Lukas Sieper
Member of the European Parliament · Renew · DE
“Madam President, I rise under Rule 202(1) and (4), and Rule 180(1) in conjunction with Rule 202(4). On Monday, the President reminded us that there should be no chanting in this Chamber. Yesterday, it happened again. The reaction of the sitting President? Nothing. Later, a colleague requested a personal statement.”
“We need to invest in humanitarian aid, not only because it's a human thing to do, but also for our own interests. If we do not invest properly where needed, we will face the consequences of our inaction in the form of mass migration, global health pandemics or detrimental economic impacts.”
“Mr President, dear colleagues, especially after the recent USAID cuts, the European commitment to humanitarian aid has become crucial for millions of people across the world. Conflicts, climate change and economic factors drive millions of people in various countries into utterly precarious situations.”
“Herr Präsident, liebe Menschen Europas! Ich freue mich, als letzter Redner dem einen oder anderen hier noch ein paar gute Gedanken mitzugeben in die Sommerpause. Herr Bausemer, ich bewundere ja immer wieder die mentale Akrobatik, die Sie hier betreiben in diesem Plenarsaal.”
“Herr Mularczyk, ich möchte Sie darauf hinweisen, dass wir als europäische Abgeordnete Abgeordnete des gesamten europäischen Volkes sind. Wir vertreten hier nicht nur Deutschland, wir vertreten alle Bürgerinnen und Bürger Europas.”
“Θέλετε μόνο να κάνετε πως ενδιαφέρεστε. Λυπάμαι, αλλά σε αυτό το στημένο παιχνίδι δεν θα συμμετέχω. Islam out of Europe! (Η Πρόεδρος αφαιρεί τον λόγο από την ομιλήτρια) 3-0484-0000 Tomasz Froelich, Verfasser. – Frau Präsidentin, Frau Kommissarin! Was für ein Martyrium! Maria Shahbaz, 13 Jahre jung, Christin.”
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“When we look into the error rate, we should also think about the future. And I'm not going to hide. That's the key concern when it comes to the to the report from the European Court of Auditors – the level of error in the cohesion policy. Again, let's be clear when we talk about the error rate. Error rate is not a rate of fraud. Sometimes this is the impression which is being created, including when we debate this issue in the European Parliament. Error rate is primarily a rate of administrative mistakes. So when we see administrative mistakes, when we see what causes are behind them, what the reasons are those mistakes are taking place, in most of the cases it is because of the eligibility criteria. That is something we should bear in mind when we think about the future MFF.”
“Let me concentrate on the question of the error rates, which I think have featured quite prominently in the exchanges. I did mention at the beginning that we do work with the European Court of Auditors to address this issue. But let's be clear, which issue? The issue of different methodologies. Like the President of the Court, I wouldn't like to create false expectations, but I think that we are indeed progressing in better understanding our specific methodologies. But it is not the only way to address the question of the error rate. What we have to do – and that's what I would also like to say – we also are determined to work more efficiently with national authorities, and we are fully aware that we need to assist them in the process of audit. That is the task for now.”
“Again, this is an additional resource because we have to do an extended sample in order to be able to conclude an error rate. But the good news is, for the 2024 annual report, we will have an additional error rate for MFF heading 6: neighbourhood and the world. So just through the exchanges today, I think it's been very positive, the comments on the work of the ECA, and I think that is an acknowledgement of the dedication and commitment of our staff, and I would like to thank them for the various outputs that we have produced for the 2023 financial year. 2-0325-0000 Piotr Serafin, Member of the Commission. – Madam President, many thanks for the debate, which was extremely rich and I think that a lot of conclusions can be drawn from it.”
“I would like to thank the various rapporteurs for their engagement throughout this process, and also their use of our work, which I hope facilitated their very difficult task with this discharge procedure. I would also like to refer back, maybe to a comment made by Mr Erixon on budgetary needs, and I think here we would hope to have the support of the European Parliament going forward, because we see a need and we know there are a lot of constraints in terms of the administrative budget, but we see that there will be a gap and we will need additional funding in terms of investment in technology. Also, the Council requested or mentioned that they would like to have an error rate for every chapter, and this does not come for free.”
“2-0323-0000 (Fine della procedura "catch the eye") 2-0324-0000 Tony Murphy, President of the Court of Auditors. – Madam President, I think we can all acknowledge that we're living in challenging times, and I think this has implications for all the EU institutions in terms of implementing our respective roles. But there is a common objective, at least from our perspective, and that's about increasing the trust of EU citizens that their money is being effectively spent and having a positive impact on their daily lives. In this context, yesterday we issued our annual activity report, which outlines the work that we have done and will continue to do based on our 2025+ annual work programme. And through these two documents, you can see that we are trying to contribute to improving the legislative and decision-making process.”
