Francisco ASSIS

Policy topics Francisco ASSIS is active on

What Francisco ASSIS has said (37)

• 2025-07-23 “E-003069/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) consistently supports the Iranian people’s fundamental aspiration for a future where their universal rights and freedoms are fully respected and upheld. She will continue to use all diplomatic opportunities to advocate for an improvement in the human rights situation in the country. The HR/VP will continue to voice the EUs long-standing opposition to the death penalty and to call on Iran to pursue a consistent policy towards its abolition. The EU’s commitment to addressing the human rights situation in Iran extends as well to United Nations (UN) fora. The EU is an active advocate for accountability mechanisms and will continue to call on Iran to allow free and unhindered access to the country for UN mandate holders and to cooperate fully with the independent, international fact-finding mission. Additionally, the EU co-sponsors the annual resolution on human rights situation in Iran, introduced by Canada at the UN General Assembly. The EU has implemented several sanctions packages 1 targeting individuals and entities for their involvement in serious human rights violations. The EU will continue to use all available tools, including new restrictive measures, to address all issues of concern. 1 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/sanctions-against-iran/.”
  EU-Iran relations
• 2025-05-15 “E-001955/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission Human rights and the rule of law in Azerbaijan remain a priority for the EU and are at the core of the EU-Azerbaijan bilateral relations. The EU has repeatedly voiced concerns regarding the arrests of independent journalists, human rights defenders, and political activists 1 . In this context, the EU has been following the case of Mr Tofiq Yagublu closely and was vocal about his detention and health condition on various occasions 2 . Mr Yagublu, as well as all other detainees, have the right to due process, a fair trial and access to proper health care. All persons detained for exercising their fundamental rights should be released. The EU continues to raise these issues with the authorities at all levels, including during the recent visit to Baku of the High Representative/Vice President on 25 April 2025. Protection of human rights and respect for civil society are integral parts of the EU-Azerbaijan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement 3 . The negotiations for a new agreement will continue to be based on Azerbaijan’s multilateral and bilateral commitments. The EU remains committed to continuing the dialogue and cooperation on human rights and the rule of law with Azerbaijan. 1 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/azerbaijan-statement-spokesperson-human-rights-situation_en; https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-10-2024-10-22-ITM-020_EN.html; https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-10-2024-12-18-ITM-019-03_EN.html. 2 https://x.com/anouareuspox/status/1920563856499245180?s=46&t=iHq8dMv1wG10ZFDHNp0C3; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/azerbaijan-statement-spokesperson-detention-journalists-and-politicalactivists_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/azerbaijan-statement-spokesperson-detention-human-rights-defenders-andpolitical-activists_en; https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/azerbaijan-statement-spokesperson-sentencing-tofiq-yagublu_en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A21999A0917%2801%29.”
  EU-Azerbaijan relations
• 2025-05-06 “E-001817/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The EU and its Member States are actively engaging with regional and international stakeholders to support efforts towards a political resolution of the conflict in Sudan. Accountability for serious violations is an essential part of this effort. Besides supporting monitoring and documentation efforts by civil society, the EU has adopted sanctions in response to the continuation of the conflict, in coordination with international partners, to send a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated. Since the beginning of the conflict, the EU has adopted three packages of restrictive measures 1 targeting entities and individuals from the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces responsible for undermining the stability and political transition in Sudan. The EU has also adopted sanctions to address grave human rights abuses in Sudan. The EU is continuously monitoring the situation to assess the best possible course of action, using all the instruments of the EU foreign policy toolbox. Via the Office of its Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, the EU has been able to engage directly with all stakeholders and pass critical messages of de-escalation. The decision to adopt restrictive measures lies ultimately with the Council, which adopts sanctions by unanimity of its members. The European External Action Service continues to consult closely with Member States to ensure that EU action remains coherent, impactful, and aligned with the EU’s values and strategic objectives in the region. 1 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2023/2135/2024-06-24.”
  EU policy on Sahel and Sudan
• 2025-04-30 “P-001737/2025 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas on behalf of the European Commission The High Representative/Vice-President and the European External Action Service are following the case since its inception, in close cooperation and consultation with the Belgian and Portuguese authorities who have had access to Mr Figueira Martin and have been providing him with regular consular assistance. The High Representative/Vice-President, together with Belgium and Portugal, have stressed to the authorities of the Central African Republic the imperative that Mr Figueira Martin’s rights to due process be upheld and that his detention conditions respect international standards.”
