Nina Carberry
Member of the European Parliament · PPE · IE
“Madam President, Commissioner, the common fisheries policy has failed to deliver, and while there is no silver bullet, CFP reform must address the following. One, levelling the playing field post-Brexit. Two, protecting the Hague preferences. It cannot continue to become an annual bargaining chip.”
“Madam President, Taoiseach, Ireland's EU Presidency will not be judged in this debating Chamber. It will not be judged in negotiating rooms in Brussels, Strasbourg or Dublin, nor will it happen in weeks or months after it comes to an end. But it will happen around kitchen tables. It will happen at farmyard gates and in school classrooms.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Uachtaráin. 'Ní neart go cur le chéile.' Ní mór don phrionsabal sin Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar an Aontas Eorpach a threorú. Tá deis ag Éirinn an t-iomaíochas agus an trádáil a neartú.”
“Madam President, Commissioner, this plan will be judged by one test. Will it lower fertiliser costs and secure availability for farmers? The geopolitical crisis in the Middle East has put our gas and fertiliser dependence into the spotlight once again.”
“Mr President, High Representative, in a time of geopolitical instability, rising humanitarian crisis and growing pressure on aid budgets, defending multilateralism has never been more urgent. Seventy years ago, Ireland joined the UN, an institution at the heart of our foreign policy and our commitment to peace and international law.”
“In that spirit, I welcome this Parliament's call to ring‑fence at least EUR 25 billion for humanitarian aid in the next seven‑year EU budget, and that should include dedicated funding for the UN.”
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Every one of 129 lines we hold for Nina Carberry, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 3.
“Madam President, thank you to the rapporteur for his great work on this file. The directive on combating child sexual abuse is a welcome move in shielding our children in both online and offline spheres. As we know, the internet has shaped our world in so many positive way, but it has also opened up terrifying avenues for our children. I want to use my time to focus on two key risks: one, how easy it is for minors to gain access to explicit content online; and two, the current ease for abusers to hide behind fake profiles. It's troubling to see how easily children can bypass age checks online. A click of a checkbox with false date of birth and suddenly they have access to harmful content. The Commission must bring forward robust and mandatory age and identity verification checks to combat this.”
“The EU now needs to follow up on its Union of Skills initiative with concrete actions, creating lasting opportunities for young, skilled workers. This is not a task that one region, one sector or one government can tackle alone. It's a shared challenge. 1-0233-0000”
“Mr President, addressing the skills gap in Europe has rightly been identified as a core priority of this Commission, and so we should not be surprised to learn that a new report in Ireland has found that there is urgent need to take action in the advanced manufacturing sector. The sector has now faced threats that will impact innovation, competitiveness and economic growth on both sides of the border. The 2025 Future Skills Report, compiled on behalf of Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, showed that the engagement in the sector remains low among younger people, and especially women. If we are to compete on a global scale, we must break the barriers contributing to the skills gap in Europe.”
“So as we look towards 2040, I urge the Commission to ensure that cohesion and rural development funds can be used flexibly to address these gaps. 1-0195-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, thank you, and thank you to the rapporteur for his work on this report. Cohesion funding creates jobs, boosts enterprise and makes rural Ireland a more attractive place to live. And identifying regional growth centres like Sligo in the north-west of Ireland is one way of rebalancing population growth away from many commuter counties such as Meath, Kildare, Laois and Louth, which sit at crossroads between rural and urban life. These are fast-growing areas under significant pressure, experiencing rapid population growth but without matching investment. These areas can fall into a policy blind spot – too urban to qualify for traditional rural funding and too rural to benefit from urban‑focused infrastructure plans.”
“Madam President, over 50 000 men, women and children have been killed in Gaza. And just today, I heard directly from the Director of UNWRA, who made clear that tens of thousands more face starvation. Israel must be forced to change course. Military operations must stop immediately. The aid blockade must be fully lifted. I welcome yesterday's decision by EU foreign ministers to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement – a step Ireland and Spain first called for in February 2024. But this review must now move forward urgently with clear outcomes. Trade with Israel should be suspended. We cannot stay silent in the face of such suffering and the ongoing breach of international humanitarian law. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unrestricted humanitarian access now! 1-0123-0000”
“Finally, we must show solidarity across borders and maintain strong support for humanitarian aid in the face of global instability. Let's build a budget that meets Europe's ambition. 2-0232-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, as we look ahead to the next EU budget, one thing is clear: Europe needs a smart results-driven MFF focused on the future. We must invest where it counts, in economic growth, agriculture, job creation and competitiveness. Our budget must be predictable for long-term planning, yet flexible enough to respond to crisis. A competitive Europe begins with a competitive farming and agri-food sector. Farming is not just an industry. It is the backbone of our rural communities. We also need bold investment in research, innovation and education. I welcome the report's strong backing for Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, essential tools for building a skilled, future-ready workforce. Let's not overlook preventative health care and access to sport. A strong agri-food sector leads to a healthier, more active population.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, the EU and the US economic relationship is built on decades of cooperation and mutual success. However, when our industries, farmers and SMEs face unfair trade measures, Europe must respond. We are strongest when united. Acting together, we send a clear signal that we will not be divided or weakened by economic pressure. Our response must be twofold. We must look towards our own internal market. Europe must prioritise becoming more competitive, resilient and decisive. That means investing in innovation, cutting red tape and creating a genuine market for capital. And we must also look to new horizons, by securing new but fair trade agreements that open doors for our consumers and businesses. We have already proven that a united voice, a united Europe is the only way forward. 2-0090-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, as we navigate heightened security threats, we must recognise that a robust and resilient TEN-T network is not just an economic necessity, it is the pillar of European security. Our roads, ports, air transport links and railways sustain the EU internal market. But infrastructure is increasingly becoming a geopolitical target. From Russian shadow fleets in the Baltic and North Seas to foreign interference in Irish borders, the risks are real. With over 75 % of transatlantic data flows passing through or near Ireland, protecting these cables is not just an Irish concern, it's a European one. I welcome ongoing EU and Irish efforts to enhance maritime surveillance, expanding, monitoring and strengthening cooperation. A resilient and interconnected Europe is essential for both our prosperity and security.”
