Gabriel MATO

Policy topics Gabriel MATO is active on

What Gabriel MATO has said (25)

• 2026-01-27 “E-000309/2026 Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission There is no ongoing anti-dumping investigation into the disposable medical gloves sector. Any affected industry is invited to contact the Commission’s trade defence services 1 to discuss how to prepare a request for such an investigation. The Commission imposes antidumping measures where injurious dumping is found and it is in the EU interest to do so. Labour standards in third countries may be considered in anti-dumping investigations in selecting a representative country for calculating costs and also in deciding whether to accept undertakings. In addition, costs of labour standards borne by EU industry are taken into account by the Commission in calculating a target price for the industry concerned. Country reports, which describe distortions in exporting countries, may also include a chapter on labour standards, as is the case with the report on distortions on China 2 . The objective of the Forced Labour Regulation 3 , which bans from the EU market all products made with forced labour, is to improve the functioning of the internal market and contribute to the fight against forced labour. Once the Regulation starts applying in December 2027, the Commission will be able to investigate cases of potential forced labour linked to concrete products, including products originating from third countries. 1 https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/contacts/trade-defence-enquiries_en. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/documents-register/detail?ref=SWD(2024)91&lang=en. 3 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3015/oj.”
  EU policy on labour exploitation in global supply chains · Trade relations with China
• 2024-11-19 “E-002575/2024 Answer given by Mr Brunner On behalf of the European Commission In 2024, Spanish authorities have applied for additional support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) under the call ‘Reception capacity for Member States under pressure’ for EUR 9.5 million (supporting the increase of the reception capacity in the mainland and the Canary Islands), and under the call ‘Member States under pressure unaccompanied minors’ (supporting the reorganisation of the care system for unaccompanied minors in Andalusia) for EUR 15 million. Both proposals were selected by the Commission and additional funding was added to the Spanish AMIF programme. Furthermore, upon the request from the Spanish authorities, the Commission granted support under emergency assistance twice in 2024. The first one for a total amount of EUR 20 million under the AMIF, with the objective to relieve the migratory pressure in the reception facilities in Canary Islands. The second action for EUR 17.5 million under the Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI), to strengthen the capacity of the Canary Islands to assist and identify immigrants arriving on its coasts. In addition to the financial support described above, the Spanish authorities are receiving support by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency and the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) in the framework of the Agencies operational plans. Regarding the reception of unaccompanied minors, the EUAA is providing support to enhance the administrative capacity of the reception authorities of the Canary Islands through the Ministry of Childhood and Youth.”
  Asylum & border control
• “Gracias. Muchas gracias. Thank you. Thank you very much for this study on the impact of, uh, trade on competitivity and sustainability. Let's be clear. Our agriculture does not need less trade. What it needs is better policies. Today, more than ever, we need an ambitious trade policy, strategic and consistent with our values. And we have to defend our farmers and move forward with agreements like the Mercosur agreements, because there have been numerous different occasions. But the problem isn't Mercosur. The problem is, is that we've burdened our farmers with too much red tape, uh, traceability, sustainability, bureaucracy, this, that, and the next thing and that they don't have the tools in order to be able to compete worldwide, uh, European standards, although necessary, a lack of, um, uh, reduce competitiveness without the necessary, uh, Auxiliary support for our farmers. So we need consistency. It's not closing the doors that we ought to do, but we ought to make sure that our allies, our associates, meet our standards as well. And standards like those of Mercosur. Not only exporting products, but what's important principles. We have to promote our regulations worldwide and our parameter and criteria to create a system where it's more fair for all. We can't move forward with these particular FTAs with some sort of dissemination of a European policy, agricultural policy which lacks protection for farmers the way it is. Is that how we manage things? And if we want for our farming to have a future trade policy ought to be an ally and not the opposite. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much. I'd like to thank the rapporteur. As Lydia said, Cbam is one of the pillars of our strategies to move towards a more sustainable future and today we have the opportunity to streamline it and to make it more efficient for our companies. With the omnibus and the recent proposal for amendments, look at our priorities to reduce administrative burden for exporters, to make sure that our companies remain competitive and to bolster the system. And for those importers that are subject to cbam, these changes are going to help them meet the requirements. And it will also simplify the declaration or statement they have to make. And financial responsibility. And another key aspect is the fact that importers have more time instead of May. It will be August and it means it will be easier to report data and to make changes. We talked about the threshold at great length for. Imports low quantities, but also it doesn't have a negative impact on 99% 99% of emissions. So the European Commission has put forward measures to make sure that Europe is not only a leader in the area of sustainability, but that it can also have a competitive and dynamic industry. Thank you.”
  Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
• “Thank you. Chair. On 17th of October, we had the ninth, 99th meeting, meeting of this group. And I think we examined almost all of the provisions of the commercial part of the agreement. We dedicated it to a technical analysis of a level playing field provisions, state owned enterprises, competition policy, subsidies, SMEs and intellectual property rights with regards to SMEs. The agreement continues on a specific chapter that recognizes the importance of bilateral trade. There are more than 30,000 SMEs that exports to Mercosur, and around 80% of the businesses importing from Mercosur are SMEs, which clearly demonstrates the importance of SMEs. And they want the relationship to be more transparent and the customs procedures to be more simplified, and for there to be a specified platform for SMEs and for and for there to be more trade information about products. And I think, uh, this chapter is outside of the, uh, dispute resolution mechanism, which allows for more flexibility in terms of intellectual property rights. The annex of the agreement contains provisions aimed at harmonizing the protection standards and guaranteeing the effective application of these rights, and the debate was focused on geographical indications. The EU did exhaustive work to make sure that. The 344 European Protected Designation of Origin will be protected, and Mercosur has started to implement its systems, and there will be transitional periods of up to ten years with strict norms for acquired rights. And when it comes to regulatory cooperation of sectors such as chemical and pharmaceutical products. We promoted international laws and laws and mutual cooperation, and contributing to guaranteeing that markets, that products that are placed on the market are safe. And finally, there was an update on the current situation, but so much time has already passed since then that we are already in a crucial moment with the text already that's already been prepared, and our report on the safeguarding clauses also on the table. And what we need to do is continue to move forward and, uh, center our work on the safeguarding clauses to continue to make progress with this report. And from my point of view, I hope that we can close this soon. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you for having invited me here as a permanent rapporteur in in time. I'm also a member of this committee. But today I'm wearing my Inter rapporteur hat and we're talking about the benefits of the agreement and as well as the concerns, um, our colleagues have said that the Mercosur agreement is not just a trade agreement. It's a geostrategic political agreement, given a world with increasing tensions and the, uh, crumbling of the multilateralism. So we're going to hear the experts. And I always said that it is important to, uh, get into alliances with democracies. And Latin America represents this. Of course, there are differences with us, but I'm very satisfied to see how some member states, including France and Austria, who have been very reticent, have been willing to move forward in the last few weeks. So Let's hope that they will ratify the text as soon as possible so that we can, or agree on it so that we can sign it before the end of the year. Because I really think that because we share common values, we defend human, um, rights and the rule of law. And, uh, we can come together with vigilance mechanisms. It's not just about, uh, climate objectives, but we're also talking about parliamentary cooperation, interinstitutional agreements and mutual cooperation. We need to have an active diplomacy, uh, accompanying the, uh, political way of inter-parliamentary dialogue between European and Latin American countries. It's not just the signing of an agreement. It's about consolidating an inter-regional strategic alliance between countries who share the same outlook. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you president. We all agree on a key message without agriculture. Our future is at stake. Without an appropriate financial framework for it. If this is true of Central Europe, when it comes to the most remote regions, like the Canary Islands. The situation is even more pressing. It's important for us to get affordable food and to be self-sufficient. This is a goal that we have to achieve. And to a large extent, extent we've been able to manage this. So we need to ensure that. We adjust our financial framework for inflation and higher costs. We need to increase funds like Poseidon to respond to the challenges. The path to follow is obvious. We need a strong cap with enough money and less red tape and a policy like policy, which means that the ultra peripheral regions can still have a chance to continue their life.