  EU relations with Central African Republic
• 2025-02-07 “E-000576/2025 Answer given by Mr Síkela on behalf of the European Commission The Commission has taken note with regret of the announcement by the United States (US) Secretary of State that 83% of all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance programs will be terminated and acknowledges the significant humanitarian and development impact of such decision, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the presence of USAID has played a significant role in supporting vulnerable populations, including Venezuelan vulnerable refugees and migrants. The EU has long been at the forefront of supporting global humanitarian and development efforts and has so far contributed to the organisation of four international conferences 1 in solidarity with Venezuelan vulnerable refugees and migrants and their host countries. The scale and complexity of the current global needs require a collective response. While the Commission cannot replace the scale of assistance provided by the US, it remains committed to its engagement and continues to provide support to displaced Venezuelans in several host countries (including in Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico) by contributing to socio-economic integration, access to decent jobs and social protection systems. The EU will continue delivering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in the region, in a principled manner and on the basis of humanitarian needs. The Commission continues to call for an international response to the Venezuelan migration crisis, as it requires shared responsibility. While the US decision generates new challenges, the EU will continue working in a collective approach to uphold its commitments in Latin America and the Caribbean and beyond. 1 https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/latin-america-and-caribbean/venezuela/2023international-conference-solidarity-venezuelan-refugees-and-migrants-and-their-host-countries_en”
  EU-Venezuela relations · EU Development & Humanitarian Aid
• 2024-09-27 “P-001864/2024 Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission The Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President have taken note of the article published by Politico on 26 September 2024 on the alleged actions of the Mozambican army against civilians in Cabo Delgado in summer 2021 1 . The EU continues to stress the importance of good conduct and behaviour of the Mozambican armed forces towards local populations. In this context, trainings on human rights and international humanitarian law as well as women and children’s rights are part of the support to the Quick Reaction Forces of the Mozambican army provided by the EU military training mission in Mozambique and EU military assistance mission since their inception in November 2021 and September 2024 respectively. The EU, through its delegation on the ground, has engaged with the Government of Mozambique to provide information on these actions and has made it clear to the Mozambican authorities that it expects elements of clarification in order to shed light on the events described in the article. In a press statement released on 11 October 2024 2 , the Ministry of Defense ‘regrets and refutes categorically the allegations mentioned in the article’. It stands ready ‘to accept a transparent and impartial investigation into the allegations in order to establish the truth’. Based on Directive (EU) 2024/1760 3 on corporate sustainability due diligence which will start applying in 2027, companies in scope will be required to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their activities inside and outside Europe. Designated Member States’ authorities will enforce these rules and ensure that any victims receive compensation as foreseen by the Directive. As such, TotalEnergies will have to comply with the directive should they decide to resume their operations in Cabo Delgado. 1 https://www.politico.eu/article/totalenergies-mozambique-patrick-pouyanne-atrocites-afungi-palma-cabodelgado-al-shabab-isis/ 2 https://mdn.gov.mz/index.php/noticias/2024-10-15-09-10-28 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202401760”
  EU competences on human rights · EU policy on African region
• “Thank you very much, Mr. Oliveira. I would start with the second part of your question, and I think I answered it in my question. I have the same concern that you do. We don't want our industry to be negatively impacted via the implementation of these measures that would be adopted, and therefore, the Commission needs to continue to monitor and to follow up on the implementation specifically for our country. We know that we have a big transformative sector in Portugal, and it's important for Portuguese business and with cooperation with new technologies, and we want to make sure that we are protecting that fully in Portugal and in Europe, and they are shifting to make sure that they are strengthening their position at the first part. To the first part of your question, I would say that we should, yes, be open. But of course I understand where your point on the protectionism.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Commissioner, colleagues. I'd like to start by expressly welcoming this report by. The Draghi report is very clear, and it points out one of the main reasons why Europe is so uncompetitive. And that is the very low levels of investment compared with the United States, for example, despite very high levels of savings compared to the Americans. Europe invests €800 billion less than it should in creating a dynamic and productive economy. There's a legitimacy in comparing the EU and the United States. It's a federation of states with federal taxes and a strong budget. But this comparison is made by political groups that simply won't allow any federal dimension to the European project. Europe needs to overcome this investment gap. It needs to ensure that the European budget is truly relevant, and we need to create own resources at the European level, as well as having a permanent investment mechanism. This is the only way to follow up. Thank you.”
  Own EU resources
• “Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner, this is not a new problem. And I would say that we more or less agree on the diagnostic Europe saves, but then invest very little. We need more public investment and more private investment. The idea of channelling savings into investment is what led to the creation of a specific product in 2019, a savings product. But it's clear now that it did not meet the objectives hoped for. It is clear what needs to be done. We need greater risk and a more fertile environment for those who wish to invest by way of politics. We need ambitious policy, but we also need to be realistic. The culture of risk from the US is not going to grow in European minds. We can't deal with that risk. Aversiveness. We need to give confidence that those who want safety and security. It's an absolutely legitimate expectation. Let's be clear. Big losses will always be politically and socially unacceptable. Be this to public pension systems or private products. We need to draft legislation for real societies with its drawbacks and considerations. We are always available to discuss this.”