“Mr President, in the same way as mentioned in other budgetary debates, the biggest mistake that was done in the budget was lack of transparency. EU funding is enormous. It affects millions and millions of people. In the same way, we do not even have sufficient data on how much the public actually accesses our publication when it comes to the budget. At a time of rising populism and attacks on democracy, the people feel our travel in their wallet the most, and therefore we need to show them more what we do with their money. We need obligations by our institutions to publish what they do with our money on social media. We need more accessible websites also for people with disabilities and for young people. We need to ask ourselves, how much do we really invest in the future instead of the present?”
“Mr President, people of Europe, I am not adequately dressed to hold a speech in the European Parliament. I am wearing jeans and a t-shirt, and on my t-shirt there is a funny little rabbit. I am not wearing a suit and a tie like you saw me earlier today. I am half the age of the average Member of this Parliament. I am part of the youth and while we discuss the budget – one of the most important topics – young people feel left behind in these very discussions. A future budget must invest in things that matter for the future of the youth: education, internal security, digital infrastructure, climate protection and social mobility. It must be brave enough to fund the future more than the present. Because Europe doesn't fail when the numbers don't add up; Europe fails when it gives up on the next generation.”
“And to those on the left, like Mr Schirdewan, who's gone, unfortunately: a China that locks up Uyghurs in concentration camps is not our partner, and never can be. 2-0042-0000”
“Mr President, first of all, we are not the group, the Non-attached, that goes against the very nation ... (The President interrupted the speaker) Sorry. I know, I know, I know. I just wanted to say this. We are not the group. Dear people of Europe, dear Commissioner, in the INTA Committee, you told us: 'We will give the US two weeks and then we will respond'. It has been over a month now and the US tariffs are still in place, while we impose our 'tactical delay'. That means one of two things: either you lied to this Parliament, which I don't want to believe, or you don't know Donald Trump, which I fear is even worse. Maybe I lack the brilliance to grasp the Commission's plan. But I promise you this: if I don't understand it, the public doesn't either.”
“Vielen Dank, Herr Kollege, dass Sie die blaue Karte akzeptiert haben. Sie haben gesagt: Wir sollen uns die Energie wieder vom billigsten Anbieter besorgen. Ich nehme mal an, Sie meinen damit die Russen. Trotz des russischen Angriffskriegs, trotz der russischen Kriegsverbrechen, trotz der Deportation von Hunderttausenden Kindern. Ohne jetzt auf diese konkrete Frage einzugehen, würde ich deswegen mal gerne so Ihr generelles moralisches Verständnis abstecken. Was darf denn ein Energieanbieter tun, damit wir uns die Energie nicht mehr von ihm besorgen, nur weil es dann billiger ist? 2-0032-0000”
“Tatsächlich gab es im vergangenen Jahr eine Studie der Uni Kiel, die nachgewiesen hat, dass ohne die REGI‑Mittel rechte Parteien in entlegenen Regionen zwei bis drei Prozent mehr bekommen hätten. 270 Milliarden umgewidmet in den Kampf gegen Rechts – das ist ungeheuerlich. Machen wir den ländlichen Raum wieder lebenswert. Setzen wir die REGI‑Mittel endlich für unsere Heimat ein. 1-0187-0000”
“This is a new low and I call upon all MEPs, especially our Irish MEPs, to reject it. 1-0186-0000 Irmhild Boßdorf, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident! Kaum Erfolge, Milliarden an deutschen Steuergeldern versickern – das ist die traurige Bilanz der REGI‑Förderung. Weniger Armut, mehr Jobs, weniger Abwanderung aus ländlichen Regionen – Fehlanzeige, trotz 270 Milliarden Euro Förderung. Doch was ist eigentlich mit dem vielen Geld passiert? Ich habe Elisa Ferreira, die letzte REGI‑Kommissarin, danach gefragt. Sie hat zugegeben, dass es nicht um Kosten und Nutzen geht, sondern um Frieden, Freiheit und Wohlstand. Schließlich würden diese Mittel auch helfen, rechtspopulistische Parteien im ländlichen Raum einzudämmen.”
