Speeches

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the Digital Markets Act is not just a rule but the instrument we have chosen for a fairer, more open and truly competitive European single market. However, a law, however well written, is useless if it is not applied quickly, consistently and effectively. Citizens and businesses expect concrete results: They want more freedom of choice, more room for innovation and, above all, an end to the monopolies of the web giants. That is why Europe cannot accept external pressure, because our rules are non-negotiable and apply to everyone, without exception or double standards. The Commission has a duty to act firmly, using every means at its disposal: We need timely investigations, rigorous controls and, where necessary, sanctions that make a difference. Looking ahead to the next revision, we need to make the rules even more agile, anticipating crucial challenges such as artificial intelligence and the environment. cloud. Europe has set the course and shown that it can drive change globally: Now we have to show strength and determination to get to the end.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, if we really want to increase our capacity for deterrence and diplomacy on the global stage, we must inevitably strengthen the internal market in defence. Unfortunately, today regulatory fragmentation, different procedures and uncommon standards slow down cooperation and investment, reducing our potential and credibility. We need clear rules that foster real cooperation between Member States and full involvement of European industry, with particular reference to small and medium-sized enterprises, to reduce our dependence on other countries. We need to support shared industrial capabilities, technological innovation and joint programmes that strengthen Europe's presence within the Atlantic Alliance, which remains our benchmark. A more integrated, efficient and competitive defence market is not a simple industrial strategy, nor can it be reduced to a simple military dimension: Today, more than ever, it is a necessity to strengthen our strategic autonomy and ensure the security of our citizens and economies.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, the single market is the greatest success of European integration: the strength of Europe, which is the most powerful; an economic space of over 400 million citizens that has generated growth, innovation and opportunities. Yet, more than 30 years after its creation, it still remains incomplete. Too many fragmented administrative and regulatory barriers make it more difficult for our businesses, especially small ones, to grow, invest and compete on a European scale. For this reason, completing the single market is the real strategic need to strengthen our autonomy in an increasingly competitive global scenario. To do so, we need to address some concrete issues that are still holding back the full integration of our markets. For this reason, we strongly support the regulation on the 28º regime, which will make it possible to operate throughout the European Union with a single set of harmonised rules. But we must accelerate the union of capital, energy and defence to mobilise investment and truly integrate our markets, as well as make intra-European labour mobility easier, facilitating the recognition of qualifications and reducing bureaucratic obstacles. Finally, we believe in a European product law so that the safety, traceability and competitiveness of our supply chains can be strengthened. The single market must continue to be our cornerstone. But only by completing it and making it integrated, efficient and digital will we be able to strengthen Europe's engine and our strategic autonomy, building an economy that simultaneously grows, competes and innovates.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, when we say that the world has changed, we must recognise that the forms of threat and, consequently, the requirements of our security have also changed. The war in Ukraine, the unauthorized encroachment of drones in our skies clearly demonstrate this and impose a cultural and operational change of pace. Today, unmanned systems make it possible to monitor, protect or attack airspace, critical transport, energy or data infrastructure. Therefore, we must be ready to respond to any emergency. This is why we need investments and industrial policies for a strong, innovative and competitive security, capable of strengthening our strategic autonomy and developing dual-use technologies, useful for both defence and civil protection. If the world has changed, the European Union cannot afford to chase change, but must anticipate it. We need to build a more integrated European security that holds together technological innovation, civil resilience and institutional responsibility. This is the only way for Europe to remain true to its values and credible in the changing world.