Speeches

Mr President, thank you, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen colleagues, for 500 years, Europe has not experienced such a drought as today, which has generated fires, affected the energy sector, but above all the agricultural sector. Drought, rising energy prices, rising fertiliser prices, the uncontrolled presence of large quantities of grain from Ukraine in EU countries, sold at unbelievably low prices, are putting pressure on the agricultural sector. Farmers in Europe are forced to close their farms due to costly prices, and those in the livestock sector are forced to take their animals to the slaughterhouse due to the lack of fodder destroyed by the drought. Fighting droughts requires investment in technologies that enable sustainable water management, and that requires European money, Commissioner. And remember one more thing, Commissioner: without new money in agriculture and without serious investments in irrigation systems, we will face this phenomenon again in the coming years, risking to have a food crisis that will manifest itself not only in the lack of food, but also in the fact that they will become inaccessible in terms of price.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen colleagues, global food security is at risk, and the war in Ukraine has put another thorny issue on the table: the transport of cereals. At the same time, we must ensure that cereals are transited to their final destinations. Remaining uncontrolled within the European Union is likely to put pressure on European farmers who are already in a position to sell their production well below cost prices. Romania understands the importance of grain transit and is making major efforts in this regard. It has increased transit capacities, simplified procedures, created special lanes and opened new border posts. However, these efforts must be made together, with the help of other countries and with direct support from the European Commission. More train cars, trucks and, of course, ships are needed. Commissioner, I have asked for all these things, but so far I have received nothing. In other words, concrete actions are needed, not empty words or sterile empathies. Global problems need global action, and combating global hunger must be our major goal in the future.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen colleagues, we are all aware of the importance of this legislative package. The European Union's climate policies will undergo major changes in the coming period. However, these transformations must take into account the current geopolitical reality and the reality in each country. The war in Ukraine and the pandemic have shown us how vulnerable we are to various challenges. I would like to draw attention to the need to create mechanisms that enable the frontline sectors, agriculture or transport, or the forestry sector, to receive adequate funding, in order to achieve their objectives, but also to preserve jobs. Commissioner Timmermans, we cannot ask for more to be done with less money. Let's make this very clear. We know that agriculture and forestry play an important role in carbon management and absorption. At the same time, production capacity must not be diminished at European level, and food security – and I emphasise this – must be ensured not only at European Union level, as is sometimes falsely said by the European Commission, but also at global level. Last but not least, I stress again, the ambitions assumed must not be detached from the realities of today, if we want to be serious and credible in front of the public opinion.

Madam President, Jean Monet said, "We are not uniting states, we are uniting people". The Conference on the Future of Europe demonstrated that the European Union is made up of people who share the same values. The debate has received a clear perspective from the experiences of the past decades. Unfortunately, the public's perception of leadership Europe has not always been the best, and this was not due to European policies, but to the fact that we have not been able to communicate with them, with Brexit being the best example of this. The debate on the necessary reforms has been consistent. Beyond these debates, however, we have strong concerns about what it means to have access to an effective health system that increases the life expectancy of European citizens or to education, which can be defined as immediate priorities for them: combating climate change using resources efficiently and taking into account the specificities of each country or access to quality and affordable food are also strong concerns of citizens. However, the realities around us have changed since the beginning of the debate until today. We are all witnessing Russian aggression, and Europe is experiencing the greatest challenge to security and peace since the end of World War II. At the same time, our citizens need security guarantees that can only be provided by a strong Europe. This conference has shown that tomorrow's Europe has a future. Across Europe, citizens have made their voices heard on how to make the European Union a better place for all. Our major objective is to strengthen a Europe of values where no one is left behind. This is in the hands of all of us, and the Conference on the Future of Europe has shown us the way forward. Beyond any dispute, dear colleagues, do not forget to love Europe every day.