“This cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. So the oceans pact must deliver for both our marine ecosystems and the communities who depend on them. 3-0266-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, the EU oceans pact has the potential to transform our seas, coastal communities and the blue economy. The well-being of Ireland's coastal regions and fishing communities depends on the health of our marine environment. But this pact must also be a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change. As Vice-Chair of the SEARICA Intergroup with a focus on ports, I see the pivotal role ports play in Europe's transport and energy networks. Irish ports such as Galway, Drogheda, Killybegs and Sligo are not just gateways; they are strategic assets. They will be central to both our fishing industry and unlocking offshore renewable energy. The pact must fully reflect this strategic role. But to be truly effective, the pact must also address unsustainable fishing by non-EU vessels in our waters.”
“Mr President, Commissioner, firstly, congratulations to the rapporteur Mr Halicki on a well‑crafted, forward‑looking report. The 2026 budget will be a vital tool to strengthen Europe's agriculture, fisheries, research and education sectors. But it must also rise to the challenge of new and fast‑evolving priorities. To boost its competitiveness, Europe must innovate more and faster. That means greater financial backing for SMEs, simplifying their reporting obligations and lowering barriers to the single market, our greatest asset. I also welcome the clear focus on fighting disinformation, promoting gender equality and investing in healthcare and humanitarian aid. Let's make sure the 2026 budget delivers for all Europeans. 1-0077-0000”
“Mr President, 100 days ago the Commissioner was set the task of crafting a new and bold vision for the future of farming in Europe. To your credit, Commissioner, you have delivered a realistic roadmap that is unafraid to tackle the challenges faced by farmers – a vision that supports local production, prioritises generational renewal and paves the way for fair prices. As you know, this vision is only the first step, and we as MEPs have to work with you and to support you to turn this vision into real change. That means ensuring that the policies set in motion are backed by the necessary funding in the next common agricultural policy. Farmers have been promised change time and time again, and we now have your roadmap and it's time for us all to move beyond talk: it's time for real, concrete action. 4-0078-0000”
“But when imports fail, we must meet standards, and we must react swiftly to protect businesses, farmers and consumers alike. So 30 years after the single market was born, it's time to finish what we started. 3-0496-0000 SĒDI VADA: ROBERTS ZĪLE Priekšsēdētāja vietnieks 3-0497-0000”
“Mr President, the European single market has been the foundation of our economic success, connecting 450 million consumers across 27 countries. But let's be honest: it's not yet finished. And by leaving it unfinished, we are letting down European consumers and businesses alike. The biggest gap is services: 70 % of the EU economy. Yet complex regulations and red tape make it tough for companies, especially SMEs, to expand across borders. Then there's the Capital Markets Union. We currently rely too much on banks for funding. We need to let savings and investments flow more freely across Europe. And let's not forget digital and energy markets – still fragmented. The solution for this? Simplified EU‑wide rules. And the only final point: European consumers also expect safe and traceable products, particularly in agri‑food goods.”
“And so I urge the Commission to use this roadmap as a foundation for the post-2025 Gender Equality Strategy, while also ensuring the full and timely implementation of the Directive on gender-based violence. Words are not enough. Action is needed now! 2-0233-0000”
“Mr President, Commissioner, I want to start by welcoming the new Roadmap for Women's Rights. Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the EU, and this roadmap is a crucial step forward. However, we must ensure it leads to real change. In these times of geopolitical uncertainty, we cannot afford to backslide on gender equality. Across Europe, we are seeing growing threats to these rights, from severe underfunding of critical support services for women to gaps in legal frameworks addressing gender-based violence. An excellent example of progress, however, is the Zero Tolerance Meath pilot project in Ireland, led by Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services, to tackle domestic sexual and gender-based violence.”
