes the commitments of the transitional authorities in this respect, stressing the importance of these commitments to be followed up with actions. The National Dialogue process launched in February 2025 as well as the new Constitutional Declaration, whose implementation must build on standards of equal rights, and the new government appointed end of March 2025, should ensure that the transition process meets the aspirations of all Syrians and is grounded on the respect of international law, human rights, fundamental freedoms, pluralism and tolerance as well as on the values of rule of law and accountability. Since 2011, the EU and the Member States have mobilised nearly EUR 37 billion in response to the Syrian crisis, representing the largest donors of humanitarian and stabilisation assistance to Syria and the region. EU humanitarian aid is delivered through humanitarian partners based on people’s needs, accountability to the affected populations, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness. 1 Syria: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the recent wave of violence, 11 March 2025: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/03/11/syria-statement-by-thehigh-representative-on-behalf-of-the-european-union-on-the-recent-wave-of-violence/”
  EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU · EU-Syria relations
• 2025-02-11 “E-000629/2025 Answer given by Ms Lahbib on behalf of the European Commission The Commission carries out rigorous selection processes, including checks on grant beneficiaries. To protect the financial interests of the Union, the Commission makes sure that the action is implemented in accordance with the applicable financial rules and the grant agreement signed with the beneficiary. Any breach of obligation of the terms of the grant agreement can lead to measures including grant agreement suspension and termination. The monitoring of the implementation of the grants, in which the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) European Network was a beneficiary, did not reveal any activities that would not be in line with the requirements for EU funding nor the need to review the allocation of funding. Further, the Commission notes that the IPPF is not currently implementing any EU funding either. The Commission is aware of the allegations related to the tissue donation programme of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (IPPFA), which is a member association of IPPF. As the Commission pointed out in its replies to written questions E-011611/2015 1 , E12709/2015 2 and P-012161/2015 3 , the IPPFA is not a recipient of EU funding either. Any information about alleged illegal activities taking place in the EU should be reported to the appropriate national law enforcement for further investigation, and, if necessary, for prosecution under the national legislative provisions. 1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html 2 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html 3 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/-ASW_EN.html”
  Regulation of NGOs in Europe · Accounting and auditing of EU budget
• 2025-01-22 “E-000275/2025 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission 1. The Commission’s assessment of the former Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton’s envisaged post term of office activity as member of the Global Advisory Council of the Bank of America followed the procedure laid down in Article 11(2) of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the Commission. In line with this provision, the Independent Ethical Committee delivered its opinion, upon which the Commission built its decision 1 . Both the Opinion and the Commission’s decision are available on the website ‘Former European Commissioners’ authorised occupations 2 . 2. Public trust in the Commission’s independence is of paramount importance. Former Commissioners’ post term of office activities are assessed against the framework of the Treaties, namely Articles 245 and 339 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the Commission. Their post term of office activities eventually authorised by the Commission do not impact the way the serving Members of the Commission abide by the obligations that apply to them. 3. The Commission’s rules and procedures in force are designed to ensure the integrity of the Members and former Members of the Commission and the appropriate transparency. The Commission is determined to keep its ethical standards, rules and procedures up to the highest level of comparable institutions. The Commission considers that the rules and procedures contained in the current version of the Code of Conduct for the Members of the Commission ensure this high level of integrity. 1 Decision C(2025) 9000 of 15 January 2020: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/fad11e85-55ec42b0-a145-7fc3387107a9_en?filename=c-2025-9000-en.pdf and the corresponding opinion of the Independent Ethical Committee, of 12 December 2024: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/f6c6e1bf-495d4ad3-ab0b-e68db63bcc63_en?filename=opinion-of-the-iec-former-commissioner-breton-bank-of-america-en.pdf 2 https://commission.europa.eu/about/service-standards-and-principles/ethics-and-goodadministration/commissioners-and-ethics/former-european-commissioners-authorised-occupations_en”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• 2024-12-10 “E-002836/2024 Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission The Commission would like to inform the Honourable Members that the ‘Do you know the ingredients in your alcoholic drink?’ campaign 1 was organised by Eurocare with the participation of various other organisations. The campaign was not directly funded by the Commission under any of the EU’s financial programmes. However, Eurocare has benefitted from operating grants under the EU4Health programme, the latest of which was under the 2023 work programme 2 . Through these grants, non-governmental organisations are expected to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, capacity building related to their expertise and cooperate with other civil society organisations and international organisations. As the Commission did not fund the campaign, it is not in a position to reply to the Honourable Member’s questions on the criteria to promote this campaign. Furthermore, the Commission is fully engaged in respecting and preserving the European heritage for food and drink, including the Mediterranean diet. As enshrined by the Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Commission will advance towards the implementation in 2025 of the recommendations of the High-Level Group on Wine. 1 https://www.eurocare.org/eurocare-news/this-was-awarh24 2 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projectsdetails/43332642/101122536/EU4H?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=10&sortBy=title&isExactMatch =true&frameworkProgramme=43332642&topicAbbreviation=EU4H-2023-OG”
