Anna CAVAZZINI

Policy topics Anna CAVAZZINI is active on

What Anna CAVAZZINI has said (80)

• 2026-06-15 “1 thing is clear. Trump's tariffs are illegal, and this deal shouldn't exist. Last year, we should have been stronger as the European Union. We should have been more self confident. Where were the counter tariffs? Where was the activation of the anti, the anti dumping instrument, etcetera? We should have been tougher, but we weren't. It's also extremely bad that the European Union has come up with a statement on it, the imports of LNG. I mean, our failures really have been very poor. We cannot make ourselves dependent on fossil fuel producers from The United States. Now onto the deal. It's bad that we have to have it, but given the situation, I think, it is good to try and get some kind of stability vis a vis Trump. The parliament has achieved improvements. The European Union can be tougher if the if Trump doesn't stick to the deal. But, colleagues, what's important is that the commission use this lever if Trump doesn't stick to the deal. It was extremely important for us in dialogue to get that in, and, we hope that the commission sticks to its commitments on this. In addition, we need to use the time that we currently have to you to use that time to do our homework as the European Union. We need to move away from our dependence on The US when it comes to fossil fuels and AI and computing.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you so much. I put myself on the list. I mean, first very quickly to comment on the GDPR. I think actually it is good that companies in Europe cannot just scrap the internet and use my private data to to train the AI models. I think it's excellent, uh, standards that we have here in the European Union. But still, of course, they can use all the other data to train, so there's no hindrance at all for training AI models. It can just not be with my private data that I have in the internet. And I think that's good. Um, on actually the presentation, I'm very glad that you mentioned the energy consumption, because all the reports I'm reading are really scary. Um, and everything we do on energy efficiency, on renewables whatsoever, we can basically forget if the new factories, if the new AI models and so on are not more energy efficient. So probably you can elaborate a little bit more what else the commission is planning? I mean, you talked about the gigafactories and that resource efficiency is on the top of the list. But nevertheless then on the deployment strategy, Are you factoring in also? Of course, this whole discussion that is happening here on digital sovereignty or are we at the end deploying again, nothing against American AI, nothing against Chinese AI. But are we at the end not basically also deploying AI models that we are developing here in Europe? That is my second question. And a third quick question, because of course I know the commission cannot build an AI factory. Can you explain a little bit more what exactly are you doing? So you're cooperating with companies. They build the AI factories. The commission gives them money. But like, how exactly is this mechanism working of getting AI factories in Europe? Because it's always a little bit more difficult to do industrial policy as as a public authority. Um, that were my questions. Dora, you wanted to come in? Yes, please.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “I had myself on the speakers list, and I just have a very brief question to the rapporteur, because I remember that at the beginning you wanted that the Commission withdraws the proposal. What made you change your mind? Just I wanted to know this. And now the last one is Andreas.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “Thank you very much, dear Andreas. And with that, we start our voting procedure by a show of hands compromise one who's in favor, who's against abstentions, adopted compromise. Two, who's in favor? Who's against abstentions? Adopted compromise. Three who's in favor? Who's against abstentions. Adopted. Um, we go to the final vote by roll call. Vote. I open the vote. I close the vote for people in favour, two against and two abstentions. Congratulations, Andreas. And now we come to the second vote on our opinion for the establishment of European business wallets. The rapporteur for the opinion is Miss Veronica Czifra. I don't know if she is in the room. No. Does anybody of you want to speak on her behalf? Otherwise, we go directly to the votes. So let's start with the voting procedure. Also here by show of hands, compromise one who's in favor against abstentions. Adopted compromise seven. Who's in favor? Who's against abstentions? Adopted. Compromise two. Who's in favor? Who's against abstentions? Adopted. We go to compromise three. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise four. Who's in favor? Who's against abstentions? Adopted. Compromise five. Who's in favor? Was against abstentions. Adopted compromise. Six who's in favor against abstentions.”
  Digital euro
• “Thank you so much. Any other member wants to come in? If this is not the case, then I would welcome the commission. Also a well known guest here in this company, Irina Özge from DG connect. Sorry, I hope I pronounce your name correctly, but. **Irina ORSSICH (European Commission – DG CONNECT): Thank you very much. That was a very kind welcome. So thank you very much also for the opportunity to comment on this opinion and the amendments. Um, we do agree indeed that it is important to respect all the existing rules. And we would just like to recall that the AI act enters into application in a staged approach, which means that some of the points mentioned also the law is there, but it will be enforced as of soon. And that indeed might also already approach some of the issues mentioned. Um, we very much agree, you know, that to the opportunities of AI. And this is also a policy the Commission is actively pursuing. You might know that the AI office we are building up consists now of six units, and four of them are really focusing on the opportunities of the AI and trying to build up the structures for Europe. There are also a number of other units and DG connect and in the Commission and sovereignty is currently also for us, one of one very important topic that we are tackling and hopefully we will continue tackling it together with you. Um, and that context and also in the legal context, indeed, coordination is absolutely key. And the other thing, which I always find key is literacy. You mentioned. So it is clear that everybody needs to have the opportunity to get the necessary skills, but indeed also the necessary understanding of AI and what is happening to us, to our societies, to our democracy. Um, last point very quick, um, you are and we are also working on international governance. We know that the exchanges are key and we did have a very close cooperation with the safety institutes. We are very active in a number of multilateral fora. We have many bilateral contacts and we hope we will be able to intensify this further.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “I think sometimes it's a problem, right, that we have a different formation of files than the council formation. So that's probably sometimes the problem. Now for Sadie Elizabeth Crossman.”
  EU political integration
• “Mr. Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply concerned that Trump's trade war is destroying jobs. It's pushing prices up and above all, in the United States. I am also extremely concerned that in the United States itself, there is a far right power grab. The rule of law and human rights are simply being abolished. This is why it is important that in the face of such chaos, the European Union act in a united way. We are the greatest economic power in the world and we shouldn't forget that. Let us not be sidetracked by the current pause in the tariffs. Trump's war continues. This is why we have to act in a targeted way. If the current tariffs aren't removed. This should start by targeted taxation and measures against digital giants. We have to act together, but we must not water down our regulation. This certainly applies to big tech as it does to farming and metals and rules on methane on gas. I don't think it's good for us to increase imports. At the same time. Must we ensure that we have robust measures to prevent any diversion of trade from China? It's true we have to diversify trade partnerships. What matters above all, in my view, however, is that we strengthen the internal market and demand. Let us be clear Trump's tariff policy cannot be an excuse for us to throw out our standards when it comes to new trade agreements. We shouldn't open up our industries to unfair competition. We should never forget that in the United States, there is an enormous amount of dissatisfaction about globalisation. We should not allow the same thing to spread here in Europe.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “It was more important to present a deal than to have a full out thought through law. So I'm very worried that we see a de facto second layer of AI legislation coming up that goes far beyond the agreement that we reached as co-legislators, particularly in the case for rules of copyright and the definition of systemic risk, which has never been agreed on a political level. I'm not blaming any chairs of the working groups. I think they've done a huge job in the past month, but I think we really need to learn and significantly improve the way we do laws, because unclear and harmful laws and legal texts without impact assessment can no longer be acceptable as lawmaking. So I really hope that the commission stays open. I think we need a consensus that our civil rights are not up for debate, but we need to be more innovation friendly. And I really hope that the Commission sees the code of practice and the guidelines on the AI act as more as a work in progress, and also stays open for improvements in the next few years. Thank you. Thank you very much for PFE Yaroslav Björk.”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “The EU has done its part. We now expect full reciprocity. We must continue to closely monitor the practical effects on businesses and consumers in Northern Ireland, particularly regarding parcel flows and product availability. Fifth point digital cooperation and consumer protection the EU UK cooperation on digital regulation must become more structured and institutionalised. The key proposal is the establishment of an EU, UK Artificial Artificial Intelligence Forum to foster innovation while upholding strong safety and ethical standards. Information sharing between enforcement authorities must be strengthened, especially concerning dangerous products sold online. The aim is to maintain a high level of consumer protection, address unfair commercial practices and build trust in cross-border digital commerce. The sixth and last point is the monitoring and regulatory divergence. Systematic regulatory divergence would undermine the level playing field commitments, particularly in areas such as environment, taxation, data protection, and state aid. The Commission must provide early warning mechanisms and clear annual reports to inform Parliament, and we have to have a particular focus on Northern Ireland, where unmanaged divergence could create real trade barriers. So these are the points of our rapporteur, Sandro Gorcey. And now we have the opportunities for the shadows. We start with the EPP.”