“With clear climate targets for 2030 and beyond, the fundamental course of direction is not changing and so regulatory adjustments must reinforce, not weaken our green objectives. In this context, I have two questions for the Commission. Firstly, will the upcoming agricultural simplification be as ambitious as those in the first Omnibus proposal and can you provide more detail here, please? Secondly, in the context of the EU-UK reset, could you clarify how simplifications within the CBAM may affect alignment with the UK's ETS? 1-0142-0000”
“Madam President, Commissioner, over 60 % of EU companies today identify excessive regulation as a significant barrier to investment and 55 % of SMEs cite regulatory and administrative burdens as their main challenge. In the current EU political climate, marked by concerns over tariffs, trade tensions and the spectre of Donald Trump, simplification in EU rules have never been more crucial. The Commissioner's latest simplification package could save our companies EUR 6.3 billion in administrative costs. However, as we streamline, we must maintain regulatory certainty and clarity. I welcome proposals to revise the scope of the CSRD, reducing heavy burdens on SMEs and enabling them to prioritise innovation. Yet, simplification cannot compromise our climate commitments.”
“Irish farmers are proud of their product and are committed to upholding high standards, but also expect to be on a level playing field with their competition. 4-0100-0000”
“Mr President, free and open trade is crucial for both Ireland and Europe, but I want to again raise my concerns on the Mercosur trade agreement around traceability and the need for a level playing field for our farmers and food producers. A recent Eurobarometer survey highlights the fact that 88 % of Europeans agree that agricultural imports of any origin should only enter the EU if their production has complied with EU environmental, animal welfare and labour standards. This shows that Europeans, as consumers, value the work we do here to protect high standards, and ensure traceability and sustainability. One of the greatest strengths of the European Union is its high standards in traceability and food security. We have a duty to ensure that all products coming into the EU meet these standards.”
“Madam President, to strengthen our economy we must start with smarter regulation. With much global uncertainty, completing and fully leveraging our single market – the largest in the world – must follow suit. Removing barriers will strengthen resilience, attract investment, and create jobs. A Union of Skills will be central to this effort. Prioritising lifelong learning, STEM education and upskilling is essential to driving growth and innovation. But ambition requires action – real financing to transform plans into reality. And simplification must go beyond business. I welcome the Commission's commitment to bring forward a substantial simplification package for farmers. We must align this to the next Common Agricultural Policy to ensure that, as spending demands rise, food security remains a cornerstone of EU policy.”
“Madam President, Europe stands at a pivotal moment in relation to skills. Our labour market is undergoing significant change, driven by technology, the green transition and changing economic demands. Without investing in skills, we risk falling behind on the global stage. As our industries and businesses are crying out for workers with the right expertise, further education and training is more crucial than ever. Apprenticeships help develop the entrepreneurial skills employers seek, and vocational training and education equip workers to thrive in evolving industries. By 2030, 90 % of jobs will require digital skills. But as pointed out by Draghi, 37 % of Europeans in the workforce lack even the basic digital knowledge. The Union of Skills must be more than just an EU initiative. We need significant investment. The time for action is now.”
“Future health programmes must prioritise dementia with dedicated funding, and a European dementia action plan should coordinate efforts for timely diagnosis, innovative care solutions and improved working conditions. These measures will plan for a healthier Europe and navigate the challenges of democratic transition. 3-0247-0000”
“Mr President, Europe is ageing rapidly, and by 2014, nearly 1 in 3 people will be over 65, and more than 1 in 10, over 80, driving the demand for long‑term care services, especially for conditions like dementia. We know age is the key driver to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In 2020, approximately 7 million people in the EU had dementia – a number projected to double by 2050. Yet today, nearly half of older Europeans with severe care needs lack adequate support due to unaffordable and inaccessible services. We must create a more supportive care system to relieve the stress on informal care and reduce the burden on families.”
“Do you think it's normal to have someone making some interference, disinformation and supporting having abnormal words against the Prime Minister of Great Britain and making all this disinformation, who would be a candidate for a Nobel Prize? 2-0131-0000 Nina Carberry (PPE), blue-card answer. – Thank you for your question, but what I'm trying to say is I think we should really, really put pressure on the platforms to make sure there's verification identity, and I think this would solve a lot of problems. 2-0132-0000”
“The time for decisive action is now. (The speaker agreed to take a blue-card question) 2-0129-0000 Yvan Verougstraete (Renew), question «carton bleu». – Madame, je vous rejoins largement sur vos constats. Mais, comme vous et comme l’ensemble du Parlement européen ici, nous avons reçu la semaine passée… Last week you received an email, like everybody here in this hemicycle, asking for Elon Musk to be a Nobel Prize candidate, coming from the EPP. My question is, how is it feasible or what is your opinion in regard to this demand? Is it normal for the EPP, or for the group? Do you support that initiative?”
“Madam President, Commissioner, we are at a critical moment when it comes to both protecting our democracies and citizens in the digital age. Many social media platforms, which once served as tools for connection, are increasingly becoming hubs for disinformation, exploitation and harm. This isn't just about protecting democracy. Anonymity is being weaponised in other ways. Catfishing, where predators create false identities online, devastates lives, exploiting vulnerable individuals, including children. The Digital Services Act is a bold start, but we must go further as this is not about eroding the right of having anonymity. It is about ensuring platforms can verify real users to deter fake accounts used for harm, protect children and vulnerable individuals, and build a digital environment of trust and accountability.”