First of all, congratulations to the rapporteur and all colleagues involved in this file! Undoubtedly, the health of citizens is subsumed by the consumption of organic food. I appreciate, in this context, the European Commission's efforts to promote healthy food consumption through its policies. At the same time, we must be aware that production in the BIO system is much more difficult to achieve compared to production in the conventional system. Thus, farmers must be well paid for these efforts in a way that contributes to their well-being and provides them with a decent living. At the same time, Member States must ensure mechanisms that have the capacity to absorb all organic production when the free market fails to do so in a timely manner, as the perishability of organic products is known. The European Union must increase organic production, but at the same time it must not forget that its mission is to mitigate the effects of the war and the Covid pandemic and to ensure food security not only at European level, but also at global level. In conclusion, today's realities force us to rethink the action plan in the future! The war in Ukraine will affect food security. Let us not be naive, dear colleagues, and let us be aware of this. Prices of many foods have already risen considerably. We, political decision-makers, have today the responsibility to do everything necessary to ensure that citizens have access to quality and, above all, affordable food!

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen colleagues, free movement is one of the fundamental values of the European Union, and the Schengen area is a historic achievement, an expression of the unity and cooperation of the Member States. The size of this value was highlighted during the Covid pandemic, when most states imposed severe internal border controls, limiting free movement. The existence of a mechanism for verifying and monitoring the implementation of the Schengen acquis is absolutely indispensable, as well as its adaptation to the new realities, and in this context, I congratulate the rapporteur on her work. Yes, because we are talking about responsibility for the Schengen area. We must admit that, unfortunately, there is today a double measure in terms of the Schengen area, in that Romania and Bulgaria are kept outside this area. Since 2011, Romania has been recognized to meet all the criteria for accession, being an important provider of stability and security, by defending the external borders of the European Union and by maintaining security in the wider Black Sea region. Today, in times of war, at the borders of the European Union, the Romanian authorities have once again demonstrated their ability to manage the thousands of refugees on a daily basis, preserving the sustainability of the European Union. That is why I appreciate that keeping Romania outside the Schengen area is deeply immoral and unfair, and its accession appears as a necessity and must take place immediately.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, colleagues, climate change is a reality that cannot be challenged in any way, and the sustainability of economic sectors can be affected in the medium and long term. In this context, we must all become actors involved in combating these climate changes, which influence our quality of daily life. The European Union has shown that it can and must be a global leader in this endeavour. The European objectives assumed so far are ambitious, whether we are talking about preserving biodiversity, protecting forests, or sustainable land use. But today, on the borders of the European Union, in Ukraine, there is a war going on which, in my opinion, forces us, and I emphasise this, forces us to adapt to new realities that cannot be ignored. European leaders have already expressed their support for a responsible and forward-looking energy policy that is decisive not only for our economy, but also for our environment and our security. Reducing dependence on Russian gas can only be achieved through the development of renewable sources. The European Union, now more than ever, must take immediate and concrete action to mitigate the side effects, both of climate change and of war, because the conflict, beyond humanitarian problems, is creating market turmoil, from energy to maritime transport, but above all to agriculture, and I stress again, above all to agriculture. I draw attention to the fact that the agricultural sector at European level is already facing major challenges arising from the pandemic, rising fertiliser and energy prices, and its capacity and resilience is being seriously affected, putting food security at risk. I call on the European Commission, in this extremely complicated context, to adapt the current climate objectives so that food security, not only at European Union level, but at global level, is guaranteed for the future.