  EU-UK data transfer
• “Thank you very much for jumping in. Now it is my turn for the greens. So of course I also want to thank the rapporteur. It's always very difficult to draft these compromises, especially when there are groups that have different views. But of course at some point we need to see the avenue and find some landing zones. So for me and for my group, it is very important that the EDI guides the commission. That's what we all want as parliament. Um, and that the EU also stresses what public procurement should achieve. So me and my group, we strongly advocate in favour of building on successful approaches by member States who consider public procurement as investment. And there is a lot of examples already. So investments made with public money, all of our money, taxpayers money should therefore benefit the public, the workers and the environment. I see, and this is already good, a broad agreement in favour of simplification reflected in the compromise amendments. But for me the two items go hand in hand. I want to stress it again and still I find the language very heavy handed. Um, for me at the moment, the problem is the current compromise amendments do not yet adequately offer solutions on how to simplify.”
  EU policy on sustainability criteria in public funding
• “Thank you chair. I just want to mention it again because I think it does not seem clear to everyone here in the room. Of course, Trump and his administration is starting the trade war. It sounds a little bit like the commission is doing it. And of course, this is complete nonsense. I'm sorry the commission tried to negotiate, and of course we have to retaliate. And of course we have to retaliate in states where Republicans are hit most, because it's not the Democrats starting the trade war, it's the Republicans. It's the Republican administration. And I think we as Greens are really supporting the commission's approach of being always open to negotiation, of trying a cooperative approach. But I'm sorry if the cooperative approach is not working, then of course, we also have to show our teeth because it's the only language that this Trump administration is basically understanding. And I want it to be also very clear here. We need as European Union to retaliate, if necessary, in appropriate way. And this is what the Commission is doing. But we also, of course, need to be crystal clear that when it comes to our regulation, our tech regulation, for example, that we will not move one centimetre because we are sovereign as European Union, and we cannot be blackmailed by terrorists from another country to change our own legislation.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Um, yes. Clearly I don't envy the commission. I think, again, no one of us wanted to be in the situation. I just want to flag in general the problem that I see, um, with the situation, because the US is just blackmailing, is just using coercion. And we are like making a deal with them, giving them basically everything what they want. So I think this is really just in general a bad precedent, I think. Of course, we don't have another option. I also see this, but I think it's also clearly, clearly a bad sign to the world that you can just use coercion. You can just use blackmailing and then getting something out of it. So from my understanding, I think we should have put the countermeasures already in place because there is already tariffs in place and I don't really understand the commission strategy to say, oh no, let's let's pause them. Because this clearly, um, is one further step to, to also destroy the international order, um, when we don't also rebalance their unlawful tariffs. Um, and I personally would not like to see us in a situation when you talked about the deadline already, when the deadline is approaching and then Trump says, ah, probably ten more days and then we still don't put the countermeasures in place.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Any year end speaker. Correct? No. So now I have seven MEPs for catch the eye and we are a little bit short of time. So I close the speakers list here so seven more people can speak. But one minute please each. Otherwise, because we still have the structured dialogue with our commissioner, we run over his time and we start with Miss Konecna. So please, one minute.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you so much. And I put myself on the list as the last speaker before I give the floor back to the panel. Um, first of all, I also have a question to Mr. Monti. Um, because also, if I remember well, his own report, um, that came out right after the euro crisis, where there was a lot of skepticism also in the European Union. Um, you basically said also in your report that we need, um, bold moves to, to complete the single market, the same you said today. But on the other hand, you also need acceptance among the citizens. Um, also acceptance amongst the member States who are at the moment often talking about the single market, but they're not acting. Um, so how to find the right balance between having measures in place that protect the citizens, that protect the consumers, that protect our standards. And on the other hand, um, making sure that we complete the single market. This is my question to Mario Monti. Um, very quickly to the commission in general. Um, I wanted to welcome very much all the digital tools that are in the strategy. Roberto comes left now, but, um, especially, I think, like, I'm deeply convinced the digital product passport is a huge step forward and also cause actually to the companies calls for simplification, because having only one entry point where all the consumer information is in, but all the information that, for example, we need from business to business when it comes to recycling and so on. Um, but not having 50 different entry points, I think is a huge step in simplification, but also digitalization. Um, when it comes to market surveillance. I, I wanted to echo what also Brooks said in the first panel that I think I have the feeling here in this committee, there's a big support for having a stronger European wide enforcement, for reforming the CPC regulation for like some sort of European wide market surveillance, or for the bigger cases at least.”
  Product passport
• “So perfect. After this very short break, we can restart our meeting and take up agenda item 16. The proposal for council. Decision on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union, of the agreement establishing an association between the European and the Principality of Andorra and the Republic of San Marino, respectively. We are doing an opinion to the effect interim report. Our rapporteur is Laura Bajarin and we have the opportunity to hear her presentation on the draft opinion for five minutes. Laura, the floor is yours.”
  EU political integration
• “Dear colleagues. It's important to say at first that it's good that we're discussing this today, but it's also clear that we have to take our fate in our hands. So the people who are appointed have got access to the payment systems of the Treasury in the USA. And we have to say that what is happening at the moment is basically government capture, state capture. But now to return to tariffs, one has to be clear. When you have these kinds of tariffs put in place, then you make people poorer, you increase inflation, you destroy welfare. And it's a risk for the world economy. And the extreme right in this Parliament say that this is no problem. And they are weakening Europe with their approach and they are weakening by supporting Trump. You are weakening the importance Of an interest of Europe, and I don't see that as being very patriotic. Now, what we can do within the European Union, we have to prepare very carefully for the worst case scenario. We have to stick together. And it's very important that only if we are decisive, then we will be able to have an influence. The EU should not allow itself to be blackmailed with these tariffs to roll back our own laws. So the act, we shouldn't open up that again. That is a scandalous idea. We have to find what our common interests are with the USA and be cooperative. But as Mr. Chetkovich said, we have to be very intelligently prepared because we have one of the largest markets in the world, which gives us great power and we have to use that over Trump. Thank you very much.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “How can we actually make a difference there with more rules? Thank you. Thank you. Now it's me and I'm very happy that I'm speaking after Svenja because as we much like each other personal, we have often different political viewpoints. And I really think, you know, we have seen in other parts of the world a very kind of aggressive industrial policy and I think the EU was sleeping very much. So. I'm very, very happy that the Commission put forward this package of the clean industrial deal, making sure that we have a proper industrial policy. An industrial policy is, of course, not only deregulation, it is much more. And you mentioned it, it is about addressing energy prices. Most companies I talked to mentioned this as the first problem and not so much any simplification or whatsoever. So I think addressing the energy problem and also going full speed on renewable energies, which indeed are the cheapest energy in the mid run is, I think, a very welcome.”
  Energy (green transition)
• “And then similarly to a lot of my colleagues who asked on public procurement, I also just want to stress, again, I know you're just preparing and discussing discussing the revision of the public procurement directives, but I think we have to use public procurement much more in a strategic way. I think everything else is is naive. So strategic means, of course, that the European preference and this was already in the mission letter. But strategic means also creating lead markets for the Green Deal products for clean steel, clean cement, but also of course making sure that our work conditions are kept. And then last but not least very quickly on the internal market. For me, again, the internal market is the biggest burden and bureaucracy reduction that we have. And one rule is is always better than 27 rules. So I think yeah strengthening the internal market is better than 50,000 omnibuses and simplifications to my mind. And I cannot elaborate on this because my time is out. But I give you the floor back, of course, for replying.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “(15:53:56 – 15:55:12): Can I put myself on the list? So also similarly to some of the colleagues, if I talk to consumer organizations or read their reports on investigations and test, there is still a too high number of unsafe products also on Amazon. And they criticize also, like with any other or a lot of other ecommerce platforms, that there's no ex post check. So, basically, all the products are being put online, and then there's only a very, very tiny number that is also being checked by you. So isn't wouldn't it be better to check or make sure that the products are complying before putting them online? Question 1. And then question 2, what I hear from market surveillance authorities that it takes too long, and it's also not a systematic removal if there is an identified product that is not complying. So what are you exactly doing to make sure that then the product is not resurfacing as in another country in a different picture and so on and so on? Because this is a regular problem being reported by market surveillance authorities. Then I have Pablo.”