  Drinking regulation · EU measures on lifestyle-related behaviours (smoking, drinking, eating, etc.) · Nutrition
• 2024-11-20 “E-002599/2024 Answer given by Mr McGrath on behalf of the European Commission The Commission remains committed to upholding children’s and women’s rights within the framework of its competences. Substantive family law, such as rules on the definition of family and on surrogacy, falls within the competence of the Member States. Each Member State therefore decides its position as regards surrogacy. EU law already requires Member States to recognise the parenthood of children as established in another Member State for the purposes of children’s rights derived from EU law, such as the rights to enter or reside in another Member State 1 . Based on Article 81(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Commission adopted a proposal 2 on the recognition of parenthood between Member States to protect all children’s rights, including children’s rights derived from national law, such as the rights to inheritance and maintenance. Negotiations in the Council on the proposed legislation – which requires adoption by unanimity – are ongoing. Given that, under international 3 and EU law 4 , all children have the same rights, the Commission proposal covers the recognition of parenthood established in a Member State irrespective of how the child was conceived or born, and irrespective of the child’s type of family. The proposal thus includes the recognition of the parenthood of children born abroad through surrogacy, provided the parenthood has been established in a Member State. The exploitation of surrogacy, among others, is included as a form of exploitation in the AntiTrafficking Directive, modified by Directive (EU) 2024/1712 of 13 June 2024 5 . It targets those who coerce or deceive women into acting as surrogate mothers, without prejudice to the national rules on surrogacy, including criminal law or family law. 1 This was confirmed, including as regards children with same-sex parents, by the Court of Justice in its judgment of 14 December 2021 in the VMA case (C-490/20). 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52022PC0695, 7 December 2022, COM(2022) 695. 3 In particular the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) and the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). 4 Including the EU Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. 5 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1712/oj”
  Sexuality and reproduction · Regulation of surrogate pregnancy
• 2024-10-28 “E-002278/2024 Answer given by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen On behalf of the European Commission No EU official attended the Pornfilmfestival Berlin 2024. The Commission recognises and shares concerns about the harms that adult content can cause, particularly to women and girls, and is committed to ensuring that the risks associated with such content are appropriately identified and effectively mitigated, in accordance with the Digital Services Act (DSA) 1 . In order to assist online platforms in applying a high level of protection for minors, the Commission is developing guidelines under the DSA, aligned with existing legal provisions, including the Audiovisual Media Services Directive 2 and the General Data Protection Regulation 3 . The Commission has designated four pornographic platforms as very large online platforms, resulting in the most stringent DSA obligations applying to them and bringing them under the Commission’s enforcement powers. The Commission is actively assessing their compliance with the DSA and has sent several requests for information, including relating to risk assessment methods for mitigating illegal content. In addition, to ensure an efficient implementation of the rules of the DSA, including those to protect minors online, the Commission remains dedicated to ensuring that an effective regulatory dialogue is maintained with all stakeholders, including from the adult content industry, with a particular focus on measures to protect minors from harmful content and to prevent the dissemination of illegal material. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX% 2 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2018/1808/oj 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/679/oj/eng”
  Regulation of pornography in the EU
• 2024-08-27 “E-001554/2024 Answer given by Ms Ivanova on behalf of the European Commission The project DragTivism Jr 1 was selected by the Spanish national agency for Erasmus+ National Agency Youth Institute (INJUVE) in line with the procedures set out in the Erasmus+ programme guide 2 . The Guide seeks to promote equal opportunities and access, inclusiveness, diversity and fairness across all its actions. It sets clear standards for the protection, health and safety of participants, including minors. Learning must take place in a safe environment, which respects and protects the rights of all persons. Participating organizations must have in place effective procedures to guarantee the safety, protection and non-discrimination of participants. As of 2024, the Programme’s rules regarding respect for EU values have been reinforced. The guide and the grant agreements highlight that projects need to respect human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, in full