MIL European Union Publishing Engine
Source: European Parliament
The field of direct taxation is not directly governed by European Union rules. Nevertheless, a number of directives and the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) establish harmonised standards for taxation of companies and private individuals. Moreover, actions have been taken to prevent tax evasion and double taxation.
Source: European Parliament
Taxation is a prerogative of the Member States, the EU having only limited powers in this area. As EU tax policy is geared towards the smooth running of the single market, the harmonisation of indirect taxation was addressed before that of direct taxation. Efforts to combat the problem of tax evasion and tax avoidance then followed. EU tax legislation must be adopted unanimously by the Member States. The European Parliament has the right to be consulted on tax matters; for budgetary-related issues it is even co-legislator.
Source: European Parliament
Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from 26 to 28 May 2025 in order to discuss developments in the area of international taxation and the fight against tax avoidance and evasion. The mission, led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with Mr Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Mr Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council; and Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuami, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the FNC.
The delegation will also meet with other Members of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s Parliament. Further meetings are scheduled with Mr Hamed Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office; Mr Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; and Mr Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, along with other key stakeholders.
Discussions will notably focus on the implementation of the OECD/G20 international tax reform and the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance and enhance transparency for taxation purposes. The country’s attractiveness for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and high-net-worth individuals will also be addressed, as well as the UAE’s readiness to enhance standards on good tax governance and to comply with anti-money laundering standards.
Source: European Parliament
A meeting of the EP’s Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community (DAND) took place on 22 May in Brussels.
It focused on the preparation of the next inter-parliamentary meeting EU-Peru and the presidential and legislative elections held in Ecuador on 13 April 2025.
Source: European Parliament
Members of the FISC Subcommittee will travel to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from 26 to 28 May 2025 in order to discuss developments in the area of international taxation and the fight against tax avoidance and evasion. The mission, led by FISC Chair Mr Pasquale Tridico, will meet with Mr Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Mr Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council; and Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuami, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the FNC.
The delegation will also meet with other Members of the Federal National Council, the UAE’s Parliament. Further meetings are scheduled with Mr Hamed Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office; Mr Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the Federal Tax Authority; and Mr Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director of Dubai Customs, along with other key stakeholders.
Discussions will notably focus on the implementation of the OECD/G20 international tax reform and the United Arab Emirates’ efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance and enhance transparency for taxation purposes. The country’s attractiveness for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and high-net-worth individuals will also be addressed, as well as the UAE’s readiness to enhance standards on good tax governance and to comply with anti-money laundering standards.
Source: European Parliament
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PV-10-2025-05-22
EN
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iPlPv_Sit
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| Thursday, 22 May 2025 – Brussels | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
The sitting opened at 09:00. |
Council and Commission statements: Choose Europe for Science (2025/2713(RSP)) Ekaterina Zaharieva (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission. The following spoke: Christian Ehler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Giorgio Gori, on behalf of the S&D Group, Catherine Griset, on behalf of the PfE Group, Piotr Müller, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Anna Strolenberg, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Ilaria Salis, on behalf of The Left Group, Marc Jongen, on behalf of the ESN Group, Letizia Moratti, Lina Gálvez, Annamária Vicsek, Marion Maréchal, Christophe Grudler, Vladimir Prebilič, Catarina Martins, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Angelika Niebler, Sofie Eriksson, Jana Nagyová, Diego Solier, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Anthony Smith, Hélder Sousa Silva, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Bruno Gonçalves, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Kris Van Dijck, Jüri Ratas, Elena Sancho Murillo and Eszter Lakos. The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Liudas Mažylis, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Sebastian Tynkkynen. IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Helmut Brandstätter, João Oliveira and Lukas Sieper. The following spoke: Ekaterina Zaharieva. The debate closed. |