  Liability for online marketplaces
• “This is not really, but no problem. We can discuss everything in the Internal Market Committee. We have time for like 2 or 3 more MEPs if you want to come in. I would probably get back to you. Now, you're not listening. I would get back to you again on this question. Sorry that I'm so much insisting on this roadmap, but is it like a law? Is it several legislative initiatives, or is it more like a communication like probably you can just explain a little bit and how should the Parliament commit to it? I would be really interested in knowing this. So now, I mean, just double checking if there's any other person wanting to come in. Maria.”
  EU political integration
• “I think here the commission could be still a little bit more clearer in public statements. And one more thing. I also think we need a little bit more offensive lines also because we are otherwise always reacting, always in the defensive line. And I think, for example, putting on the table again an EU digital tax that will also, you know, hurt some of the biggest tariff fans and Trump fans in the US quite hard. It could be an option. And then thirdly, I think we need to also make sure that deviation effects from the tariffs that Trump is unrightfully putting in place will also not hurt our industry. And then I have a question to Mr. Sefcovic. Why basically did you delay the first steel and aluminum safeguards reaction. And is the reform that is upcoming really enough to safeguard the industry in Europe? I also wanted to know where the money of the Counter-terrorists will go. Will it also go to the industry that is basically hurt? And also, to get back to Ben's question, make sure that we keep the unity in Europe and that we don't suffer from individual sectors. Then lobbying against the counter-terrorist. Thank you.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Yeah, thank you for the presentation. Um, for me, the starting point is that we have already quite some good and a big toolbox of defensive instruments, of trade, defence instruments. But I have the feeling we're not using them. I mean, we had here in the committee a lot the discussion on, for example, the anti coercion instrument vis a vis the US. So I wonder what your considerations are on that because I think we can have the best rules if we're not implementing them. They don't bring us so much. Um then I think for me a big cornerstone of economic security is of course, also the demand. And that we have to create also demand for our European products if we want to get in competition or have a more like autonomous supply chains. Let's put it like this. So I'm worrying a little bit the discussions that I'm reading in the press that some member states are pushing back the Buy European, um, points and that we are, um, weakening our ideas of creating and increasing European demand. Um, I also and probably it's a little bit Content related to the anti-corruption instrument. And you mentioned the Emira. Um, and that was part of the negotiation team. And I just also remember that the member states weakened everything. I mean, the parliament was almost at the end, not doing the instrument because we said, okay, having such an empty shell. Um, why do we even do it? Um, and for me, the basic conflict is still everyone talks about it. But then at the end, the member states don't want to really give also competences to the EU or to the Commission or to really have strong EU laws. And I wonder how you want to deal with that conflict. Thank you.”
  "Buy European" provisions
• “Thank you so much also for putting us a mirror in front of our heads and showing basically what responsibility lies in our institutional background. At least in Imco Committee, we made the kind of initiative and now the Parliament is already at least represented on alternative social media channels. So that's already a step forward. But I agree with you, much more can be done. Um, and I think it's important to reflect on this as well, despite next to the legislative ideas that we're having all the time. So the next and last speaker for the first panel is Miss Frederica Cardona, director of the AI Now Institute. Welcome. You also have seven minutes.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, in times of economic uncertainty, strengthening the single market is the best answer we have. It can be an anchor for business in a stormy sea. It can offer higher standards to consumers worldwide and bring forth the circular business models our planet longs for. So I welcome the Commission's effort to look at what the single market actually needs. It needs smart tools like the digital Product Passport that makes it run smoothly, but also it needs member states commitment to not only talk about the single market and they do it a lot. And I agree with Andreas Schwab, who also mentioned that because we have our experience with the member states, they really also need to avoid to further fragmentation. And it's really the role of the member states and the single market needs to strengthen enforcement. So I really also like the idea of an EU market surveillance authority that gives the EU the ability to act against illegal and unsafe products, and creates a level playing field for our European companies. Dear colleagues, my time is over. But let me say it clearly what the single market doesn't need is that we lower our standards and that we exempt more and more companies from our laws by creating big loopholes and thus weakening our single market. Thank you.”
  Product passport · EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you. I have three more speakers on the list. I would now close it, but we have a second round, so I have myself, Mr. Oliver and Miss David. Okay. For everyone. And then we have the experts and then we even have a second round after. But I can be super short. I had actually the same question, like Miss Weitzman to the Commission on Market Surveillance. Um, because I also hear that very often, this is also the main bottleneck. So what can we do to really strengthen market surveillance? And then, um, I wanted to ask the commission on this idea of strengthening the CPC work and giving more powers to the commission when it comes to enforcement, especially in trans border cases or pan European cases. Um, what do you think about this idea? And probably Bill can explain again why this would be important. Um, this I would find interesting. Thank you so much. And now we have Miss Dostalova.”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards
• “Dear colleagues, welcome to our voting session. I think some MEPs are still on their way, but we can already probably do the test vote. And I have one announcement for you. It was already foreseen, but just officially the coordinators moved last night. The vote on the procurement on initiative report to a later date. Most likely we will have an extraordinary meeting on the Monday in Strasbourg, but this will be, of course, confirmed by the Secretariat. So the vote on postponement on procurement is postponed and probably we can do a first test vote. And just as a reminder, I think last time we had one MEP. Too many, too much in the room. So just be careful with all the groups that you only have the members of MEPs that are really your group and we do a test vote. I open the vote. Is the board up? Yeah. I couldn't vote, but whatever. You know. So you have we have. Okay. I think it seems to work. No technical problems anywhere. No. Very good. Um, so we start with the first vote. Um, we have the provisional agreement resulting from the interinstitutional negotiations on the safety of toys. And before we vote, like usual, I want to give the floor to the rapporteur who was not there, but Andrea Schwab will take over.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you so much, Miss Ribera, for keeping us updated on the state of the DMA implementation. And now open the floor for the members. We have first the round of coordinators. We start with Pablo Arias Echeverria sorry. And it's like 1.5 minutes more or less. If you can.”
  EU rules on digital competition
• “Yes. And now we start with the vote. We start by compromise. Won by show of hands in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. We go to compromise. Four on the same page. Who's in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. We go to compromise two on the next page. Who's in favor against? Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise three. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise six on the next page. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions adopted. Compromise five on the next page was in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. We go to compromise. Seven on the next page. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions. Adopted. We go to compromise. Eight. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions, adopted. We go to compromise. Nine. Who is in favor against? Abstentions. Adopted. We go to the final vote by roll call. Vote. I open the vote. I close the board. Adopted. Congratulations to the rapporteur. And this was the final vote. Thank you so much. So this concludes the voting procedure. We do a one minute technical break so that everyone can leave the room who doesn't want to stay here. But otherwise we continue with a gender equality week. So please stay if you're interested.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “We have now the commission and then later we have the MEPs, but we have a nice list. So you are already all on the list.”
  EU engagement with citizens
• “Thank you so much. Um, now, I had put myself on the list. I have a very quick question to Mr. Varadkar because you said basically you want or demand a strict application of competition law because we understand that there's a high concentration of market power of purchase power in the food sector. Um, do you think this is enough or how can competition law be enforced stricter, or we need different measures. I mean, you mentioned our Imco opinion, um, on, um, unfair trading practices, but of course, I just want to know if you have more measures in mind. And then I have Hannah. Gideon? Yes.”
  EU policy on farmer–buyer relations in the agri-food supply chain
• “Great and I think the vote in IMCO is scheduled for the twenty-seventh of January so yeah a lot of success for this file thanks. This concludes agenda item eleven and twelve. We come to agenda item thirteen. We are working on an opinion on the safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the Union where YTRE is the responsible committee and today we have basically the opportunity to get the draft opinion presented. The deadline for tabling amendments is the tenth December and our rapporteur Mister Francois cannot be here but Catarina is replacing him yes.”
