Speeches

The industrial plan we are discussing is crucial for the future of Europe. It is clear that only together can we find convincing answers for the sustainability and competitiveness of our industry in an increasingly aggressive global market. It is important, however, that we do it the right way. First, we must leave no one behind and we cannot create new inequalities. In my country, absolute poverty has increased and now affects almost six million citizens. One in three families is afraid of bills. Secondly, economic resources are crucial. We need a common sovereign wealth fund to support the green transition and, beyond the state aid debate, we need to complete the reform of the Growth and Stability Pact. Let's give hope back to our industry and our citizens!

Mr President, Commissioner Breton, ladies and gentlemen, the Cyber Resilience Act is finally coming to plenary. By 2030, more than 120 billion objects are expected to be networked, a rapidly increasing figure over time for the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence. These objects help us in everyday life: I think of home automation, smart appliances, networked medical devices and, when they are integrated into production processes, they allow us to make leaps forward in innovation and competitiveness. Precision agriculture is an example of this. Smart objects are useful but vulnerable and must be defended from the increasingly frequent cyber attacks, such as the embezzlement of data, online fraud, the boycott of critical infrastructure, as we have often seen in the hospital and health sector. This is in a geopolitical scenario where cyberattacks are increasingly a tool of hybrid warfare. Without forgetting the economic damage, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises: Nearly two out of three companies in Europe say they risk bankruptcy in the event of a cyber-attack. A specificity, this, that I wanted to be recognized by this law, with the provision of support measures starting from training programs, support for product tests and simplified procedures for the assessment of their conformity. It is therefore important to systematically identify vulnerabilities and threats and protect citizens and businesses. This new European law, for which I am rapporteur for the Socialists and Democrats Group, allows us to do this by taking advantage of the single market dimension to provide more timely and coordinated responses. The security of the weakest link is the security of all. We have established common rules for digital products for the first time. made in Europe and imported, where cybersecurity is important by design. The new rules include an obligation for manufacturers to provide updates and information and, in addition, to report incidents and solutions applied to the competent authorities. But making laws is not enough if it does not increase the awareness of each of us. The security of networked objects starts with us and the development of the necessary skills at all levels. Here we need to accelerate because the current gap, of almost one million jobs, must be filled and represents a great opportunity especially for our young people. Then force it with training, which we wanted to spell out clearly in the regulation, and now we have to make sure that this objective translates into appropriate projects and funds. Dear colleagues – I also thank the rapporteur and co-rapporteurs of this law – with this Cybersecurity Act we have written a good page for a secure and inclusive digital transition. It's a story we'll have to keep writing together!

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, submarine cables are a strategic element for the European Union. Today, 99% of internet traffic already passes under the seas, through cables that are therefore essential for communications and the maintenance of a digital network that is now at the heart of our socio-economic systems. But not only: Energy also flows underwater. Cables, which already connect Member States and island areas, will be increasingly important for a renewable and interconnected Europe. I am thinking of the enormous potential of offshore wind energy, as well as the goal of a Mediterranean where energy links are still too far away. We are talking about highly critical infrastructures that, in an unstable geopolitical context, have a strategic function and therefore must be protected from possible attacks. This is the worrying news of damage in the Red Sea to cables essential for the connection between Europe and Asia: This is in an area where Houthi fighters have already hit ships with drones and missiles. In addition, there are damages caused by natural or incidental events: I think of trawls or anchors dragged on the seabed. An integrated approach that embraces the safety, quality of infrastructure, its environmental sustainability and technologies for its deployment, maintenance and protection is therefore important. There are large special cable laying vessels of the latest generation. Today we have autonomous underwater drones that can monitor and protect these infrastructures. A European perspective is urgently needed. The exchange of information, mapping, joint risk assessments and the preparation of strategic projects are therefore good, as the Commissioner has pointed out. But it is not enough: Work is now needed on deploying innovative solutions to counter threats and increase cable resilience. This requires funds, starting with the European Defence Fund, the Connecting Europe Facility and Horizon Europe. Colleagues, safety and the future of the European project also pass from the seabed. This is also why I believe that it is really time for a European Blue Deal!