Madam President, thank you, tonight I have chosen to talk about a topic that dominates the front pages of newspapers around the world and negatively affects the lives of all citizens. The energy crisis in Europe forced fertiliser factories to reduce production and inevitably led to higher prices. As a result of this, we have very high costs for the establishment of agricultural crops, which leads farmers to the inability to carry out their activity. Rising energy prices are driving up prices throughout the supply chain, directly affecting not only farmers but also consumers. In this context, I would point out that in the future there may be a severe food crisis and an unimaginable rise in food prices. The European Union, in collaboration with the Member States, must come up with solutions and financial support for farmers. They must be able to continue their work and retain their ability to produce food at affordable prices for consumers.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we are today at the end of a long and arduous journey. For 16 months we debated and investigated a thorny issue that was troubling civil society, namely the welfare conditions of live animals during transport. I would like to thank my colleague Isabel Carvalhais for her excellent collaboration in this endeavour, and I would also like to thank all of you who have been part of this extremely important debate. We have heard multiple opinions, from experts, veterinarians, representatives of national, European authorities, but also from farmers or NGOs extremely concerned about this topic. Dear colleagues, we are starting from a reality that cannot be challenged. The livestock sector contributes substantially to the European Union's economy, generating €168 billion annually today and creating jobs for almost 30 million European citizens. The work of our committee has been followed by millions of citizens, but especially by farmers across the European Union, who are extremely concerned about their future. We are already witnessing a massive depopulation of the countryside and in this context, here in the European Parliament, we must come up with solutions and not with additional burdens for farmers. That is why I believe that limiting the transport of live animals cannot be accepted, because it is on this activity that the life and very existence of millions of people who need opportunities and not prohibitions depends. Moreover, we need to consider food security in the medium and long term, both inside and outside the European Union. In this tumultuous context, I would stress the need to apply European legislation. We have all witnessed the many instances where Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 has not been applied by Member States. I would like to point out, Commissioner, that whatever legislation exists at European level, if it is not correctly implemented by the Member States, we will never have the desired effects in this area. There have clearly been cases in Europe where animal welfare conditions during transport have not been respected. But dear colleagues, let's be serious and not generalize them. I agree, we need to come up with changes, change what needs to be changed, change what doesn't work, but that doesn't mean we need to cross and bury this sector. Finding the right solutions, which would protect both the interests of farmers and guarantee the welfare conditions of live animals during transport, was not an easy task for the members of the ANIT Committee, but it was our duty, as direct representatives of European citizens, to find consensus and compromise that would leave no one behind and I say that we have succeeded in doing so. The text of the recommendations, as voted in the ANIT Committee, and I underline, as voted in it, the ANIT Committee, provides the necessary guarantees to raise animal welfare standards during transport, but at the same time ensures its continuation both in the European Union and in third countries. The much-desired shift to an export of carcasses must undoubtedly be envisaged in the near future. But at the same time, I emphasise this, Member States are also obliged to develop slaughter networks to enable this. As I have said many times before, not even Germany has such a well-established slaughter network, let alone other Member States of the European Union. That is why, dear colleagues, any decision taken needs implementation time, transition periods must be created to facilitate change and, of course, there is a need for European funds to be used in this direction. At the same time, distinguished colleagues, transport to third countries must be understood as absolutely necessary in the future. I know this is a sensitive topic for many of you, but you must understand that these third countries only want live animals with well-defined biological characteristics, which are reared in some regions of Europe, and farmers in this part of Europe depend on these animal exports. Unquestionably, however, animal welfare during transport is not a negotiable element, it must be respected and applied regardless of the duration of the transport, the distances travelled and the final destination. The European Commission must come up with concrete proposals that correctly capture the realities on the ground, so that all parties involved are satisfied. And in the end, dear colleagues, all that matters is the judgment that we will each receive from citizens and farmers whose interests we are supposed to protect.

Mr President, congratulations to all those involved in the process of adopting the common agricultural policy. We are at the end of complicated debates, but at the same time at the beginning of a long road to implement a policy that will influence the lives of farmers in the coming years. The CAP will enable European farmers to develop and modernise their farms, provide them with a better life and a safer future for their children and families, and provide real support in their efforts to preserve the vitality of the countryside. Regardless of the weather, rain, heat, frost or blizzard, farmers have been and will continue to be the soldiers at the forefront of the battle to ensure food security, combat climate change and be a decisive factor in preserving biodiversity. Although often affected by unfair competition, due to policies insufficiently anchored in the realities on the ground, they have provided all of us with quality and affordable food, and we need to make sure that we keep this capacity for them in the future. CAP money is just an advance paid to farmers for the food that the more than 500 million European citizens enjoy every day. Member States are thus responsible for drawing up national strategic plans that focus on farmers, cut red tape and guarantee the sustainability of farms, and the European Commission must pursue the implementation of this policy in every corner of the European Union, as it guarantees a better life for each of you.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen colleagues, climate change is a reality that cannot be challenged. All of humanity is facing severe weather events, whether floods, fires or drought. All of our lives and possessions are in danger. Today, we are also facing an energy resource crisis, which in turn affects the population of the European Union. All these things are a consequence of the negligence of political leaders, who, over time, have ignored the signals received in this regard. It is not an easy task for all of us today to take concrete steps in this direction, and the Glasgow Conference is a new stage in this endeavour. From the outset, however, I would like to stress the need, before any decision is taken, to have impact studies that make an assessment of what those decisions mean, so that we do not affect the economic sectors. Recovery and resilience plans are a good opportunity to finance these actions and Member States need to ensure that these resources are used efficiently. The agricultural sector must be seen as a serious partner in the battle against climate change. Efforts, however, need to be made globally, and not just regionally. Or, more precisely, it is useless to impose environmental conditions on farmers in the European Union, since, elsewhere in the world, from where we import food, things have gotten out of control. If we want to truly succeed in this area and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, then we must be serious with each other, no matter where in the world we are.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, a farmer who left IT ten years ago to do farming said last week: I have decided to stop the modernisation and development of my farm because I do not know what to expect from those living in their bubble in Brussels and we will continue our daily lives as we can. Here we are, Commissioner, about what farmers' perception of what we are discussing in the European Parliament and the European Commission means. Green Deal and Farm to Fork are a concept that rightly troubles the agricultural sector. He wonders if he will be able to survive the targets imposed in achieving the climate goals, which are also important, without question. But today we need to send a clear message: that we are responsible and that we will make sure that farmers will keep their sustainability even further, that they will be able to produce quality food - and I stress here - at affordable prices for the consumer. Any failure in this direction will make us dependent on imports of poor quality food from third countries, and climate change will continue to affect us in our daily lives. In this context, I expressly call for impact assessments to be carried out before any decision is taken with regard to the agricultural sector.