compliance with the values and rights enshrined in the EU Treaties and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Erasmus+ is mainly implemented through indirect management, where budget implementation tasks are entrusted to national agencies to adapt the programme to national contexts. The Commission contacted the national agency in charge of the selection and monitoring of the project in question to ensure that the above-mentioned standards are in place and fully met. The Commission has requested that the agency reviews project files and supporting documents, including the application form for participation. The agency has confirmed that it considers the project activities appropriate and that the rules set out in the programme guide and the grant agreement are respected, including obtaining written parental consent prior to the participation of minors, and a comprehensive safeguarding policy set up by the beneficiary. 1 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2023-1-ES02-KA152-YOU-000149399 2 https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide”
  Role of education (social change vs. tradition) · LGBTIQ+
• 2024-07-24 “E-001422/2024 Answer given by Ms Johansson on behalf of the European Commission The EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025 1 and its Action Plan 2 identify the EU drug policy priorities, including the reduction of the use of illicit drugs 3 . The Council Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA 4 lays down minimum rules and penalties to combat drug trafficking. To effectively address synthetic drug threats, the 2023 EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime 5 foresees forging alliances as an explicit action. Accordingly, on 7 July 2023 the EU joined the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, which deals with manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, detecting threats and patterns, and public health aspects. The EU4Health Programme 6 may support Member States’ actions to reduce damage to health due to illicit drug use and addiction. The Commission is working closely with Member States to ensure that fentanyl and other opioid medications are subject to strict regulatory controls. This includes the enforcement of rigorous prescription guidelines and monitoring systems to prevent overprescribing and to identify potential abuse 7 . Furthermore, the Commission, in collaboration with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is developing and promoting guidelines for healthcare professionals on the safe prescription and management of medications with high potential for misuse 8 . Since 2 July 2024, the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA 9 ) has reinforced health and security threat assessment capabilities and promotes evidence-based interventions to raise awareness on the adverse effects of drugs 10 . To address the increasing availability of drugs to young people on social media platforms, the Commission developed a Knowledge Package on Combating Drug Sales Online 11 . 1 EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025, OJ C 102I, 24.3.2021. 2 EU Drugs Action Plan 2021-2025, OJ C 272, 8.7.2021. 3 Priority area 5.2 of the EU Drugs Strategy, Action 28 of the EU Drugs Action Plan. 4 Council Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA of 25 October 2004 laying down minimum provisions on the constituent elements of criminal acts and penalties in the field of illicit drug trafficking. 5 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, COM/2023/641 final. 6 Regulation (EU) 2021/522 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 establishing a Programme for the Union’s action in the field of health (‘EU4Health Programme’) for the period 2021-2027, and repealing Regulation (EU) No 282/2014, OJ L 107, 26.3.2021, p. 1. 7 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/opioids-drugs-heroin/, 8 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/psusa/psusa-00001370-202304, https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/psusa/psusa-00001370-202204 9 Formerly European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). 10 Regulation (EU) 2023/1322 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 June 2023 on the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1920/2006, OJ L 166, 30.6.2023, p. 16. 11 https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/networks/european-union-Internet-forum-euif_en”
  Regulation of drug precursors in the EU
• “Thank you very much, president. And I'd like to thank the Hungarian Secretary of State for being here today. We are satisfied with the fact that the Hungarian presidency wants to bring together the environmental issues, and also competitiveness and industry and growth that this has taken into consideration as well. Very important. So achieving certain unrealistic objectives of the Green Deal. Well, when we look at numerous different aspects of policies that have been demonized, I think one has to ask questions with regard to agriculture. And of course, the minister can respond to this, but to what extent is it necessary to involve farmers in the defence of the in the protection of the environment, because these are the people that are there that will help us to overcome the various problems that exist on numerous different fronts, fronts, and also they will be the ones that will have to confront the consequences of floods, for example. So they are to be involved in the decision making process as well. Also the demonization of hunters as well. It's been said that they are against animals nature, but actually they also have to be involved in the discussion. They play an important role as far as the balance that is achieved as well. And also, would the Hungarian presidency like to continue along the path of the declassification of the Wolf as well? Very important audit continue to be a protected species because our citizens have to live in safety as well. Thank you. Thank you very much. Important to work in order to protect the environment. But this has to be done in balance with numerous, numerous other factors as well. Thank you very much, colleague. Friis.”