  EU approach to sustainability criteria in private investments
• “The EU must make the creation of investment instruments one of its top priorities. We also consider it essential for promoting investment and European competitiveness to continue advancing the capital Markets Union and completing the banking union. In this report, we also call on member States to seriously consider the need for an increase in the Eib's capital. It's crucial to preserve the bank's Triple-A rating, a key asset that is largely the result of its strong alignment with the EU's strategic priorities, starting with the European agenda for the transition to a green economy. I'd now like to talk specifically about the central role of the EIB as the EU's climate bank, and to emphasize its alignment with the EU's sustainable finance framework, and particularly through the integration, where appropriate, of the taxonomy criteria. Support for the energy transition through the financing of sustainable and green clean technologies, and its active contribution to the efforts to decarbonize the European economy. The taxonomy criteria. Uh, with, uh, future looking, uh, we have to keep this level of ambition not only to continue transforming human activity and making it compatible with the planet's limits, but also in it is this area that Europe can anchor its economic competitiveness. We recognize the Eib's pioneering role in the green bond market and the scale of its work in this area. It's the world's largest issuer of green bonds, a leadership position that must be maintained.”
  EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding
• “Well, thank you very much for the question. As the heart of this agreement is one that guarantees and protects many European sectors in terms of agriculture, we need to have this debate. We need to look at which subsectors win and lose from this. And if there are certain subsectors that lose out, then we need to find the compensation mechanisms at the European level. This is what's been done over the years. If there is a sector in Europe that's benefited from European support over the years it has been the agricultural sector. That's for many, many decades. That's something that has happened. Now, what is unacceptable is the discourse discourse about the state of agriculture in these countries. I've visited all of them. They are these countries are democracies. They have rule of law and the democracies that are concerned with addressing major issues, for example, climate fighting, climate change, etc., etc. let's not not downplay the situation in these countries.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner, colleagues, I have to say that here we are On a debate on the issue of the Portuguese government. I won't get into that because I respect subsidiarity, and I think that these are things that need to be dealt with in the Portuguese National Assembly. Portugal has an energy approach with different and renewable resources, which means that it has an advantageous position to meet the Green Deal objectives. And this has some geo climatic specificities for the Iberian Peninsula. Two thirds of the sources come from renewables. This is a huge progress in terms of energy autonomy for the country. Additionally, in 2011 and 2021, the Portuguese government opened two closed two plants for the benefit of the government. These were coal plants and this is a move towards the green transition. The key word is the impact assessment. And the main issue is transition. Transitions mean that we have challenges that we will have to face. And throughout the course of that, we have to look at a modernization of our grids, digitization of our grids.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “Colleagues to continue his brutal war. Putin and his war cabinet needs more cannon fodder. They are carrying out terrible coercive campaigns to recruit. We've seen that millions, sorry, thousands of vulnerable Africans have been lured into the Russian army, and they're using social networks to spread messages saying that there are opportunities out there. But these are lies, and these are often fatal lies. Often we can again, we can see that the digital sphere is affecting human rights. Last week in Nairobi, thousands of families took to the streets to protest against what's happening to their children who are about to die or who have already died. They were begging for their children to be repatriated. We know that this is happening, but there is not enough going on to prevent this. We need to have an overall coordinated response to this phenomenon, and the EU should be involved in coordinating us, and we should involve various countries so that we end this terrible scourge of human trafficking.”
