Speeches

Madam President, I am very pleased that we have had the opportunity today to discuss this very important topic. We have carefully taken note of your views and your comments, and we will ensure that they are duly considered. Some contested the realities of women entrepreneurship in rural areas, but I have to say, figures do not lie and a lot needs to be done. Our combined efforts within the CAP, across the MFF, and through dedicated initiatives, like the Women in Farming Platform, form a coherent and ambitious framework. They are designed to ensure that gender equality is not an abstract principle, but a lived reality in Europe's rural areas and farming communities – because empowering women in agriculture is not only about equality, it is about strengthening Europe's resilience and prosperity. We look forward to working together with you, this honourable House, on promoting the role of women in farming and rural areas.

Madam President, dear rapporteur Łukacijewska, equality for women is a fundamental right of the European Union, and the EU is firmly committed to ensuring that women have the tools, the resources and the support they need to thrive and succeed in all areas of the economy, including in agriculture. This commitment is clearly reflected in the roadmap for women's wines, designed to reaffirm our strategic determination to accelerate progress on gender equality. Women are indispensable to the future of Europe's farming and rural areas, and yet their full potential remains underutilised. Today, only about one third of EU farms are managed by women only, and just 2 % are led by women under 40 years of age. Moreover, rural women continue to face lower employment rates, lower incomes and pensions, and a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion. Addressing these gaps is not only a matter of fairness, it is an economic necessity, and the Commission welcomes the work you have done under the lead of Ms Łukacijewska. The Commission is already promoting rural women's employment growth, representation in the decision‑making process, participation in farming businesses, social inclusion and local development, and support for these objectives is given under the 2023‑2027 CAP strategic plans, and several Member States have given particular attention to women. The European Innovation Partnership operational groups are also supporting bottom‑up innovation projects that promote gender‑responsive approaches across agriculture. Effective policy‑making depends on a clear understanding of reality on the ground, and that is why we have significantly improved the collection of gender‑disaggregated data. Better data allows us to track progress more accurately and design more targeted and effective interventions. Female entrepreneurship and broader employment opportunities are, of course, limited in rural areas, largely due to restricted access to finance, training and professional networks. Enhancing skills, strengthening innovation ecosystems and improving access to quality jobs is a priority for cohesion policy, fostering more inclusive and resilient rural economies. The upcoming EU strategy for islands will address the unique challenges and opportunities of island communities, aiming to create a more attractive and sustainable living environment. In addition, Horizon Europe is also an essential instrument when it comes to innovation. It provides funding for projects focusing their research on women in farming and women in rural areas. So the findings of such projects are very important to inform future policymaking. More recently, the Commission also launched the Women in Farming platform, and this new initiative aims to support leadership tools, mentoring opportunities and exchanges of good practice. We already have almost 500 applications. The application period is closing today, but expressing interest takes less than 15 minutes, so please do encourage interested candidates to apply. For the post‑2027 CAP and MFF, the Commission will continue strengthening women's role in agriculture. The new governance of the future MFF offers possibilities of a more integrated approach, where synergies between what we have now and separate funds can be used to the benefit of women and entrepreneurs. The suggested dedicated spending target for rural areas under the future MFF proposal also offers opportunities for addressing the needs and challenges of women entrepreneurs in rural areas. Support for farmers in the outermost regions under the current POSEI programme will be integrated under the national, regional and partnership plans framework, maintaining specific supply arrangements and support local production, with a focus on food security, self-sufficiency and competitiveness. In addition, support for farmers will remain possible outside the EUR 293 billion direct payments envelope. Closing the gender employment gap and boosting women's labour‑market participation was one of the priorities of the 2022 outermost regions strategy. A renewed strategy will be adopted before the summer, and it will continue to prioritise social fairness and equality. I am looking forward to hearing your views on this important topic.

Madam President, thank you for the input that all of you have delivered. Indeed, the forthcoming livestock strategy will identify ways to promote a livestock sector that is competitive at global level, resilient to crisis and sustainable, while also remaining respectful of Europe's territorial diversity and citizens' expectations, and recognising as well the European excellence. Let me reply to some of your comments. Maybe first on Maria Walsh. I indeed agree on the importance of wool as a by-product and its value as well for farmers, and we included it in the bioeconomy strategy as one of our lead markets under textiles. We also propose a CAP network focus group on wool processing as well to have this as a new income possibility for our farmers. I will as well take your point, Maria, to discuss with my colleague Olivér Várhelyi, as it concerns the animal by-product law. Cristina Maestre, you also highlighted the difficulties that the farmers have. When we speak about generational renewal, of course, farmers and new farmers compare their lives with the lives of other people in the society. Therefore we need to work on the wellbeing. That is why we have proposed as well, for the future CAP, farm relief services in order to let people take holidays from time to time as well because, as you mentioned, it is a job 365 days a year and every day you have to be there. But they need as well from time to time to switch off. Also, in more difficult regions, as highlighted by Alexander Bernhuber as well as Herbert Dorfmann, we have as well proposed coupled support for livestock in regions especially, and we have raised this to make it possible. This is very important when we speak about prevention of wildfires, for example – animals and livestock play a very crucial role. Others have mentioned the importance of other by-products and the utility, especially in this crisis, when it comes to fertilisers. We have organic material; we underuse it and I think there is way more in and therefore I will present as well on 19 May, the fertiliser action plan, which will as well give direction of how we can make better use of this. So I will propose actionable points at EU, Member State and local level. We have, of course, discussed this very closely with the sector and with other actors. I think it is very important that we have a territorial approach, territorial solutions. In this sense, your input of going through this report is very valuable. Thank you very much for helping to make our sector more competitive, more resilient and more sustainable for the future.