  Agriculture (green)
• “Today we discovered, to our surprise, that Europe has ceded its sovereignty to China technologically. This is the result of years of madness of Greta Thunberg, etc.. And now we've been told how to live, what cars to buy, what decisions to take. And in China, they've been investing in strategic sectors, and we've given this to them. Our citizens are obliged to use technology without checking first on the sustainability points of the sector. Now, with this transition, we don't have the necessary resources. We're depending ideologically on someone else to be able to change the world. And now if Europe wants to be independent, it should stop trying to teach, teach people lessons and look around itself. The world is not waiting for our debates. Either we change tack or we end up, uh, in a straitjacket.”
  EU digital & tech sovereignty
• “The message is one for hope. Particularly, Christians ought to be able to live in peace in their own land. There's so much suffering. So many Lebanese innocently have suffered under these particular circumstances. Last October, I was in Lebanon, a beautiful country, a mosaic of different ethnic groups. At the same time, I've seen in the eyes of people there the suffering, the desperation because of the conditions that prevail in this suffering. I've also seen the desire to get up to reconstruct that which has been destroyed by bombs. The European Union ought to be a guarantor for peace and stability in Lebanon, in the entire Middle East as well. People. Many peoples. Many ethnic groups. Countries. True mosaics Lebanon. Numerous different ethnic groups. They are our brothers all. And they require our support and help.”
  EU engagement with Christian communities inside and outside the EU
• “Agriculture is the economic and social heart of Europe. Men and women who day in, day out, sacrifice themselves in order to provide food and security to our communities. Now, let's say quite clearly, with no farmers, there is no Europe. So that is why we need to cut red tape, ensure fair prices and also support the sector. And we are now at long last starting to get onto the right track. But we have a problem with reciprocity and make sure that products coming into Europe respect the same rules as here. Otherwise we're simply contending with unfair competition. We have the safest, most sustainable and transparent system in Europe. Our farmers are custodians of the land and we have to allow the principle of sovereignty and freedom to prevail. They deserve our respect. But we are calling on the commission. Um, is this really the direction you want to take, or are you going to be making those 20% cuts that we have heard about? Are you going to do your job to support farmers now? You on the left, you know, stop attacking wine, meat and ah, good fair Mediterranean diet.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “(11:25:02 – 11:27:17): The first point isn't the lack of funds, but rather access to financial instruments. Currently, SMEs in Europe represent above 99% of all of our production sector, but they're still the most penalized productivity of SMEs is a major issue. Something I think that we need to look at is the it's estimated that each SME should have some 228 work hours every year on administrative issues. And so these are resources that are taken away from other activities. I think what we need to do is to be sufficiently lucid to send out a small because there was some significant obligations introduced over the past few years. And therefore, I think that our colleague, miss Fincic, is headed in the right direction. Perhaps we might be more decisive, however, in terms of do no significant harm. I think we need to be realistic. Also when it comes to the thematic targets without forgetting about the fact that the parliament's work well, we don't want it to be affected by delegated acts by the commission. So I think that the objective should be that of constructing an ecosystem to improve the capacity of our SMEs. And, therefore, what we need to do is have the strength and the lucidity to make investments in the results that some European policies have led to over the past few years.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Honourable members. Well, we need to look at resilient water management. We need to look at food. Um, security. We need to also look at the agricultural situation. Drought, inefficiency of water networks, which sometimes go over 70%, which is putting many sectors into crisis. We need to be courageous. We need to look at the positive role of farming and integrated water cycles, more efficient infrastructures. We need to have pumping systems and new agricultural practices. Water in agriculture cannot just be considered as consumption. It's a strategic resource which generates value. We cannot leave management to the market. Look at the negative experiences of the bad choices in the area of gas. Water must be managed as a public good for food security. Water, uh, guarantees and to give stability to citizens, farmers and our society. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker. Honourable member. For honourable member. Colleagues. Well, water is not just vital for our society. It's a strategic source. We need clean drinking water because if not, we don't. We have we don't have food safety and we can't support our industry. Most of you think that the Netherlands has a lot of water, but we also have droughts. We suffer from droughts and we of course have water damage as well. That is the reasons why we need to protect our infrastructure against risks such as drought, such as floods and pollution. But look at cyber attacks, for instance. These risks can't just be covered by legislation.”