  EU-Russia relations (from March 2022)
• “(11:19:05 – 11:19:31): Yes, please. Microphone, please. Microphone. So the European Commission is putting forward the simplification of the obligation and that it shouldn't be compulsory to have subaccounts. So how does the European Commission justify the idea of getting rid of this automatic? Thank you.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much. President. Commissioner. Colleagues. Europe's openness to trade. It is one of its greatest strengths internationally, and it gives it a huge economic advantage. Therefore, we look with concern to this resurgence of protectionist rhetoric, rhetoric that could be popular, but it runs counter to European interests. We cannot ignore the importance of protecting certain strategic sectors. The global safeguard measures on steel are set to extend at the end of next month, and a new mechanism must be adopted. However, we fear that the path that has been taken might be too restrictive and that ultimately it might harm companies in highly efficient, competitive and that have a lot of high value added manufacturing. We do acknowledge, however, that the final agreement does represent progress compared to the European Commission's initial proposal. That which did not address the concerns that I mentioned, and it does. This new proposal introduced the need to assess the impact of this regulation on the rest of the value chain. The European Commission has a duty to monitor any potential negative effects of this legislation on the manufacturing industry, which in countries like Portugal, this is synonymous with economic success and technological development. We must reject the idea of a fortress Europe, and instead we should establish and deepen our relations with countries and regions of the world that share our preferences and values. And that is why partnerships, for example. With Mercosur via the EU Mercosur agreement that has just come into force are vital for the future of the European Union. Thank you very much.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you, chair. I will be speaking Portuguese. So. I would like to welcome our three speakers today. You have expressed some of our concerns as well. It's an incredibly complex, complex topic. The EU. To a certain extent represents a notion of European civilization around the world, especially when it comes to human rights. Unfortunately, despite the universal character of these rights, which we believe in. It's true that human rights are not respected around the world. Everywhere around the world. And I think perhaps the EU is one of the regions where human rights are most respected. The EU is founded on the respect of human rights, and we have to take responsibility for ensuring this remains the case. What is at stake here is our very own values and our founding principles. We cannot just sit back and depend on empty words. Our policies need to find solutions to the problems we have encountered. We have to say very clearly that what we are looking at here, there is a serious difference between the approach taken by the EU and the rest of the world in terms of respect for human rights. We state and restate our respect for human rights, and we have to actually put these words into practice. Now, if you look at the US, we've seen what's happening there. And the way in which the administration is treating immigrants there. So if you have a democracy and the US is still a democracy, what is a democracy without respect for human rights? Against this backdrop, I think that the main concerns that we've seen here have to really act as a sort of compass. Looking at the path the EU is taking, we cannot fund and finance initiatives which risk undermining human rights. We cannot in any case. We cannot accept that member states refuse to process migrants and send them off to countries which insist on violating the human rights of these asylum seekers. This is at the bottom line. We have to ensure this principle is respected, and I think that this is the concern that should guide our work going forward. Thank you.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Just 1000 companies will actually have to comply with the legislation if these changes are made. So we have to ask ourselves the question if you're going to radically change the legislation. Well, if you're going to radically change it so much, why not just scrap the legislation completely? So the socialists have a different point of view. Here we have a more moderate approach. We want to take on board the commission's concerns where we're welcome. We welcome potential small changes to the thresholds, and we are in favour of simplification for SMEs, because SMEs are the ones who are most heavily affected by this legislation and by some of the problems that it generates. But we should also base any changes we make on, uh, on an opinion that was produced by the European Central Bank. So I would also point out that none of the SPD's amendments on this text have been accepted. But yet we continue to be willing to work with you to work on reasonable solutions in a constructive manner. But it's unacceptable that none of our tabled amendments have been taken into consideration. We'd like for you to adopt a different approach. Otherwise, we won't be able to sign up to any of the compromises. Thank you very much.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you. President. Commissioner. This time is showing Europe's impotence. We're seeing a new global order, and threats to the law are increasing. And yet the European Union hesitates to trigger this blocking statute, which could help us in certain situations. We've got these sanctions from the Trump administration that are being carried out on ICC judges and prosecutors, and there's no clear explanation from the Commission as to why they're hesitating to implement this blocking statute. This statute couldn't ensure that the ICC can do its job properly, necessarily, but it would go and help to mitigate some of the measures that have been taken against some of these individuals. The commission continues to favor diplomatic actions over implementing or triggering this statute, but the ICC is the only possible forum for reparations and justice, and we really need to protect it. Thank you.”