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, from my city of Florence, wounded by yet another tragic accident at work, with five dead and three injured in the construction site of a supermarket, there is an appeal for urgent action. At the time of pain must follow that of action. More needs to be done and done now across Europe, bringing together institutions, businesses, local authorities and trade unions, as we propose in the Florence Charter. It is time to overcome the logic of the maximum reduction in contracts, which then too often translates into jeopardizing the lives and safety of workers. The number of accidents and deaths at work in Italy, an average of three deaths per day in 2023, tells us that it is no longer possible to have cascading subcontracts, which serve serious inspections with the necessary staff. And that we must also unify the rules for public and private procurement, rules that serve to save lives and guarantee the right of those who leave the house in the morning to go to work, like us, to be able to return in the evening. Dying of work in Europe in 2024 is not acceptable: Let us remember this well, dear colleagues, at 100 days.... (The President took the floor from the speaker)

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, supplementary protection certificates and essential patents are the legal instruments through which innovation and development pass. I come from the region of Leonardo da Vinci and I know that every day new inventions offer us new solutions. For this reason, it is essential to have an effective, transparent and lean patenting system. If innovating means doing research, patents have the role of encouraging it, recognizing genius and ensuring that the efforts and investments made are rewarded. Yet, even today in Europe, the regulatory framework on intellectual property is opaque and fragmented. On supplementary certificates, national protection is ineffective and burdensome. After European patents, it is therefore urgent to also have European supplementary certificates. Forward, therefore, for a harmonized, more effective and transparent system, which in the pharmaceutical sector will also bring benefits to patients, in terms of availability of drugs and prices. With regard to cutting-edge technologies, the novelty comes from essential patents: In sectors such as 5G or Wi-Fi, where recognised standards exist, these patents must also ensure fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory conditions for users. The aim is to improve the circulation of innovations, giving more tools also to SMEs, which, driven by the boom in connected objects, account for around 84% of patent users. The European Register and the central database will enhance transparency and legal certainty for all. Dear colleagues, let us therefore take a step forward for innovation, our quality of life and our well-being.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner Breton, combating the spread of disinformation and hate speech online is essential. In fact, today we live a real paradigm shift, where digital determines central aspects of our lives. The Far West online is not an option, and with the Digital Services Act Europe is at the forefront of information transparency, legality and accountability. But it's not enough. Hate speech and organised disinformation are now real instruments of hybrid warfare. We saw this during the pandemic, when misinformation about vaccines put the lives and health of millions of people at risk. And again, politically, with direct threats to democracy – I am thinking of the events in Capitol Hill and Brasilia – and with fake news on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Colleagues, a few months after the European elections that are crucial for the future of our Union, we ensure that these new rules are respected not only in Europe, but become the basis for new international agreements. In the age of artificial intelligence and deep fakes – and I conclude – we cannot leave the defence of democracy and the freedom of all to the good will of some.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, geothermal energy is a valuable renewable resource for Europe, which is still largely underutilised. With this resolution we want to mark a step change for the benefit of sustainability, security, convenience of supplies and bills. However, there is a lack of mapping of European geothermal resources and current environmental and economic conditions of exploitation. It is therefore urgent that the Commission also collects and shares standardised data in order to be able to define the conditions for access to funding. In my Tuscany, region of the first geothermal power plant in the world, there are already important results: I am thinking of electricity production, heating and cooling with heat pumps, basil greenhouses and many others. We have an outpost of municipalities between Pisa and Grosseto 100% renewable and they are all geothermal. But sharing data and good practices is not enough. Dear colleagues, we must think big! That is why I call on the Commission to launch a European geothermal strategy at the beginning of the next parliamentary term. A net-zero Europe in 2050 and our strategic autonomy also pass through here.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, non-governmental organisations, volunteering and civil society associations are an indispensable asset, the best ally of the European project. Witnesses and sentinels of the fundamental values of the Union, which come into play by cooperating with the institutions but also by intervening where they do not arrive. The person and his fundamental rights have been for us, Socialists and Democrats, the compass to follow in the work on this resolution on the transparency and accountability of NGOs funded by the EU budget. We have said yes to transparency and more effective monitoring of the use of European financial resources, but we have insisted that this principle applies equally to all beneficiaries, including economic actors. The fight against fraud is good, yes to checks to ensure that European resources are never used for projects that are contrary to the fundamental values of the Union. Instead, we said no to the rapporteur's proposals for an unwarranted and ungenerous accusation of NGOs, painting an emergency picture that is not reflected in the facts. The vote in the Committee on Budgetary Control proved us right and there was broad convergence with colleagues from other political groups, whom I thank for their cooperation. I trust that this House will confirm this orientation, rejecting with tomorrow's vote the amendments that I believe are pejorative, which again insist on alleged conflicts of interest, supposed damage to the European economy up to the request for a law on NGOs that really does not feel the need. Colleagues, launching a witch hunt and blowing on the fire of discredit is not acceptable; We have momentous challenges ahead of us and we must put Europe in the best position to face them. I am thinking of marginalization, gender-based violence, the elderly, prisons, the drama of mental health and the many young people on the front lines to save lives at sea, who remind us of the importance of remaining human. Then go ahead, and I conclude, with more transparency and responsibility but remaining at the side of those who commit themselves every day for the common good.