Report on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 [2025/2027(INI)] – Committee on Petitions. Rapporteur: Gheorghe Falcă (A10-0063/2025) Peter Agius (deputising for the rapporteur) introduced the report. The following spoke: Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission). The following spoke: Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, on behalf of the PPE Group, Sandra Gómez López, on behalf of the S&D Group, Pál Szekeres, on behalf of the PfE Group, Kosma Złotowski, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jana Toom, on behalf of the Renew Group, Ana Miranda Paz, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Marcin Sypniewski, on behalf of the ESN Group, Maria Walsh and Mireia Borrás Pabón. The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Elena Nevado del Campo, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Petras Gražulis, Maria Zacharia and Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos. The following spoke: Glenn Micallef and Peter Agius. The debate closed. Vote: 22 May 2025. (The sitting was suspended at 10:45.) |
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IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO
The sitting resumed at 11:01. ⁂ The following spoke: Patryk Jaki. |
For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’. |
Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte (COM(2025)0190 – C10-0071/2025 – 2025/0104(COD)) – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION by the AGRI Committee (Rule 170(6)) Approved Vote: at a later part-session. Detailed voting results
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Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism [COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro (A10-0085/2025) The debate had taken place on 21 May 2025 (minutes of 21.5.2025, item 15). (Majority of the votes cast) COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS Approved (P10_TA(2025)0108) REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE Approved The following had spoken: Antonio Decaro (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations in accordance with Rule 60(4). Detailed voting results
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Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus [COM(2025)0034 – C10-0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Inese Vaidere (A10-0087/2025) (Majority of the votes cast) COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS Approved (P10_TA(2025)0109) Parliament’s first reading thus closed. The following had spoken: – Before the vote, Inese Vaidere (rapporteur), to make a statement on the basis of Rule 165(4). – Before the vote, Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission), to make a statement. Detailed voting results
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Report on the proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on fodder plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on beet seed-producing crops and oil plant seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine [COM(2024)0052 – C9-0026/2024 – 2024/0027(COD)] – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development. Rapporteur: Veronika Vrecionová (A10-0043/2025) (Majority of the votes cast) PROPOSAL TO REJECT THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL Rejected COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS Approved (P10_TA(2025)0110) Parliament’s first reading thus closed. Detailed voting results
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Amendments to Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions as regards requirements for securities financing transactions under the net stable funding ratio (COM(2025)0146 – C10-0059/2025 – 2025/0077(COD)) – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (Majority of the votes cast) PROPOSAL TO REJECT THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL Rejected COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS Approved (P10_TA(2025)0111) Parliament’s first reading thus closed. Detailed voting results
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Report on the proposal for a Council regulation establishing the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community for the period 2026-2027 complementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and repealing Council Regulation (Euratom) 2021/765 [COM(2025)0060 – C10-0052/2025 – 2025/0035(NLE)] – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Borys Budka (A10-0083/2025) (Majority of the votes cast) COMMISSION PROPOSAL TO THE COUNCIL Approved by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0112) Detailed voting results
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Report on the nomination of Ivana Maletić as a Member of the Court of Auditors [06874/2025 – C10-0049/2025 – 2025/0802(NLE)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Ondřej Knotek (A10-0088/2025) (Majority of the votes cast) APPOINTMENT OF IVANA MALETIĆ Approved (P10_TA(2025)0113) The list of Members voting is annexed to these minutes (minutes of 22.5.2025 Annex 1). Detailed voting results
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Report on the deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2023 [2025/2027(INI)] – Committee on Petitions. Rapporteur: Gheorghe Falcă (A10-0063/2025) (Majority of the votes cast) MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0114) The following had spoken: Fabienne Keller, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 35. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it. Detailed voting results
8 (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.) |
The sitting resumed at 11:42. |
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Jadwiga Wiśniewska |
Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website. |
In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of that day’s sitting and those of the previous day’s sitting would be put to the House for approval at the start of the next sitting. With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay. |
The next part-session would be held from 16 June 2025 to 19 June 2025. |
The sitting closed at 11:46. |
The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.