“Is absolutely everything now just fuel for the fire and drive towards the militarisation agenda of the EU? Our regions, all of them, need investment and need the EU to help protect jobs, develop our environment and support our workers in these very uncertain times. Yet this report, which I acknowledge has many strengths, says that spending on military infrastructure, disguised as so-called dual technology, is as important as investing in our workers or our infrastructure. Let's be clear that each cent diverted into military spending is a cent taken away from my constituency of Ireland South, and all of our regions. The EU cohesion policy that funded roads and funded jobs and funded some of our community childcare facilities in Ireland is now being used to feed the war machine.”
“Vi imate, na primjer, mog premijera moje zemlje koji govori da je on sam donio koheziju i fondove iz Europske unije u Hrvatsku. Kao da gradovi ne provode tu politiku. Vjerojatno ga vi možete, povjereniče, ispraviti. Ali ono što je sada pred nama je nova era kohezijske politike i vi ste došli pred ovaj parlament s novim prijedlogom, u vrlo vrlo brzoj proceduri. Maloprije smo na Odboru regija izglasali, nažalost, brzu proceduru i ono što se ja sada brinem da je EPP zajedno s ekstremnom desnicom išao na neki način poniziti ovaj parlament i gurnuti sve ovo kroz vrlo vrlo brzu proceduru, a radi se o temeljnoj politici koja je jedna od najuspješnijih politika Europske unije zajedno s proširenjem. Ja ću vas još jednom pozvati, vrijeme je možda da ipak povučemo hitnu proceduru i vratimo budućnost kohezije u redovnu parlamentarnu proceduru.”
“Aj keď mnohé projekty sú už pripravené a obce na ne vyčlenili svoje zdroje. To je neprípustné. Kohézna politika v prvom v prvom rade patrí ľuďom v regiónoch na ich dlhodobý rozvoj. Zároveň zohráva kľúčovú úlohu v podpore Európskej únie v regiónoch. Ako tieňová spravodajkyňa som preto presadila dôležitý princíp, aby mali regióny a mestá priamejší prístup k európskym zdrojom, a to vďaka nástrojom ako integrované územné investície. A chcem sa poďakovať spravodajcovi Jacekovi Protasovi za prácu na celej správe, ale aj za to, že sa nám v tejto téme podarilo nájsť nateraz dobrý kompromis. 1-0184-0000 Gordan Bosanac, u ime kluba Verts/ALE.”
“Se vogliamo che la coesione resti una leva per la crescita e non solo un capitolo di spesa, dobbiamo cambiare approccio: lo sta facendo il Commissario Fitto con la proposta di modifica di medio termine della politica di coesione, la cui procedura d'urgenza abbiamo appena votato in commissione REGI. Il gruppo ECR ha presentato diversi emendamenti che vanno in una direzione molto chiara: anche i comuni devono accedere direttamente ai fondi insieme alle regioni. Un sindaco che vuole riqualificare un edificio scolastico, creare uno spazio per giovani e anziani, non può affrontare ostacoli amministrativi da grande ente. Tutto deve essere più semplice e flessibile. Chi lavora con persone fragili non può impiegare mesi solo per capire come rendicontare un finanziamento.”
“– Signor Presidente, signor Commissario, onorevoli colleghi, la politica di coesione è il volto visibile dell'Europa nei territori: è quella che riapre un asilo nido in un piccolo comune dove i genitori erano costretti a fare diversi chilometri al giorno per portare i figli a scuola; è quella che permette a un'impresa di digitalizzarsi e restare sul mercato o che finanzia un'unità mobile di assistenza sanitaria che porta cure e visite mediche a chi non ha alternative. Eppure, leggendo questa relazione, emerge chiaramente che la distanza tra le intenzioni e la realtà è ancora troppo ampia.”
“Dans l'Union, quand une politique dysfonctionne, la solution consiste toujours à augmenter son budget et à élargir son champ d'application. Vous demandez plus de largesse pour utiliser les fonds, vous les superposez – fonds de cohésion, fonds d'urgence, politique sectorielle –, vous éparpillez les objectifs – climatiques, numériques, démographiques et bien d'autres –, vous offrez un statut de quasi-État aux régions et enfin, vous en arrivez à votre serpent de mer habituel, celui de la prétendue nécessité de percevoir des ressources propres, dernier clou dans le cercueil de notre souveraineté. Mais ne pourrait-on pas mieux utiliser cet argent?”
“Este relatório reafirma a necessidade de a Europa se adaptar aos desafios que tem pela frente, assegurando, em simultâneo, o respeito pelo princípio da subsidiariedade que sempre norteou a política de coesão. É nesta Europa que acreditamos, é por esta Europa que continuaremos a lutar. 1-0181-0000 Séverine Werbrouck, au nom du groupe PfE. – Monsieur le Président, chers collègues, une fois de plus, nous constatons l'inquiétante dérive fédéraliste de l'Union européenne au travers de ce rapport sur la bien mal nommée «politique de cohésion» – celle-là même qui sert à financer à perte le développement des pays fraîchement intégrés, sur le dos des travailleurs français qui n'ont malheureusement plus le luxe de la charité.”