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Muchas gracias. Thank you very much, chairman. Today, I am proud to talk to you today about the cases of Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria machado. This is a case of a people who will not give in to tyranny. They haven't used violence and they are trying to free themselves. Pacifically. And they have seen over the past 20 years how their prosperity and freedom have been squashed by a government, a government which has become a criminal organization within the country and has also made Venezuela a base for Putin's policy in Latin America. And in this parliament, we've always defended the need for democracy to reach Venezuela. But today we have the opportunity to go beyond resolutions and speeches. Our opportunity now, at this time, is to show proper support for the millions of Venezuelans who continue to defend democracy in their country at a very critical moment. There were elections held in which any opposition was prevented. They disqualified candidates from the opposition and they persecuted their teams. And. Maria Corina and the Democratic opposition were clear in their desire to defend Venezuela. But then after she was disqualified, Edmundo Gonzalez was made the candidate, and then there was an indisputable victory for the Democratic opposition. But this has led to the re-election of Maduro, and he is refusing to produce the detailed results. But now the regime is using this election to suppress and repress the people in Venezuela. This has led to this has led to many deaths and many injuries in very few days. The Sakharov Prize embodies freedom of thought and respect for human rights. And I think that there is no better case, really. Here we are talking about a people that, despite all of the difficulties and all of the oppression and the crimes that the government is committing against them, continues to be a democratic one. They want to see change, yes, but they want to see a peaceful change. They want to do so at the ballot box and in the streets in peaceful conditions. And other people wouldn't have waged a campaign like this. When any when any attempt to change things is is repressed, going out into the streets is is is something that has been done. And it's a way that Maria Corina has shown her bravery. We've seen arbitrary arrests, tortures, disappearances. And many people were arrested for simply looking for a better country, searching for a better country. Maria Corina machado has had to go into hiding in her own country. She is. She's. They are trying to find her, but she continues fighting. She's a symbol of resistance and a desire for change for millions of Venezuelans. The Democratic opposition of Venezuela has shown firm commitment to its goal of a democratic Venezuela and a free Venezuela. They have also shown that they are ready to keep this commitment in their methods. When other people would have opted for violence, they have managed to always do so by peaceful means. The regime is forcing the people into poverty and slavery. And the reason we need to award this prize to the democratic opposition is because they embody exactly what the regime is not. Maduro's criminals have taken one of the most prosperous countries in Latin America and turned it into one of the poorest. It's become a criminal regime and they've become allied with Russia. And they've done all this whilst shirking their responsibility and not serving the people of Venezuela. We need to show our firm support for the Venezuelan people. We need to support freedom and democracy. We need to support Edmundo and Maria Corina because this is a critical moment now, especially our support really can make the difference. We have the opportunity here to help the Democratic opposition, and I firmly believe that in doing so, we will achieve that. Thank you.”
  EU-Venezuela relations
• “What do we want from this agreement? If we want safeguards for our farmers to be sincere, we have to sign off on this without amendments. It's not something I'm absolutely dead keen on. But there is a risk here. You see some member states, and this goes without saying, won't go along with this. Mercosur might not support the agreement these member states are saying. I'm not saying that these countries want this far from it. Of course, the agreement needs fine tuning, but let's not lose sight of the fact that this regulation encompasses important measures shorter deadlines to open up investigations, provision 21 day period, automatic triggering of the safeguard on exports if there's a 10% price drop, a mechanism to pinpoint sensitive products and which will then enjoy double protection. Aside from this mechanism, we would see a bolstering of things with the Union Customs code stepping in. There would be standardized, standardized checks, particularly on sensitive products and real time access to the customs data basis. So here there's a guarantee that our standards will not be open to horse trading or. Or will there will be backsliding. The council should sign off on this without amendments. The key priority here is to make headway and actually roll out these safeguards as soon as possible, thereby seeing to it that the tool is in place to protect people where necessary.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “President. Commissioner, if we look at the Canary Islands over the last five years, it has grappled with many problems. Persistent migration. The volcanic eruption on La Palma, droughts and the fallout of climate change. We in the Canary Islands are like every other European, but we have many more difficulties because of our geographical situation. The islands of the European Union are a need and necessity. We need to ensure that these islands are connected. We must be able to move on in green terms, in digital terms, as part of a transition, and we need to have employment, particularly for young people. We also need to ensure that we can fully benefit from EU support. The Canary Islands, like the other outermost regions, needs cohesion funds to be maintained. In addition to this, we should increase cohesion funds so that we can, uh, meet our priorities. Only by doing that will we be able to move forward at the same speed as the rest of Europe.