Speeches

The guidelines contained in the Action Plan to protect the marine ecosystem presented by the Commission are of considerable concern, with particular reference to bottom trawling, which would be banned in 30% of our seas. Our fishermen have made enormous efforts to protect the marine environment and recover fish stocks and are facing extremely difficult challenges in all respects, with significant socio-economic and employment effects. Now, these orientations based on an inadequate ideological environmentalism are yet another affront to a sector that represents one of the most important excellences and expression of timeless artisan traditions. Sustainability and the protection of the marine environment should not be sought through the imposition of further bans on certain fishing activities and gear, but with a direct involvement of all actors through a sharing approach that takes due account of all the needs and priorities of the parties involved. We will do everything we can to ensure that these guidelines remain such and do not result in binding legislation through our continued commitment to the European Parliament, to protect and preserve one of our nation's most important economic sectors.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, let us look carefully at the simplification proposals contained in the so-called 'omnibus packages'. The Commission seems to have understood that its political agenda has no future in a deindustrialised Europe: without industry there is no transition; There is only economic desertification. It is essential to speed up authorisations. Authorizing a strategic industrial plant in Italy can take up to ten years. This is also crucial for our energy autonomy. Several hundred gigawatts of renewable electricity are wasted because we don't have the infrastructure to connect these plants to the power grid. We throw away electricity while our companies ask for subsidies, aid because energy costs too much. Competitiveness also depends on the ability of companies to organise themselves and we, as legislators, must adopt them, not punish them. And finally, deregulation is not a pretext for imposing new centralised standards: States must retain full freedom to implement directives in the way that best suits their productive fabric.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, tomorrow we will be voting on two very important dossiers: simplification and strengthening the position of farmers in the agri-food chain. We talk about the daily lives of those who work the land, the survival of our farms and the food security of European citizens. Strengthening the position of farmers means defending the value of our production. It is essential to welcome what guarantees a fair income for farms, giving dignity and future perspective. We have always made this clear: Bureaucracy is a boulder on farmers' shoulders. Yet we must have the honesty to say it: the problem does not end with the reduction of administrative burdens. The central point is that the new CAP, as it was conceived, will have devastating effects. It is no longer just a technical-administrative problem, it has become a political problem. We were chosen by the citizens and we are here to represent their voice and the voice of the agricultural sector today is clear: This CAP is a disgrace, a blind policy that does not value excellence, that does not take into account territorial specificities, that penalizes those who produce instead of supporting them. All political groups, albeit with differences, recognise the seriousness of the situation. This immobility is no longer tolerable. We're calling for a breakthrough. This reform must be withdrawn. If we really want to defend our farmers, Commissioner, we must have the political courage to change course. Only in this way will we restore dignity to those who work the land and build a solid future for European agriculture.

Madam President, thank you for your presence, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, on Monday we voted in committee on the INI on the future of agriculture. As Patriots we voted in favour of over 50 compromises, appreciating the no to the single fund, an adequate budget in the multiannual financial framework and administrative simplification. We abstained, however, on the final vote, for the vague way in which direct payments are defended in the presence of still 25% for ecoschemes, an abstention of denunciation, too. The European Parliament cannot simply address a proposal on the future CAP by discussing it only in AGRI, without a vote in plenary. Parliament has, in fact, renounced its role. We will lose this battle if we are not able, Commissioner, to oppose a proposal that distorts the very concept of support, making the funds allocated to farmers subject to a logic of cross-compliance. Farmers have asked us for an agricultural policy that is closer to them, more concrete: Let us restore it as income support and remove the elements that deprive it. We are missing an opportunity to reiterate that Parliament wants a policy different from that of some Commission officials. Don't you want to address the key issues that farmers raised in 2024? We stand by them, and I ask you, Commissioner, and I ask every Member who cares about agriculture...

