What Hilde spoke about.

22

Oct

2024

Speeches NL

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Question Time with Commissioners – Situation of animal health in Europe: how to prevent and prepare for future sanitary crises in agriculture

One response to the vaccine strategy. I think colleagues have already called for it. We have a single internal economic market, so we should also support a unified European vaccination policy around vaccines. Unfortunately, I did not receive an answer to my last question. I'd really like to make a plea. More than 500 farms have been affected in Belgium. These farmers have water on their lips. Where is the financial support for affected farmers?

22

Oct

2024

Speeches NL

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Question Time with Commissioners – Situation of animal health in Europe: how to prevent and prepare for future sanitary crises in agriculture

Mr President, I think a lot of colleagues have already said it: We are facing an unprecedented situation of sanitary crisis in agriculture. I would like to raise one important point on behalf of Belgium, namely bluetongue. Our Minister for Agriculture has already recognised the crisis in the sector. What strikes me, however, is that there is still a lack of European coordination in dealing with this crisis. I think we really need to look at how we are going to organise vaccine policy. Colleagues have already said: there are Member States where it is mandatory, where it is supported, and other Member States where it is not, when of course we have a single market. This means unfair competition. Firstly: What are we going to do about that single market and, of course, the vaccine policy around bluetongue? Secondly: The chaos surrounding animal transport must stop. Here too, you can see that Member States are closing their borders while they are still exporting. How does Europe deal with this? Last but not least: A big shout out: I believe that we need to support more farmers who are affected by this crisis. Belgium has already asked: Let's activate the agricultural reserves and financially support the affected farmers. How do you feel about that, Commissioner?

22

Oct

2024

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General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs we have adjusted this budget, because we all see that the world has become a lot more hostile in a few years. Our neighbourhood is literally and figuratively on fire. For me, this budget is a first cautious attempt to meet these challenges. Additional effort in humanitarian aid, a doubling of the peace-building budget and – very important – additional resources for defence and in particular for military mobility between Member States. I wholeheartedly support these increases, as long as we realise that we are not doing more than buying some time. Because if Trump is re-elected tomorrow, it will turn out that this is all badly insufficient. We need to realize that with Joe Biden, the last American president to have Europe in his DNA is leaving. In the post-Biden era we will have to do much more than some budget increases left and right. We will have to find answers to the following questions: How do we integrate our national armies? How do we ensure that we not only buy American weapons, but also take care of our own European defence industry? Pending more and better, I support the current budget increases.

22

Oct

2024

Speeches NL

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Urgent need for a ceasefire in Lebanon and for safeguarding the UNIFIL mission in light of the recent attacks (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, this month, Europe has provided EUR 30 million in emergency aid to Lebanon. Since 2011, we have spent a total of almost 1 billion euros. But structurally nothing changes. The country has only slipped further. As long as Europe confines itself to giving money and we do not commit ourselves further politically, nothing will change. I'm sorry if I express myself a little cru: Anyone can give a bag of money, but where is our strategy to get Lebanon back on track? Where is our support in the fight against corruption? Against Iranian influence? Where are our efforts to stabilize the country? First of all, let's make sure that the Unifil mission is strengthened. Definitely do not withdraw Unifil and certainly do not weaken the blue helmets. Have you forgotten the tragedy in Rwanda? Ten Belgian blue helmets killed! Unamir that withdrew and a whole genocide that took place. Now let's do everything we can to strengthen and protect the blue helmets. It is necessary to achieve peace here and here with us.

8

Oct

2024

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Escalation of violence in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon (debate)

Mr President, Mr Borrell, ladies and gentlemen, we have already heard it here: There is so much suffering and sadness in every corner of the region. And remember: There should never be accustomation or acquiescence to conflict or suffering. I am very concerned about what is happening in Lebanon. Mr Borrell, you said it: 20% displaced people, both sides shoot thousands of missiles back and forth, there are already more than 500 dead on the Lebanese side and meanwhile Israel is sending more troops north. A new front is emerging there. There are also the Iranian attacks on Israel and the retaliation for that is still awaited. It's going from bad to worse. We also heard it yesterday in this debate here: In fact, we here in Parliament are asking for Europe to try to play a greater role, however difficult it may be. First of all: now Europe can and must play a role in repatriating European citizens. Tomorrow there will be a flight from Belgium. It will also bring other Europeans. That is what Europe must now commit to. Two: an immediate ceasefire. Three: Release the hostages – I'll see family members later. Four – perhaps most importantly: More humanitarian aid. Open those borders, let that help come in. Now, from Europe, let us make that fist once and for all and do what Europe has to do. You have our support.