Mr President, Mr High Representative, ladies and gentlemen, two years after Parliament's last report on relations between the European Union and China, we are in a new, much more complicated scenario. The pandemic has highlighted the limits of unbalanced value chains, with supply crises linked to our over-reliance on a single exporter. Today we have the first tools, such as the new European Critical Raw Materials Act, to build our strategic autonomy and we will need to strengthen it more and more. The situation was aggravated by the tensions linked to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and here we must be clear: The ambiguity of Chinese positions on Ukraine is not acceptable, let alone the role played by China in circumventing sanctions against Russia. The report we are debating clearly condemns all this, as well as China's growing military provocation of Taiwan. We cannot accept a world order based on unilateral aggression. But be careful: China is not only a systemic competitor or rival, but also a partner. A constructive, albeit critical, dialogue based on our core values remains essential. First, to be able to weigh in the fight against the serious and persistent violations of human rights, from the Uyghurs to Tibet and the list would be long; Second, to continue to jointly address global challenges that require Chinese involvement, such as climate change, environmental and health protection, food security and financial stability. I conclude: A renewed, coherent and assertive approach, but open to China, is therefore necessary, but in order to achieve this, we need a Europe that can speak with one voice.

Madam President, Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, what is Europe today? A common project that must become more and more a horizon of hope for its citizens every day. This means moving forward on the enlargement of the Schengen area, as you have rightly claimed, guaranteeing freedom of movement and opportunities for all. Just as progress on joining the common currency is needed to strengthen the economy and the internal market. But one thing needs to be clear: The European Union is not just a major trading and economic bloc. Europe is a community of destiny that is based on the common values enshrined in the Treaties and makes cohesion, solidarity and peace its most powerful weapons. This awareness must be reflected in our work from here to the European elections. Europe needs to speak with one voice in foreign policy – I am thinking of Ukraine and the commitment to peace in the Middle East, where a first truce is coming in these hours – that strengthens democracy, sustainable growth and inclusion with the reform of the Treaties, the Stability and Growth Pact, the right to asylum and consolidates the Health Union. We are at the rendezvous of history, dear colleagues. Now is the time to regain the courage of politics.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, on the night between Thursday 2 and Friday 3 November, as has been mentioned, Tuscany was hit by these exceptional rainfalls that caused catastrophic floods, eight people lost their lives and thousands were forced to leave their homes. The damage is very great, as my colleague has pointed out, with very high estimates; On Friday I went to Prato, one of the most affected provinces, to bring solidarity and closeness to the communities. The scenario was dramatic but I also witnessed the pride and strength of a population already committed to getting up, with a commendable effort by local administrations, the Civil Protection and thousands of volunteers already at work to free the streets from the mud. Today I want to share with you the call that I have received from these citizens, not to be left alone by Europe in the demanding task that awaits them. The Union provides for instruments and we will activate them, but, ladies and gentlemen, this latest natural disaster invites us once again to reiterate the need to secure areas at risk of hydrogeological instability and to step up action to combat and adapt to the risks linked to climate change. I conclude by expressing our closeness to the families affected and ask the Presidency to observe a minute's silence to remember the victims.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, over 1.5 million European citizens have mobilised to support the petition calling for an end to fur farming in Europe. Confining animals in small cages and killing them only for the value of their fur is no longer acceptable. Dear colleagues, it is since 2007 that the principle of animal welfare has been included in the Treaties, but it is not only an ethical issue that, personally, I believe requires an end to a cruel practice. We must also highlight the health risks of these farms, both human and animal. We remember what happened during the pandemic, with hundreds of mink farms affected by infections and new variants of the virus transmitted from animals to humans, with 17 million animals suppressed in Denmark alone to prevent infections. Shocking images that we still have in our eyes. The pandemic reminds us of the importance of the One Health approach: Human, animal and environmental health are connected. Fur farms are already banned or made impossible in 18 European countries. The time is therefore ripe for a Commission initiative. Colleagues, let's take care of our health and let the animals have their furs.