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, today I bring to the House the cry of alarm of so many Italian and European companies. The ideological obsession with the Green Deal is getting worse and more damaging to industrial production in our countries. The discontinuation of free ETS allowances and the introduction of the CBAM will greatly harm our companies, enrich Chinese and US companies and, moreover, will not bring any environmental benefit due to the well-known problems of circumvention. With regard to energy-intensive companies, the Green Deal wants to impose a green technology that is struggling to exist; They do not use gas because they are bad and they want to pollute, but gas in Europe is used, and will continue to be used, because it is the only source of energy with which we are able to carry out certain industrial processes. Punishing and taxing will bring no environmental benefit and will only result in relocation. While the European bureaucracy studies methods that severely penalise our companies, our continent suffers a drastic drop in manufacturing production that impoverishes and weakens us. When will we stop punishing those who produce wealth and bring development to Europe?

Mr President, Commissioner, your document contains interesting points such as the reference to productivity and food security. But we would have expected much more: It is time for the Commission to clarify what direction it intends to take for European agriculture, after the many negatives of the past legislature. There is no reference to the size and continuity of CAP funds; On the contrary, it suggests that they could be incorporated into a national fund managed under the blackmail of the conditionality mechanism, which has already revealed all its limitations. We hope this is not true. What is the future of direct payments? Defined as essential for the stability of agricultural income, but on which hangs the unknown of a new allocation mechanism in favor of those who need it most: There is no explanation for this and this is unacceptable. Direct payments must be guaranteed and strengthened, not the ATM for the most varied ideological objectives. What about the resources allocated to the disputed ecosystems? Do we want to question the real usefulness of interventions in this regard? Here, we need a structural overhaul that guarantees certainty to producers and reaffirms the centrality of agriculture in the European economic strategy.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, it is economically proven that the free market brings economic development and prosperity, and that is why, in principle, we are in favour of it. However, it is crucial that the agreements are mutually beneficial. This is not the case for Mercosur. Farmers and ranchers are desperately trying to make us understand the severity of the impact this deal could have on their businesses. Our farmers would be at an economic disadvantage and would not be able to compete with the big South American landowners. To this imbalance is added the great contradiction green of the Commission: on the one hand it imposes increasingly strict rules on our farmers, on the other it allows our market to be invaded by foreign products that do not meet the same standards imposed in Europe, especially in terms of plant health and environmental and social sustainability. Is it an ideological fact to say that this is not a fair deal? No, we think not. Because if it is true that free trade agreements bring benefits, it is also true that Mercosur, as it is structured, harms and sells out our farmers, producers, breeders and consumers. Perhaps it would be appropriate not to remain closed in palaces, but to listen humbly to those who work the land and produce wealth.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the situation in Venezuela has become unsustainable in terms of democratic legitimacy and there is no prospect of improvement. Indeed, it has worsened further with the expulsion of several diplomats from Italy, France and the Netherlands. It is time for the international community to take a strong stand against the regime and against Maduro's dictatorship, to end the violent repression that has destroyed the country and to proceed with the immediate release of political prisoners. It must be a common objective of all the groups and I hope it will be clearly stated by Parliament. Where are all the supporters of the rule of law who tear their clothes off every day for all activities in the countries where they have been defeated? A special thought to Alberto Trentini, a 45-year-old Italian collaborator, in Venezuela to give assistance to disabled children, currently imprisoned without any official explanation. Months have passed since his arrest and there is no news of his condition. How long are we willing to tolerate this?