  EU competences on space policy
• “Hi. Yes, hi. I'm here in my capacity as the rapporteur from. From the last term, we did the opinion in Imco. And I have to say that equally, like a lot of colleagues, I was quite disappointed to see the commission fail on an administrative IT issue. So it is really the core task of the Commission to implement the laws that we're all working on. And I think the Commission's inability to find a technical solution to a technical problem is extremely deplorable. Um, so this is really an example of bad lawmaking. We all want better law making. And, you know, like also, a lot of my colleagues said even the targeted amendments that you proposed, of course, now create a huge chaos because of course, again, the whole law is being questioned again. We heard several colleagues, um, the council is doing also different things and is on the brink of of weakening the whole legislation again. And of course, also third countries are extremely confused. We just had an Imco mission to Vietnam, and the Vietnamese government and the Vietnamese Cafe Association told me that they were ready to comply. They were ready to implement the law. They did a lot of investment. They did a lot of changes to their practices. And now they're asking me, okay, what the hell is going on in Europe? And I think we look also quite bad to the outside world.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• “Thank you so much and is of course also very good that also from a member States perspective, you're asking for a clear European enforcement, a clear European body like also we in this committee have done with asking for a European market surveillance authority. So thanks so much. I give the floor next to Miss Karen Ghysels, director from the European Consumer Center, Belgium. Welcome.”
  EU competences on consumer protection and product standards
• “Thank you very much, colleagues. Madam Minister. For years now, the heads of state and government have been calling for more single market. And for years it's the member states, to be honest, that have been preventing even the smallest steps forward. Now we need a genuine single market initiative, because it would be very nice if the member states start turning their fine words into deeds. We've heard a lot about China. China's imports end up on the single market, the highly subsidized their high technology. And at the at the same time, there is a reliable in trade terms as the Joker in Batman. So now we need to respond. These are stormy times and domestic demand is what we need to resort to. We need policies that strengthen the single market that allow companies to grow. We need a unified implementation of EU legislation by the member states, not some kind of patchwork. We need industrial policy that sets a circular economy into the rules of the market. This Parliament has been working too hard on deregulation recently, but now let's deal with the genuine problem and the genuine solution, which is the single market.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Thank you so much. Any other member who wants to come in? If this is not the case then I give the floor back to Renata. Oh sorry sorry. Oh sorry sorry sorry was it late? **Katarina BARLEY && Yes sorry. The only question that I would like to add is a simple one as we have high high risk applications and we need the companies themselves to to make the. So I'm going to speak German. I'm a bit tired. The businesses themselves have to work out whether something is a high risk application. What are people's views on whether this is going to be a successful way to address the concerns successfully?”
  Artificial Intelligence
• “Good morning, dear colleagues. Welcome to our session. We have a very exciting agenda today with two different commissioners, as you know. Um, so you have all seen the agenda. If there's no remarks, the agenda is adopted. I have some announcements. Interpretation is available. And you had received an email. Which languages are there? And we have, I think everything available except for Gaelic. The meeting is being web streamed and you find the documents in the meeting application. We have um votes, um for example today at ten. So you need your voting cards. There is also a new version of the newsletter available. And then there is also an announcement regarding the coordinators decision regarding a delegated act. So by written procedure the Imco coordinators decided on the 12th of May not to object to the Commission delegated regulation on the temporary three €3 customs duty on distance sales of imported goods, concluding that the Commission had not exceeded its delegated powers. So with that, we still have the approval of the minutes unless any adverse remarks are received by the end of the meeting, the minutes of the Imco committee meeting of 15th and 16th of April will be considered adopted. Now we have two reporting back from several trials that are going on. Trilogue time is is again, very much very busy. And we first have the acceleration of permit granting for defence readiness projects, where our core rapporteur is Henrik Dahl. Please.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Thank you so much. Unfortunately, I can confirm in the last term I had the feeling there were always MEPs there, like from all political groups. And this term it's a little bit less um, also in the investment monitoring group. So yeah, if groups could send the MEPs would be amazing. Um, because we are following the very important multilateral investment court negotiations and probably all of you. But band you probably most remember that it also basically started because the Parliament was upset about the ISDs and how international private tribunals have a lot of power. Um, and we wanted we also asked the commission to create something else, something else that is more, um, according to the rule of law principles, but also to our political standards. And I'm happy that the negotiations are going on, that also, the Commission is putting so much effort in it and regularly coming to the monitoring group to report. So last time, um, we met on the 2nd of October and um, yeah, DG trade gave us an overview of the state of play of the various reforms tackled within the reform of the ISDs. For example, the Uncitral Code of Conduct for arbitrators, Code of Conduct for Judges and Guidelines on Mediation were adopted in 2003, so the draft statute on the Advisory Centre on International Investment Dispute Resolution was adopted in July 2004. The Toolkit on dispute Prevention and Mitigations. The tools. These are the tools to assist states to prevent and mitigate international investment disputes, was adopted in 2005 and again discussions are ongoing on the Multilateral Investment Court. So here, um. The discussions are going in the right direction. We got the information from the Commission on, for example, the first instance and appeal, um, tribunals on different legal documents like the statutes and the exclusive jurisdiction, um, in as many cases as possible on the specific features resembling a traditional international court On sufficient flexibilities to allow the system to evolve and eventually extend the jurisdiction.”
  EU policy on social & environmental impact of foreign investments
• “Thank you so much for the interesting presentation and the numbers. I would say this is definitely very important for all the processes that we are just working on, like the customs reform, and now we have the chance for the members to take the floor. Just let me know if you want to speak. And you have already. Sorry. First we have Andreas Schwab and then Saska. Sorry.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Dear colleagues. Welcome to our joint Imco ample meeting. We agreed here that we do it the Finnish German way and start on time. Because it's already late in the afternoon. Um, if there's no remarks, the agenda is adopted. Opted. I have very few chairs announcements. There is interpretation in all EU languages available and the meeting is being streamed and you find all the documents in the meeting application. Um, and our basically only and important of course topic, uh, content topic today is the file on the public interface connected to the internal market information system for the declaration of posting of workers. Um, so the famous e declaration file today we have the chance to get the draft report being presented and of course have a first exchange of view on the. So I welcome the ample but also the Imco members and also the Commission, the European Economic and Social committee representatives, Business Europe and also Etuc. Um, and it's great that you also will be participating at the meeting. So probably just to quickly recall the relevance and the importance of this proposal, because it is aimed at reducing administrative burdens for business and national competent authorities, and make it easier for member States to carry out effective and adequate inspections. So, um, with that, I hand it over to my dear ample co-chair.”
  EU regulation of cross-border and posted workers
• “I also have the feeling if we pay out subsidies, whatever that is, you know, if it's state aid or if it's social leasing, I think it is important that also here we need to make most strategic use of our taxpayers money. Introducing also probably European preference. When we say, okay, we want that our consumers buy e-cars. Why should we subsidize Chinese e-cars I'm sorry. So I think it's also important to think about the European preference in and other financing means this I find very important. And last but not least, I am also very happy that you focus so much on circularity because it's not only a green issue, it's also a strategic independence issue because we are so highly dependent of of input material from other countries. But I looked actually at the last report, I think it was of the Joint Research Centre on the implementation of the Green Deal. And especially in circularity, we are lagging so much behind and we are not getting the numbers are not getting better at the moment. The numbers are getting worse. So I think here we really need to to speed up. Thank you so much. And with that I go to Miss Valean.”
  Chinese clean tech competition: trade barriers and investment caps vs. open market · Circular economy · "Buy European" provisions
• “Thank you so much. I had put myself on the list and I can actually just also add to this question. I also wanted to ask you what is exactly this roadmap and what does it mean? Because also very practically, I'm thinking of course together with the committee. So how can we, as the Internal Market Committee, also contribute to the roadmap or implement the roadmap? Or what is the Parliament's role in this roadmap? So probably you can elaborate a little bit on that. I also wanted to underline what the colleague Axel Voss said. I found one figure very interesting in your report about this, 20% less exports to the US could be easily basically balanced out with 2% more internal market or something. And this is of course a figure that says it all. We would really help our economy. We would really help our businesses in strengthening the internal market and especially in these times of geopolitical hiccups. I think that was even would serve us more than 50,000 weird omnibuses. But okay, this is another question. And for me, creating the internal market has nothing to do with omnibuses. Also make this very clear. I have one very, very concrete, tiny question, but I have the feeling also when it comes to obstacles and also creating or improving or like, yeah, really creating the internal market. It's often nitty gritty things. I just met with one company in my constituency that said, basically, okay, if I just want to send a package from whatever, like Germany to Spain or to Czech Republic, I need to register every time my package for like I have to have a kind of registered authority or something for €2,000 in every country, and I could almost not believe it. And do you know this example? And are you also working on that despite the fact that it's not in the terrible ten? Thank you so much. Leila, for the left.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “So, dear colleagues, thanks so much to our Vice Chair, Mr. Rapini, for taking over. But there's several votes happening at the same time in different committees. So now we start our voting session on two files. And before we do that, we do a test vote. I open the vote.”