Madam President, High Representative, we are on a ridge of history. The pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, migration, the digital revolution and the environmental crisis are constantly transforming our lives. Quoting Pope Francis: Today we are not living in an era of change, but a change of era. To live up to this time is to give body and soul to a geopolitical Europe that asserts itself as a global player, a power at the service of our fundamental values: democracy, respect for human rights, security, sustainability and social justice, geopolitics and trade and development policy, diplomacy, but also industrial policy and strategic autonomy, but that is not enough, the Europe of defence and security remains to be built. The war in Ukraine has put us in front of our limits and the dramatic events of these days, with the Hamas attack on Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, oblige us to choose. If we continue to speak with so many contradictory national voices we condemn ourselves to weakness and irrelevance. Only if we can be united can we contribute to a new history.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the establishment of the STEP platform is good news. Let us, as the word suggests, take a first step towards boosting investment in strategic technologies for Europe. In recent years, first with the pandemic and then with the Russian aggression against Ukraine, we have seen the vital need to strengthen European strategic autonomy, starting with energy and medicines. But reducing our dependence on imports in the technology sectors essential to the great transition requires a European industrial policy, with adequate investment to strengthen value chains, keep us abreast of research and innovation, and address the challenge of the skills and labour needed. The STEP platform will provide greater flexibility to European financial instruments, creating synergies and enhancing their effectiveness. This involves mobilising and directing funding and giving visibility to projects with a European label that recognises their value for strategic autonomy: "Europa fecit", the ancient Romans would say. But that's not enough. I remain convinced that today's challenges can only be won together. That is why, ladies and gentlemen, we need a real European sovereign wealth fund.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, more than thirty years after the first European directive, it is time to update the rules against urban wastewater pollution. Today, the wastewater of more than 22,000 European cities is treated in centralised systems for the benefit of lakes, rivers and seas. However, the current law only applies to cities above 2 000 inhabitants and establishes outdated limit values. Microplastics and micropollutants still remain out, harmful to the environment and health even at very low levels. The new rules extend the scope and strengthen water treatment levels to also include pharmaceuticals, cosmetic ingredients and microplastics. In times of water emergency, also in my country, we must push for the reuse of wastewater, which has great potential for the agricultural sector and industrial applications. Colleagues, water is life, but it is becoming scarcer and scarcer. It is therefore time to work on a European Blue Deal to fight pollution and make the best use of our most valuable resource.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, this debate makes it clear: the drug shortage alert is increasingly acute in Europe; In Italy alone, more than 3 000 medicines are missing. This is now a structural phenomenon, with shortages increasing by 60% in recent years and requiring urgent responses, starting with the reduction of dependence on a few non-European producers for the active ingredients needed to manufacture medicines. But mitigating shortages is not enough. We need to focus on prevention with European coordination between the different links in the distribution chain and actions to ensure that our citizens always receive the best care. That is why I am calling on the European Commission to implement initiatives and instruments, including financial ones, that support the European production of essential medicines, active ingredients and innovative treatments. Colleagues, the common response to the pandemic has taught us the importance of health systems, but too many, starting with the government of my country, seem to have forgotten, once again sacrificing health spending. So let the right to health remain our priority and let us work together from today to have a European Health Union.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner Breton, the artisanal and industrial products typical of our territories are the flagship of European creativity and manufacturing culture. They are a treasure trove of knowledge and skills often made up of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are essential for the economic vitality of the territories, enhancing their image and the tourist potential for the quality and uniqueness of their products. In my Tuscany I think of the Casentino, with the famous cloth, the alabaster of Volterra, or even the ceramics of Montelupo Fiorentino, and the list would be long. The new European law, which this Parliament has been calling for for years, finally safeguards geographical indications also for craft and industrial products. A protection provided so far only for agri-food products. The aim is to protect the European market through a simple, digitalised procedure with minimal burdens. Protection that can also be extended to third markets, including new geographical indications in trade agreements. With clear and reliable information on geographical origin and production techniques, it also gives an important signal to consumers, who increasingly appreciate the value of products linked to the territory. Dear colleagues, this is the Europe of which to be proud, capable of valuing its excellence and of recognizing the infinite richness of its talents.