Mr President, rapporteur, honourable Members, I very much welcome the opportunity to discuss with you a topic that the Commission has identified as a crucial element of agriculture, of our European livestock sector. Coming from a livestock farm myself, I can very much relate to the day-to-day life of a livestock farmer. It is in many ways, especially dealing with animals, an extremely challenging job, too, even more so now in the current context of the many challenges – you mentioned some of them, rapporteur – that are weighing on our farms. Your dedication to presenting a thorough report on the subject shows a big convergence of views between both institutions on this key sector. You rightly highlight its crucial importance for food security, rural employment, vitality and resilience, maintenance of rural landscapes, biodiversity and much more. Securing a predictable and profitable future for the EU livestock sector is, indeed, at the heart of the upcoming livestock strategy that the Commission plans to deliver before the summer break. You will recall from my hearing that I built the core of my mandate around generational renewal, and the strategy must give clear signals to any young person out there wondering if they should take over a family livestock farm, or start fresh in farming. To go in this direction, they must see a vision for this sector – a sector that is profitable, that is sustainable and that is resilient. Our consumers are also very much looking for clarity on how the strategy will address their expectations, especially on quality, sustainability, animal welfare and more. I agree with the analysis in your report. The livestock sector is under huge pressure due to a set of interconnected factors. Animal health risks and extreme weather events testing our resilience, volatile markets and tight margins affecting our competitiveness, environmental and climate footprint requiring progress on sustainability and more innovation: these are just a few of the challenges. But Europe also has jewels in its livestock sector, in particular in its territorial diversity, which allows a rich diversity of species, production systems and final products that consumers value very much, for instance its globally praised standards on animal welfare that allow Europe to champion them for the benefit of all. The objective is clear: we want to support a sector that is resilient, competitive and sustainable, while also reflecting Europe's diversity and excellence. The strategy will follow the principles highlighted in the vision. In particular, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach to livestock – we need tailored solutions that respect the diversity of livestock production systems across all of Europe. And we want to see research and innovation underpinning what we do, especially on sustainability. We are analysing your report in detail and it will serve as a very valuable contribution for our work. I see already many similarities in our thinking. On resilience, we should do more on risk management, crisis prevention, and investment in research and innovation, for instance. On competitiveness, we should work on our strength, increasing efficiency, stronger value chains, promoting quality and market segmentation, to start with. On sustainability, we need to progress in reducing emissions, supporting biodiversity, and improving animal husbandry and nutrient management, so innovation will be a key enabler there. Livestock also has a strong territorial dimension. It is essential for employment and the viability of our rural areas. This requires integrated planning when it comes to projects such as food processing, slaughterhouses and other facilities. Livestock is also relevant for the circularity of our economy: think about animal by-products, bio-material and digestate from livestock that can be turned into organic fertilisers, for example, and whose key role for food security has become evident with the current crisis. This is something we will also address in the forthcoming fertiliser action plan. We have announced that the livestock strategy will contain elements on animal welfare. It will give direction to the concrete animal welfare review that the Commission is working on, and ways to ensure that future legislative proposals apply the same standards to products produced in the EU and those imported from third countries, while addressing enforcement-related issues and concerns expressed by our EU citizens. There is another significant chapter of the European Parliament report on which our views align: animal diseases. We need to do more to prevent outbreaks of animal diseases and to ensure adequate financing for emergency measures, including to enable proper vaccination against important diseases. Current trends are very worrying – you have highlighted it – so budgetary needs for this will remain high in the next cycle. Indeed, the single market programme 2025-2027 provides only part of the financial support needed for the control and eradication of several priority animal diseases. We are facing a very unfavourable disease situation, with higher frequency and intensity of outbreaks. This brings financial strain – but also existential risks – for some farms. Let me finish once again by thanking the European Parliament and the rapporteur, Carlo Fidanza, for having highlighted the need to do better for the livestock sector. The Commission should soon be in a position to respond to that call with a very clear and forward-looking strategy.

Madam President, rapporteur, honourable Members, let me begin by thanking you for the important contribution the European Parliament has made to the wine package we presented in March 2025. This piece of legislation aims to urgently provide much-needed support to the EU wine sector in view of the unprecedented challenges of decreasing demand, changing consumer preferences and the effects of climate change, combined with an increasingly unstable and unpredictable international context. I can only thank the rapporteur, Ms Herranz García, and the honourable Members for their hard work, the fruitful discussions and, not least, their flexibility and willingness to concentrate on the most urgent issues which allowed a political compromise in one single trilogue on the 4 December 2025. You have made it possible to put this legislative proposal to the vote tomorrow, only 13 months after the High-Level Group on Wine Policy issued its policy recommendations in December 2024. Developments over the past year have shown very clearly that the problems identified persist and, in some cases, have even intensified. This is why the European wine sector urgently needs the new measures provided by this package. I appreciated the wide convergence of views between the institutions on the necessary measures to help the sector. There was one exception that the Commission accepted in the spirit of compromise, which is the price guidance for bulk wines. While we understand the good intentions, this instrument has to be managed with care as it can provide negative effects against the interests of the producers. The Commission encourages the use of the existing tools that directly address the issue of oversupply by limiting volumes put on the market, and don't entail these risks. Otherwise, the wine package introduces additional and more flexible instruments that will allow both the structural oversupply of wine in certain regions and the conjunctural imbalances linked to climatic or market events to be addressed, and will provide more flexible tools that can be used by Member States to address crisis situations. It also contains measures to satisfy a shifting consumer demand by facilitating the production and commercialisation of wines with lower alcohol content and improving labelling rules for better consumer information, as well as extending those rules to aromatised wine products. New promotion rules will facilitate market consolidation for the sale of EU wines in third countries. To support wine producers, higher rates of support will be available for producer organisations and for investments in climate adaptation. Eligible beneficiaries from oenotourism will also be expanded, with clear benefits for employment, diversification and the long-term vitality of wine-producing regions. With your positive vote tomorrow, you will enable the wine package to become law and swiftly provide the sector with the much-needed new policy tools that they need to thrive because the sector is under pressure. This will be a huge help, but we have to look into further developments and help for the future as well.

Madam President, I would like to thank you all for the discussion today. I also welcome the very broad support on the package, which, based on your reactions, also strikes a balanced approach because it achieves simplification without decreasing the capacity of our policy to reach sustainability objectives. I also understand that some of you would have preferred a slightly different result – maybe a little bit more ambitious. But I just would like to remind you that not only the rapporteur but the shadow rapporteurs as well – Mr Motreanu, Ms Singer, Mr Flanagan, Mr Kubín, Mr Waitz, Ms Vrecionová and Mr Stoyanov supported this as well. I believe they all belong to one of the political groups in this room. This is of course the nature of a compromise – everybody needs to give in something to ensure that simplification in the end reaches the farmers in 2026. I think this is a very clear deliverable for next year. We had estimated in the initial proposal that it would relieve our farmers on the administrative burden side by EUR 1.6 billion annually, the administrations EUR 210 million annually. This has, of course, been enlarged. The scope has been enlarged by the co-legislators. So we are speaking of something much bigger now, and this will be felt. I hope our farmers will as well recognise the efforts that we have made in this year in the mandate. I look to Ms Crespo – you have mentioned as well the other topics that we have addressed this year: the Unfair Trade Practices Directive that we brought over the finish line; the wine package, which is a substantial relief for a sector under pressure. And we are about to close as well the file on the common market organisation to deliver better prices for the farmers. And this just in one year, I think that is very important. We know, of course, how important simplification is to our farmers because – some people have mentioned it – farmers choose this job not to sit behind the computer mainly and fill in forms and eventually get fines if after 12 or 14 hours work a day they make a mistake. That is not why they have made this job choice. That is why we need to bring down this bureaucracy. This is not an effort that is done in one single piece of legislation or a change of that. I think we have to think it further. Again, Mr Lins mentioned the other simplification packages. This is something I heard when I went to the Member States. Mainly it is not the CAP that is too complicated, but it is a lot of other legislation from different policy areas and, as well, national and sometimes regional legislation. So we need to do this all together. Also when we look into the future – we are co-legislators. So it is not just the Commission making a proposal, it is as well the Parliament and the Council contributing to that. I have sat on your side and I have to say, afterwards, I often proposed amendments or proposed amendments where I did not ask the question, 'how is this going to be? Is this going to be hugely administrative, burdensome or not?' During the next reform, let's work together and ask ourselves the questions: what is really helping, what is really forward looking and what is truly burdensome? That is as well our shared responsibility. I look forward to working together with all of you to make it as simple for our farmers as possible, and to let them work and produce and make a living of their work. Let's do this together.