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| LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT |
In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations INF1/2025 – Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee. In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations No 2/2025 – Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor. In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 05/2025 – Section III – Commission. In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the Commission’s transfer of appropriations DEC 05/2025 – Section III – Commission. |
| ATTENDANCE REGISTER | |
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Present: Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Saliba Alex, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Beňová Monika, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Brejza Krzysztof, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Cavazzini Anna, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Clausen Per, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Glück Andreas, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guetta Bernard, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Lenaers Jeroen, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Meleti Eleonora, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Sidl Günther, Sieper Lukas, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Stancanelli Raffaele, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarquinio Marco, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zver Milan Excused: Berg Sibylle, Burkhardt Delara, Hazekamp Anja |
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MEMBERS VOTING IN THE SECRET BALLOT ECR: ESN: NI: PPE: PfE: Renew: S&D: The Left: Verts/ALE: |
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001959/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sebastian Everding (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Anthony Smith (The Left), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Damien Carême (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Ville Niinistö (Verts/ALE), Friedrich Pürner (NI), Jessika Van Leeuwen (PPE)
The hunting method grindadráp is a practice in the Faroe Islands involving the annual slaughter of whole families of long-finned pilot whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and other cetaceans[1]. This results in an average of 1 100 cetaceans being killed each year[2].
As the largest trading partner of the Faroe Islands, the EU can promote reforms in the Faroe Islands that align with modern marine conservation standards. The EU has enacted legislation to protect cetaceans from being hunted, caught or kept in captivity as well as to prohibit trade in products both made from these animals and originating from non-EU countries[3].
Submitted: 15.5.2025
Source: European Parliament
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(1),
Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(2),
Whereas:
(1) Council Decision 2003/17/EC(3) provides that, under certain conditions, field inspections carried out on certain seed-producing crops in the third countries listed in Annex I to that Decision are to be considered equivalent to field inspections carried out in accordance with Union law and that, under certain conditions, seed of certain species produced in those third countries is to be considered equivalent to seed complying with Union law.
(2) In 2022, the Republic of Moldova submitted a request to the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its system of field inspections of seed-producing fodder plant crops and to fodder plant seed produced and certified in the Republic of Moldova.
(3) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of the Republic of Moldova. It also carried out, in 2016, an audit of the system of official controls and of certification of cereal, vegetable and oil and fibre plant seed in the Republic of Moldova and published its findings in a report. Following the receipt of additional documentation from the Republic of Moldova, the Commission considered that all recommendations made in the audit report had been addressed in a satisfactory manner. On the basis of the audit and the additional documentation, the Commission has concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of seed certification in the Republic of Moldova are competent, have adequate facilities in place and operate appropriately. Those authorities are also responsible for field inspections of seed-producing fodder plant crops and for the certification of fodder plant seed.
(4) On the basis of the examination of the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and of the audit, the Commission has concluded that the field inspections of seed-producing fodder plant crops and the sampling, testing and official post-control of fodder plant seed in the Republic of Moldova are carried out appropriately and satisfy the requirements set out in Annex II to Decision 2003/17/EC and in Council Directive 66/401/EEC(4).
(5) In 2022, Ukraine submitted a request to the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its system of field inspections of seed-producing beet (Beta vulgaris), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and swede rape (Brassica napus) crops and to the beet, sunflower and swede rape seed produced and certified in Ukraine.
(6) In 2023, Ukraine submitted a request to the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its system of field inspections of seed-producing soya bean (Glycine max) crops, and to the soya bean seed produced and certified in Ukraine.
(7) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of Ukraine. It also carried out, in 2015, an audit of the system of official controls and of certification of cereal seed in Ukraine and published its findings in a report. Following the receipt of additional documentation from Ukraine, the Commission considered that all recommendations made in the audit report had been addressed in a satisfactory manner. On the basis of the audit and the additional documentation, the Commission has concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of seed certification in Ukraine are competent, have adequate facilities in place and operate appropriately. Those authorities are also responsible for the field inspections of seed-producing beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean crops, and for the certification of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean seed.