Madam President, Commissioner Gentiloni, ladies and gentlemen, small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the Italian and European economy, with over 24 million economic activities employing over 100 million people. After the repeated shocks of these years, we have heard it, from the pandemic to the effects of the war, European small and medium-sized enterprises unfortunately today are facing a surge in inflation rates that, too often, is also reflected in dramatic difficulties in accessing credit. This is why it is now urgent to implement the measures announced by the European Commission, which announced Commissioner Gentiloni, to give relief and support to small and medium-sized enterprises, including the important directive on late payments, often at the root of business crises. We also need to support SMEs in innovation processes to remain competitive, embrace the digital green transition and continue to contribute to the economic, social and cultural wealth of our territories. Two watchwords: digitalisation and skills, with a focus on social inclusion and gender equality: This is where much of the game is played. Ladies and gentlemen, the specific nature of SMEs must be a feature of every measure we take in this House.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the conclusions of the European Council tell us about a new European Union: firm in countering Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, committed to responding to global challenges – security and defence, but also innovation and sustainability – by advancing the twin green and digital transitions. Europe is finally carving out a role as a global player, a role that we can only play if we are bigger than the sum of national interests. Europe today is a common good. I am thinking of the social dimension, which is still mentioned too briefly in the Council conclusions; I am thinking of health and intergenerational solidarity in a demographic crisis that challenges us all and requires new responses in terms of services, welfare and social infrastructure. We are facing momentous challenges that require political vision and financial resources. There is an urgent need to use the resources already foreseen for the twin transition from NextGenerationEU and, on this, I want to express my concern about the delays that are occurring in my country on the NRRP. But it's not enough! Colleagues, we can and must do more to build a Europe that truly becomes a common good for all.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, it is worth being here tonight because the proposal for an ecodesign law is an important step towards a circular economy that makes products marketed in Europe increasingly sustainable. We want more durable, repairable, renewable and recyclable products. This is why we set the requirements for their design, using technological innovation for a design that favors repairs and recovery of raw materials. Ecodesign brings benefits for our citizens, for the environment, for the economy, because designing in a sustainable way means preventing the production of waste, reducing the impoverishment of the planet caused by the growing extraction of raw materials, creating a competitive advantage for our companies by reducing costs for raw materials and energy. Furthermore, by ensuring transparency on product information, we will have as consumers the opportunity to know the environmental impact of our purchases and companies will be able to promote sustainability in their productions as a competitive advantage. I think of sectors such as textiles and fashion, which already amaze us in the most advanced tips for creativity and results, showing all the potential of ecodesign. So, ladies and gentlemen, let us all close the virtuous circle of the circular economy together!