“– Senhor Presidente, Senhor Vice-Presidente Raffaele Fitto, gostaria de começar por agradecer ao relator e a todos os grupos políticos pela postura construtiva demonstrada ao longo das negociações deste relatório. Acredito que o Parlamento Europeu envia hoje uma mensagem clara: a política de coesão deve ser mantida descentralizada, onde as autoridades locais e regionais tenham um papel fundamental, quer na definição das políticas, quer na sua implementação. Estamos conscientes dos desafios estruturantes que a Europa enfrenta, como a defesa e a segurança, o alargamento ou as migrações. Mas não podemos desvirtuar o objetivo principal da política de coesão de reduzir as disparidades entre as várias regiões europeias, promovendo o desenvolvimento sustentável e dando respostas a problemas específicos, como é o caso da habitação.”
“So, no cohesion policy means no European Union. I hope that with this we are going to put an end to the debate about the future of cohesion. Very rightly so, the Founding Fathers decided to have cohesion policy to balance the imbalances of the single market. So we need regions and cities in. I am against – and a lot of other colleagues are against – further centralising cohesion policy and isolating mayors, regions and cities from the governing of this policy. We need more Europe at local level, not less. Every euro spent at local level solving local problems means more Europe tomorrow. 1-0180-0000 Sérgio Gonçalves, em nome do Grupo S&D.”
“We will work to reduce complexity and offer a more performance-based delivery mode to increase speed and efficiency, as underlined in your report. I will continue to advocate for a strong territorial dimension. This will ensure the cohesion policy addresses the real challenges faced by regions undergoing structural transitions, as your report rightly identifies. This includes our eastern border regions as well as less developed peripheral, remote and rural areas, islands and outermost regions. Honourable Members, I remain fully committed to the principles this House defends. The cohesion policy core mission has always been to stimulate growth and development across the EU. This mission remains as vital as ever, and this report marks an important step forward in that journey.”
“The Commission's recent proposals respond directly to many of your concerns. The proposal will bring more flexibility, more incentives and simple rules to allow Member States and the regions to respond to urgent challenges now – not waiting for the next period. In this regard, I would like to stress certain important aspects. First, the new priorities identified are affordable housing, water resilience, energy transition, competitiveness and defence. Second, since compliance with the review is voluntary, it will be up to each Member State to decide whether and how to update its programmes. Third, the cohesion policy funds remain under the shared responsibility of Member States and the regions under shared management.”
“I very much welcome the strong alignment with the Commission's perspective. This shared perspective reinforces the fundamental message of the 9th Cohesion Report. Cohesion policy has a positive and significant impact in terms of convergence. It reduces the disparities among EU Member States and regions, it stimulates long-term growth and competitiveness, and it plays a key role in supporting public investment. To continue to achieve our goals, we need to bring the cohesion policy up to date, considering the current situations and challenges that we are facing. If we want a stronger, more resilient and competitive Europe, we must reinforce and relaunch the cohesion policy – both for the present and for the future. As many of you know, the mid-term review of the cohesion programme has been a central focus for me during these past months.”
“Specyficznym i ukierunkowanym wsparciem powinny też być objęte obszary wiejskie, ale także miasta i obszary metropolitalne borykające się z własnymi poważnymi wyzwaniami. I w końcu nalegamy także, by polityka spójności dążyła do zwiększenia innowacyjności i ukończenia tworzenia jednolitego rynku Unii Europejskiej zgodnie z wnioskami zawartymi w sprawozdaniu Draghiego w sprawie konkurencyjności Europy. I na koniec, apelujemy o przestrzeganie zasady "nie szkodzić spójności", by żadne działania nie utrudniały procesu konwergencji europejskich regionów. 1-0178-0000 Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the Commission. – Mr President, honourable Members, thank you for the opportunity to address you today. First, let me thank the rapporteur, Mr Protas, for preparing this important report. This is particularly timely.”