  Support for International Criminal Court
• “This intervention is neocolonialistic a hypocrisy. I know these communities. I've been there. I was there when I've seen them die. I know exactly what's going on. And using the voice of an indigenous leader from Brazil to be here and campaign, that is an indecent. It is outrageous. None of that is true. This agreement does not mean protecting the Amazon rainforest. It will increase the protection of the Amazon rainforest without this agreement. How will these countries solve this issue? What I've heard this afternoon is something very simple. There are extremists in the European Parliament. And sectors. And some businesses want to implement an agreement that is beneficial for the EU and for Mercosur. As I said last week, I spoke to several MEPs from different parties, but also to people from Mercosur. And they're all in favour of this agreement because for them, this agreement is a good thing. It will contribute to the development of these countries and for us it's the same thing. Of course, none of us think that a trade agreement will have an equal impact. Some sectors will suffer and if that is the case, then and we need to find solutions for that within the EU. And we must show solidarity with affected sectors. But we cannot accept this type of discourse. This is intolerable. It's founded on lies. It's based on populism, emotions, fake news. I have been there. I have met many indigenous peoples in Brazil, in the metal dorsal. I've been there. I have seen no indigenous person that is concerned. On the contrary, they believe that better relations will protect them. That is the truth.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much. Chair. Thank you. Chair. Commissioner. The whole question of the attack on Ukraine by Russia has been a key moment for Europe, and our dependency on gas has affected us. We cannot be concentrating our resources or access to resources. It is absolutely key to our security and to our economy to ensure that we diversify. The steps that you're taking are steps in the right direction. The progressive and definitive elimination of imports of Russian natural gas will strengthen our strategic autonomy and our energy system. We need to have solidarity between member states, improving existing infrastructure, developing interconnections, diversifying diversifying suppliers and ensuring more sustainable sources. We need to have transparency and monitoring mechanisms put into place as well, to ensure that we're getting gas where we need it from. Gas should never be used as a weapon against the citizens of Europe. We think that the text is clear and ambitious and responds to our ambitions. We want to have energy security with economic and social stability. We are available to discuss any possible amendments to the text that will ensure that it will meet its aims. Finally, as has already been said, our dependence on Russia goes beyond just gas and oil. We have to think about the nuclear sector, which is also exposed. So we need to have a broad ranging European policy to ensure that we have true autonomy across all energy sectors. Now, you'll forgive me, but I now have a vote in another committee. But my representative, my colleague, will be representing me on my behalf and she'll also be speaking.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “Then there's the issue of public contracts. And I would like to ask a specific question. What guarantees do we have that the agreement will not lead to certain difficulties? What safeguards do we have? Because this issue of public works contracts and the opening up of those for European companies, I think is essential. Then there's the issue of economic security. We need to remember that we need to be open, because we do not have all of the raw materials that we need. And these are becoming increasingly important when it comes to technical developments in the world, which are becoming more and more sophisticated. And what I want to know is what safeguards do we have when it comes to having access to these raw materials? What conditions will ensure we have a Prosperous economic future. This is an important point, as is the point of the agri food sector. Many countries. For many countries this is a sensitive point, so we need safeguards there as well. It is important that we devote specific attention to ensuring that we have guarantees and compensation for sectors which will be adversely affected.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “This is very far removed from defending workers rights. Miss. I was wondering why I hadn't yet been struck by that question. I'm very happy to answer, and I want to stress that there is a safety dimension here and that needs to be sufficiently developed. That is fundamental for me. We're not going to suddenly become a society like that in the US, and that's not desirable either. We have a different culture in Europe in terms of economic behavior, and that culture should be valued, um, and focused on when it comes to the commission's proposals, we think that they can be discussed and in some ways amended, amended, if that means that we can get consensus. Thank you. ****Billy KELLEHER: Yes. I welcome the decision of the EU leaders on the 19th and 20th of February to accelerate the completion of the Savings and Investment union. And indeed, when you listen to the debate here, it is quite clear that this particular project will have to work from the center out again, and I would urge those to come out of their ideological, uh, cabins and look at what we are trying to do here, which is effectively using private capital to invest in projects in, in infrastructural development, in stimulating the acceleration of small and medium sized businesses and creating job opportunities across the European Union. It is about making Europe more competitive, and I cannot understand why people on the left, or people on the extreme right, could object to the concept of making Europe more competitive and creating jobs certainty. So I would urge all concerned to look at this from the. The purpose of what it is about. And certainly if we have an opportunity to debate this in the near future, we should also look at it in the context of the report and what is highlighted with regard to the deficiencies in the investment gap. We certainly do not need any further political stagnation, bureaucratic paralysis. What we need now is action to bring forward the savings and investment union. And if those countries that are too slow to move with this, we do need to move ahead without them, but still encourage them to stay on our coattails so they can eventually catch up. Thank you.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “(15:17:45 – 15:19:40): Thank you very much. I will speak in my language, Portuguese. Now I'm going to read a text from Bruno Gonzalvich, my colleague. He can't be here today, so I'm going to read out his comments. Chairman and colleagues, the commission's recent report tells us that €128,000,000,000 are being lost through VAT fraud. That's a large amount of money. It takes money away from the states, and it puts the burden of taxation onto our citizens. Now we need measures that fill in the shortcomings that have been identified. We need to close down, fraud schemes. The information that we've received shows how, effective it is to have a reverse charging system in combating fraud. However, this puts all of the chain of VAT onto the last link in that chain, the final customer. Now I have a number of points to make. First of all, if you look at the proportion of VAT that's lost by sector where reverse charging is applied, could I ask you where we find the most VAT fraud or evasion? Secondly, what can member states do to prevent an increase in fraud in that last stage of the chain, the final transactions with consumers? And finally, what is the best structural transformation that we could make? Not an ad hoc solution, but how can we extend reverse charging to support public policy? Thank you very much for your attention.”