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome the Commissioner. It is well known that the challenges of our farmers are varied and complex, and this has been clearly demonstrated by the many protests of the past months. There is a need to underline another aspect that is not adequately considered: their working conditions. In fact, they often operate under high pressure, with grueling hours and unstable wages; This can cause impairment of physical health and psychological well-being, resulting in stress and stressful situations. burnout. It is our task and duty to address these challenges with strategic and well-planned measures: constant income must be guaranteed and agricultural policies implemented that facilitate operators in the sector and producers and enhance local agricultural work. It is also crucial to finance innovative technologies, which facilitate the optimisation of resources and the reduction of workload. The bureaucratic complexity, the mismanagement of tax incentives, the lack of valorization of local heritage and the insufficient defense of the sector in the international context have facilitated unfavorable circumstances for our farmers, both from a physical and psychological point of view. What has been implemented so far has not brought benefits, but has contributed to aggravating an already complex situation, fuelling hostilities and problems. The European Union's priority must be directed primarily at farmers themselves, eliminating impractical ideological approaches and strengthening specific measures that protect their well-being and health, thus also safeguarding the growth and economic development of the European agricultural sector.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, cities and regions have historically played a major role in the birth and formation of our Europe. The real strength of local communities lies in the enhancement of autonomy and responsibility. The European Union, in order to be realistically efficient, must respect regional peculiarities, putting at the centre policies oriented towards economic efficiency, security and innovation. Cities must act as an engine of sustainable growth, facilitating productive sectors and promoting employment. It is imperative to promote solutions tailored to local specificities, rejecting an excessive centralization of skills. In a context of prosperity and social cohesion, with autonomy in the management of resources, we can provide for the livelihood of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the pillar of the economy of our cities. It is therefore essential to highlight that, with respect for history, traditions and regional autonomy, we can have a strong, secure and prosperous Europe for future generations.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, competitiveness and innovation have long been at the heart of the political debate. I wonder then how we think we can compete with other nations that run fast, such as the United States and China, when we limit ourselves with an excessive burden of bureaucracy, unbalancing the competition to our disadvantage? In addition to stopping innovation, excessive bureaucracy does not allow us to achieve the goals we set ourselves, making everything slower and more expensive. Eurobarometer data show us a sad scenario: despite 93% of small and medium-sized enterprises investing in efficiency measures, 35% complain or get stuck in the face of too complex administrative procedures. While, on the one hand, we spend to incentivize industrial, craft and agricultural companies to invest, on the other hand we spend to impose unnecessary bureaucratic limits, thus stopping the same actions that we want to incentivize. At the end of the day, we spend twice as much and get half as much.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Mr High Representative, we are at a time of particular tension and instability, which at any moment can lead to a much greater war, not just a regional one. The situation in the Middle East and Lebanon is marked by an alarming increase in violence and death. It is clear that this escalation is the direct result of the criminal terrorist attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023. Since this crucial event, conditions on the ground have significantly deteriorated, contributing to an environment of increasing conflict. Attacks of a terrorist nature must be condemned in the strongest possible terms and it is essential to take action to prevent the further aggravation of the war situation. It is essential that Europe, Mr High Representative, finally makes its voice heard, with the aim of re-establishing a balance that can determine the security and inviolability of the State of Israel. As long as the existence of Israel is questioned by terrorist organizations and their backers and supporters, overt or covert, there will be no peace either in Lebanon or in the Middle East.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, first of all, my solidarity with the people of Emilia Romagna. Today we are faced with an issue of crucial importance. Drought and extreme weather events pose a significant threat to local communities and the agricultural sector and in my Sicily at this time we have suffered very serious damage, the situation is very difficult. The entrepreneurial fabric, in particular the agricultural sector, represents a fundamental asset, to be preserved. However, the current European market is challenged by excessive regulation and limitations that prevent the effective implementation of sustainability practices. Moreover, despite the strict measures imposed on farmers, the tangible benefits in the fight against climate change have proved disappointing. This implies the need to focus on tools and strategies that can effectively counter the effects of drought and prevent emergency situations, rather than applying constraints that prevent concrete interventions. The future Common Agricultural Policy should therefore focus on the effectiveness of risk management tools, especially in the water sector, promoting necessary infrastructure works and encouraging the use of new emerging technologies. These technologies, in synergy with the work of farmers, can offer innovative solutions. In conclusion, it is essential to adopt pragmatic and advanced measures, not ideological ones. I hope that the new Commissioner will also take on board these considerations and move in harmony with the entrepreneurs...