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, for years Europe has been tackling migration without a genuine common strategy, leaving individual countries of entry alone and fostering a divisive political debate. The result was no longer humanity, but more chaos, because when there is no control there is no integration, but illegality, exploitation and above all insecurity in our cities. And to pay the highest price are the European citizens and the immigrants themselves. In recent years, however, something is changing and Italy has played a leading role in this, questioning taboos that too often have paralyzed European action, experimenting instead with new solutions and proposing a pragmatic approach, oriented towards results and not declarations of principle. An approach that, however, continues to be opposed by a certain political party, which prefers to judge each initiative without taking responsibility for indicating concrete and credible alternatives. Governing complex phenomena such as migration requires difficult choices and not reassuring slogans, and Europe can no longer afford immobility masquerading as good intentions. A serious asylum system is based on an elementary principle of justice: those who have the right are welcomed and integrated, those who have not must be returned quickly and without any hesitation, because without effective returns the system loses credibility. This is why the European Union needs to strengthen cooperation agreements with third countries, to ensure more returns and, consequently, more opportunities for legal migration. Supporting the control of migration does not mean closing Europe, but opening it to a more just and responsible integration, capable of guaranteeing security for citizens and dignity for those who have chosen to truly live in our communities.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in an international context increasingly marked by open conflicts, regional instability and hybrid threats, the European Union must take responsibility for its own security. This means being able to prevent crises, defend our borders and contribute to international stability, in full complementarity with NATO, through strengthening the European pillar of common security. This requires a strong and credible Europe that can strengthen cooperation between Member States, foster coordinated policies and investments that overcome the current fragmentation. Unfortunately, many national debates continue to pit defence spending against welfare spending. It is a misleading contrast that frightens the citizens. Security is not an alternative cost to social policies, but the condition that makes them possible, because without security economic stability, social cohesion and the very ability of states to guarantee rights and services to citizens are lacking. Having a European foreign and security policy is no longer an optional choice, but it is a responsibility towards the citizens and will be the real test of credibility of the European Union.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the EDIP programme is an essential first step in building a common defence system, which must, however, be able to rely on a modern, competitive and autonomous industrial system. Strengthening internal production capacities means ensuring stability, continuity of supply and greater efficiency in the use of public resources. It is a choice that promotes cooperation between States, while respecting national competences that can be enhanced. EDIP is also a driver for investment, skilled employment and industrial growth beyond the pure military dimension, contributing to the modernisation of national strategic capabilities. The programme is also of political value at a time when the stability and security of our continent cannot be taken for granted or delegated to others. The Union is therefore choosing to play a leading role in its future: strengthen the security of our continent without depending on other people. Today's vote is not just a formal step but a confirmation that Europe can be strong when it combines its economic competitiveness, political responsibility and strategic vision.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, whenever we support Kiev, we reaffirm a fundamental principle, namely: No power can rewrite borders by force or undermine the international order based on law. Russia's attack is not a regional crisis, but an aggression against the entire European and global security architecture. For this reason we can no longer afford ambiguities and postponements: Supporting Ukraine means defending Europe, freedom and democracy. Peace cannot be imposed by the strongest but built through a fair and sustainable agreement that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and ensures stability in the entire region. In this context, we welcome President Trump's diplomatic efforts to foster lasting stability in the Middle East, but we look forward to the same commitment to a just and lasting solution in Ukraine with the involvement of Europe, because defending Ukraine means defending our democracy, our security and the very future of Europe.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the attack on journalist Sigfrido Ranucci is a very serious act that deeply shakes our civil consciences: To him and to all the journalists who risk every day to tell the truth goes my most sincere solidarity. It is clear that this is not a direct attack only on a professional, but on all courageous investigative journalism, that silent work that guarantees citizens the right to be informed. Freedom of the press is not a category privilege, but the very foundation of any democracy. Without free information there is no control, there is no truth, there is no freedom. Defending it means defending the dignity of our civilized life. It means ensuring that fear does not become censorship and that intimidation does not become silence. Because, look, every time a journalist is threatened, it's the whole society that gets hit. And precisely for this reason it is wrong and worrying that such serious episodes are bent to political controversy: In this sense, the words spoken by the secretary of the Democratic Party at the congress of the European Socialist Party are astonishing, when she said that freedom of speech and democracy are at risk when the right governs. I believe that they are unjust and divisive words, that have