  VAT harmonisation
• “It affects the middle class these days in many European cities. So there are no magic responses to problems like this. We need to work together. Um, and then on the subject of defence, we do need to bolster our investment in the defence defense sector, the bank can make a contribution to ensuring that this happens. But the EIB does have limits. It has limits in terms of the availability of capital and its capacity to take risks, because it needs to ensure its credit rating. So there are limits to the amount of risk that a bank like the EIB can take on. This is something we always have to take into account. We do refer in the report. To the need to focus on the need to complete Capital Market Union, which is something that the Commission and all of us are calling for. This would be one way to ensure that European companies have better access to new capital. So that Europe's companies could be well capitalized through the market. In Luxembourg, I had the opportunity to speak to the vice president of the EIB. I spoke to pretty much all of the sector representatives that are touched upon in the report.”
  Defence spending
• “Thank you very much indeed. Chairman. Just two comments. A couple of years ago, I wrote an own initiative report in relation to indigenous peoples. I'm well versed with the difficulties they face. But I won't be handing out any lessons. Nor do I want anyone to. Teach me any lesson on this. But I can't accept that the words of indigenous peoples are instrumentalized. And I myself have met with many representatives of indigenous peoples, and I know that they have legitimate interests and concerns. What I also know is that as part of an agreement with the EU, those concerns will be adequately taken into account. And as I said, we're not here to, uh, hand out lessons to anyone else. Any other countries. Be it the Argentinians, the Brazilians. Uh. But. It's. It's really not acceptable. To put it in these terms. And, you know, uh, talking about neocolonial colonialism. I mean, look at Uruguay and other countries too. A lot of these arguments are simply false. And in fact, counter facts.”
  EU-Brazil Relations
• “(17:58:51 – 17:59:49): you very much, mister Olvera. I would start with the second part of your question, and I think I answered it in my question. I have the same concern that you do. We don't want our industry to be negatively impacted, via the implementation of these measures that would be adopted. And therefore, the commission needs to continue to monitor and to follow-up on the implementation. Specifically for our country, we know that we have a big transformative sector in Portugal, and it's important for Portuguese business and with, cooperation with new technologies. And we want to make sure that we are protecting that fully in Portugal and in Europe, and they are shifting to make sure that they are strengthening their position. At the first part of to the first part of your question, I would say that we should, yes, be open, but, of course, I understand where, your point on the protectionism. Tony.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “(21:50:35 – 21:51:51): Thank you, president, ladies and gentlemen. The law on ethnic unity and progress is a law to assimilate the different minorities that exist in China. It's opening the door to an arbitrary approach. This is legislation which is typical of a totalitarian regime. Diversity is an obstacle that has to disappear. I met Tibetan diplomats, and they said they're extremely worried about what is happening. Of course, Europe has to adopt a position. We have to take a stance. And, of course, it goes without saying that we have to protest against this law. There are those who think that China and The US are in an equal footing, but to them, I say that is wrong. That is not possible.”
  EU-China relations
• “Thank you very much. Chairman. I'd like to underscore the importance of this agreement In geopolitical terms and also economic terms. Given the current climate in particular, we need to forge new partnerships with other regions in the world and from an economic, cultural and geographic point of view. There is no continent as close to ours as the countries making up Mercosur, and that became clear over the negotiations that have taken place over the past few months. So this is significant progress for the EU and at the same time, for Mercosur. Now, last week I met with a number of representatives, members of the Parliament of countries of the Mercosur, and even though they still have some lingering doubts, they were nonetheless in favour of having this agreement in place, because they do understand that this provides opportunities and, uh, will allow them to develop further. Now, we've heard from the panelists and they've been clear these are advantages for the wine sector. And the other sectors are clear. And that's not the issue. But there are sectors where the situation differs. And I think we need to be aware of this and listen to those who are not as optimistic as we are. They shouldn't fall on deaf ears. And I accept that there are certain areas and sectors where the advantages are clear for all to see. But if you look at certain agricultural markets in a number of countries, there might be problems, more of a social nature than environmental, of an environmental nature. And it's up to us to make sure that we can support those people and find a response to their concerns and overcome these problems. But at any rate, this is a great agreement for the EU.