“Uznając także warunkowość w zakresie praworządności jako warunek podstawowy finansowania w ramach polityki spójności. Podkreślamy strategiczne znaczenie silnych regionów przygranicznych dla bezpieczeństwa i odporności Unii Europejskiej. Wzywamy Komisję Europejską do szczególnego wspierania regionów graniczących z Rosją, Białorusią i Ukrainą, by mogły radzić sobie ze skutkami społeczno-gospodarczymi wojny dla ich ludności i terytoriów. Zwracamy uwagę na konieczność specjalnego podejścia do problemów regionów najbardziej oddalonych i wyspiarskich, które stoją w obliczu wyjątkowych i skumulowanych wyzwań strukturalnych. Wyrażamy zaniepokojenie rosnącą liczbą regionów znajdujących się w pułapce rozwoju, które dotknięte są stagnacją gospodarczą, problemami demograficznymi i ograniczeniem dostępu do usług publicznych.”
“Sprzeciwiamy się wszelkim formom centralizacji i ograniczania roli władz regionalnych i lokalnych. Po czwarte, wzywamy do dalszych wysiłków na rzecz uproszczenia i uelastycznienia przepisów i procedur administracyjnych regulujących fundusze polityki spójności na szczeblu unijnym, krajowym i regionalnym. Kluczem do sukcesu może być zwiększenie elastyczności na etapie programowania i wdrażania z odejściem od sztywnych ram koncentracji tematycznej i z uwzględnieniem specyfiki regionów. Po piąte, podkreślamy jednocześnie konieczność zapewnienia przejrzystego, sprawiedliwego i odpowiedzialnego wykorzystywania zasobów Unii Europejskiej przy należytym zarządzaniu finansami, podkreślając rolę Europejskiego Urzędu do Spraw Zwalczania Nadużyć Finansowych i Prokuratury Europejskiej.”
“Oto 10 podstawowych tez, które w tym krótkim wystąpieniu chcę uwypuklić. Po pierwsze, polityka spójności jest głównym narzędziem Unii Europejskiej służącym inwestycjom w zrównoważony rozwój gospodarczy, społeczny i terytorialny, sprzyjającym zmniejszeniu różnic rozwojowych europejskich regionów. Po drugie, aby polityka spójności nadal odgrywała tę ważną rolę, musi mieć zapewnione po 2027 roku wystarczająco ambitne i łatwo dostępne finansowanie, co najmniej na poziomie obecnych wieloletnich ram finansowych w ujęciu realnym. Po trzecie, Parlament Europejski opowiada się za zdecentralizowanym modelem programowania i wdrażania polityki spójności, opartym na zasadzie partnerstwa i na wielopoziomowym sprawowaniu rządów. Tylko wtedy może być ona skuteczna i akceptowalna dla naszych obywateli.”
“– Și urmează următorul punct de pe ordinea de zi, care este raportul dlui Protas, „Al nouălea raport privind coeziunea economică și socială” (2024/2107(INI)) (A10-0066/2025). Ordinea de vorbitori este deschisă de domnul raportor Jacek Protas. 1-0177-0000 Jacek Protas, Sprawozdawca. – Panie Przewodniczący! Szanowni Państwo! Panie Komisarzu! Debatujemy dzisiaj nad bardzo ważnym sprawozdaniem, które po przegłosowaniu stanie się stanowiskiem Parlamentu Europejskiego na temat przyszłości polityki spójności po 2027 roku. Dokument, którego jestem sprawozdawcą, był szeroko konsultowany z organizacjami i instytucjami reprezentującymi różne środowiska oraz z Komitetem Regionów Unii Europejskiej. Odzwierciedla poglądy zdecydowanej większości grup politycznych reprezentowanych w Parlamencie Europejskim.”
“rapport om økonomisk og social samhørighed (forhandling)" \f "4"TC "22 - Neunter Bericht über den wirtschaftlichen und sozialen Zusammenhalt (Aussprache)" \f "5"TC "22 - Üheksas aruanne majandusliku ja sotsiaalse ühtekuuluvuse kohta (arutelu)" \f "6"TC "22 - 9η έκθεση για την οικονομική και κοινωνική συνοχή (συζήτηση)" \f "7"TC "22 - Ninth report on economic and social cohesion (debate)" \f "8"TC "22 - Neuvième rapport sur la cohésion économique et sociale (débat)" \f "9"TC "22 - An naoú tuarascáil ar chomhtháthú eacnamaíoch agus sóisialta (díospóireacht)" \f "A"TC "22 - Deveto izvješće o gospodarskoj i socijalnoj koheziji (rasprava)" \f "B"TC "22 - Nona relazione sulla coesione economica e sociale (discussione)" \f "C"TC "22 - Devītais ziņojums par ekonomisko un sociālo kohēziju (debates)" \f "D"TC "22 - Devintoji ekonominės ir socialinės sanglaudos ataskaita (diskusijos)" \f "E"TC "22 - A gazdasági és társadalmi kohézióról szóló 9.”