7

Oct

2024

Speeches EN

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One year after the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Borrell, 7 October is ‘9/11’ for Israel. It has been said here a few times and I would very much like to share the words of Maoz Inon with you today. On the morning of October 7, Maoz lost both his parents: Madam President, on the morning of the 7 October, my life changed forever. On that horrific day, I lost both of my parents. The pain and grief accompany me every day, but alongside that pain, a determination has emerged to dedicate my life to reconciliation and peace. We stand at a critical crossroad. I think today, a year after the attack, the situation is terrifying. Peace is further away than ever. More than 40,000 people have died and Gaza has become a real children's graveyard. The violence didn't start on October 7th, we all know that. It has been raging for decades and is now expanding across the region. Mr. Borrell, the international community has a responsibility. I want to use this moment, one year after those terrible attacks, to raise the following points again: 1) Please ensure an immediate ceasefire; 2) the hostages must be released, and 3) urgent humanitarian aid must enter the country. Only then can we work on that necessary political solution. You already have our support and I hope that colleagues here, in all groups and all political groups, will share this view.

17

Sep

2024

Speeches NL

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War in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle-East (debate)

Mr President, the figures do not lie. Since 7 October 2023, more than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza. One third of them were children and babies, yet the majority of Parliament refuses to agree to the naming of these harrowing facts and to call for an end to the violence. A permanent ceasefire must be established without delay to de-escalate violence across the region. We would not be the first to call for this: on 12 December 2023, an overwhelming majority of UN Member States called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This message was subsequently repeated in several UN resolutions. More importantly: on 19 February 2024, the European Council issued a joint statement with the same message. Parliament has also called for this, after emotional debates and lengthy negotiations. So today, together, let us call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

17

Sep

2024

Speeches NL

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Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States (debate)

Mr President, since 24 February 2022, Russia’s violations of humanitarian law in Ukraine have become innumerable, with attacks on hospitals, thousands of deaths, executions and torture. What we are in danger of forgetting, however, is that this war has been hanging over our economy like a dark cloud for more than two years. There is an immense threat and uncertainty regarding gas and energy prices and an increasing number of European jobs are at risk. These things are not comparable, but we must stop our ‘stop-and-go’ policy towards Ukraine, first accelerating and then slowing down. Let's get our foot off the brake pedal. We must allow Ukraine to deploy European weapons on Russian territory without delay. Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands have finally delivered the requested F-16s and would now say that they should not be used. This is no way to do it. Finally, the next European Commission and the Council must make every effort to create a genuine European Defence Union.

23

Apr

2024

Speeches NL

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The use of Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine’s victory and reconstruction (debate)

Mr President, colleagues, Mr Borrell, you yourself said: The war has been going on for more than two years. For two years now, we have been discussing the use of those Russian assets for Ukraine – time that Ukrainian citizens do not have. For months, we've been asking ourselves: How far can we go under international law? And meanwhile, Putin's dictatorial regime does not care about any right whatsoever. The Russian army bombs civilian infrastructure, power plants, residential complexes every day... This debate makes it clear: Of course, we must start using Russia's money for reconstruction, but also for the supply of weapons and ammunition. The Russian oligarchs, who are co-responsible, must contribute. But the top priority, Mr Borrell, I am addressing you, is, in my view, that this anti-aircraft defence must now be delivered. I know that my colleague Guy Verhofstadt has been in contact with you on several occasions. When can we finally proceed to the deliveries of that necessary anti-aircraft defence? (The speaker refused a blue card question from Miapetra Kumpula-Natri)

23

Apr

2024

Speeches NL

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EU’s response to the repeated killing of humanitarian aid workers, journalists and civilians by the Israel Defence Forces in the Gaza Strip (debate)

Mr President, Mr Borrell, colleagues, for months we have been receiving the most horrific reports from Gaza. Do we even realize how serious it is? More than a million Palestinians are malnourished, including hundreds of thousands of children. There is a risk of mass starvation resulting in thousands of deaths. And that in 2024. Hallucinant. Far too little humanitarian aid and food is still entering Gaza, and the people who bring in Gaza to provide aid are being murdered – more than 200 already. Aid workers, journalists and civilians should never be targeted. Israel must respect international law. War also has its rules. Mr Borrell, not only we in the European Parliament say this, but also the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice. We have been calling for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages by Hamas for weeks. This is the only way to avoid further suffering. I hope, Mr Borrell, that you will make it clear to Israel as soon as possible, on behalf of the European Union as a whole, that if this appeal and that of the international community remain unconcerned, our relationship will be at stake.