nothing to do with the reality of the facts and that risk exploiting ignoble episodes for partisan purposes. Freedom has no political color: It is a value that defends itself together and is not a weapon to be used against the opponent. We are living in very difficult times and today more than ever citizens expect common sense, balance and seriousness from us. It cannot all turn into a permanent ideological struggle. Unfortunately, there are already too many wars in the world: Let us not add to all this violence of words, political hatred and mutual delegitimization. Defending freedom of the press also means defending freedom and responsibility in language and truth as a common good. We need to focus on the facts, strengthen cooperation against organised crime, fully enforce the European Media Freedom Act, concretely protect threatened journalists and support media independence. Only by joining forces can we ensure a free and safe environment for those who seek the truth and risk every day to inform. Freedom is not divided, it is protected. And it is protected together, with courage, with respect and with truth.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, enlargement of the Union today is a historic commitment and a strategic investment in the future of our continent. It is a choice of responsibility towards countries that regard Europe as a home of freedom and democracy but, at the same time, it is also a challenge that requires the Union to be able to decide, act and defend its values and interests in the world. It is clear that a larger Union cannot continue to function with rules designed for a Europe of 27: We need a decision-making process that is up to today's challenges, a faster and more transparent process, capable of responding to citizens by overcoming those mechanisms that limit our action today. This report goes hand in hand with Parliament’s resolution of November 2023, where it was made clear: It is time to reform the Treaties and to go beyond those rules that, too often, have paralysed European decisions and deprived the Union of the ability to react to crises quickly. Perhaps the time has come for the Council too, which is unfortunately absent today, to take note of this decision and to open up a constituent phase. President von der Leyen herself, in her State of the Union address, stressed the urgency of overcoming unanimity on certain issues. We need a strong Union with a Parliament with full legislative initiative and reinforced competences in strategic policies. Europe needs to strengthen its authority and credibility. We need a single figure for the Commission and the Council, a single political direction. Only in this way can we have a coherent and determined union. Let us make enlargement an opportunity to regain the courage to reform the Treaties, for a more cohesive Europe that can truly count on the international stage.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, in a context where technological innovation and environmental objectives are increasingly intertwined, if we are to strengthen the single market, we must ensure modern, consistent and truly enforceable rules: This is to protect our consumers and the competitiveness of our businesses. I am pleased and thankful that the rapporteur wanted to consider some of the highlights of my report on e-commerce, in particular all aspects of the online sale of non-compliant products, which pose a threat to both consumer safety and fair competition. We must insist on more effective traceability tools such as the digital product passport, the obligation of a responsible person established in the Union, the strengthening and coordination of all supervisory authorities but, above all, the timely creation of a single European customs authority. Only in this way will we be able to ensure that European rules apply to all and thus build a single market that is more secure, transparent and competitive, where the digital and environmental transitions really go hand in hand, for the benefit of our businesses and consumers.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, violations of the airspace and critical infrastructure of the Member States have put a strain on European security. They are real tests of political and military resistance that aim to measure their vulnerability and ability to react. This is why we need a united and determined response, strengthen joint surveillance, rapidly develop the pan-European air and drone defence network, improve data sharing and alert mechanisms. The security of our skies, our infrastructure, our seas means ensuring the security of our citizens and our economies. But this does not mean arming Europe, but building a common defence culture that goes beyond the military dimension, combining diplomacy, industry and innovation. Or, let's face it, we will remain vulnerable and dependent. A common defence that does not replace NATO, but strengthens its European pillar, making the Atlantic Alliance more solid and credible. Alcide De Gasperi, more than seventy years ago, understood that Europe's peace and security pass through a common defence. Today it is up to us to finally give concreteness to that vision, transforming it into reality.