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• “In our trade and cooperation agreements, we include human rights clauses. These are essential instruments of the EU's foreign policy. These are legally binding for the parties and were have been included in more than 50 international agreements, which cover more than 20 states. In this way, the parties are committed to mutual respect of human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law. Uh, when thinking about the global gateway and the investments arising from that, I think that these can have a genuine impact in on people's lives through the broad range of projects such as covering areas such as energy, digitalisation, transport, health and education. We should remember that cooperation requires a harmonised approach to human rights, and a focus for that is how that ties in with economic interests. And here it's important that we have the right kind of, uh, peaceful climate. Organised international crime is an existential threat for states and needs to be addressed. We need to reinforce joint cooperation across a broad, broad, broad range of areas through different programmes. For example, the EU, uh, Latin American, Caribbean, uh Lions on uh citizenship, which is intended to strengthen the resilience of states are faced with organized crime. However, we should remember that preventing violence and the recruitment of young people into violent groups involves looking at the structural causes for that which are essentially inequality and poverty. And it's only through applying other comprehensive policies that we can ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for our regions.”
  EU competences on human rights
• “Thank you chairman. The debate on the future MFF is not only a debate about numbers, it's about the kind of Europe that we want. And for me, this is absolutely clear. We want a Europe that does not disregard its fishers or its farmers or its outermost regions. The proposal from the Commission on National Plans is a mistake. It would dismantle decades of common policies. These common policies are European achievements and should continue to be the case. I would like to stress the situation of the outermost regions. The Commission's proposal. Puts in danger article 343 of the treaty. We need to strengthen it in improve its budget, improve the policy for fishers and and agriculture. It is about solidarity and the credibility of the European project. A truly common policy for all fishers and farmers, including those from the most remote regions. Thank you.”
  Funding for OCTs and outermost regions
• “Thank you chairman. We met on on the 3rd of July. This was the seventh meeting of the monitoring group. As we know, we've been talking about key chapters and this meeting. We looked at sustainable development in trade. And farming with the most sensitive parts. One of the key concerns is social and environmental standards. And in 2020, the parliament didn't ratify the original text. At the time, the situation in Brazil was a determining Factor that held up the negotiations. And since then the negotiations have started again. And we've got a text which I think is much better. A DG trade expert presented the changes since 20 2019, which included a key new point, which is the Paris Agreement, as an essential clause in 2019. In that chapter, it was in line with the Japan Japan Canada Chile agreements, but it is now legally binding and it includes specific commitments such as forest deforestation by 2030. Women in trade. Sustainable supply chains, particularly in green sectors, promoting sustainable products that protect biodiversity and indigenous peoples. Reaffirming commitments with the ILO and particularly fighting against child labor, cooperating in implementation of the European tool on deforestation.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “And the most important thing that we discussed was talking about the Commission's commitment to create an EU legal act, and that would aim to bolster the implementation of the bilateral safeguards that are already provisioned in the agreement. So that is something that the European Union would focus on. He also, DG trade also explained the conditions for investments under the safeguard guard mechanism, and he also talked about the options for integrating these unilateral measures in EU legislation. And yes, Sabina Vreeland confirmed that the commission will be proposing a new regulation which will be presented very in, you know, within a short period of time. And furthermore, we also heard from the Chief economist and DG trade. He presented a report on the economic impact of the Mercosur agreement. A report was published. It's very interesting reports. And this looks at the share of the European Union market in Mercosur without the agreement. And this shows how quickly the EU would lose markets, for example, to China. So this highlights the value of the agreement. Also focused on the tariffs that were implemented by the by the US administration. And this really does highlight how important the agreement actually is. So we'll continue our follow up work. We are meeting every month on some of these issues. And so the next meeting will be taking place in October. Thank you. So we still have quite a bit of work to do.