10

Apr

2024

Speeches NL

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Screening of third country nationals at the external borders - European Criminal Records Information System - Third Country Nationals - Common procedure for international protection in the Union - Establishing a return border procedure, and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1148 - Asylum and migration management - Addressing situations of crisis and force majeure - Establishment of 'Eurodac' for the comparison of fingerprints for the effective application of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013, for identifying an illegally staying third-country national or stateless person and on requests for the comparison with Eurodac data by Member States' law enforcement authorities and Europol for law enforcement purposes (recast) - Union Resettlement Framework - Standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection - Standards for the reception of applicants for international protection (recast) (joint debate - Migration and Asylum package)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, this is perhaps one of the most important debates we are having here at the end of this parliamentary term. Don't be fooled by the extreme left or the extreme right, who apparently found each other in a diabolical pact to plunge this necessary pact. We've been talking about this for eight years. Finally, with the vote, we will hopefully take the first necessary steps towards a European Pact on Asylum and Migration. No, colleagues, not everything is perfect. If you search, you will always find points of criticism. But you know what's good about this pact? Finally, there is a European approach. At last, there will be stricter controls at the external borders. Finally, there will be more solidarity between Member States. Is it perfect? No, we, the liberals of Renew Europe, believe that much more needs to be done. Yes, official labour migration must also be made possible. Yes, I want an even harder approach to human smugglers. And yes, I would also very much like to protect those missing children in migration. But, ladies and gentlemen, let us finally do what citizens expect of us. Adopt this pact, take a European approach and don't be fooled by the populists of the far left or the far right.

14

Mar

2024

Speeches NL

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Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (debate)

Yes, Mr President, that is because he is attacking me personally, of course. I don't think I should give the far right any more time to argue against women's rights. I am co-chair of the Intergroup on Children's Rights, so I am well aware of the value of a child's life. That is why we want legislation to prevent unsafe abortion, with a limit to viability. That is just as crucial, and given the response of the EPP and the ECR, I think that the fight to include this in the Charter is more than necessary.

14

Mar

2024

Speeches EN

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Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (debate)

No, I will not take a blue-card question because I will not give the extreme right the time to talk against women’s rights here in this Parliament.

14

Mar

2024

Speeches NL

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Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Europe is a beacon of freedom and security, but also of liberal values. The right to decide about our own body is essential for our women. Access to abortion must be possible. When I hear the debate here today, it strengthens me even more. I hear conservative, reactionary forces here who want to turn back time. I tell you very clearly: Not in my Europe! When I hear the EPP and ECR speaking, it confirms me even more. We must enroll those acquired rights in the Charter, otherwise they will turn back the clock. To the EPP: No, it's not President Macron's election stunt. At least he's had the balls to enshrine women's rights in the constitution. It's not an election stunt, it's necessary for all women. I'm getting more feminist here by the minute and I want to end by saying: “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t fight for women’s rights” – Madeleine Albright.

14

Mar

2024

Questions EN

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Inclusion of the right to abortion in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (debate)

I hear you saying now that it’s because the elections are there that Macron will ask it. Well, I will ask you, do you know that this Parliament voted a resolution in July 2022 that we asked to put abortion in the ? Thank you very much. Because there we voted it, so it’s not about elections, it’s what the Parliament voted here.

13

Mar

2024

Speeches NL

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The immediate risk of mass starvation in Gaza and the attacks on humanitarian aid deliveries

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the images from Gaza of children starving to death by marrow and bone. There is a risk of mass starvation resulting in thousands of deaths. More than 500,000 Palestinians have been malnourished and more than 10,000 children have been killed. Yesterday we negotiated a strong joint resolution with a clear message. I'm making a call now: Let's unite behind that too. Civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian convoys should never be targeted. Starvation must never be used as a weapon, and Israel must open all corridors so that the hundreds of trucks carrying aid can enter Gaza freely and safely. Europe must make it clear to Israel that it must abide by the rulings of the International Court of Justice. These rulings are binding. But in the end, we must also dare to say that we must fight Hamas. In the end, there must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Hamas must release all hostages. I hope we can give a very strong signal here tomorrow. That's our duty.