“TC "22 - Девети доклад за икономическото и социалното сближаване (разискване)" \f "1"TC "22 - Noveno informe sobre la cohesión económica y social (debate)" \f "2"TC "22 - Devátá zpráva o hospodářské a sociální soudržnosti (rozprava)" \f "3"TC "22 - 9.”
“I am happy that the Budgetary Control Committee has put forward the report which touches on those topics, clearly describes the development and successes of the bank, but also the expectations and needs of the Parliament when it comes to the needs for investment and the future role of EIB, which this House, I believe, sees as a partner, and is looking forward to cooperating with in the very long term. Allow me once again to thank you for the chance of being a rapporteur, and I would like to invite all of you voting tomorrow to support the report. 1-0174-0000 Preşedinte. – Mulțumesc, domnule raportor și vă urez succes cu acest raport. Cu această contribuție, dezbaterea este închisă. Votarea va avea loc mâine.”
“– Mr President, thank you Vice-President Fitto, Vice-President de Groot, thank you colleagues for the debate – the debate shows the high importance of the European Investment Bank, and also it shows the high level of expectation that the members in this House have of the institution, of the bank, about the role of the bank in achieving its goals and addressing risks, not only for you as such, but also for our Member States and, in the end, for our citizens and communities. I have been very grateful for many of the topics that have been put on the table during the debate: geographical balance, taking higher risks, focus on SMEs, climate adaptation, security, cybersecurity, housing, agriculture and cohesion, and, of course, many others.”
“Whether it's from the Central Bank of Luxembourg, because we have our headquarters there, whether it's from external accountants, external audit committees, I think we fulfil every obligation and every best bank banking practice around. Finally, on security and defence, we have done away with the concept of dual use, which means that today we can also invest directly in the domain of defence. Let's talk about military mobility across Europe and the big corridors. And let's also talk about the military bases we need to have more and more, especially in Central Europe. 1-0173-0000 Ondřej Knotek, rapporteur.”
“But I want to stress here that when it comes to becoming more self-sufficient in the area of energy: we have provided more than EUR 6 billion over the past years to finance the sector and trying to find the best, innovative and technologically sound way forward when it comes to the energy sector. And we have to take into account too that sometimes we will fail by taking risks. But it's part of the business of finding the best answer. Finally, Mr President, when it comes to the auditing that the European Investment Bank is undergoing, I have to say we are one of the most audited financial institutions in the European Union.”
“In the area of housing, which was also mentioned by honourable Members, we are trying to leverage the financing we are going to make available to a couple of billion euro, hopefully in a couple of years, to EUR 300 billion annually. We have three priorities in the area of housing: one – innovation, supporting innovative building technologies like modular housing to make construction faster, cheaper and easier; second – sustainability, scaling up energy efficient renovation to reduce living costs when it comes to energy prices; and three – affordability, strengthening support for public investment tailored to the specific needs of each country and piloting private investments. Now, on the issue of climate, which is also close to a bit more than half of what we are doing annually.”
“I noticed very well the remarks on small- and medium-sized enterprises, but also micro businesses, and I fully agree the access to credit for these companies, these very small companies, who are so important when it comes to the labour market inside the EU, is still an issue we really have to worry about and work on, and that's what we are doing as the EIB group. We cannot do this directly with SMEs and micro businesses in Europe. We always go through a financial intermediary, mostly European commercial banks – a very important element of our business. I listened very carefully to the remarks on agriculture, and especially young farmers receive our attention when it comes to the area of agriculture. For this year, we envisage to invest at least EUR 3 billion in this area.”
“Let me go into more detail on some of the points you have made. First, on cohesion – cohesion was the number one obligation of the European Investment Bank group when we started in 1958, and today, 48 % of our national budget is still spent on cohesion. It is in the least advantageous areas of Europe, it is in rural areas where public services are under pressure, and we will continue to work in that direction. Secondly, we are a demand-driven organisation, which implicates that we do not go out into the Member State and force upon them a loan by the European Investment Bank group. It is the other way around; people knock on our doors and we try and help as much as possible.”
“I heard during this discussion some of these points – for example, water, housing, competitiveness. I think this can be an important occasion to reinforce this cooperation in this way. The EIB Group is our natural closest partner, and we are aligned on our strategic priorities. We will continue to rely on the EIB Group to support the implementation of our agenda and adjust our support in view of new and emerging priorities when needed. I look forward to continuing our close cooperation, with the common goal of achieving greater impact inside and outside the Union. 1-0172-0000 Robert de Groot, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank. – Mr President, thank you for the words of the Vice-President of the Commission, honourable Members, thanks for your remarks and questions.”