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “(17:56:14 – 17:58:06): Thank you very much, president commissioner colleagues. Europe's openness to trade, it is 1 of its greatest strengths, internationally, and it gives it a huge economic advantage. Therefore, we look with concern to this resurgence of protectiveness rhetoric, that could be popular, but it runs counter to European interests. We cannot ignore the importance of protecting certain strategic sectors. The global safeguard measures on steel are set to extend at the end of next month, and a new mechanism must be adopted. However, we fear that the path that has been taken might be too restrictive and that ultimately it might harm companies in highly efficient competitive and that have a lot of high value added manufacturing. We do acknowledge, however, that the final agreement does represent progress compared to the European Commission's initial proposal that doesn't which did not address the concerns that I mentioned, and it does this new proposal introduced the need to assess the impact of this regulation on the rest of the value chain. The European Commission has a duty to monitor any potential negative effects of this legislation on the manufacturing and industry, which in countries like Portugal, this is synonymous with economic success and technological development. We must reject the idea of a fortress Europe, and instead, we should establish and deepen our relations with countries and regions of the world that share our references and values. And that is why partnerships, for example, with Mercosur via the EU Mercosur agreement that has just come into force is are vital for the future of the European Union. Thank you very much. You have a blue card from mister Oliveira. Do you accept it? Yes. Okay. Mister Oliveira, you have the floor. Seat 1 2 5.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen, the principle of equality is part and parcel of the principle of liberty, and it is one of the fundamental principles and values of the Western civilization. We see, we Democrats see. This. So we're here to talk about the horizontal directive against discrimination, because Europe is at a crossroads. Against the backdrop of exclusion and fear, inaction or lack of action is a political action and it is dangerous. Discrimination is progressing. Discrimination in housing, health care and all these basic services. And this affects a wide range of minorities, religious minorities, people with disabilities and other minorities. And different people face different types of discrimination. And we're here to protect individuals. And to do so we need political courage. That is why this directive isn't a symbolic gesture. It is an act of political responsibility.”
  EU policy on integration and ethnic, racial and religious discrimination
• “(11:15:12 – 11:18:43): Thank you. And it was on behalf of Miss Doherty. I will now give the floor to Francisco as this was the S and D. Thank you very much. The SND Group agrees with the European Commission. We agree that we have to revise and amend the regulation. And, of course, we are at your disposal to discuss this and to reach compromises depending on our policy choices. We think the proposal is an interesting one. It is based on an impact assessment. It's obvious that we didn't achieve the 2019 goals, but it's not very clear why we didn't achieve these goals. The legislation ties the hands of the operators, of the providers, and that's why it's not very appealing for them to provide these products. But I think that this proposal isn't broad enough. If the market had found other solutions, we would have had 27 markets and many different products, but that's not the case. So the commission is aware of the fact that the problem lies more on the demand and that is why you want a streamlined product. In many countries, there were robust products, bolstered and strengthened, beefed up over the last few years. If there is no demand for these personal pension products, it's because the current schemes are robust and up to now have provided satisfactory solutions. But if there are too many alternatives, the other main systems might be weakened. So I don't think this should be a purely technical debate. It should be a political debate. We don't want the state pension systems to be eroded. I think the European Commission has to bear this in mind. This pillar shouldn't be presented as a supplementary system because the state systems are doomed to be weakened. I think we have to take an overall approach because I think that the supplementary pensions will end up weakening the other ones. So that is why the take-up of these products has to remain voluntary. And I think that we have to make sure that we have an overall European product. The European Commission needs to present studies proving that these personal pension products are better than the state products. Don't you think that if there is automatic take-up, there could be an impact on second pillar schemes? And then on the PEP, were Thank you very much.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Mr. President, Commissioner, the new leadership is quite clear. It wants to destroy the Bretton Woods world order and adopt a transactional approach to trading where might is right. We need to make it clear that protectionist trade is not the solution, and the tariffs imposed by the US will actually damage the world economy, particularly the poorer countries. Europe, as such, needs to stand up as the region that has free trade and it needs to extend its ties with other countries. Now, the US has been a very interesting ally, but the EU stands for values like democracy, rule of law, human rights, as well as being an important trading power. As such, there's another point that we mustn't lose sight of because US and Trump's administration is something that will be around for a while, and as such, the EU needs to react firmly, but smartly and calmly when faced with the erratic policies of Trump. That actually is damaging not just the EU, but first and foremost, US citizens too.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you, Madam President. Commissioner, this is a good agreement for the EU. From a political point of view and an economic point of view, it's also good from good from a trade point of view. The EU should be trying to strengthen its bond with Mercosur countries. We have deep historic links, cultural links, political links with these countries. We're talking about a number of democracies. We need to move forward with this agreement. We need to make sure we're not falling back into protectionism. And we need to show that we are open. A free trade agreement is one that tries to regulate, uh, our relationship with this part of the world. We want an open Europe. Europe needs to reach out to other countries in the world. We need raw materials that we don't have on our continent. We need to set up trade agreements that will drive our economies. And that's why it's absolutely vital to ensure that we finalize this agreement. But there is one thing that is important here. It's legitimate to be against this agreement. Unfortunately, I think for some on the left, but lots are on on the right. A lot of people are falsifying the reality. People are trying to create fear. Let's have a serious debate based on facts. Based on what is actually is included in the agreement, not what some people want. Others to believe that in the agreement. This is an agreement which should be voted on. This is the start of a discussion and we have to do this with rigour.