13

Mar

2024

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Need to address the urgent concerns surrounding Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia (debate)

Mr President, Minister, Commissioner, and above all: courageous visitors from Ukraine. I am very glad that at least you were brought back. That's what gives me the most pleasure today. Children are always the most vulnerable in war. The fact that Russia has now deported more than 20 000 innocent children from Ukraine is disgusting and criminal. There are probably many more. I heard the speaker say: ‘750 000’. That's actually hallucinating. As a mother of two, I ask myself: What would I do if they were my kids? If it was my son? If it was my daughter? If you know that Russia forcibly russifies those children in re-education camps, deprives them of their identity? Let's not make a fuss about it. These are war crimes and they must be punished. As co-chair of the Intergroup on Children's Rights, I call for two things: work to bring those children back where they belong as soon as possible to their parents in Ukraine; and Make every effort to severely punish these war crimes.

12

Mar

2024

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Council and Commission statements - Preparation of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March 2024 (debate)

Mr President, Minister, at the last meeting you said: “Europe needs to wake up. For our freedom, for our security”. I can only agree and repeat that call. I think that, if Europe is to wake up, we must also reform Europe and give Europe the means. That is why I very much welcome the European defence industry strategy with which the Commission is coming. I think there is a big and important support. But let's be honest: 1.5 billion for joint purchases, that is of course only the first step for me. It's just a start. It is, of course, far too little. I think you should come up with a genuine white paper on defence, with a European army – I can only repeat it here – and also with a reform of the Union. Because with Orbán visiting Trump and the upcoming elections, I don't think the lack of reform is in Europe's interest. A second point you spoke of was the necessary support for Palestine. We will soon be negotiating a resolution here. Indeed, I think we need to give that humanitarian support urgently. We see those children dying; We as Europe can no longer tolerate this. A third point: all the support for the geopolitical enlargement you were talking about, that necessary enlargement towards Bosnia-Herzegovina. But I missed something there: You have not discussed this necessary reform. I believe that, if we are to expand, we must also reform the Union. If we want, together, Europe to play a real role, we need to reform Europe, we need to renew Europe, and we need to abolish the unanimity rule.

28

Feb

2024

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The murder of Alexei Navalny and the need for EU action in support of political prisoners and oppressed civil society in Russia (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the courageous Alexei Navalny was brutally murdered 12 days ago. We just listened to his wife here and we were all applauding. We're all sympathetic. But that's not what politics is all about. In politics, you have to dare to take courageous actions. Mr Guy Verhofstadt has just made it very clear: What the hell has Europe done in those 12 days? We have the Magnitsky sanctions. Did we introduce them? No, no, no, no. Those 6 000 names on the Navalny list – I think I have already asked this here at least four or five times: Why aren't they still on the sanctions list? Why the hell aren't we still using those frozen assets? What are we waiting for? Twelve days. I believe that Europe must now be courageous. And what else do we need to do? Of course, there are questions about his death. Very urgent: Navalny's three lawyers, who are still in prison, must be released. For my part with a prisoner exchange, but they have to be released. Now let's be brave like Navalny has been.

28

Feb

2024

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Strengthening European Defence in a volatile geopolitical landscape - Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2023 - Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2023 (joint debate - European security and defence)

Mr President, Europe must wake up, for our freedom, for our security. Ursula von der Leyen said it, well, I couldn't have said it better. Spending more, spending more together, spending better: Absolutely. Building a genuine EU defence industry: Absolutely. And that will be necessary, because remember Commissioner Breton's plan. We were going to produce 1 million grenades within the year. Unfortunately, I have to say that we didn't make it. I think only half. We have to buy them elsewhere: in South Africa, in South Korea and then paid with the money of others. That is where our European Defence Union stands today. Because honestly: Where do we stand on our continent after two years of war? Where? Do we have a white paper for our European defence? What about the relationship between Europe and NATO? We need to move away from unanimity. We need a real Commissioner for Defence. We need one Minister for Foreign Affairs. We need, together, a real European army. We need it for Europe, we need it for our citizens.