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you. Madam president, the EU Mercosur agreement is is not just another free trade agreement. It's trying to look to the future. We need to be a relevant actor in global trade. We need to create growth and employment, and to open up to a market where over 700 million people and there are clear benefits. For example, there's 4 billion reduction in customs duties. There's also better, uh, uh, better trade for our SMEs. Now, having said that, I do understand I do echo the concerns of the agricultural sector. We cannot ignore them. But we need to be clear. The problem of agricultural sector is not Mercosur. It's the Common Agricultural Policy at EU level, which has been designed without taking into account the reality in rural areas. Uh, if our farmers are farmers are against it. It's because the Common Agricultural Policy does not allow them the tools to compete, and this needs to change. So rather than blocking this agreement, we should reform our agricultural policy so it doesn't penalise our farmers with overwhelming rules only to protect the vulnerable sectors. We need to ensure that there is a fair compensation fund and make sure that it actually works, and that it is tailored to the situation. It's not a question between, it's not a question of choosing between trade or agriculture. It's a question of doing things well and using up to date data and looking at the source of the problem and finding solutions. We need to ratify this agreement. If we don't, we won't actually address our problems. But I'll just say that Europe doesn't want to be a leader in this world and wants others to take our opportunities.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much, madam. Nobody doubts that trading relations between the European Union and Morocco are important. But what's also important are the effects that this might have on the EU farming sector. The Commission was saying that this is not a farming agreement. Well, no, it isn't, but it has an amazing significant impact on the sector in recent years. Our fruit and veg farmers have expressed their concerns on many occasions to do with, uh, difficult competition situations to do with environmental and plant health rules. And then if you add the need for controls, checks on imports from Morocco and so on, things become difficult. The tomato production. And this is something that's well known in the Canary Islands. It's clear that this agreement is going to increase pressure on the sector. And then there's an additional concern to do with traceability, labeling and the availability of transparent data on imports. So I'd like to ask the Commission what specific measures it intends to take in order to make sure that there is as much reciprocity as possible, and that there's fair competition. There are fair competition conditions for our farmers. Thank you very much. We know the adverse effects of importing tomatoes and fruit and vegetables from Morocco on our farming sector. What I would see, as others have said, is that there are two main concerns with this agreement. First of all, there was no consultation with producers when it was put through. And then in recital 13, it said that once the agreement is signed, uh, the uh, EU will finance desalination in, uh, the area concerned. So we are financing increases in exports from tomatoes. Of tomatoes and fruit and vegetables towards the European Union, which will undermine the sectors in our, uh, in, in our countries. A few months ago, the European Union gave €15 million to South Africa, again to support the agricultural sector. So what we're seeing is the European Union financing, uh, the disappearance of our own sectors, which were of very high quality.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “Thank you. Chair. Well, I'll bring everyone up to speed on the most recent trilogue on the 17th. This wasn't a it wasn't an easy trilogue. It was quite complex. In fact, however, from our point of view, we defended our position, which I think was very clear and ambitious position. We also had a very united position. Almost all groups supported the compromises that I tabled as the rapporteur. We worked to try and push the or bring the Commission and Council towards our position and our mandate. We were also trying to ensure that the regulation provided real and effective protection for farmers. And that's obviously, um, we had also brought in the opinion from the agri committee on this. And to give you a very brief overview, we had a significant step forward, which was a significant reduction in the thresholds for the safeguard clause for the activation of safeguard clause. They were saying 10%. We said 5%. At the end. We agreed on 8%. So obviously that has now obviously been reduced once again. Um, and it's been reduced down to 5% in relation to the average over the past five years, which was our starting position. I think this is a very important position because it allows us to act before damage to the market is is irreversible.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “Thank you, chair. And thanks to the author for that presentation. After 25 years, I think is time enough to think and work and talk and finally now take a strategic perspective on a topic which is sure to mark trade and international policy of the EU in the years to come. Now, the report says it quite clearly. We're not just talking about trade. Now I am the rapporteur for trade, but it talks about geopolitics with a large G. We Europe and Mercosur share the fact as being vulnerable peripheries for an international order that is in transformation, which is threatened by the US vision pressure from China and interference from Russia. So they need to join forces. It's more important than ever. Also, this agreement offers Europe something that Washington and Beijing can't, and that is to diversify our alliances. For instance, getting critical raw materials such as lithium and