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much. Vice president of commission, president of the Council. Today we stand before a truly tragic situation. Our main ally, historically speaking, is becoming our adversary. There are clear reasons for this. There is an anomaly today in the United States of America. We have a democratically elected autocrat who is leading the world's biggest power. He's promoting this autocratic vision not just domestically, but abroad as well. This has become a disturbance of the international order. The very same international order that the US played a key part in creating. I'd recall the key role of President Wilson during the Paris conference of 1920. Funnily enough, the leader of the far right spoke today and said nothing about Greenland, but spent his entire speaking time attacking the Europe Mercosur trade agreement, and the two things are linked. A small Europe turned in on itself without ambition is exactly what we do not want. We want a Europe that is open to the world, that can act as a regulator of the international situation. I will conclude, and that is why the Mercosur agreement is essential.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for what you've just told us. This debate is fully warranted for a simple reason. We have traditionally greatly admired American democracy. That's why we are so terribly disappointed at what happened under the current circumstances. Alexis de Tocqueville, one of the greatest European philosophers, in 1832, went to the US and said, I came to the US to look at the future of Europe. He wanted to predict the future of a democratic Europe in the expectation that Europe would become democratic in the wake of what happened in the US. We hope that somebody visiting the USA today won't. To try and predict the future of Europe along the same fashion because America is becoming autocratic. The US is still a democracy, institutionally speaking. It has a strong civil society which raises its voice. It has a strong presence, a strong media. There is clearly freedom of expression that's still in place. And most of civil society in various sectors, the universities, the world of the arts has said that they are dead set against what's happening. That is worth emphasizing. But the situation is serious. This means that a democracy can backpedal. That's one of the major lessons we can draw from everything which is ongoing in the US. There is a tangible risk of democratic backsliding, and this gives us food for thought. This could happen here in Europe, we should find ourselves wondering if this is not already happening in certain European countries. This is a disturbing thought. What's happening in the US means we should give further thought as to the crisis being undergone by democracy here. I'm looking at the US currently and I'm also I also think we should look at what's going on in our own backyards.”
  EU-US relations
• “Thank you very much, Commissioner. Colleagues. For too long now, we were turning a blind eye to the geopolitical risks that were linked to our excessive energy dependency. Or we were pretending to turn a blind eye to it. Now we're in a situation where Russia has been using energy to exert pressure to dramatic situation for our security economy and for European citizens and businesses. Stopping Russian gas imports strengthens our economic autonomy and it strengthens our energy system. We need to improve existing infrastructure, cooperation between member states, interconnections, diversification of suppliers and of renewable energy sources. Our energy dependency is not limited to gas. In this Parliament, we have frequently said that we need to extend this to other forms of energy coming from Russia. So we're pleased to note that the Commission has committed to put forward an initial proposal on Russian oil next year, and you can certainly count on the European Parliament's support for that. Thank you.”
  EU approach to energy security (home-made vs import sources)
• “The bank must also remain particularly committed to combating energy poverty, the need to strengthen preparedness for extreme weather events, and supporting those most affected by the green transition, which also means investing in the retraining of workers, a concern that also applies to the digital transition. We must carry out Security and defense. And it's financing. Doubling of investment from 2023 to 2024, which is expected to double again in 2025, reaching €2 billion. I believe there is broad consensus in this House that the impacts of the ongoing geopolitical changes require Europe to show greater leadership in this diplomatic and military actions. Europe must invest more in its defence and take its external action seriously, which the global gateway strategy is a key example. However, we believe that the EIB supported investment must continue to meet the dual use criterion. Civil and military. There are several reasons for this. First, because the Eib's eligibility criteria and financial allocations in this area have been continuously updated, including in recent months, the Commission has introduced new instruments and sources of financing for defence under initiatives such as Rearm and Safe. And finally, because financing the purchase of arms and ammunition could have a negative impact on the bank's reputation and credit rating. In this regard, we would also like the IB to clarify whether the decision not to set a ceiling for defence financing has an impact on other policy priorities. It's essential that it is clear in this House that additional investment in defence will not be at the expense of other areas of intervention.”
  Defence spending