  EU political integration
• “Yes, thank you very much and all the best for the trilogue this week. And try to publish as much on our website to have the highest standards of transparency. And probably just to mention it here. The committee was analysed as being the most transparent committee in this Parliament by a coalition of civil society organisations. I think that's very good news. So thanks for that. We now come to our hearing on the protection of minors online.”
  Transparency requirements of EU institutions
• “We come to our last agenda item. So I hope still some people will stay in the room. It is number 25 on labeling requirements, how to overcome fragmentation of the single market to the benefit of consumers. Um, as you know, um, also I think in the commission single market strategy, the labeling, the different fragmentation of labeling was identified as one of the problems we are all fighting in this committee for a more integrated single market, but also for high consumer protection Standards that go hand in hand with good labels. And I think also a recent media reporting in a English speaking newspaper showed basically how fragmented the single market still is when it comes to labeling. So we want to discuss today a little bit how to combine a more integrated approach without basically letting go of our high consumer standards. And we have the commission here, but also two guests. And I'm welcoming all of you. And I would say we directly jump into different short presentations. We start with the commission. If I'm well informed, we have Mr. Salvatore D'acunto, head of unit from DG grow here. I hope that's correct. And so please you have the floor for eight minutes.”
  Food labelling harmonisation at EU level
• “Is not really it, but no problem. We can discuss everything in the Internal Market Committee. We have time for like 2 or 3 more MEPs if you want to come in. I would probably get back to you now. You're not listening. I would get back to you again on this question. Sorry that I'm so much insisting on this roadmap, but is it like a law? Is it several legislative initiatives, or is it more like a communication like probably you can just explain a little bit and how should the Parliament commit to it? I would be really interested in knowing this. So now, I mean, just double checking if there's any other person wanting to come in. Maria.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you. So we go to the voting procedure and start with compromise one by show of hands. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions. Rejected. We go to compromise. We can check. Um, I someone. I don't have to check. So there's some confusion, but let's just check it because someone wanted to check it. Um, so I open the vote for compromise one. It's rejected very clearly. So we go to compromise one a who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions. Adopted. So that means we can go to the final vote. Um, by roll call. Vote. I open the vote. I close the vote. Adopted. Congratulations to the rapporteur. And this concludes this voting session. We will have another one together with a little bit later. But thank you so much for everyone, for your discipline. We have, as you know, the Cypriot presidency coming at ten. Um, so we do a short break, but please be back on time for the presentation of the presidency programme.”
  EU political integration
• “Dear colleagues, welcome to our meeting. I suggest we slowly start because we have a very exciting hearing ahead. But before we start this hearing, there's some other agenda items. So first of all, the formalities, if there is no remarks, the agenda is adopted. I have some announcements, so there is interpretation available. The members were informed by email which languages. So it is in 16 EU official languages and no interpretation for Portuguese, Estonian, Latvian, Greek, Maltese, Slovak, Slovene and Gaelic as usually you're invited to speak slowly in order to make it easier for the translators. The meeting is being web streamed and you find all the documents in the emitting application. We will have votes today, this afternoon and on Thursday. Like usually bring your voting cards. There is a new email newsletter version available on the website. Please check it out. And then I have also another announcement. So we have a change in the membership of our committee. As you probably all know, Mr. Pierfrancesco Maran from the S&D was elected as N.v chair. And of course, we are also sending a lot of congratulations here from our committee, um, to him and look forward to very good cooperation with N.v like usually and he will be replaced in this committee by Giorgia Tamarisk. Oh, God. I'm very bad with names. Ah, and I welcome you very much here in the committee. Looking forward to working with you. Perfect. Um, and then we move to, um, the first reporting backs. I am informed that Crystal will also replace Brando benefit for reporting back from the Artificial Intelligence Act working group, please. Christel.”
  Multilingualism in EU institutions
• “Good afternoon, dear colleagues. I suggest we start because we are a little bit on a tight schedule. I welcome very much Maros Sefcovic, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, in our committee. We are a little bit still in this framework of a structured dialogue because of course, as you know, the Imco committee is and has been responsible for customs, for the customs union, for the single windows, for all the respective laws and also negotiating in the last term the customs reform. And that's why we are very, very happy that you made it possible to be here today for this exchange of views. We have a tight hour to discuss the latest developments, I think, for a lot of members. E-commerce is very high on the agenda and how to tackle it and I think Yeah, working on, um, the customs reform. We had the Group of shadows with our rapporteur, uh, Dirk Hutnik just visiting the port of Rotterdam to also check how customs and practice work. Of course, we also took some experience from that back here to to the European Parliament. So I'm very happy that you're here. You will give some opening remarks and then we have a round of members. So please.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Thank you very much. Um, if I look well, I don't see the shadows of the left and ESN, but I just want to ask if any other member wants to come in because we still have time for catch the eye. Um, if this is not the case, then I give the floor to the commission and I welcome Maria Fernandez Molinero, Directorate general for defence, Industry and Space. Welcome. **María Fernández Molinero *European Commission - DG DEFIS: Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Madam Rapporteur. The Commission welcomes the engagement of this committee through its various amendments and, of course, its understanding of the sense of urgency which the Commission clearly shares. We welcome very much the decision of the European Parliament to fast track the work on Egypt. Time is indeed of the essence for the adoption and implementation of Egypt. It is therefore essential that modifications to the text are workable and operational in implementation terms. Of course, the proliferation of conditions and criteria will not help in this respect. As Commissioner Kubilius said in plenary last week, it will allow us to be much more effective in bringing the EU added value to help member states spend their national defence money in the most useful way. This is what Egypt is about, and we trust that the co-legislators will adopt a well-balanced text to achieve this. We welcome also that the resolution on the white paper adopted by this House last week emphasises that Egypt, and I quote, should be designed as a stepping stone towards greater European sovereignty in defence production. Egypt will be instrumental to implement the White Paper on the future of European Defence, and the overall union effort towards defence readiness. And as you know, the Commission will present this Wednesday, the day after tomorrow Abroad Rearm Europe package to step up our efforts. At this stage, the Commission does not take position on these amendments, but we of course, have to underline that it is important that the instrument remains in line with its legal basis, notably on the support of the competitiveness of the union's defence industrial base. We look forward to your final opinion. Thank you.”
  EU competences on defence
• “Thank you very much. Now I have put myself on the list. I would also say if you look at the diagnosis and what went wrong, I can say the automotive industry overslept the developments that China was basically predicting and what was much faster in being early and producing EV vehicles producing e-vehicles that are smaller, that consumers can afford? Actually, we have in this committee the consumer angle. So I think yeah, unfortunately, now we have to also help a little bit what the industry themselves slept over too long I have to say, and I agree with the commission in the sense that we did set a regulatory framework for we can also still improve it in certain aspects. I would also say we should not change it again, because this will give horrible signals. We need predictability and at the same time, we need to increase the demand and make it easier for consumers to use these vehicles, and also make it easier for consumers to not buy Chinese vehicles, but European ones. So I think there is a lot of good ideas in the automotive plan, for example. Yeah. When. Like socialising but then making sure it has a European component, but also looking at the battery sector that is suffering at the moment it's not going well.”
  Road transport environmental policy
• “Thank you. I haven't seen anybody since the end of the year's end. Um, and then we have the rapporteur and Ample Kim from Spartak who cannot be here. But she sent me her speaking notes, so I will read them out for the rapporteur. Um, so the Employment and Social Affairs Committee adopted its opinion last week, with a broad majority sending a clear signal that the race to the bottom on working conditions need to be stopped. For the committee, the award of contracts based on lowest price should no longer be an option, and social consideration should always be taken on board to increase legal certainty. Uncertainty. The application of the horizontal social clause should become mandatory for the contracting authorities, and the promotion of collective bargaining and fair working conditions should always be considered as linked to the subject matter. The revision of the public procurement rules should also ensure that public funds are directed to companies that respect collective agreements and promote equality, jobs and decent working conditions. The new rules should favour companies whose workers are covered by collective agreements. Poor working conditions, social dumping and labour crimes often happen down the subcontract subcontracting chain. Therefore, the opinion calls for subcontracting layers to be limited and to consider joint and several liability companies that don't respect labour law, have committed tax fraud or have been engaged in criminal activities should be excluded from participating in procurement. A European transparency mechanism should ensure that the exclusion of a company from participating in public procurement is enforced throughout the union. Finally, the public procurement framework should ensure that gender equality is taken into account in tendering and improve the inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market. The inclusion of social and health sectors under the procurement rules should be evaluated in order to ensure continuity and quality of care. This was the contribution of the Ample Committee and the rapporteur for Inter is not in the room, so we have a couple to catch the eye and start with Katerina Konecna.”