Madam President, honourable Members, to finish this very dynamic year, this debate comes at a very important moment in time. I refer, of course, to the important votes here in Parliament, but also the discussions by the leaders in the European Council on Thursday. And it is important to acknowledge the concerns farmers have. In last year's protests, reduction of administrative burden was one of their key demands, and it is likely to come up again this week when farmers take to the streets in Brussels. Farmers want to spend time working on their farms, not filling in reports after long days of work, and then eventually making a mistake that is then heavily fined. They want to build sustainable businesses and to be rewarded fairly for the work they are doing. They want to provide a decent living for their families and want to have basic services in rural areas, such as childcare or medical care, and in the current geopolitical and economic circumstances they are worried about their livelihoods. Honourable Members, earlier this year, in our vision for agriculture and food, we promised farmers that we will address these concerns, including by simplifying the common agricultural policy and the broader simplification package. In May, I presented a significant and meaningful package of simplification to CAP rules. The rapporteur has mentioned many of them, and we worked very closely together, and we delivered on our promise. The new rules should enter into force before the end of the year, so your vote tomorrow is a very timely one. All parties can be pleased with the outcome that was reached in a very short time, making the package truly useful for the remaining years of the current CAP. And this is an important signal to the sector that, when needed, we act together very swiftly, and I very much welcome the flexibility and contribution of the European Parliament. You brought important elements to the table that further strengthened the package, such as the increase of support for business development of smaller farms from the proposed EUR 50 000 to EUR 75 000. And what do the approved measures entail? They will reduce the administrative burden by, for example, recognising the environmental benefits of organic farms – they will be considered green by definition. And they increase also the flexibility by, for example, allowing Member States to exempt farmers from ploughing their land every five years to avoid conversion to permanent grassland. And they will help smaller farms make better use of the CAP support by increasing the simplified payment to small farmers to a maximum of EUR 3 000. On green conditionality, we achieve a better balance between obligations and incentives also thanks to the amendments by the European Parliament, and they will allow Member States to better reward farmers for their contribution to the environmental objectives for protection of peatlands and wetlands, as well as Natura 2000 areas. The Commission has a formal statement on GAEC 5 tillage management reducing the risk of soil degradation, including slope consideration, which has been sent to Parliament's services for inclusion in the verbatim record of this debate. More generally reflected in the package is the fact that one size does not fit all when it comes to agriculture, and this is also the spirit of our future CAP. I managed to travel to all 27 Member States at least once in the first year of my mandate, and I can say we are very diverse, but this represents the richness of our agriculture as well, and we will also therefore encourage Member States to take on board as many simplification elements as possible in their CAP strategic plans. The Commission, of course, stands ready to accompany the process and support Member States in their amendments to maximise these benefits. Once again, thank you very much for your good cooperation we had on this file, and this will be filed on the farms by next year. And I think this was a very important common effort. Common statement (in writing) "The Commission’s approach is to maintain the objective of GAEC 5, to ensure minimum land management reflecting site specific conditions to limit soil erosion, while ensuring that implementation remains practical, risk-based and fair to farmers, and fully consistent with the overall simplification, sustainability and crisis-response objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy. Since 2024, as a result of the first CAP simplification amendment, Member States have a greater degree of flexibility to define and implement GAEC 5. As a result of the adoption of this simplification omnibus and taking into account the 2024 simplification act, the Commission will review by 31.12.2025 the documents clarifying legislation, as part of its continuous simplification drive, to make sure that Member States may fully benefit from simplifications available upon the entry into force of this Regulation. The content of any such documents will be clarified and where necessary modified, reflecting the new legal framework and the need for a proportionate and pragmatic implementation of rules."

Madam President, thank you very much for this very important debate. At a moment of great geopolitical danger, we are finally taking action and together we are equipping the Union with the instruments needed to protect our citizens. The 'mini omnibus' is small in name, but a big step forward for our defence readiness. Let us move forward together on our other defence proposals as well and let us do so swiftly, because we cannot afford any further delay. Our goal is to deter Russian aggression, prevent war and preserve peace. Our policy is more production, less dependency – which would represent a huge weakness – but our purpose remains peace in the end. The European Union is first and foremost built as a Union of peace and I think we have to remind ourselves of that as well. When it comes to defence of this peace and our defence industry in the EU, there are those countries that are small and those that do not know each other. That is why I think it is very important that we move ahead quickly. Mr Cepeda mentioned, as did Mr Zoido, that the reply needs to be European, so the nationalistic way is not the right way to go: we need to work closer together, make the Union of defence work. I think that is the ultimate goal: to deter other forces, like Russian-style aggressors, from doing what they are doing currently in Ukraine.

Mr President, honourable Members, I believe we can say that this is a very proud day. The political agreement on the mini‑omnibus on defence was agreed in just one sitting, just one trilogue, and that is exactly the kind of speed and efficiency we need when our defence readiness is at stake. And so, I thank the rapporteur Mr Kols, I thank the shadow rapporteurs in this House and, of course, the Danish Presidency as well for all their efforts and speed. And tomorrow, with your formal adoption of the agreement, we take another important step forward to strengthen Europe's defence readiness. The mini‑omnibus is small in name but big in results, or, as our French colleagues said during the trilogue: petit mais costaud. The mini‑omnibus is a central element of the ReArm Europe Plan and a key part of the mid‑term review of cohesion policy and essential to the Defence Readiness Omnibus, and we are mobilising our European funds for our defence: innovation funds, technology funds and digital funds, Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund, the Strategic Technology for Europe Platform, the Digital Europe Programme, and the Connecting Europe Facility. And we are amending five major instruments, enabling faster, more coordinated and more predictable investments into Europe's defence, technological and industrial base. And the mini omnibus makes it easier to use these funds for defence and dual civilian‑military use and makes it easier for the European Defence Fund to support disruptive technology and our talented small and medium‑sized companies. I am also very glad that this agreement on the mini omnibus allows the association of Ukraine with our nearly EUR 8 billion European Defence Fund, and this is a milestone. It deepens the EU‑Ukraine defence cooperation. It boosts Ukraine's resilience and supports Ukraine's integration into Europe's defence industry. And we will also benefit from it. Ukraine's experience and capabilities are indispensable for Europe's long‑term defence readiness, and the mini‑omnibus is a key part of our strategy for defence, as outlined in the White Paper on Defence Readiness, which we presented in March. And since then, we have presented many initiatives and proposals preparing the ground to ramp up defence spending and production and achieve military and defence readiness. And delivery on defence readiness is now increasingly urgent. Now Russia increases its attacks on Ukraine, its provocations in Europe and America pivot towards the Indo‑Pacific. And so, in short, the mini‑omnibus is mini in name, but maxi in results, and I urge you to swiftly approve it. On a final note, it took one and a half years to agree on EDIP – the European Defence Industry Programme – maybe not so long compared to other proposals, but much too long for defence readiness. And the agreement on the mini‑omnibus you reached in just a few hours. I call on you show the same speed, efficiency and determination when moving forward on our proposals now before you on our big Defence Readiness Omnibus that massively cuts red tape so defence can ramp up production, and on our military mobility regulation to quickly move troops and equipment in times of crisis. And the situation is urgent, ladies and gentlemen. Delay is very dangerous, and Putin will not wait for us. Our ability to deter and defend depends on our ability to pass good laws and to pass them quickly. But that is for tomorrow. So today, my congratulations again to the rapporteurs and to the entire plenary that will hopefully adopt this.