copper, which are absolutely essential for our green transition. The study also says that some 60% or 70% of our patents are not clean because they're controlled by China. And so Europe needs to have partners that want to produce with us and not just sell us raw materials. Mercosur undoubtedly can be that partner, as long as we are able to accompany them with an investment in cooperation. Now, the recent headlines confirm to us that now really is the time to strike. The commission just yesterday presented a final text saying that they're more ready than ever to conclude this agreement. And many member states see this agreement as an urgent response to the global uncertainty. The report also says now well beyond legitimate concerns of farmers, for which we already have support instruments in place, the tariffs, the safeguard clauses and also an reinforced protection fund for exceptional crises. It also has a political pillar which can strengthen democracy, human rights and multilateralism on both sides of the Atlantic. So the Mercosur agreement is a historic opportunity, that opportunity that Europe must cease. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Thank you very much. Thank you very much for your presentation. I think that we all agree that the EU has become a world, a global reference point in regard to sustainability. And I think that's very positive. But I'd like to call this the green obsession. And I think we shouldn't let that let us forget a basic rule that sustainability is only viable if it's compatible with competitiveness. Now, free trade agreements have been a key tool to open up new markets to our companies, to help us diversify our exports and to create growth. However, they've also helped with another important aspect, and that's to push for more stringent environmental standards in third countries. But I think the question is the following. Are we really evaluating its impact in a balanced way, or is our point of view biased in a way or preconceived by saying that assuming that trade is a threat to the environment, we if the EU wants to be at the forefront of the green transition, we have to do it in a smart way. We mustn't impose restrictions on ourselves and tie our hands. If our rivals have laxer standards. We need more trade rather than less trade. In Europe, we need leadership, but we mustn't put impose a straitjacket on ourselves. Now we have to defend sustainability, but not destroying our competitiveness along the way.”
  Free trade agreements (FTAs)
• “Thanks, chair. Thanks for that presentation. This comes at just the right time for our debate on competitiveness and sustainability in the EU's trade policy. The debate on mirror clauses is gaining in importance, particularly when it comes to the Green Deal and the agreements with Mercosur, which we have just been discussing in depth. And it is vital to base all this on solid evidence. A few take home messages. The study pointed out to my group a point that we've harped on about there cannot be a swift solution to problems of competitiveness if this is applied across the board and unilaterally, this would run against the grain of international trade agreements and would give rise to adverse effects for European producers who already are grappling with a lot of regulations and costs. Secondly, European farming is fully integrated into global supply chains and depends on imported inputs. So anything affecting trade will have a direct impact on production costs and prices for consumers. Therefore, it is absolutely vital to take a holistic attack with impact assessments which are rigorous in nature and ongoing. The study pointed out that the most efficient alternative systems are out there. In other words, reinforcing the cap, reinforcing the position of producers on the supply chain, kindling innovation, and have enhanced bilateral and multilateral collaboration. Complying with the standards will be achieved with dialogue and not by dint of unilateral solutions, which could be perceived as protectionist measures and give rise to retaliation. This can be useful in certain cases, but this cannot become an off the peg approach. Given that we want to be competitive, we require balanced policies which chime with the international trade system we have.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “Now, we didn't only look at the volume of imports, one of the most important points we achieved was in relation to significant drops in prices. The regulation recognising the um. An idea of significant market damage when there's a drop in over 5% of market prices, and when market price is 5% below a comparable production cost at a European level. And this really is the barometer for which we can, um, measure damage. Now, these are objective criteria. There's no discretion in this. There's no political assessment or no, um, margin for manoeuvre for for the Commission. When the thresholds which have been set out are met, then there is a clear obligation to act. There's more as well. This isn't only limited to these percentages. Any clear indication about a significant drop in the economic sector? So if there's a drop, then it's at EU level, at member state level, then they can start an investigation. There's also been a more rigorous economic analysis which will take place. This includes key indicators such as price use of capacity and also employment levels. So we have a much broader and realistic analysis of the impact of imports into EU and its impact on the European sector. So we're strengthening the follow up and monitoring as well.”