  EU policy on social criteria in public funding
• “Ladies and gentlemen, Trump is using the tariffs to exert pressure on us. We're quite aware of this. But if the EU keeps giving in and is showing cooperation all the time, then he'll just want more and more. He'll come up with new tariffs just to get what he wants. Politically we have to be aware of this very tricky situation. We're not weak in Europe. We can be strong, but the strength requires the member States above all but the Commission as well. And to be honest, the EPP, which you know, has a lot of work to do, we what we've always criticized in Greece as being something that's unequal, we must put it into play. If you just replace Russian gas by US gas, we just, you know, replacing one evil by another, we need to use what we've been preparing for months, but we haven't dared to set in motion. So let's not wait for new tariffs. Let's start using the measures that we have available. And the anti coercion instrument must be implemented and activated. And it's hopefully on Thursday something will finally be done in the Council.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you so much. And really a reminder. Anyhow, all the MEPs can always speak on all the files, so even if you're not shadow, you can just come and always raise your hand. Just a reminder. Um, Miss David.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you so much. And probably I can add two short questions. Sorry. I also found the numbers really, really interesting. And for example, regarding, um, the suspects of like the authorities about items suspected of noncompliance. You said, uh, 74% were released either because of no risk was detected or because customs didn't receive an answer from the market surveillance authorities. Um, and I would like to know the proportion of released due to non-answer. So if authorities are overwhelmed and working under too short delays, we have to change the rules or what can be done of that. And then just a remark. Um, I was also very surprised at the huge discrepancies between member states. So with a ratio of 1881 to 1 between the the best and the worst discovery rates, I mean, this shows again how urgently we need the customs reform, but probably you can also elaborate on that. Thank you so much. So the floor is yours.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Thank you so much for this study. And also, I think it's extremely timely that we're discussing it here in Inter because as we all know, we have the Economic security own initiative report, but also, of course, several committees are going now to China. And I think it's extremely important that all everyone in the Parliament who will visit China in the next months, um addresses um the question of Overcapacities because of course. Yeah. Even if the Chinese will not do anything or will not immediately take action. Um, I think just that we as the European Union have a very unified approach and criticizes and talk about it is very important. I think our, um, analysis is also even supported by the highest level by the IMF. The latest IMF recommendations on China, you probably all know them. Are also recommending, um, increasing internal demand, uh, recommending to the Chinese government to also cut some of the overcapacities and industrial subsidies. Um, so I think it's very important that we all go with the same message to China. Um, I wonder to the authors of the study, um, I mean, I read the summary, I haven't had time yet to read the full study, but probably you can go a little bit more in detail what you mean with, um, speeding up and enhancing our trade defence instruments because in.”
  Trade relations with China
• “Thank you so much. Just for transparency reasons, I have four more MEPs. Please try to be concise. And then I would really love to give the floor back to the invited people. Tomislav Sokol is already gone. Very good. We save some time. Maria Grapini.”
  EU public communication strategy
• “Thank you so much. Uh, I jump out of my chair for position for one comment because I'm also negotiating the customs reform and, um, all of you, all of the nice things you are saying, of course, they're still under discussion. And I have to say, I'm a little bit disappointed with the member States, who at the moment not making any progress in the trilogue negotiations on this important customs reform. So I really hope that there will be some better news next week, because if the member States are not moving, then of course this reform is not moving forward. Um, so jumping back in my moderation, I give the floor now to DG grow, I guess. Felicia, the head of Unit. Welcome.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Thank you so much. I will look up this song. So we start with voting on the directive. So just that there's no confusion. Now we vote on the directives. Um, and we start by a show of hand with compromise. One who's in favor, who's against? Abstentions adopted. Compromise two who's in favor? Was against. Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise three. Who is in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise four. Who's in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise five. Who's in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. And now we go to the final vote. That is a lot of pages ahead for me. It's 61. And so I open the vote for the final vote by roll call vote. I close the vote adopted with an overwhelming majority. Congratulations to the rapporteur. And we still have to vote on the mandate to enter interinstitutional negotiations. Also by roll call vote. I open the vote. Okay, I close the vote. Also adopted. So good luck with the interinstitutional negotiations on behalf of our committee. So now we vote on the connected file on the regulations. Um, we also start on compromise, one by show of hands. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise two. Who's in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise three. Who's in favor against. Abstentions. Adopted. Compromise four. Who's in favor? Who's against? Abstentions adopted. Compromise five. Who's in favor. Who's against? Abstentions. Adopted. We go to the final vote. I have it on page 30. So I open the vote for the final vote by roll call. I close the vote. Adopted. Congratulations again. And then we can vote on the mandate to enter into interinstitutional negotiations.”
  EU political integration
• “However, this reform goes far beyond addressing e-commerce. Its broader aim is to build a robust, digitalised and futureproof European customs framework. The EU Customs Authority and the data will be the cornerstones of this transformation, enabling real time data exchange, enhanced risk management and more efficient customs procedures throughout the EU. I would also like to underline, says our rapporteur, that as mandated by both Parliament and Council, the Commission has been tasked with preparing the call for the applications from member states for the seat of the EU Customs Authority. This includes developing objective selection criteria in line with the mandates of the co-legislators. The trilogue also gave the green light for technical level discussions to begin immediately. A clear sign of our collective resolve to keep the momentum and proceed swiftly with concrete negotiations. We welcome the commitment of the Danish presidency to make substantive progress during this term, with the stated goal of reaching a political agreement by the end of this year. In conclusion, this trilogue marked a very good and constructive start to the political phase of negotiations. I am confident that working together, we can deliver a pro security, pro-business, pro-consumer protection reform that strengthens our single market. So this is the words of our rapporteur who could not be here this morning. And now we come to another reporting back to one of our important working groups we are having. We start with the Digital Markets Act. I give the floor to our rapporteur Andreas Schwab.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• “One last question. I don't see any more colleagues of Mr. Hayman. Actually, I just wonder all the measures you said the Netherlands were putting in place now, um, are they already in place? And you have already experienced, like, is it working or not? And then is it actually in accordance with EU law, like can you just have other laws than the rest of the EU? But yeah, um, but not not now. Just we do the round up. Okay. So we start again with the commission. So we have now the round of answers for all the experts. But we start with the commission.”
  EU Supervision of the Rule of Law
• “I want to add to questions. So I'll probably just to strengthen or support some of the colleagues in their questions. Um, the enforcement problem, I mean, we hear also from other fields of legislation that there is different enforcement levels in member states. So I want to ask the European Court of Auditors, what exactly are you proposing to overcome this problem? And then probably also to the Commission, if they also see the same challenge with the enforcement or lack of enforcement, and what are they going to do or what are you going to do? And similarly to Mr. Moran, I have also the question with the audiovisual. This is, of course, always the elephant in the room. But if I remember well, our Imco position last term before it went to plenary, where we changed it again, whatever it was. Also that there is a differentiated approach to, there can be audiovisual services where it's much more easier to end geo blocking versus there's others where it's probably important to protect if this could also be a way forward. Plus, if the Commission intends to do another study or whatsoever, that also the Court of Auditors is suggesting to end geo blocking in the audiovisual. Of course, doing it in a way that does not harm the cultural sector, that does not harm the the variety of languages in Europe and so on and so on. So can there be a way to limit geo blocking in audiovisual without, of course, having our cultural sector suffering? And is the Commission looking at this, and what is exactly the outcome of the different stakeholder dialogues and so on and so on. Um, so with that, I give the floor to our colleague, Mrs Valean..”