(8) On the basis of the examination of the legislation of Ukraine and of the audit, the Commission has concluded that the field inspections of seed-producing beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean crops and the sampling, testing and official post-control of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean seed in Ukraine are carried out appropriately and satisfy the requirements set out in Annex II to Decision 2003/17/EC and in Council Directives 2002/54/EC(5) and 2002/57/EC(6).
(9) The Republic of Moldova has been admitted, as regards fodder plants, to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Schemes for the Varietal Certification or the Control of Seed Moving in International Trade (´OECD Seed Schemes´).
(10) Ukraine has been admitted, as regards beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean, to the OECD Seed Schemes.
(11) The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have seed laboratories accredited by the International Seed Testing Association. That fact provides additional assurance as to the quality of the inspections and of the seed produced in those countries and their compliance with Union law.
(12) It is therefore appropriate to grant equivalence as regards field inspections carried out in respect of seed-producing fodder plant crops in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova and officially certified by its authorities.
(13) It is also appropriate to grant equivalence as regards field inspections carried out in respect of seed-producing beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean crops in Ukraine, and as regards the seed of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean produced in Ukraine and officially certified by its authorities.
(14) Decision 2003/17/EC should be therefore amended accordingly,
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1
Amendments to Decision 2003/17/EC
Annex I to Decision 2003/17/EC is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.
Article 2
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Article 3
Addressees
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at …,
For the European Parliament For the Council
The President The President
ANNEX
In Annex I to Decision 2003/17/EC, the table is amended as follows:
(1) the entry ‘MD’ is replaced by the following:
|
‘MD |
National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA) str. Mihail Kogălniceanu 63, MD-2009, CHIŞINĂU |
66/401/EEC 66/402/EEC 2002/55/EC 2002/57/EC’ |
;
(2) the entry ‘UA’ is replaced by the following:
|
‘UA |
Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Khreshchatyk str. 24, 01001 KYIV |
66/402/EEC 2002/54/EC 2002/57/EC – only in respect of Brassica napus, Glycine max and Helianthus annuus’ |
|
Source: European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement to provide €700 million for the construction of two large-scale offshore wind farms developed by Norway’s Equinor and Poland’s Polenergia off the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. The twin Bałtyk 2 and Baltyk 3 wind farms will have a shared capacity of 1.44 GW and are expected to go online fully in 2028.
“Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 are important projects for Poland’s decarbonisation plans as they will produce enough clean electricity to meet annual demand of two million households. The European Investment Bank has provided €350 million for each wind farm, which makes us the biggest lender by far among some 30 financial institutions involved,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska. “This is the EIB’s third major renewables investment in Poland only this year and our third financing for Polish offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea in general, which highlights our dedication to developing green energy in Poland as a prerequisite for both economic competitiveness and security.”
Located some 30 kilometres off the Polish coastal towns of Ustka and Łeba, the two fixed-bottom wind farms will consist of a hundred wind turbines of 14.4 MW each. Primarily supplied by European companies, the joint venture between Equinor, a leading international player in the offshore wind sector, and Poland’s largest private energy group Polenergia will also contribute to modern development of the EU’s cohesion regions.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. In Poland, the EIB Group invested €5.7 billion euros last year, nearly half of which went to climate and environment projects, including energy transition.
A trusted partner of the multifaceted energy transition in Poland, the EIB made a leading contribution earlier this year to the development of another offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea, Baltica 2, the EU’s largest such wind park to date. In 2023, the EIB also financed Poland’s first offshore wind farm.
InvestEU
The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investment for EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that invest in projects, leveraging on the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increasing their risk-bearing capacity and mobilising at least €372 billion in additional investment.
Source: European Parliament
The week of 26 May is dedicated to external parliamentary activities. That includes work back home, in Members’ constituencies, as well as missions outside Parliament’s places of work. During this week, a delegation of the Committee on Development Members will go on a mission to Mauritania, delegates of the Committee on International Trade will travel to Washington, D.C., while the Committee on Budgets will send a delegation on mission to Montenegro. Follow the links below to discover this week’s highlights.