“Mr President, first of all, I beg your forgiveness for being too loud a few minutes ago. Actually, being present in this room sometimes requires having a conversation and listening to the debate at the same time. Herr Präsident, liebe Menschen Europas! Wir haben ein Recht darauf zu wissen, was mit dem Geld der Europäischen Union passiert. Die Europäische Investitionsbank verwaltet einen wesentlichen Teil dieses Geldes. Sie nimmt wichtige Investitionen vor in Klimaschutz, in unsere Wirtschaft, in die Transformation zu einer gerechteren Gesellschaft – und sie unterstützt unsere Partner auf der ganzen Welt, wie etwa die Ukraine. Umso schockierender ist es, dass der Bundesrechnungshof der Europäischen Investitionsbank vor allen Dingen mangelnde Transparenz vorwirft.”
“Die Investitionsbank wäre jedenfalls gut beraten, wenn sie sich endlich auf die praktische Förderung von Industrie und Mittelstand konzentrieren würde. Das wäre ein richtiger Schritt. 1-0162-0000 Preşedinte. – Iau notă de faptul că ați spus „nebunia egalității de gen”. Genurile sunt egale în Uniunea Europeană. 1-0163-0000”
“45 Milliarden Euro für Förderung erneuerbarer Energien? Der Todesstoß für Industrienationen wie Deutschland. Grüne und Genossen machen die Energie für Millionen privater Haushalte teuer und treiben tausende Unternehmen in den Ruin. Weitere 21,4 Milliarden Euro für energiebezogene Projekte? Sie schaffen damit nur Mitnahmeeffekte für die Schwäger und die Nichten von schwachsinnigen Wirtschaftsministern, die sich unter dem Deckmantel des Klimaschutzes persönlich bereichern. Ein Darlehensportfolio von 7 Milliarden Euro für die Ukraine? In einem der korruptesten Länder der Welt reibt man sich fröhlich die Hände. 5,8 Milliarden Euro für die Gleichstellungspolitik von Frauen? Die irre Genderindustrie wird also auch noch bedacht – ohne erkennbaren praktischen Nutzen.”
“Zij moet hoge sociale en milieunormen hanteren voor alle projecten, strenge voorwaarden stellen aan bedrijfsleningen en nauwer samenwerken met de EU en nationale publieke financiële instellingen om de positieve impact van overheidsinstellingen te maximaliseren. 1-0161-0000 Arno Bausemer, im Namen der ESN-Fraktion. – Herr Präsident, meine sehr verehrten Damen und Herren! Die Europäische Investitionsbank hat laut dem vorliegenden Bericht die Hauptaufgabe, das Potenzial Europas für die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen und Wirtschaftswachstum zu stärken. So weit, so gut. Aber dann sollte man doch die vorhandenen Gelder auch sinnvoll einsetzen. Stattdessen wird das Geld der Steuerzahler mit voller ideologischer Wucht verbrannt. Sie von den Linksextremen reden doch immer gerne von Brandmauern. Wir brauchen eine Brandmauer gegen Geldverbrennung.”
“Tussen 2020 en 2023 ontvingen zeven zakelijke EIB-klanten – Iberdrola, Stellantis, Intesa San Paolo, Leonardo, Orange, Nordfolk en Gavi (the Vaccine) Alliance – meer dan 11 miljard EUR aan EIB-leningen. In dezelfde periode boekten deze bedrijven samen 100 miljard EUR winst, keerden zij 38,7 miljard EUR aan dividend uit, besteedden zij €11,9 miljard EUR aan aandeleninkoop en betaalden zij hun CEO's maar liefst meer dan 146 miljoen EUR. Sommige van deze bedrijven liggen bovendien onder vuur vanwege betrokkenheid bij sociale onregelmatigheden en milieumisstanden, corruptie en het leveren van wapens aan landen die het internationale recht schenden. Dit moet veranderen. De EIB moet prioriteit geven aan publieke partnerschappen en onze publieke diensten financieren.”
“Există blocaje administrative și de capacitate și parteneriatele public-private sunt prea puțin folosite și ar trebui să fie o prioritate pentru viitor. În final, salut cooperarea cu OLAF și Parchetul European. Cred că este un pas esențial pentru întărirea transparenței și a încrederii cetățenilor. 1-0160-0000 Rudi Kennes, namens de The Left-Fractie. – Voorzitter, de Europese Investeringsbank (EIB) werkt op basis van een non-profitmandaat, met als doel projecten te financieren die ten goede komen aan gewone mensen in de Europese Unie en daarbuiten. In werkelijkheid heeft de EIB echter vooral bijgedragen aan het verhogen van bedrijfswinsten met belastinggeld. Miljarden euro's aan overheidsleningen zijn toegekend aan zeer winstgevende bedrijven die hun projecten perfect zonder overheidssubsidies hadden kunnen financieren.”