  Geo-blocking
• “Thank you so much. So a lot of implementation and monitoring at the moment. But of course, um, at least me, I hope that with the simplification there's no regression in our standards. But, um, let's let's see. But anyhow, we discussed, um, I think this very important topic here on the Gender Equality Week. I think it's really good that we always take part as committee. Um, this concludes agenda item 15. And now we come to agenda items 16 and 17. They're very much linked and that's why we put them together. Um, it is um one of the famous omnibuses. Um, it's the omnibus on digitalization and common specifications. Um, our rapporteur for the two reports is Reinier van Lanschot. And today we basically have the discussion on the main ideas so the rapporteur can present his main ideas. But of course also the shadows can, can react. Um, so, um, we have at the moment 167 amendments tabled to the draft report and, um, 344, um, to the draft report amending the EU directive. So it is quite a big file, I guess. So the vote is scheduled for January before, um, we continue with the shadows. I give now the floor to the rapporteur.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• “Thank you so much. And to both of you, of course, a lot of success in these two important trilogues. Um, this concludes the reporting back. And we come to our agenda item 14. We have an opinion on safety, resilience and sustainability of space activities in the union, where it is the responsible committee. We do an opinion under rule 57. Our rapporteur is Francois Kalfon, and today we have the opportunity to discuss the amendments and also compromise amendments. Flores to the rapporteur.”
  EU competences on space policy
• “I also want to mention again, the most innovation and growth we have seen in the past year in Europe was in green technologies. So green technologies are something where we are competitive, where we are often the lead, the global leader basically as European Union. And I think as unfortunate, this whole policy of Trump to get rid of every climate policy and the Inflation Reduction Act in the US is the chance it is for Europe even more to step in and to become in those areas much more the global leader in those technologies. So I think climate technologies, green technologies is the future, and we need to make sure that we have a consistent policy framework that leads us there. I'm very happy that the Commission now made such a strong emphasis on lead markets. And again, this is also what Laura mentioned. What is important for our committee here. And I think I can only echo what Laura said. I think if we make sure that our companies go green and produce green industrial products, it's also important that we as state as, you know, taxpayers money buy those products. So I think it is important not only to have a European preference in the public procurement, but also a green and social preference or whatever you call it, but I'm sure the commission is working on it.”
  "Buy European" provisions
• “And it's like a heat map, uh, so that we can really have a good understanding of what is happening in our internal market. Um, we just published in July now our latest dashboard. And you will you will not be surprised that on chemicals, for example, um, we have identified a heat, and my appeal here would be that we really also need the stakeholder, um, input on this. So there is also on the website a link for industry stakeholders to submit to US positions, um, so that we can, um, cross-check the meta analysis with the real economy feedback that would then inform also potential trade defence instruments. Um, thirdly, of course we have to double down on the single market. I think also here, I do not need to repeat how important it is that we get our own house in order. And if I just can say one thing is we cannot decide what is happening in the white House, but we can have some sort of control over the fate of our own single market. Okay. And that is basically it. I'm actually ready for your question. So good timing. Thank you. Excellent. Thank you so much for this overview. Very important for us indeed. And now we have the chance for the members to ask questions and come in. I have already myself and Mr. Preston on the agenda. And Sandra, you can and of course, also you were the first one.”
  EU Single Market harmonisation
• “Okay, dear colleagues, let's continue. I think everyone who is not voting or after the vote wanted to leave the room is leaving the room. Thank you. Have a good day. Ciao. And we can continue with our agenda. Item 15. Um, actually a very serious topic. We decided as a committee to put the topic of online violence against women and AI risks from a gender perspective on our agenda. You all know it is the gender equality week. It is a very well known, established practice of this Parliament to, uh, amongst the Gender equality week, um, come up with different activities, um, targeting gender inequality. And I think it is really very good that we, as Imco committee, put this topic on the agenda because we know, unfortunately, it is, um, the risk for women being online and being also basically, um, targeted of of fake news or fake AI and so on. Is is very, very high. It's one of the biggest problems at the moment. So I think it's very important that we discuss it. I welcome, um, Yordanka, the head of Sector of Legal Oversight of the AI act implementation unit from DGs from the European Commission. Um, already, but before we jump into the discussion, um, we want to watch a message from President Metsola on the occasion of the sixth European Gender Equality Week. So, um, let's start the video.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Thank you very much for the left hand. You want to come in? No. Uh, and I also don't see ESM. So any other member wants to come in. I put myself on the list. But also, if any other wants to speak, let me know. I just wanted to react a little bit to Andreas. Um, because I agree that this omnibus is a kind of better example how you can really make you know better law making, Make it easier. Digitalize and make it easier for companies without reducing the standards. Vis a vis the omnibus, one, sorry to say, was basically a bad example. With complete deregulation, and I think it also shows here, there is a lot of unity on this omnibus because it makes sense and it's not deregulation. It's made smartly. But I think the Commission, sorry to say, made a huge mistake with omnibus one, how they put it on the track. Um, and also the first one, you know, symbolically starting with massive deregulation. And I think we see again that the Parliament is completely disrupted on this. It created a huge chaos. Um, so I think also for the future omnibus, it's important. I don't know if the commission is here, but that the commission basically makes sensible proposals because then we have a lot of unity here also in the committee, in the Parliament, and we can also adopt these omnibus very fast. This is my $0.05 to the debate. Um, but I wanted to really make this very clear. Any other member wants to come in. No. Then we have the commission, and I'm very happy to welcome Barbara Bonvissuto, director of construction machinery and market surveillance from DG grow. Hello.”
  Overall simplification of regulation in the EU
• “Thank you very much. I don't see renewal. That's correct. Probably online. No. And then for the Greens, it is me. So I also want to come in very shortly. Um, I think equally, like a lot of you, subcontracting is a very important issue. And yeah, of course companies partially need it. And I think, Regina, you alluded to the positive sides of it. But of course, on the other side, you can say that very long subcontracting chains also dilute accountability and the respect of EU rules. Unfortunately it happens. Um, labor rules are sometimes not applied and very long subcontracting rules. And that's why we have to look at it a little bit more in detail. So I think strongly enforcing EU legislation, um, when it comes to subcontracting is key. Um, when I look at the draft opinion of our rapporteur, I can subscribe to all of the points. Um, so I support really, especially what you are saying, that we need joint and several liability for main and subcontractors for public contracts limiting subcontracting levels. Um, Information about all subcontractors and public contracts, applying exclusion criteria to contractors and subcontractors alike, and promoting collective bargaining in public procurement. And anyhow, a lot of topics we had also been discussing in our own initiative report on public procurement and probably some focus that I will bring in my amendments, um, uh, regarding, um, unfair trading practices in subcontracting chains, but otherwise I can go along quite well with the draft opinion. Um, so looking forward to working with you on, on this important issue. And, um, yeah, thanks for the draft opinion. Um, for the left hand.”
  EU restrictions on unfair commercial practices
• “Last speaker, in case Jeanette, if you want to come in. Let me know. But otherwise, I'm the last speaker. Um, I can share basically a lot what the colleagues have said. I don't have to repeat it. I just want to also remind ourselves as MEP for a change. Because, for example, in the last term, when we negotiated the product safety, I can remember that my group was pushing very much for having an economic, um, a responsible person much clearer, with much more, um, obligations for e-commerce platforms in Europe. And unfortunately, the majority of these groups here present, not present, but in the House were against it. And that's why it's not the perfect solution that we have in this law. Because I know times are changing and problems are changing. But back then we were fighting for it and now it's coming back. Um, so probably we can all, all of us think about what we can do better in the future. I'm very happy that we also now have the deemed important concept in the customs reform. It's also a novelty, which was not possible last term, um, because there was still this idea, okay, no liability whatsoever for e-commerce platforms.”
  Liability for online marketplaces
• “Thank you very much for presenting the proposal. Um, the we have already a rapporteur, I was told, and also a team of shadows, but I think it is also new that they're not really headed on the agenda. So I would say fine for the presentation for now, but we definitely anyhow will work on on the file as also the deadline of amendments is coming also on the sixth in the 16th of October. So I'm sure we also have the commission again here to discuss with the different shadows and and the rapporteur. But thank you so much for the presentation and for being here with us. So this concludes agenda items 24 and 25. If there's not any other business I can just announce the next meeting. It will be on the 16th of October. Um and wish you all a happy Thursday afternoon. This concludes our meeting.”