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, strengthening the position of farmers in the agri-food chain means strengthening our food security and autonomy. Ensuring a fair income for farmers requires a balance between the various actors in the supply chain and strengthening their position must be based on clear rules, transparent trade relations and written contracts that guarantee clear and predictable conditions. Farmers today too often find themselves crushed by high production costs, unfavourable contractual conditions and margins that rarely reflect market value. It has been estimated that for every euro spent by the consumer on processed products, only 6 cents arrive at farms. In other words, the agri-food sector creates value, but does not pay those who produce. Exports grow, production invoices, but agricultural incomes fall and bureaucracy weighs disproportionately. If we want European agriculture to be truly sustainable, competitive and fair, it is essential that farmers are not only suppliers, but an active and respected part in defining the rules of the supply chain. Only in this way can we guarantee decent incomes and an agricultural sector that is not sacrificed, but valued.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, the real strength of the European Union has always been its single market, the engine of prosperity, innovation and economic freedom. Yet this engine is proceeding at a reduced speed because too much fragmentation, too much bureaucracy and too many overlapping rules confusing and slowing down our businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones. Lack of investment and dependence on foreign technologies make the Union strategically and economically vulnerable, which is why we need a step change, with more harmonisation, more simplification and true digital integration. The new omnibus package goes in the right direction, but there is no need to write new rules, there is a need for real implementation, especially in key sectors such as e-commerce, a great challenge of our time, where the lack of uniform application opens the way to unfair competition. Just as another concrete step could be the introduction of a 28th European regime that allows companies to operate and grow throughout the Union, with a single set of harmonised rules, reducing costs, time and uncertainties. It is clear that only the complete, digital and integrated single market will be able to restart the engine of the economy and have an economy that competes, innovates and grows together.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, every year more than six million vehicles in Europe reach the end of their lives, so it is necessary to set clear requirements on the use of recycled materials in new vehicles. This regulation is a fundamental piece for the automotive industry, which is called to adapt to new production challenges without sacrificing quality and safety and, at the same time, favoring a circular economy model. The objective is clear: Newly produced vehicles must be designed from the outset for reuse, recycling and recovery, so as to reduce the environmental impact throughout their life cycle and combat the illegal sale of stolen or even resold vehicles in the poorest countries. Of course, producers have to bear the costs of end-of-life, but we cannot exclude small and medium-sized enterprises which operate, for example, in the demolition sector and which form the backbone of the sector in some Member States. From this point of view, it becomes essential to clarify the definition of "authorised treatment plant" in order to avoid ambiguities and instead to precisely outline the responsibilities of the different operators, in order to avoid confusion with other treatment operations. Finally, it is necessary to build forms of collaboration between car manufacturers and vehicle demolition plants, a collaboration capable of generating mutual trust and combining environmental objectives with economic sustainability. It is not just a question of competitiveness, it is a strategic choice to strengthen a key sector of the European economy and to give certainty to businesses, workers and citizens.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, first of all I would like to thank Commissioner McGrath for his presence and for recognising the urgency of tackling the challenges posed by e-commerce and imports from third countries. I take note, from the debate, of the total convergence of all colleagues in recognising that the number of parcels arriving in the Union each year puts customs, market surveillance and consumer protection under pressure, and creates an unfair advantage for those who do not respect our rules. We welcome, as underlined by the Commissioner, the intensification of consumer safety network investigations and the continuous monitoring of large platforms under the DSA and the CPC Regulation. These are indispensable tools to remove dangerous products, but also to counter manipulative practices such as misleading discounts, selling under pressure or the absence of clear information for our consumers. This report, fully in line with the European Secure and Sustainable e-Commerce Package, is a first step towards a more modern, coherent and efficient regulatory framework: promotes the uniform application of the rules, calls for more resources for the competent authorities and demands a level playing field for our companies, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, which are today among the most affected by counterfeiting, digital dumping and unfair competition. I therefore call on all colleagues to strongly support this text and urge the Commission to take forward its recommendations with determination, from the reform of the Customs Code – now more than ever necessary – to the revision of the CPC Regulation, to strengthen controls and sanctions also at European level. Because only by joining forces – Parliament, the Commission, Member States and national authorities – can we build an innovative but also secure, transparent, reliable and, above all, rules-abiding European digital market. Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my colleagues, from all the political groups, who wanted to contribute with competence, seriousness and spirit to a constructive work that we will be voting on these days and which will be a decisive step towards an even stronger digital market.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the explosion of online commerce has revolutionised the way we buy and sell, it has broken down barriers and created new opportunities, but it has also exposed the single market to problems for European citizens and businesses. Never before has it been so easy, with a simple click, to buy a product on the other side of the world and receive it comfortably at home in a few days. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2024 alone, more than 4.6 billion items entered the Union, with a declared value below the duty-free threshold of €150. We're talking about 12 million articles a day. It is an impressive mass of goods, which too often escapes control, jeopardising the safety of consumers and undermining the competitiveness of European companies, which operate in accordance with very precise rules. E-commerce is a market that we must govern and face responsibly, because behind every package that crosses a border without adequate controls there are shadow areas that concern security, legality and fairness. For consumers, the dangers are real: unsafe products, widespread manipulative practices and lack of guarantees of reliability. It is not acceptable for European citizens to be exposed to health risks or scams when shopping online. Freedom of choice must go hand in hand with the protection of safety, health and rights. Strong information and education is needed to make citizens consumers aware and accountable. For companies, on the other hand, especially small and medium-sized ones, the competition becomes harder and often unfair every day: It is unacceptable that those who comply with strict fiscal, environmental and social regulations should compete with non-European operators who do not comply with the same production standards and are also able to circumvent controls. We cannot allow exposure to unregulated markets to compromise the future of our business fabric. Looking at the customs authorities, the challenge is immense: They manage millions of parcels every day and are often forced to do more, but with limited resources. It is clear that this model is no longer sustainable. We need state-of-the-art technological tools, greater European awareness and a shared strategic vision. The current European regulatory framework is valid, but we need to apply it rigorously, strengthen it if necessary, and strengthen the supervisory authorities by appropriate means. Online platforms also need – of course, especially those based outside the European Union – to ensure traceability and transparency. For this reason, it is essential to strengthen the role of the person responsible for product safety and to introduce tools such as the digital passport, which makes it possible to verify origin and conformity before placing on the market. We hope for an acceleration of the reform of the Union Customs Code and we agree with the introduction of the figure of the presumed importer, just as we agree with the elimination of the current duty-free threshold below EUR 150, which unfortunately has become a privileged channel for circumventing controls. At the same time, a European customs authority needs to be set up, with a digital centre for monitoring flows to combat fraudulent practices. We are also in favour of the proposal to introduce a management fee for sellers to cover the costs of control activities. In view of these problems, sanctions must be harmonised at European level, so that those who break the rules do not find loopholes at national level. Finally, in the interest of our fellow citizens, we must firmly combat misleading marketing and manipulative techniques that push our consumers towards compulsive and unconscious behaviour, compromising their freedom of choice and putting their health and economic well-being at risk. Dear Commissioner, dear colleagues, this report is a decisive step towards a fairer, safer and more transparent digital market: It is not a question of stopping innovation, but of guiding it with clear and sustainable rules, because defending the single market means defending a European model based on legality, responsibility and the protection of people, it means contributing to strengthening the strategic autonomy of the Union, which is today an essential condition for a strong and credible Europe on an increasingly global scenario.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, for too long we have focused our attention on the mainland or at most on the coastal strips, without realising a broader horizon towards which today we are looking with the awareness that our seas are a common heritage, vital for climate balance, but also for our food and energy security, indispensable for strengthening our strategic autonomy. In Europe, the blue economy employs around 4.5 million people and generates almost €650 billion in added value. However, the oceans are under pressure not only because of pollution and climate change, but also because of the absence of a certain regulatory framework that can protect and exploit their potential. The Ocean Pact is an ambitious and necessary policy response to engage institutions, businesses, coastal communities and citizens. In an increasingly complex and delicate global scenario, the Ocean Pact is not just a vision, but a vision. roadmap Concrete for a bluer, safer and more sustainable future, contributing to a stronger, more resilient and autonomous Europe.