“Dar tocmai pentru că știm ce rol esențial are, avem datoria să spunem și acolo unde lucrurile nu merg bine. Am evaluat din partea grupului politic Renew activitatea băncii în 2023. Doar un sfert, doar un sfert din finanțările BEI au mers către regiunile mai puțin dezvoltate din Uniunea Europeană în 2023. Este un procent care ar trebui să ne îngrijoreze, dacă ne pasă cu adevărat de reducerea inegalităților între Est și Vest, între centrul și periferia Uniunii. România este un exemplu elocvent. Este o țară cu nevoi uriașe în infrastructură, digitalizare, sănătate, tranziție energetică, dar cu o prezență relativ modestă în portofoliul BEI. Este clar că trebuie să înțelegem ce nu funcționează, și ce nu funcționează este colaborarea cu autoritățile naționale și locale.”
“În virtutea acestui raționament, prin amendamentele pe care le-am susținut, am cerut ca Fondul European de Investiții să fie orientat clar către creșterea competitivității, a rezilienței și a dezvoltării economice. Cerințele privind obiectivele climatice nu trebuie să devină scopuri în sine și nici să afecteze competitivitatea. Împreună cu colegii deputați din Grupul ECR, voi continua să urmăresc cu atenție modul în care Banca Europeană de Investiții gestionează fondurile și să mă asigur că deciziile financiare sunt luate în interesul tuturor cetățenilor europeni. 1-0159-0000 Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, în numele grupului Renew. – Domnule președinte, apreciez rolul Băncii Europene de Investiții în arhitectura instituțională a Uniunii Europene. Este o instituție cheie pentru coeziune, dezvoltare durabilă, tranziție verde.”
“– Domnule președinte, stimate domnule Fitto, stimați colegi, în calitate de raportor al ECR pentru dosarul cu privire la activitatea anuală a Băncii Europene de Investiții, mi-am asumat un rol activ în protejarea intereselor financiare ale Uniunii Europene. Fondurile publice ale Uniunii Europene trebuie să fie utilizate eficient și transparent, fără a risipi vreo resursă. De aceea, am cerut ca evaluările de impact să fie riguroase și să garanteze că fiecare euro cheltuit aduce beneficii concrete cetățenilor europeni, în special în contextul crizelor economice și sociale cu care ne confruntăm. Consider că este esențial ca alocarea banilor europeni să se facă pe baza unor principii raționale și nu pe fundamente ideologice care pot pune în pericol stabilitatea economică a Uniunii.”
“De asemenea, mi-aș dori să flexibilizați, și mai multă transparență, să eliminăm aceste bariere în calea celor care ar dori să investească, să aibă credite. De asemenea, în mediul rural, foarte puțini din mediul rural pot să aibă acces la credite. Poate vă gândiți la alte mecanisme. Femeile care conduc afaceri, de asemenea, am pus amendament, îmi doresc să aibă mai mult acces, și poate la următorul raport ne aduceți, așa întreg, procentele de creștere la investițiile, la creditele acordate IMM-urilor, femeilor, apoi în domeniul sanitar. Și avem o mare problemă cu locuințele. S-a mai spus aici: este o criză de locuințe, în special la tineri și aici trebuie să ne gândim cum putem să facem prin Banca Europeană de Investiții să acordăm credite tinerilor pentru a avea locuințe. 1-0158-0000 Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, în numele grupului ECR.”
“A Tisztelt Ház előtt lévő jelentés ezt teszi, ezért remélem, hogy széles körű támogatásra talál a holnapi szavazáson. 1-0157-0000 Maria Grapini, în numele grupului S&D. – Domnule președinte, domnule comisar, domnule vicepreședinte, sunt raportor din partea grupului meu la acest raport și, așa cum am spus și la audierea în comisie, apreciez activitatea Băncii Europene de Investiții. Vin din mediul privat, știu procedurile de lucru în bănci, știu că nu își asumă de multe ori riscuri, vor să fie acoperiți. Ce mi-aș dori, domnule vicepreședinte, este ca în viitor, din acele multe zeci de miliarde pe care ați spus că le-ați investit, să crească procentul investițiilor și creditelor acordate întreprinderilor mici și mijlocii. Am spus asta și în dezbaterea din comisie.”