  EU political integration
• “Thank you. Like in the other rounds we had already in this committee in principle full support for the commission strategy, I just wonder, and probably this is similar to Karin Karlsbro. Are you already also preparing, um, countermeasures in the field of services? Because, of course, it's important that in the field of goods you are preparing, and we all hope we don't need to use the lists, but probably we will because the tariffs, as also our chair said, are still in place for a lot of different products. And I think it is important to also, um, really go a little bit more concrete, um, in the putting services, at least on the table, you know, in order to also get a little bit more pressure on the US side in order to get a negotiated outcome at the end. And secondly, um, when you say we want to buy more energy related products from the US. I hear a lot of rumors about us. We would then need to weaken the methane regulation. And I just wanted to hear it very clearly from you that you exclude this, because I think this would be exactly the wrong approach. I think we all here said it several times. We should negotiate with the US. We should try to find a negotiated deal, but of course not for the sake of our regulation, not for the sake of weakening or changing any of our acquis. And then thirdly, talking about trade diversion, you said and also the commissioner here said it several times. The commission is monitoring. But I also wonder if this is not a little bit too defensive or too slow, because I think it might be that very soon that our businesses will suffer from increased imports from China. So can you probably tell us what is a more proactive approach of the commission when it comes to trade diversion? Thank you so much.”
  EU-US trade relations
• “Thank you. I first want to join our chair in asking the question, what exactly is the shape of these new sustainable trade and investment or however they're called like these partnerships. And is it like a memorandum of understanding where we as Parliament don't have anything to say, which we also criticize, or how will you involve the Parliament and what is really the shape and the legal basis of these kind of agreements? And if you ask us as Greens, two points are really important for what we want to have in first. It is more policy space and also the opportunity for our partners in the developing world to really have value added on the ground, to have industrialization on the ground, because this is also what they want, and this is how we can gain partners, I think Democratic partners. And second, not surprising, it is, of course, to make some trade agreements or any of these new partnerships greener, because we all know this is the future of the EU industrial base. It's zero tech technologies, net zero technologies. But this has to be reflected in our trade partnerships. And I think here the commission has to do more. Thank you.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “Thank you so much and a lot of success for this important consumer file. So now we come to agenda item four and other reporting back on a trilogue about the public interface connected to the internal market information system for the declaration of posting of workers. Where our rapporteur is Andreas Schwab, where we have a colleague with ample. Andreas.”
  EU regulation of cross-border and posted workers
• “Thank you very much. For the Greens. It's me. And allow me one remark, Mr. Muller. I find it interesting that the ECR always says when it comes to Green Deal products, that there should not be any market intervention. But with nuclear power you need a lot of state aid. But this is just on a side note. So, um, I absolutely want to basically support the urgency of the reform. Um, again, I talked about the visit of the Rotterdam customs, um, and the customs authorities, but also market surveillance authorities that are recently mentioned, visited, mentioned that they're just overwhelmed. They're overburdened. They cannot work anymore. They cannot guarantee anymore. There is no unsafe products in our shelves, in our whatever living rooms. So I think getting the the customs reform done is of utmost importance, but also thinking about intermediate and probably even top up measures. And I think it's really, really good and smart that the Commission proposed the handling fee. This is probably also my reply a little bit to to renew, because of course, it's not only about compensation, it's also about disincentivizing individual packages, because the number of individual packages coming from third countries is just too high because customs and market authorities cannot handle it anymore. And getting again an incentive to have more fulfillment center, you know, the old style warehouse imports. That's much more easier for the customs. You remember when we were there, they explained it to us is an additional reason why we need this handling fee. So from our side, um, full support and um, basically one question from my side on the US, I think it's great that there is now an intensive exchange and there is letters from the US side. I was just a little bit concerned because at least political said the commission is also talking about non-tariff barriers. And I wonder, what do you mean by that? Because for me, some alarm bells ring when you say, okay, you want to also get rid of non-tariff barriers because usually that could be EU regulations. So what do you mean by that. Thank you.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Not least I put myself on the agenda. Um, so in principle and I said it also in my introduction, I have the feeling the digital product passport has huge potential because first of all, we have it already in some of the legislation, as the Commission has explained, but not in all legislation. So now we have a little bit of a fragmentation. So I think it makes sense to have really a rollout to make sure it's the only ones and only entry point basically for consumers and also business to business. And for me, it's the perfect example of streamlining, of digitalization, of simplification. But of course, it depends how it is being done. And that's why it's also important that we have this exchange today with the commission. And on the consumer side. I personally think it makes really sense to get rid of the obligation to put everything on paper. But probably you can clarify a little bit because as I understand, the commission proposal is also that if a consumer because you don't have a smartphone, you are older or whatsoever asks for the paper version, you can still have the paper version. Probably you can clarify this because I think with that we can kill two birds with one stone to say and make sure we don't have excessive bureaucracy with too much paper, but also that the whatever elderly consumer can still get the paper version if they want.”
  Digitalization of public governance & administration
• “Yeah. Thanks so much for for the overview of also what the Commission is doing already to address the issue of online violence against women. So let's see now with the colleagues, please, if you want to come in and contribute or also ask the question, ask the commissioner question, let me know. Virginie.”
  Gender roles, equality and inclusion
• “Colleagues zero tolerance when it comes to child labour. Child labour. Ursula von der Leyen said that he herself and she was applauded for that. And she said that a few years ago. But what's left over after that? The EU supply chain law is going to be sacrificed before it even comes into force. That very law which would prevent terrible working conditions and exploitation. Commissioner, this is terrible when it comes to form. The ink is barely dry. We don't even know whether this set of laws leads to bureaucracy. We've got companies who've invested, who've changed things. And now I'm hearing from my citizens we don't want our coffee or textiles to have been to have been produced with children's hands. And now you have this constant hesitation, this back and forth, that destroys trust in EU legislation. Now, let me say a word about the content. You said that you want to reduce some reporting. Yes. We do need to provide relief for SMEs, but your proposal will not provide relief. It is not just a reduction in reporting. No, it is massive deregulation. You will endanger the very goals of the legislation. You know you're talking about reporting, but what about civil liability? What about the reduction of fines? How does that help? And it's the first it's the first link in the supply chain that is often the most dangerous part. And there there won't be checks anymore. We as the Greens are in favour of simplification, but we are not in favour of deregulation.”
  Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights)
• “I hear a lot of sadness in the room, but congratulations of course, also to Alexandra and thanks for your work. Thanks, Crystal. One thing I want to iterate. I don't know if this is the correct English word. If you tabled amendments, please also, like always respect the Imco remit, which is important to our committee and in general in the Parliament. Thanks again. You see an important dossier, an important file. This was just the start. We will have much more discussions here until the resolution is ready. And of course always check exactly what the commission is doing on this topic. This concludes agenda item um ten. And we come to 13 and 14 On the directive establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representations. Where our rapporteur is Miss Valean from the EPP. So I first give you the floor and then we have the round of shadows. The floor is yours for five minutes. ***Establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 // ***Amending Regulations (EU) No 1024/2012 and (EU) 2018/1724 as regards certain requirements laid down by Directive (EU) XXXX/XXXX”
  Transparency requirements for interest groups
• “Thank you are Brando. And I think it's so important that we have now our working groups to really check and yeah, the enforcement of of the important digital legislation. So thank you so much. Um, this concludes agenda item five. And we come to our hearing on um product safety and regulatory compliance and e-commerce and non EU imports. So first of all of course I want to welcome now officially everyone also the guests to our committee the representatives of member states, um, the representatives from the commission um, and the experts from academia and businesses, of course, also the members. I'm very happy that you all are here, because the hearing is, of course, meant to gather, um, some evidence and new ideas for our own initiative report on e-commerce, where Salvatore De Meo is our rapporteur. So great that you're also here. And, um, I think and I expect from today's meeting a lot of good insights. We all know the topic is pressing. We had last year only approximately 4 billion packages coming from non EU countries directly to the doorsteps of our consumers. And of course a lot of them are probably fine. But there is also issues with product safety. We have a lot of different pieces of EU legislation in place, but we need to also see where we need an update.”
  EU policy on custom fee on non-EU imports
• “Vote? Okay. Does it look good? Yeah. Okay. So I think, um, we have the right amount of MEPs in the room. Perfect. Thank you so much. Um, now we start with a vote on agenda item seven, the opinion of the interim report and review of the consent procedure. Um, on a broad package of agreements to consolidate, deepen and expand the bilateral relations with Swiss Confederation. Before I give, um, we vote, I give the floor to the rapporteur, Andreas Schwab.”
  EU-Switzerland relations