  Import of agri-food products in the EU
• “President. Commissioner. Let's talk about, uh, common agricultural policy. Yes to simplification. Yes to protecting farmers and yes, to proper funding, and particularly for the outermost regions. The new cap has to respect article 345 of the treaties and have specific provisions for these regions, the islands, because they're isolated, um, and they face higher production costs. And it's fundamental. Uh, we can't um. Um, ensure that, um, the Common Agricultural Policy becomes a luxury. We, our farmers, have to be able to compete and to survive economically. Uh, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, we and the Canaries believe in you. We believe that we have to, um, protect outermost regions, because we believe that they are also, um, of the uttermost importance for Europe.”
  Agricultural funding
• “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I mean, for the Canaries, for instance, this report is particularly relevant. The POS report or program is not just about budgets. It's about farmers, and it's also about the very survival of these sectors that really structure our local economies. And the report confirms what we've seen for years and years per se, has been essential in terms of maintaining farming in outermost regions, but there are many sectors that would not be able to compete otherwise, particularly vis a vis other countries, other farmers that are not subject to the same rules as us. For the Canaries, we're particularly interested in the banana sector. Thousands and thousands of jobs. Making sure that the social fabric is maintained in this part of the world as well. So we need to be very, very careful when we look at the conclusions of the report. I mean, I think it's important to think about the future of these sectors, of course. And we need to look at diversification. I grant you that. But let's not forget that the purpose of per se is to compensate for structural imbalances which are lasting in nature. So I think the commission itself has recognized this. And what you're looking at is competition and structural factors. I think both of those need to be addressed per se is not the problem. Quite the opposite per se has actually been a key instrument in order to, you know, preserve these farming activities and minimize negative impacts. So overall, it's positive. But we also need to make sure that it complements and doesn't supplant traditional farming sectors. We shouldn't be calling into question, you know, the role of these particular sectors. Thank you.”
  Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
• “And this agreement doesn't have any this amendment doesn't have anything to do with the signing of the agreement. And the safeguard clauses need to be on the table, uh, for this signing, because otherwise we won't be protected. And I completely agree with, uh, studying the amendments. We're going to work on this, and we're going to give us time to debate this. We won't talk about we won't deal with everything that we want to. But after 25 years, we have to concentrate here. But we have an opportunity. And if we lose this opportunity, we won't have another one. And nobody's going to, uh, be able to have the right to defend their amendments. And the Parliament isn't going to have the right to, to take its decision. So what I want to do is we have to do this, to do this as close as possible and to do this. The the amendments not to violate the agreement in itself, because we're talking about a regulation on the safeguard clauses. And so they need to be fully compatible with what we're discussing. And so I want it to be compatible, uh, wants to improve the text to, for us to get it done on time. Uh, and then the Parliament's consent will come, but, uh, before this, we can have safeguard clauses that guarantee as far as possible. Uh, safeguard farmers that and eliminate some of the concerns of the sector. Thank you.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur
• “This is something that's extremely important and something that people were complaining about. The commission now needs to have an ongoing monitoring in relation to import of sensitive products and provide reporting on at least a six monthly basis. This is for sensitive products, but this analysis can also be extended to other products. Another addition and again I think this is important as well. This is uh, additional measures to stop, uh, circumvention. So there can't be you know, we want to make sure there's no similar practices or artificial changes which are leading to circumvention. And this is something that farmers, above all, for sensitive sectors, for example, um, citrus fruits people were calling for. And then there's also the rapid activation with a maximum timeline of 21 days. So again, this is a consolidation of reciprocity as well. There's a clear um A statement from the Commission in relation to annexes and for other factors as well. I think we have clearly been able to defend the Parliament's interests, interests of farmers, and we're not just talking about symbolic safeguards, we're talking about an operative instrument, which is swift. It's legally strong and also offers real protection, um, in the face of possible market distortions as a result of the EU Mercosur agreement. Thank you very much.”
  Trade relations with Mercosur