Mr President, thank you all for your very valuable contributions to this debate. It is really encouraging to hear how strong the support is for us to take action on drugs and organised crime, and this across all political groups in this hemicycle. I believe that is how we can honour as well the memory of Mehdi Kessaci. It is also encouraging that you have addressed all aspects of the problem: the security problem, the prevention problem and the treatment as well. We know that Member States take different approaches, but for the Commission, there is no question of a trade‑off. We must tackle all sides of the drugs problem to succeed and we need to do it in a more coordinated manner. For this, we are looking forward to working with you on all these files and all these issues in a more precise way and a more fast way as well, to deliver that these catastrophes do not happen anymore. To Amine, I would like to express on behalf of the entire European Commission, my sincere condolences for you, for your family and for all the friends of Mehdi.

Madam President, honourable Members of this House, we have seen too much violence on Europe's streets, too many young lives taken, and wherever drug trafficking exists, it leaves a trail of violence, corruption, disrupted communities and lives destroyed. In my opinion, there is only one way for us to honour the memory of Mehdi Kessaci: we must take stronger action because the situation with illegal drugs in the EU is getting out of control. Already now, 50 % of all homicides in Europe are connected to drug trafficking. Now is the moment for us to turn this around. The new EU drugs strategy and action plan will do precisely this, with actions that we can deliver on right away. You might ask, how are we going to do this? First, let me make clear that the money and power that killed Mehdi did not come from criminal activity in France alone. Marseille is one of many ports that serve as a gateway for traffickers to enter the whole EU market. If we want to stop that money and power, we need a truly European approach. We need to enable our authorities involved in the fight against drug trafficking to work together better, especially when it comes to information sharing and joint activities, and on how we fight organised crime. For that, we need our agencies to step up: Europol, the EU Drugs Agency, Frontex and the new EU customs authority. Let's start by making sure they have the resources and the mandate to fulfil that role, and that they cooperate seamlessly together. We must equip our law enforcement, customs, border and judicial authorities with the tools they need and I am thinking in particular of data access and retention. Ensuring modern detection tools and standards at maritime ports like Marseille is vital. Through the European Ports Alliance, the EU funds customs control technology and fosters public‑private cooperation to prevent our ports from becoming drug trafficking havens. We must build upon and expand on this work. Saving lives is not just about security – just as important are prevention and treatment. Every young person who never starts on drugs is one customer less, hopefully even one life saved. When we free a drug user from addiction, not only do we turn that person's life around, but we also deprive the violent criminals of the money they need to commit even more violence. Finally, the EU must act where the EU added value is biggest: in our relations with third countries. Here, we can bring the size and weight of the entire Union to the table to ensure our security priorities are supported by our partners. Already we are making good progress, but there is a lot more we can do. For all these actions, we need the support of this Parliament to succeed. So, my plea to you on this is: let's work together on all sides of the political spectrum to turn the tide on illegal drugs.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank you for this open exchange, I will not comment on all the subjects that have been discussed and that have no direct link with the two proposals that I hope we will adopt tomorrow. The European Commission took the demonstrations of our farmers almost two years ago seriously. These had three main demands. One of them was to put in place fairer prices for their production, to enhance the value of their work and not to question their position in the food chain. With M's reportme Imart, we give them that opportunity. I hear some contest contracts in writing. I would like to remind you that we also have a directive on unfair commercial practices. In this context, when farmers request a contract, the other party is obliged to provide it to them. So we're giving our farmers more visibility and access to a right they already own. I don't see where the problem is. I also hear those who say that we should not put cooperatives at risk. We have provided a derogation for cooperatives whose statutes contain rules that result in some sort of contract. Everything is planned. I am sure that, through interinstitutional negotiations, we will find solutions that do not endanger well-functioning models, while ensuring the security of a stable income for our farmers. The second claim at the demonstrations was to reduce the administrative burden. I have listened well to what our farmers have told us, what you have told us and what the Member States have proposed to set feasible actions under the current common agricultural policy. Since these demonstrations took place two years ago, it is important to do what we can without losing ourselves in details, because perfection is sometimes the enemy of good. I was on your side of the House during the last parliamentary term. As Mr Häusling has said, we sometimes tend to complicate things too much with the amendments we are proposing to the European Parliament. We need to be aware of this and think twice about it. I therefore reply to Mr Häusling: indeed, we should work together to avoid this complexity in future texts from the outset. I really hope that we will find a large majority around the two texts I proposed at the beginning of the mandate and I would like to thank the rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs for all the work they have done. Our farmers will thank you for that.

Madam President, honourable Members, first of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to exchange on these two important files that I have put very early on already in my mandate. I especially would like to thank the two rapporteurs, Céline Imart and André Rodrigues, for their work, as well as their shadow rapporteurs, to have delivered so quickly on these important files. Time is of the essence for these two proposals to also start having an effect on the ground because our farmers need to feel that something is changing. Our farmers are eagerly awaiting European solutions to address some of their most pressing needs: a supply chain that works for farmers and simpler operating rules. The CMO proposal is about giving farmers a stronger position in the food supply chain. We must create rules that increase their bargaining power and ensure fair opportunities, and this is precisely what the proposal does. I am pleased to see that many of your amendments align with this goal. Some might be going beyond our initial proposal and some anticipate also proposals the Commission made in the frame of the future CFP proposals, but I am open to explore them constructively, such as those on origin labelling, for example. One of the crucial elements of our proposals are the written contracts. Written agreements are not about imposing prices or adding red tape, as I hear way too often. They are essential for certainty and trust, and a key tool to fight against unfair trading practices. Ms Imart has used the example of buying shoes, I would like to use the example of buying a car. When you buy a car or sign up for an energy provision for your home, for example, we naturally contract in writing because we expect clarity about what we will get and a certain security about our rights as well. There, I think my question would be: should farmers be entitled to any less? I believe that the answer is clearly no. Let me now move on to the simplification package. Simplification and the administrative burden, I think that is something I heard from our farming community in all the Member States I have travelled to so far. Simplification is also to be seen as part of our competitiveness agenda and I have therefore put forward a package of simplification that I consider is balanced and pragmatic, but preserving the targeted nature of this proposal is, of course, crucial. Our proposal strikes the right balance between the urgent need to further simplify certain aspects of our policy, while at the same time ensuring that we avoid disruptions in the last two years of the implementation of the current CAP. Equally, we must maintain the ability of the CAP to achieve its objectives. So, the proposal is targeted in a way that it is better adapted to the situation of, for example, organic young farmers or farmers affected by natural disasters. It encourages the use of simplified payments for small farmers, a single control on farms and less data submission for our farmers. You made a number of proposals that I can welcome there, like reinforcing data interoperability or increasing the coverage of lump sum payments for small farmers. On the other hand, I also see certain amendments that raise some concerns. For example, extending rules on the decommitment or weakening risk management changes that deviate considerably from our proposal. These are particularly worrying, but I must express certain reservations on the changes which cover a number of important good agriculture and environmental conditions. These changes would cumulatively undermine the attainment of the CAP's climate and environmental objectives, and can also delay the agreement on this file, given the Council's position. Such amendments seriously put at risk the timely adoption – I would just like to remind you that we have to deliver on this file still this year, preferably in the month of October already, in order for our farmers to feel this simplification during the next calendar year. So, this is our common challenge to deliver on that and find solutions that are quickly applicable. We owe this to our farmers. I am looking forward to the constructive work on that with you in the trilogues that we can hopefully start soon.