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, it seems incredible that even today in 2023 we have to discuss in this Parliament the use of animals as guinea pigs for cosmetic products, when, as early as the 1990s, the first non-animal tested lines were launched. The European Union is at the forefront: Between 2004 and 2013, we banned animal testing for cosmetic products and their ingredients. In 2007, we included the principle of animal welfare in the Treaties. This is while 80% of countries in the world still do not have regulations on this. Yet our rules are being circumvented because cosmetics also contain ingredients that fall under other regulations and are still being tested on animals. Today, technological innovation already allows us to test safely without any living being having to suffer from it. Hence the commendable European Citizens' Initiative that we are debating today, with over 1.2 million signatures and sounding a well-founded alarm. So, ladies and gentlemen, no shyness: We embrace once and for all a concept of deeper beauty, where respect for every form of life can be therapeutic and transformative not only of our bodies, but also of our soul. Our Europe will be beautiful and great to the extent that it knows how to be increasingly on the side of respect for nature, ecosystems and living beings.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, water is an essential element for human life and for all civilizations. Europe has been suffering from a severe drought since 2018. More than a quarter of the territory of the European Union is currently in drought alert conditions and rising temperatures exacerbate this deficit and create a dangerous cycle in which water becomes increasingly scarce. This is a novelty for Europe. We have become accustomed to considering the water resource as abundant and today, instead, we must look at water basins and water distribution with the awareness of having to adapt. This year, France experienced its driest winter in 60 years. In Italy it does not snow and in the absence of snowfall, spring rains can create disasters such as the tragic flood in Emilia-Romagna. These weather data tell us today that droughts and floods are symptoms of ongoing climate change. This must push us to rethink land management with appropriate adaptation strategies and to intervene on water infrastructure to avoid dispersion and optimize storage. Choices must also be made, from the primacy of the right of access to drinking water to more sustainable agricultural practices. We have focused at European level on the protection and promotion of health standards. But now, in the face of the obvious water suffering of many European regions, we need to take a step forward and launch a European water strategy, starting with action to adapt to climate change and investment in infrastructure. Existing good practices need to be developed on a European scale, I am thinking of the collection of rainwater in urban environments and the reuse of wastewater for agriculture, and we must focus on rationalising water demand and therefore water withdrawals and uses in all its sectors. Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come to give water a European dimension.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, welcome President Christoduolides, we are living in difficult and extraordinary times. The pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the global climate crisis have taught us that only together can we give our continent a future. Together we have done and we are doing so much. I am thinking of NextGenerationEU, COVID vaccines, measures for the green and digital transition, the first steps towards the Defence Union. Yet Europe is often perceived by our citizens as distant and sometimes hostile. The wind of nationalism and division that we feel today risks bringing back the hands of history. The European elections will be held in a year's time. It is up to us to give life to a project that restores hope to citizens, starting with young people, that speaks of perspectives and not only of fears. Dear colleagues, Mr President, it is time to lay the foundations of a Europe that is lacking, social, solidarity-based, increasingly united and in the future federal. A common home where everyone thinks and speaks European.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Madam Vice-President Vestager, the global climate crisis is a reality, and we must never tire of repeating it. Five hundred extreme events in 2023 in Italy, and we are only in June, between hailstorms, water bombs and storms alternating with droughts with devastating effects on the countryside and cities. The size of the crisis and the effects in terms of human lives are well represented by the images that we still all have in our eyes, arrived a few weeks ago from Emilia-Romagna. Looking up, we see an equally worrying European scenario. I remember the more than 20 000 people who were victims of the heatwaves, for example last summer. We must therefore give centrality to health and the defence of life in the climate debate, to reiterate that combating and adapting to climate change is not a mere ideological whim, as some in this House unfortunately believe. The establishment of a European Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis would be an effective signal in this regard. Stop each year, not for a simple commemoration, but to take stock of the costs of inaction in terms of human lives. Dear colleagues, it is no longer acceptable, every time, to mourn the victims and to hear that it will change. We must all together embody the urgency to act.

Mr President, Commissioner, the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sums up its message in three words: gravity, urgency and hope. Severity: We are on a path that can lead to an increase in the temperature of the planet of over three degrees. The consequences in terms of food insecurity, drought and environmental migration should alarm us all. Urgency: Take action to drastically reduce emissions. The European Union is doing this, completing the adoption of the Fit for 55 package to become the first zero-emission continent by 2050. Because it is no longer enough to say that we must take climate change seriously and then, also in this House, oppose punctually any measure that aims to reduce emissions and limit the use of fossil fuels. So, hope! We owe it to the girls and boys who beg us to act. The transition is underway and there is no turning back, as evidenced by the failure of the right in its attempt to block the measures of the Green Deal: emissions from cars, buildings and, these days, the ETS on industrial emissions. To quote Clément Rosset – and I conclude – merely managing the existing would mean resigning ourselves to our decline. Dear colleagues, then let us look up and keep our ambition high.