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the interaction between patents and standards is crucial for innovation and growth, as patents stimulate research and development and enable innovative companies to obtain adequate returns on their invested capital. Approximately 84% of users of essential patents are small and medium-sized enterprises. For these reasons, the mere threat of a measure leading to the suspension of the manufacture of products with the likelihood of judicial proceedings has negative effects. On the other hand, SEP holders also face lengthy and costly legal proceedings for the recognition of their rights. That is why we must adopt rules that create better conditions for the prevention, resolution and settlement of conflicts. I am convinced that the establishment of a register of SEPs, a central electronic database, the assessment of the essentiality of SEPs, the establishment of a time-limited out-of-court dispute settlement mechanism are going in the right direction.

Mr President, Madam Representative, ladies and gentlemen, in order to achieve a fully functioning area of freedom, security and justice, it is important that all Member States seek to reduce the fragmentation of national justice systems and take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the European Union and, in particular, those relating to digitalisation. In order to ensure greater judicial cooperation and better access to justice in cross-border civil, commercial and criminal matters, I believe it is essential to ensure mutual trust, interoperability and security. At the same time, we must safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons affected by the electronic exchange of data. I am referring in particular to the principle of effective access to justice and fair trial, the principle of non-discrimination and the right to respect for private and family life. Likewise, all procedural guarantees, in particular those essential for the protection of fundamental rights, should be fully respected in accordance with Union rules. For all these reasons, I strongly support the changes made to the judicial cooperation package, especially considering that these legislative initiatives should lead to a faster resolution of disputes and, ultimately, to improved access to justice for citizens and businesses, which is often the cancer of our economies and the result of years and years of inefficiency.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, thanks to the rapporteur for the work she has done, but, despite her good will, there are some elements that we cannot share. The desire to install CCTV on vessels has always been against us, as the introduction of invasive technologies such as cameras is clearly at odds with company confidentiality, privacy and workers' rights, and would also entail additional costs and administrative burdens for our fishing vessels. The removal of the minimum limit for the recording of catches, which risks putting small-scale fishermen in serious difficulties from a bureaucratic point of view, is in no way acceptable to us. Moreover, imposing further obligations in the name of ideological environmentalism will lead to negative consequences for the entire fish supply chain, which is considered almost to be composed of dishonest and criminal people, as competitiveness will be greatly reduced in favour of fish products imported from countries that conduct fishing activities that are far from regulated and transparent. Too many times, the Commission fails to take due account of the need for a sector that is the only source of livelihood for entire sectors that contribute... (The President withdrew the floor from the speaker)

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank the rapporteur, Marion Walsmann, for the work she has done and, above all, for guiding the European Parliament towards a result that I consider to be of great importance. I am convinced that the new regulation on the protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products will bring significant benefits to both producers and consumers. It will finally allow artisans to certify the link between quality and geographical origin: This will not only adequately protect Italian excellence but will also make it easier for consumers to recognise the authenticity of the products. It will have a positive economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting their competitiveness. Although the text negotiated with the Council does not optimally clarify the definition of production steps and the relationship between geographical indication and trade mark, I am particularly pleased that some of my amendments relating to the protection against unfair commercial practices and the fight against counterfeit products, including online, have been included. Enhancing and defending our local traditions, our creativity, our know-how, preserving our entity, will make us overcome the challenges posed by an increasingly global world.