Madam President, honourable Members, let me first of all start by thanking you for your thoughtful contributions, the broader lines of which I share and the entire Commission shares. I would like to particularly give thanks again to Carmen Crespo Díaz and all the people that have worked together with you to get the report done by this Monday in order to be able to take your input on board. I think it is very important, as I said, that I fully share many of the reflections voiced here, especially the call for a strong CAP able to deliver on multiple economic, social and environmental challenges. I quoted Sicco Mansholt at the beginning, and this has been repeated by my colleague Jessika Van Leeuwen and I think also Bert-Jan Ruissen mentioned our Treaty obligations. I think these Treaty obligations ensure food security, ensure a fair income for our farmers, but ensure as well affordable food for our consumers, and this is more important than ever. I think what we have to say as well is that you can't win a war on an empty stomach, and you can't build a continent on an empty stomach. Therefore, I believe that we are on the same idea that the identity of the common agricultural policy needs to be maintained. Many of you mentioned that – that we also need to maintain a big 'C' for common in the common agricultural policy. Also, I believe all of you shared that we need a coherent toolbox for the first and the second pillar obligations. I think rural development depends heavily on the common agricultural policy, and that needs to be taken into account. Mr Flanagan also mentioned that the structure of the common agricultural policy currently is not too bad, and that we have to build on the successes and maybe fix what is not working ideally. That is why I always pledge that we need an evolution of the common agricultural policy and not a revolution. This is largely shared as well by the ministers when I meet them at the Agrifish Council. Also, what most of you said is that we need the appropriate financial firing power in order to deal with the many challenges. The challenges have not become fewer over the last more than six decades; I think they have become greater. We face huge geopolitical challenges from the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the consequences, but as well from trade tensions with other economies, and also climate change and environmental challenges. I think these challenges have become bigger. Therefore, I also believe that we need to keep up the financial support for our farmers. But as you know, whatever the Commission proposal will be, it will heavily depend on what the Member States will be willing to contribute to that budget. So I think that is very important to recall and to work on that as well. Another shared point that I heard from many of you, and that is as well central in the vision for the future of agriculture and food, is the challenge of generational renewal, because currently, less than 12 % of our farmers in the European Union are below the age of 40, and the average age is above 57 years of age. In some Member States it's better; in some it's even worse. So I think that is a huge challenge that we need to take into account. But when we speak about that, there will as well be discussions that may be more painful. Some of you ask for more support financially for young farmers. Well, if we give more to one, we have to take it from somewhere. So this discussion will of course have to be addressed; that is very clear. Many of you mentioned a fairer distribution as well, but when it becomes fairer, there will always be winners and losers. That is something that we need to address together. In autumn, I will present a strategy for the generation renewal. And many of you have mentioned it is not only the EU policy, it is also initiatives that need to be taken at national level. They need to work together when it comes to, for example, pension systems, etc., and better support for young farmers. I think there is a lot that can be done in synergies between European and national politics. So this is very important to me. It is very dear to my heart because we can always speak about food security, but if there is nobody left to do it anymore, then we have a problem and then we will face dependency. I will never want to be dependent on somebody else outside the European Union for the quantity and the quality of our food that we consume three times a day. I think that has to be acknowledged. Also, when it comes to challenges such as climate change and environmental protection, I don't see the farmers as the problem. They are the first victims of climate change, but I also say they are our best line of defence. So that's why I want the farmers to be part of the solution and not of the problem. Therefore, it is our common duty to enable our farmers to be part of the solution – to design policies that are up for the task, to give incentives that are up to the task and sufficiently attractive for the farmers to allow them to combine productive agriculture with protecting our resources. I think that will be the key challenge, and therefore I would like to work together with you, and your own-initiative report is very helpful in that sense as well. I, of course, hope for a strong budget for the common agricultural policy to be able to tackle the many challenges that we are facing. Therefore, I am counting on your support and I will continue my fight in that direction.

Madam President, honourable Members, dear colleagues, thank you very much for putting this important point up for the plenary debate today. I believe this is a testimony of how important the common agricultural policy is for this House. I can reassure you that it is equally important for the European Commission. The CAP is one of our oldest policies at the heart of the European project. In December 1964, Sicco Mansholt stated: 'the governments, the Member countries burnt the individual boats in which they have sailed home to the harbours of national agricultural policy. Henceforth there is only a common policy, a policy of European solidarity.' This statement is as relevant as it was 60 years ago. The CAP is a true common policy, a policy of solidarity, an anchor of European food sovereignty and an integral part of European integration. While in the 1960s, we were rebuilding our continent after the devastation of the war, we are now building a stronger Europe. A stronger Europe, that can withstand the multiple challenges it is facing. The security architecture that we relied on for decades can no longer be taken for granted. Russia's unprovoked aggression has brought war back to our continent. Extreme weather events are more and more frequent due to climate change. The new normal is anything but normal. Therefore, our future budget and our policies must keep pace with that changing world. Yet, if the changing geopolitical realities teach us one thing, it is the strategic importance of food production. You cannot build a strong continent on an empty stomach, ladies and gentlemen. This was the driving force behind Mansholt's policy and it is just as relevant today. Therefore, as the Commission President stated, in our next budget, there will be a central place for cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy. Our regions and our farmers will always be at the heart of the Union. The Commission fully acknowledges that the CAP plays a pivotal and strategic role in maintaining Europe's food sovereignty at all times, in particular in the current challenging geopolitical setting. At the same time, thanks to our farmers, the EU is also a major exporter of food, contributing to global food security. Our farmers and rural areas feel the increasing pressure, from the impact of global uncertainties and climate change to the major challenge of generational renewal. At the same time, they are, as custodians of their land, making great efforts to contribute to our environmental and climate objectives, while ensuring also food security. The Commission's communication, 'The Road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework', clearly puts food security among the key priority areas for funding in the future MFF. But our CAP must be modernised and better adapted to today's challenges. We need a common agricultural policy that is fit for purpose and better targeted, enhances environmental and social outcomes, and fosters thriving rural areas. For this, we have over time built a policy with a coherent toolbox that helps provide a fair income for farmers, safe and affordable food for consumers, and respect for the environment we work in. I fully agree that we need to maintain this coherent toolbox, and the commonness and integrity of the common agricultural policy. I want to reassure you that we are working in this direction. While we should build our future based on our past successes, we need a CAP that is simpler and finds the right balance between incentives, investment and regulation, and must ensure that farmers have a fair and sufficient income. With the simplification package, we have chartered the way for the future CAP by streamlining overlapping requirements and prioritising incentives, building on the current eco‑schemes and agri‑environmental measures, while reducing red tape for our farmers and administrations. We intend to continue on this path and I hope that this Parliament will soon have a common position on that simplification package in order to deliver for our farmers already for the next calendar year. This will be crucial that they feel that our efforts are felt on the farm as well. We will also make sure our policy is better targeted, in particular towards the farmers that actively farm and contribute to our food security and the preservation of the environment. We must improve also the fairness in the distribution of funds. Our tools have to deliver the most disadvantaged sectors and regions. We have many regions in the EU that depend on livestock as the only source of income. The added value the EU can bring to these regions is real and is tangible. Without agricultural activity, land abandonment will cause demographic, environmental and societal problems. In certain regions, we would even have a security problem on top. Look at our eastern border regions that I visited, the Baltics and Finland, which have a common border to Russia, and I have to say, without agriculture and forestry, there would not be much economic activity and human presence left, and that would represent a huge weakness to us. In this sense, these freedom farmers greatly contribute to the EU's line of defence. I would also like to emphasise the crucial role that cohesion policy plays in strengthening our rural areas and regions. Investments in local infrastructure, transport, clean energy, SMEs, broadband, health and education all enhance economic and societal cohesion. This is of growing importance in the context of ensuring the right to stay for all in the place they call home by supporting what a community needs. Furthermore, the mid‑term review of cohesion policy provides incentives and flexibilities for objectives such as water resilience, housing, energy transition, and greater competitiveness and innovation. It also provides specific incentives to eastern border regions, which face the dual challenge of increasing security and relaunching their economies. Furthermore, with the rising uncertainties due to climate and geopolitical impacts, the EU must continue ensuring an adequate safety net for our farmers in the form of risk and crisis management – a true unity safety net to alleviate the pressure and de‑risk the operations of our farmers and food industry. Honourable Members, these elements must, in my view, be recognised when we shape our future policy and also spend the future budget, while we are building on the success of the CAP. This has brought us up here till today. How exactly to do that will be the subject of the discussion with the co‑legislators and with you. Therefore, I look forward as well to hearing your views. In conclusion, I believe that the new financial framework presents an opportunity to build on the current CAP and to strengthen our policy response to achieve competitiveness, resilience, innovation and sustainability objectives in a more effective manner, while also ensuring that solutions are designed by taking into account local specificities and sectorial challenges. Finally, I would like to thank as well especially the agriculture committee for accelerating its work on the own‑initiative report by Ms Crespo Díaz. This will also allow me to take on board the main points and the main requests of this House when it comes to designing the future of our common agricultural policy, and that is how it has to be. I would like to thank you as well for that very valuable contribution.