27

Feb

2024

Speeches FR

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The current situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (debate)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, we would like to denounce once again this barbaric war that is affecting the people of eastern DRC. Indeed, since 1996 several wars have caused nearly 10 million deaths, more than 7 million displaced, not to mention women and children raped. It is obvious that voices are beginning to rise. Thus, Belgium, France and the United States asked Rwanda to withdraw its army from the Congo and cease all support for the rebels. But what is Europe doing? Europe has just signed a protocol on strategic raw materials with Rwanda, the recipient of which the army is killing and looting from its neighbour, not to mention human rights violations, without advocating an end to violence. Colleagues, how many more victims and pain does it take to wake up Europe to this brutality? We need to support peace processes, instead of throwing oil on the fire. There is still time to put Europe on the right side of history!

27

Feb

2024

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War in the Gaza Strip and the need to reach a ceasefire, including recent developments in the region (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, I was expecting Mr Borrell here, but good. I am – ladies and gentlemen, as you know – quite a bit critical of the Commission’s foreign policy here on a regular basis. But at last, as Parliament has done, the Member States are backing a strong and balanced position. Okay, except for Viktor Orbán, but in the meantime we have just hit that. Fortunately, Europe is united for a ceasefire, for increased humanitarian support to Gaza, for the release of all hostages by the Hamas terror organisation and for preventing more civilian casualties. But what concerns me most is how we can deflect Netanyahu from his insane plan to attack Rafah, the last remaining refuge for as many as one million Palestinians. Where do they have to go? Europe must now make it clear that Israel must abide by the rulings of the International Court of Justice in order to prevent civilian casualties. These rulings are binding. In this conflict, Europe finally speaks the language that belongs to a union as a community of values. Now, as Team Europe, we must use all our diplomatic resources and influence to translate our words into action. Only then will we be a true geopolitical union.

7

Feb

2024

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Empowering farmers and rural communities - a dialogue towards sustainable and fairly rewarded EU agriculture (debate)

Mr President, I am actually very happy that yesterday morning and this morning we have given priority to what the citizens are asking for. The farmers took to the streets and said: “Listen to us. Our farm stockpile is no longer livable.” I am very pleased that the Belgian Presidency, together with Alexander De Croo and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, took immediate action in Brussels last week. They said: “We need to cut red tape and eliminate that 4% set-aside.” I would now like to make a call: that 4 % set-aside, delete it definitively. I think that is what almost all the groups here have asked for. Make that work now. A third point that is absolutely necessary – and I heard that too, Mr Bourgeois, I was glad that you said it too: Make an impact analysis of that lasagna of laws coming at the farmers. But also dare to talk about the trade agreements, dare to talk about unfair trade practices. I ask you: Don't let the attention fade. Give the farmer the respect he deserves.

6

Feb

2024

Speeches NL

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The need for unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after two years of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine (debate)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the message sent by the European Council last week was very clear: long-term financial support to Ukraine is crucial. But the most important thing, of course, is that weapons and ammunition are supplied so that Ukraine can win the war. After almost two years of war, some countries have delivered more speeches than weapons. The political will to continue supplying weapons and ammunition exists in almost all Member States, but implementation is faltering. Promise a million grenades is easier than they actually deliver. F16 fighter jets have to be delivered and Ukraine still has too few Patriots for its air defence. It remains – I'm sorry to say – too little, too late. There is an urgent need for a genuine Defence Union with joint procurement and a strong European defence industry. And finally – and I will repeat it again – a European army. Prime Minister Winston Churchill called for it in 1950. Can we please work on that very quickly?

6

Feb

2024

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Conclusions of the European Council meetings, in particular the special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024 (debate)

Mr President, Commissioner, Mr President, it is very good that we have shown unity about our support for Ukraine. It is crucial for our European security. Our pressure has clearly paid off, for, Council and Commission, you have not yielded to Orbán's blackmail. I am also very happy that you have listened to the needs of our farmers. Europe is clearly assuming its responsibilities here. Today, too, I hear a very strong Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, talking about this strategic dialogue. But time is running out. We need tangible results. A thousand farmers per day are disappearing in Europe – a thousand farmers per day are disappearing in Europe. Our Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has also listened to the farmers. He promised to work with the Belgian Presidency on a 10-point plan to reduce this administrative burden. I call them very quickly: conduct an impact analysis of the lasagna of all laws imposed on farmers; the removal of that mandatory 4% set-aside area; dare to reflect on the regrouping of those protected areas; and, of course, the trade agreements: imported products must comply with the same strict requirements that we set for our farmers. Let us show respect for the peasants and let the peasant stockpile survive in Europe. I would like to give you our ten-point plan, based on my conversations with the Truiense, Limburg and Flemish farmers.