(IT) Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Madam Commissioner, Madam representative of the Council, the ethical issue is at the heart of a great many debates at this time and deserves in-depth reflection. A political decision, if taken with respect for the interests and will of its representatives, is in all respects an ethical decision. Unfortunately, we have recently seen how and with what ease and lightness the ethical bond underlying the democratic process between citizens and political representatives can be sacrificed for mere personal interests. In this context, it is necessary to ensure the full autonomy of the institutions in the control activity, as well as in the monitoring of the conduct of parliamentarians and staff, but a new inter-institutional body could be easily influenced or could carry out unlawful coercive action. The issues raised during the debate held in 2021 are still relevant, as one of Parliament’s primary functions, as expressly provided for in the Treaty on European Union, is to exercise political control, and as a result this role can never be delegated to an external authority. At the same time, there is no solid legal basis for the establishment of this body. Therefore, the definition of competences for the body itself is also rather approximate. In fact, initiating own-initiative investigations is absolutely at odds with the separation of powers and roles of the various institutions and involves situations of political interference. Improving transparency and integrity is absolutely necessary, of course, but this must not be done through the establishment of a new and additional body, but by making existing institutions more accountable and strengthening the relevant authorities.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, thanks to the rapporteur, we can say that we have worked constructively on this report on small-scale artisanal fishing, which is one of the greatest traditional excellences of our country. The socio-economic and employment aspects for the coastal communities and territories involved are many and should not be neglected, if anything supported through specific protection actions, especially at a particularly difficult economic moment for the entire fishing sector. That is why we are absolutely opposed to purely ideological approaches, with the intention of putting an end to fuel subsidies - as we heard a moment ago from those who preceded me - for certain types of vessel, which would only end up seriously endangering all fishing activities already burdened by dizzying cost increases. Fisheries are at a critical juncture and the task of the European institutions and the Member States must be to put into practice a system that can summarise environmental and economic sustainability, safeguarding everyone's activities.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, it is essential to have a premise that we do not want to make criminal judgments about the people involved, but to use the highest democratic institution, such as the European Parliament, for its own interests, not only by making fun of the organisation itself, but by demeaning and distorting the ideas underlying the democratic process, is the lowest level at which a representative elected by the citizens can reach. It should be emphasized, however, as appears from the ongoing investigations, that the people involved all belong to a political structure, the socialists, who with great hypocrisy and no authority of the role of ethical and moral judge has substantiated their political action. It doesn't matter if it's Qatar, Morocco or any other country. Our position must be clear, firm, decisive, without any political primacy. Our ideas and culture are not for sale and institutions must not be a place of malfeasance, but a space in which the political process and the demands of civil society merge for the common good.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, first of all I would like to thank Mr Durand for the excellent work he has done and, above all, for having always listened to the various political positions, so much so that there has been unanimity of support. At a time of great economic turmoil due to the increase in energy costs and the criticalities present in some supply chains, we are called to the difficult task of finding a balance between the competitiveness of our companies and the need to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly business behavior. For this reason, throughout the legislative process, on behalf of the ECR Group as shadow rapporteur, I have been working towards a pragmatic solution. We have managed to exclude small and medium-sized enterprises from the scope and to include non-European companies: a very important change. Although the outcome of the interinstitutional negotiations includes some aspects that I would have preferred to exclude, I believe that we have managed to avoid heavy red tape for European companies by reaching a more balanced agreement than the initial proposal. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this work.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, even today we are taking part in a debate that we hoped would not be purely propaganda or that would result in partisanship if the Italian right is called into question. It is evident in fact the attempt to qualify as extreme a precise political part, with the intention of criminalizing the electoral results that, even in a founding nation of Europe such as Italy, there were. Telling an anti-European right highlights the precise will to narrate a reality that does not exist, since the Italian one has always been, over the decades, pro-European and rooted in the West. In the last thirty years the Italian right has participated in national governments, has elected tens of thousands of administrators, hundreds of mayors and presidents of the region, I myself have been mayor of a large city, we have carried out our political and administrative action in compliance with the Italian Constitution and laws and we have submitted, at the end of the mandate, to the judgment of the voters. Now the Italians have given a large majority to the center-right and Giorgia Meloni, leader of Fratelli d'Italia, is preparing to preside over the Italian government. We do not need any rehabilitation and we will continue to fight all forms of extremism and violence.