Mr President, honourable Members, the design and development of the European Schools Alliance is still in its very early days. That is why a debate like the one today is so useful, and the outcomes will feed into the design of the pilot. After the pilot, the success of the European Schools Alliance will depend on the next Erasmus+ programme and, of course, the future multiannual financial framework. This is why we believe we must give priority to investment in people, in pupils and their skills. We have to invest where it matters the most. You will be part of the debates, and we hope that the budget for the next Erasmus+ programme will match the expectations that some of you – like Mr Negrescu and Mr Petrov have mentioned – including for future European school alliances. To build a true Union of Skills, to make the European Schools Alliance a success, we need your support and we know we can count on you to make a difference.

Mr President, honourable Members, last week, Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu delivered the Union of Skills package, and she presented it to you yesterday. The Union of Skills is a bold and ambitious package which strives to equip people with the right skills, starting with basic skills, and to support balanced cross-border mobility and free movement of knowledge and skills. The Union of Skills, with the European Education Area as a key enabler, will help to lay strong foundations for learning. A key objective of these efforts is ensuring that everyone has the basic skills they need to thrive in life. Currently, one third of 15-year-olds struggle with real life mathematics, one quarter fail to understand basic texts, and 43 % of eighth-graders lack basic digital skills. Most countries have either declined or shown no improvement. This concerning trend demands immediate action. One of the first deliverables of the Union of Skills is the action plan on basic skills. The first objective of this action plan is to set an ambitious target by complementing the existing target on basic skills as follows. By 2030, the share of underachievement in literacy, mathematics, science and digital skills should be less than 15 %, whereas the share of top performance in literacy, mathematics and science should be at least 15 %. For this, we will pilot a basic skills support scheme as from next year. In addition, we will pilot in 2026 the first European school alliances with the support of the Erasmus+ programme. The European school alliances aim to foster better cooperation and mobility among schools across Europe, acting as a catalyst to enhance the learning and teaching of basic skills. These alliances will test innovative teaching methods, curricula and competence frameworks, including in collaboration with local authorities. To support this, we will work to make mobility a standard in schools. Indeed, what better way to learn citizenship than by exchanging with learners from another country and culture. This is what opens the mind. The alliances will lead the way towards structural, strategic and sustainable cooperation between schools across Europe. They will provide a new format of cooperation both for schools and for school authorities, and they will serve as a springboard, enabling the transfer of knowledge and of innovative best practices at all levels. Erasmus+ has highlighted the benefits of learning, mobility and cross-border cooperation. However, national school systems often face obstacles that prevent them from fully reaping these benefits, lacking the legal autonomy needed. Schools rely heavily on local, regional and national authorities. The European school alliances will help address these barriers, ensuring all schools have equal access to opportunities. They will support teachers' professional development and contribute to the future EU teachers and trainers agenda. To conclude, let me say that we are glad to see your interest in this initiative and we look forward to hearing your views and ideas on how together we can shape the European school alliances to offer Europe's children the best possible start in life.

Mr President, honourable Members, thank you very much for this open and frank first exchange of views on the vision on the future of agriculture and food. I have the feeling that most of you are quite positive about this new direction – a new Commission that is going and putting farmers back in the centre and is also not afraid to speak about productivity in the farming and food‑producing sector. I believe this is very important due to the geopolitical challenges that we are going through. You all remember one year ago that the farmers took to the streets and they had three main concerns they expressed. One was reciprocity in standards. We are addressing this reciprocity, and we are taking the first steps now, and it is clearly stated in the vision. They ask for fairer prices. In the first ten days of the new mandate of this Commission, we presented a targeted amendment of the Common Market Organisation Regulation and the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. And we will deliver as well on the third part, which was clearly the administrative burden that was too heavy for the agriculture and food‑producing sectors. So I'm very keen to present, already in the month of April, a first simplification package based on the common agricultural policy, but more needs to follow. I have travelled to several Member States, and most of the concerns I got were not related to the common agricultural policy; it was the overlap of several European laws, but as well of national laws. So we have to work and deliver by the end of the year – and I clearly stated this and it is also part of the vision – a cross-cutting simplification package that will really touch to the farms and that is well needed. So on the three main concerns, we are delivering concretely now as well. But, of course, you are right when you say you are lacking some details on one part or the other. And, of course, you are right that the proof of the pudding will be in the tasting afterwards. And there I believe it is very important that we take up now the workstreams that are identified in this vision together, not only with the European Parliament, but as well with the newly created European Board on Agriculture and Food, which brings together not only the farming community, but also the entire food value chain and other citizens and NGOs. This is very important to depolarise the debate and find common solutions, and I think this will deliver. Of course, we have to be very aware as well, as some have stated, of concerns about the 'common' or the 'c' in 'common agricultural policy', which will remain very important as well to have a fair level playing field between the Member States and our different farming communities. I believe it is also important that we speak about the next steps, and there are very many workstreams on livestock, generation renewal. Those need to be addressed together, and I think that will bring us all together forward. Then, of course, we have several other initiatives. I haven't yet mentioned the wine package, although some of you have mentioned the High‑Level Group on Wine. There as well we intend to deliver the proposal already in the month of April to be able to get relief to that sector too which is very much under pressure. I am looking very much forward to doing this work together with you. I think it is very important that we keep up the depolarising debate and put the farmers in the centre of the discussion, not only here, but I think it's very important that, in general, the policies are meant not in opposition here from one side to another. That is not being helpful. Let's work in the interest of the farmers. A lot has been delivered, and I'm looking forward to future exchanges. For those who are members of the AGRI Committee, we will see each other on 19 March. I'm ready to discuss further in detail with a little bit more extended time, and I'm very much looking forward to that good cooperation.