Mr. President, thank you. "No one should be left behind" is the principle behind our actions. However, we note that the current COVID-19 crisis has had catastrophic effects for the European economy, affecting the living standards of citizens, especially the most vulnerable. The labour market has been strongly impacted, with the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion increasing dramatically. Growing social inequalities have deepened, particularly affecting low-wage employees, but also low-income families. Unemployment has risen alarmingly among EU citizens and millions of Europeans are unable to secure their daily shopping cart or are unable to pay for their utilities. In Eastern Europe, 25 million children were unable to benefit from education due to a lack of access to equipment and technology. Unfortunately, the alarming number of children who did not have access to distance learning will lead to poor vocational training, with a devastating impact on the quality of the workforce in the future and, ultimately, a negative impact on the economies of all EU countries. Today, therefore, we must move from the logic of speech to the logic of facts. The financial resources made available to the Member States by the European Commission must be used wisely. At the same time, we must remember one thing very clearly: creating new, well-paid jobs and strengthening existing ones is the best form of social protection. The European Commission must ensure that European funds to the Member States, whether we are talking about the recovery and resilience plan or the multiannual financial framework, are used to combat social exclusion, poverty and this requires, as I have said before, well-paid jobs in every region of the European Union. And so I ask you, Commissioner, how will the European Commission ensure that this is effectively implemented in every Member State of the European Union?

Madam President, the importance of the agricultural sector lies in a reality that cannot be ignored. According to FAO, by 2050, the world's population will be 10 billion, which means a population increase of 2 billion. At the same time, data shows that currently, globally, 33 million people cannot afford a hot meal every two days. Demand for food will increase in the future, and the soil, which is a scarce resource, will have to provide on that area, or sometimes even less, higher production. The agricultural sector is complicated and, I would say, not very manageable. Agricultural production is mostly dependent on weather and climate conditions and is therefore one of the most vulnerable sectors. In this context, the biggest challenge will be for the agricultural sector in the European Union and worldwide to adapt to climate change, which requires the adoption of practices with minimal environmental impact. Farmers around the world will face a double challenge: firstly, to achieve high yields, and secondly, to protect nature and biodiversity, objectives that can only be achieved through the deployment of innovative technologies. At the same time, we must be aware of the difficulties that small and medium-sized farmers face in developing sustainable farms or structures. Their importance is overwhelming in the agricultural ecosystem and in what it means to fight hunger, but without the implementation of modern, applied and advanced technologies that allow high-quality production, these farms will not be able to survive. However, we must start from another undeniable reality, namely that investing in these technologies is expensive. Today, many farmers, especially small and medium-sized ones, cannot afford their purchase, which makes it necessary to associate in agriculture to develop sustainable farming systems, and the Member States and the European Commission must financially incentivise this. The European Union must become a global food supplier in order to effectively combat global hunger.