  EU policy on water management
• “Thank you very much, Hermida Valda Valle. Of course, we are trying to fight crime in every form. So, of course, we are open to looking for the best possible solution to fight the illegal use of fireworks. So, of course, we are available to, talk about that. Thank you. Thank you.”
  EU policy on criminal justice
• “Reciprocity. Europe and its farm businesses need reciprocity. We cannot import GMOs that are banned in the EU that damage our biodiversity, putting at risk our health and ignoring the precautionary principle and most importantly, bringing about unfair competition. The rules that apply to our business people must apply to those who want to import to us. When it comes to respect, Europe deserves respect of the will of the people. This Parliament was democratically elected. It votes objections regularly and the Commission continues to ignore them. Then you must not be surprised when citizens lose faith in their institutions in Europe. It is time to change route. We must have reciprocity and make sure that we give respect, the respect that this House deserves.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “Chair, thank you to the colleagues who have spoken before me in this discussion. This is a very important topic, and I think what we have to do is base our work on data and facts. And when it comes to classification from the commission, it seems to be rather, uh, going quite far. Um, as colleagues have said, this substance is the basis of hospital disinfectants, detergents and so many other products that are used on a daily basis that have been used by Europeans for decades. Science says that toxicological evidence on harm shows low damage and below thresholds, which would require extreme classification. So I would ask you to move cautiously in this classification. And then another comment that is linked to the Commission's approach on this and also other topics. We've seen these accelerated procedures. For other areas in industry, especially in the automotive industry. We continue to import cards, not just electrical cars but also combustion engine cars from China. And so this means that our chemical industry is now facing competition, can't compete with China or other global powers Um, because there are certain substances that we can't use. So we need to avoid this type of classification. We need to be pragmatic and try to save our industry. Thank you.”
  Chemicals regulation
• “Thank you president. Thank you Commissioner. People want to spend their hard earned money in the way that best suits them digitally, online or cash. So we have to keep cash to people, work long hours, pay their taxes. And then on top of that people are telling them how they have to pay. No. Are we going to tell people what car they can buy, what they should eat? No. People should be free to pay however they wish to pay. It can't be one size fits all, one system for all. We need freedom because what is one person's freedom can be a trap or a cage to others. So we need to look at People's right to spend money the way they wish to. It's their hard earned money, after all. They need to be independent. Have social inclusion and freedom.”
  Means of payment (cash vs digital)
• “Ai without any bioethics, is creating a new frontier of abuse. Fake images based on genuine images of innocent people and, increasingly, minors. At one click, you can generate sexual content, child pornography content, child sexual abuse content with real, not fake consequences. We're seeing a normalization of abuse and exploitation in our culture as a result of the ease of access to this. Of course, AI can be a positive instrument, but it has to be people driven and guided by institutions. We need to have shared values and limits for our ethics to not only for our legal provisions. So let's step back for a moment and look at the cultural model that we want to defend and stand up for. Do we want a society with no moral limits? Some people in this House may think so, but in that case, AI will be out of control. The only way we can proceed is ensure that our laws are inspired by our by our deep set Christian values.”
  Transparency and oversight of AI-generated content
• “We're in the middle of an energy crisis without precedent, and the time has come to abandon the green ideology and become more pragmatic. The situation with fertilizers is out of control. It's unbelievable. Very difficult for citizens and farmers as well. And the time has come to open up, to open up, to be able to confront the situation effectively once again in a compact fashion and not through experimenting. What we need once again, are very serious, a very serious approach, not taking into consideration the environmental aspects of it. We need lower costs for farmers and a realistic circular economy. We can't speak about sustainability when we're blocked by bureaucracy, by ideology. We need an efficient system so that we can move forward effectively, so producers can finally produce. It's time to close that horrible, that door to the horrible Green Deal and have a system which is perhaps more green, but more sovereign as well. Thank you.”