Mr President, honourable Members, dear colleagues, the first 100 days of our mandate were dedicated to delivering on what we promised and doing this in close cooperation with those who are most concerned: the farming and the food sector. Since I became Commissioner, my 'boots on the ground' promise has taken me already to eight Member States, and when I speak to farmers, I hear a strong call for stability and predictability, and also for the recognition of the crucial role that farming and rural areas play in Europe's economy, security and strategic autonomy. Many of you recognise those calls as well. In these changing and challenging times, we need a clear perspective and a coherent policy response for everyone involved in guaranteeing our food security and food sovereignty. They need to see that their future will be prosperous. The vision for agriculture and food recently adopted by the Commission aims to provide the direction and response to these needs. It is the Commission's policy roadmap to engage and take action with you and all stakeholders of the agri-food system on the future of food and farming in Europe. Our messages, dear colleagues, are very clear: farming, fishing and food are strategic sectors and a critical asset for Europe. They must be preserved across the continent, and the vision identifies European food sovereignty as an integral part of the EU security agenda. Our policies will continue supporting farmers and the agri-food sector in producing safe foods, protecting rural landscapes, traditions and livelihoods. In Europe, farming is highly diverse and so our policies must be tailored to the local needs. While facing many challenges, farmers, fishers and the food industry are part of the solution for achieving a future-proof agri-food sector. We will design the solutions pragmatically and in consultation with them. Consultation and dialogue, dear colleagues, are not just words. The vision is the result of close engagement and consultation with many different stakeholders from the agri-food sector and all relevant institutions, including the European Parliament. The work does not stop here. The vision is only the beginning of further cooperation and dialogue to develop the initiatives together. This College is committed to overcoming the polarisation that we have lived too much in the past, and that is why I am very glad to be with you today to present the vision and hear your ideas for the way forward. We started from a very simple and guiding question: how to build and support and agri-food system that is attractive for current and future generations – today, tomorrow and in 2040. We want a new agriculture and food sector to be – and I quote from the vision itself – 'attractive, competitive, future-proof and fair' and built on dialogue and partnership between the players of the food chain and powered by innovation, knowledge and research. The vision contains four priority areas to provide direction and stability. For each one, it identifies specific policy responses that focus on all three dimensions of sustainability. First, an attractive and predictable agri-food sector that ensures a fair standard of living and leverages new income opportunities. For this, we must help the sector draw on all sources of income. We will help farmers to get a better return from the market by addressing the principle that they should not be forced to systematically sell their products below the production cost. The coming UTP review will be instrumental for achieving this. Secondly, public support from the Common Agricultural Policy remains essential to support farmers' income. The Commission will make future CAP support simpler and more targeted towards those farmers who need it most, creating better incentives for ecosystem services and giving further responsibility and accountability to Member States. We will also help the sector to leverage new income opportunities, such as from the bio-economy or carbon-farming, agri-tourism can also provide farmers with a complementary income. Furthermore, in 2025, I will present a strategy for generational renewal. As you know, currently only 12 % of the EU farmers are below the age of 40. This is a huge challenge and we need to address it if we are serious about food security and food sovereignty. Therefore, we will have to bundle not only our European efforts, but as well the national efforts to get there. Secondly, a competitive and resilient agri-food sector in the face of global challenges. Our farmers insist on fair global competition, and the vision clearly states that we will push for a fairer, global level playing field by better aligning – and in line with international rules – our domestic production standards with those applied to imports, notably for pesticides and animal welfare. To advance in this area, we will start work on implementing the principle that hazardous pesticides banned in the EU should not be allowed back into the EU via imports. I always say, 'if a product is a threat to human health or pollinators in the EU, it is as well outside'. If we still import those products, neither the consumers nor the farmers understand this. Therefore, I believe it is very important that our standards also need to be better controlled because it is good to have high standards, but without checks this is of course inefficient. Then, the agri-food sector is strongly affected by different crises. I think that is not a secret and we will develop a more comprehensive approach to risk and crisis management. We enforce incentives for farmers to boost farm-level adaptation and improve access to affordable insurance and de-risking tools for primary producers. Lastly, I want to present two simplification packages in 2025 to reduce the administrative burden for farmers and the entire agri-food value chain. The first focus will be on the CAP, while the second will look at the broader EU legislation package. Another important initiative will be the work that we will carry out for the livestock sector. As the vision says clearly, livestock remains an essential element of EU agriculture and we will work on making it more competitive, resilient and sustainable. Thirdly, we need a future-proof agri-food sector that works hand in hand with nature. To guarantee the sector's long-term resilience and competitiveness, we need to preserve healthy soils, clean water and air, and the EU's biodiversity. To support this, we must continue to implement and enforce the legislation that we already have. In the future, we must also create better incentives for farmers and agri-food actors who are delivering ecosystem services, and make sure that climate and biodiversity action go hand in hand with competitiveness. For this, there will be some key drivers, such as a more advanced toolbox under the Common Agricultural Policy, a voluntary on-farm sustainability compass, certified carbon farming, as well as measures to accelerate the access to biopesticides to the EU market. The fourth priority area is about strengthening the link between food and consumers and promoting fair living and working conditions in vibrant and well-connected coastal and rural areas. Addressing the gap in the availability and affordability of services for citizens in rural and coastal areas, including in the outermost regions, is key to address the need for an effective right to stay for all European citizens. To boost the vitality of these areas and to tackle these issues, we will strengthen synergies between EU funds and present and updated EU rural action plan and rural pact. At the same time, annual food dialogues with everyone involved in the food system will help to reconnect people with the food they eat and address many of the most pressing issues, including food reformulation and affordability. And finally, we will bring knowledge and innovation, research, skills and digital solutions closer to the farmers. They will play a key role in supporting the agri-food sector to carry out this initiative. And I know that many of you have as well good ideas, this is, of course, the beginning of a path towards a more sustainable agri-food system – more sustainable economically, socially and as well as environmentally – and I'm looking forward to having a good discussion with you on the different workstreams that we have identified in this vision.

Mr President, honourable Members, many thanks for this debate. The Commission remains unequivocally committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. The sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina must be respected. Bosnia and Herzegovina has the historic opportunity to open EU accession negotiations. Its citizens want a European future, and it is the responsibility of political actors to make it a reality. We urge all political actors to renew the focus on progressing on the EU path with resolute action to take the relevant steps. The EU path brings multiple benefits for the country's citizens. Bosnia and Herzegovina is key for the Western Balkans, whose future is in the European Union. EU accession is the agenda with real gains and real benefits for everyone. It is the agenda that brings prosperity, stability and peace. And it is the agenda which we need to work together on. The Commission will continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in this endeavour with all its instruments. We continue to follow developments very closely, including the possibility of Republika Srpska adopting a new constitution for the entity.

Mr President, honourable Members, one year has passed since the historic decision of the European Council to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It seems the reform enthusiasm has evaporated, and Bosnia and Herzegovina has again entered into an institutional and political crisis. To get back on track, we call on all political actors to continue taking resolute action to finalise reforms in line with the EU acquis and European standards. In this regard, it is crucial to continue addressing the relevant steps to move forward on the EU path. It is what the vast majority of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina expect. The Commission continuously supports the country in this endeavour. Despite the turbulence in the ruling majority, the adoption in Parliament on 30 January of the Law on Personal Data Protection – a precondition for cooperation with Eurojust – and of the Law on Border Control was a good signal into the right direction. We need further progress and this means, in particular, the adoption of the Law on Courts and the Law on High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council being fully in line with European standards. The appointment of a chief negotiator also remains important. Let us also remind Bosnia and Herzegovina not to lose the opportunity of over EUR 1 billion of investments through the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Therefore, it is important for the country to submit its reform agenda without further delay. It is even more important in view of the Western Balkans Leaders' Summit on the Growth Plan in Skopje next week on 19 and 20 March. Contrary to the progress on the EU path, recent actions by the Republika Srpska leadership following the first instance ruling in the criminal trial against Milorad Dodik on 26 February present a serious setback. On Thursday 27 February, the Republika Srpska National Assembly adopted four laws in urgent procedure, including to ban state level judicial and police bodies from operating in the entity, to set up a separate Judiciary Council and to target NGOs as foreign agents. These legal acts undermine the constitutional and legal order of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the functionality of its institutions. Specifically, the Republika Srpska law on foreign agents adversely affects democratic values and threatens fundamental freedoms, marking a step backwards. These actions directly contradict the repeated commitments of the Republika Srpska entity leadership to advance on the EU accession path of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The EU therefore urges all political actors to renew the focus on progressing on the EU path. On Friday 7 March, the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina issued interim measures suspending the application of all legal acts adopted by the Republika Srpska National Assembly on 27 February. As we have recalled on several occasions, the EU expects all political actors to respect the decision of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to acknowledge its independence and impartiality, and to refrain from actions that may deepen divisions and create further tensions. Further, last week, the operational commander of EUFOR-Althea decided to temporarily increase the size of its force by activating the reserves as a proactive measure aimed at assisting Bosnia and Herzegovina in the interest of all citizens. An increased and visible EUFOR presence is directly related to its task of supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all citizens. Dear colleagues, to conclude, the EU answer has been firm and unequivocal. We now expect the Republika Srpska authorities to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina to suspend the laws threatening the legal order. We urge all political actors to enter into dialogue rapidly, to de-escalate the situation and to focus efforts on delivering progress for citizens, including on the EU path. Progress on the EU path is the best guarantee for stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has multiple benefits for the citizens of the country. The Commission remains committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. Thank you for your attention and I am looking forward to a fruitful discussion.

Mr President, honourable Members, I believe that the discussion today has clearly shown that we need to continue to show our unwavering support to Ukraine. With the support by Europe and our partners, Ukraine will be in a position to achieve a just and lasting peace. For this reason, the assets of the Central Bank of Russia shall remain immobilised until Russia pays for the damage it has caused in Ukraine. The Commission fully supports exploring all possible avenues to aid Ukraine in obtaining compensation from Russia, consistent with our respective legal systems and international law. We need to continue to signal to Russia that our support to Ukraine will be sustained, broad-based and steadfast. Looking ahead, our priority is to work closely with international partners to ensure the successful completion of the IMF programme to guarantee that Ukraine has sufficient resources to counter Russia's aggression. This includes ensuring the full implementation of the G7 ERA loan initiative by all G7 partners in the coming months. To conclude, let me also add that we need to be mindful of the challenges that lie ahead of us, especially in a context where the EU will need to step up its efforts to support Ukraine's defence and financial needs. Thank you for letting have the opportunity to participate in this very important debate.

Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this debate on Russian frozen and immobilised assets. As you may well know, the restrictive measures on these assets are a key element of the sanctions adopted by the EU in close cooperation with Western partners against Russia. Let me first clarify upfront that Russian assets are subject to different restrictive measures, depending on whether they are public or private assets and on their ultimate owner. As part of the sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine, the assets of the Central Bank of Russia held by financial institutions in the Member States have been immobilised since February 2022. The immobilised sovereign assets held in the EU are worth EUR 210 billion and represent the largest share of such immobilised assets worldwide. This is the most relevant and sizeable part of the Russian assets under EU sanctions, for the purposes of today's debate. In May 2024, EU Member States agreed to set aside the extraordinary profits of Russian immobilised assets and to use them for the benefit of Ukraine. The assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia should remain immobilised until Russia pays for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. The position has been repeatedly affirmed by the G7 countries and the European Union. The prohibition of transactions on these assets generates an extraordinary cash accumulation on the balance sheets of central security depositories. EU central securities depositories prudently manage the cash balances and thereby earn an interest income. These extraordinary and unexpected profits could reach about EUR 3 billion per year, after tax of course, subject to the prevailing level of interest rates. These interest revenues and profits do not constitute sovereign assets and do not have to be made available to the Central Bank of Russia under applicable rules, even after immobilisation ends. The decision to re-allocate the interest, revenues and profits to support Ukraine is made within the windfall contribution framework, which was adopted in 2024 following thorough discussions in the ad hoc Council working party established for that same purpose. This allowed us to take the necessary implementing actions to fulfil the commitments made by the European Council and the G7 leaders to provide Ukraine with approximately EUR 45 billion in loans, to be repaid by future flows of extraordinary revenues from immobilised Russian assets. This money will be used to support Ukraine's urgent budgetary, military and reconstruction needs. As part of the G7-led extraordinary revenue acceleration (ERA) loans initiative, in January 2025, the European Commission disbursed the first EUR 3 billion tranche of its exceptional macro-financial assistance loan for Ukraine, which will be repaid with the proceeds from immobilised assets of the Central Bank of Russia in the EU. Additional disbursements will follow throughout this year, bringing total support to some EUR 18 billion. The Commission warmly thanks the European Parliament for its swift action to approve this MFA loan. This underscores the unwavering commitment of the EU and its G7 partners to support Ukraine in its fight for its freedom, recovery and reconstruction. There have been calls in the past to proceed towards the confiscation of these immobilised assets. This is being discussed with Member States and with our international partners currently. The Commission remains open to discuss any legally and financially sound options to continue pressuring Russia to stop its war of aggression. At this stage, the Commission's priority is to operationalise the G7 ERA loans and to make available funding to Ukraine.

Mr President, honourable Members, as mentioned earlier, with this proposal, the Commission aims to ensure the continuity of parenthood status between Member States so that all children can fully enjoy their rights in all Member States for all purposes. By requiring the recognition of parenthood, Union law does not interfere with the Member States substantive family law, which is a competence of the Member States. However, with the proposal, Union law would require the Member States' mutual recognition of parenthood beyond the existing rights under free movement law, to strengthen all children's rights in cross-border situations without leaving any child behind. And, as Ms Bricmont rightly said, it is now up to the Member States to come to a conclusion and a mutual recognition. And that is where the ball lies now currently. Parliament and the Member States, and the current and upcoming Council presidencies, can continue to count on the full support of the Commission in the effort to reach a well-balanced solution in this essential piece of legislation for our citizens. And please let me conclude by saying we should, in all our efforts, put the best interest of the children into the centre of the discussion, irrespective of who their biological or non-biological parents are.