  Use of fertilisers
• “Organized crime, recruits children to, deal, to distribute weapons, and to steal. There are lower, criminal, consequences for them. This is added to the issue of the so called baby gangs. It's the result of, social fracture caused by the crisis of values, which destroys the family. We've been told that this is, freedom, pleasure, leads to, drugs, violence, and a lack of, ambition, and that's where the mafia acts. This is where we have to strike. If a child grows up with no identity, no hope, without the means of, recognizing what is good, everything becomes more complicated. We need education, prevention, discipline, family, and even a higher power to believe in. We can't leave the most vulnerable people in the hands of criminals.”
  EU policy on criminal justice
• “Protecting children from violence and abuse and paedophilia should be an absolute priority for us. We should punish these monsters that abuse their purity and their innocence. Those that spread pornographic material and defile our society. We need to protect people from this disgusting material which can circulate, unfortunately, ever easier on the web. We don't want this to be used as a hypocritical excuse to make most people feel guilty and control us more. But getting rid of these organizations is our top priority. As a result, we should neutralize the organizations that we already know about. We're also investigating at a European level on the Epstein files, to discover whether a criminal ring of that time has put its rotten roots down. We need to do it now for the love of truth and justice.”
  Privacy & detection of online child abuse
• “Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Commissioner Labib. Recent blackouts on the Iberian Peninsula have shown a reality that my group and my party have been talking about for a while and people have been ignoring for a long time. The energy transition is no longer a question of climate objectives, but we're talking about operational preparedness. If the Green Deal is too ambitious or idealistic, then it's going to undermine our strategic stability. Europe needs a technical, realistic system to focus on strategic risks, not focusing only on renewables. Sustainable Europe has to be integrated. There are some regions that produce, some that consume more, and this has to be looked at in real time. Systems have to be interoperable. We have to ensure that we have proper management of charging and proper backups as well. Citizens have to be central to our regulations, not mere accessories. We need public policy that will not compromise trust in institutions. Like my previous colleague, I want to pick up on your recent video about the emergency bank that you talked about as a response to crisis and disaster. It was a PR gesture that many citizens, not just us, but many citizens thought was rather superficial and quite frankly inadequate given the complexity of the problem. Resilience and preparedness can't be prepared through messages like this, but through proper investment and planning. One example, in Italy, we have that with our civil protection units. So Europe needs technical leadership, and that's why I ask you whether you are prepared to strengthen the European network that will bring together electricity suppliers, whether you're going to put together national energy and climate plans and have a coordinated response at European level. And moving on to another topic, looking at the disasters and catastrophes that we're seeing throughout Europe, I will ask whether you're willing to ensure further involvement of our farmers and our hunters in territorial management. Finally, are we really prepared for crises, to prevent crises? Are our ideology and improvisation that mark the Green Deal going to lead to further damage? Thank you.”
  EU energy infrastructure integration
• “Thank you. Chairman. We believe that in an increasingly complex, unstable world with worrying In geopolitical backdrops, that the international community is vitally important and we're very aware of that. We need to protect and defend the most vulnerable, the weakest, the most fragile. We need to protect women, children and therefore the integrity. As has been said, we have to protect fundamental rights and human dignity. And as such, I have a couple of key questions. How can we talk about fundamental rights and their defence? Unless we talk about the primary right, we should be defending, namely, the right to life. Why do associations like Planned Parenthood come here to talk ideologically about phantasmatic sexual and reproductive rights and abortion, for example, even though you've tried not to say that clearly here, to then sponsor it in the countries where they operate. The defense and the welcome of life to these not count as we know, and as the Cairo conference made clear, abortion can't be a solution and regulated by internal domestic law, and it can't be used as birth control by anybody. We should, I think, ask how we can genuinely help these countries to avoid violence, how we can protect women genuinely, how we can protect their maternity, not adding violence and tragedy to other tragedies. We need organizations and foundations, but not from the other side of the world to teach us about solidarity and dignity. Because we're Europeans, our history, our civilization go back thousands of years and we should be a beacon also, and primarily when it comes to defending the right to life.”
  Abortion policy