Speeches

Mr President, getting your driver's license is a real milestone. But behind that pink card is quite a lot of regulation, and the revision of this driving licence directive should reduce that regulatory burden. That is why it is good that driving in a car or truck becomes possible from the age of seventeen, with or without a companion. This can significantly reduce our driver shortages. It should also be possible to drive an electric van up to 4 250 kilograms without having to invest in a very expensive C-driver's license. But in this directive, let us take an incredibly critical look at the mandatory medical examination. Let's not do that with every renewal of an application, because this will put such pressure on our care. Leave it to the Member States themselves. Look specifically at the medical conditions of each driver. That is necessary and as far as I am concerned, we are going on the road safely, sustainably and future-proof with that pink card.

Mr President, Commissioner, for 500 days we have been dealing with extreme Russian aggression in Ukraine, in our European backyard. And we have to arm ourselves against that. And I understand very well the feeling that we do not need weapons and ammunition at all, because there is really nothing beautiful about weapons and there is nothing beautiful about war. But the harsh reality in Ukraine is that, unfortunately, we cannot live without a secure Europe. You referred to that too. And as far as I am concerned, there is a task for the European Investment Bank to contribute to that security. Fortunately, the first steps have been taken. I would therefore like to encourage the EIB to open the door to military projects in addition to dual-use products. Because this would be an extra feat to keep our continent safe. For now, but also for the future.

Mr President, Commissioner, the mountain of debt in Europe has been far too high for too long, and for years the Commission has been condoning this. We really need to do something about that now. And why? It cannot be the case that the Dutch taxpayer is presented with the bill when other countries make a mess of it. And now comes the time when we must do what is necessary to get the budget in order and reduce the national debts. This requires fiscal rules that are realistic, enforceable. This requires that all countries adhere to the rules that we agree with each other. And that requires a European Union that acts when those rules are violated. After all, promise makes guilt.

Mr President, President Lagarde, for more than a year now, Europe has been experiencing the highest inflation we have seen in decades. Citizens notice this in their wallets. Fortunately, the ECB has awakened and is stepping up its fight against inflation. However, the ECB should not constantly find new ways to support southern European budgets, but do what is necessary to reduce inflation and radiate that the fight against this inflation is serious. Unfortunately, the ECB seems to be more interested in climate policy than in skyrocketing inflation. There is a wise saying: Shoemaker, keep reading. I would like to convey this message to Mrs Lagarde: focus on the fight against inflation, leave climate policy to politicians and let countries put their budgets in order themselves. In short, the ECB must do what is necessary.

Mr President, Commissioner, "Is there no loading file at the charging stations? Will my charge card be accepted?’ Charge stress: This is a well-known phenomenon for many electric drivers. And also for me, and my hope is that this plan will make this stress a thing of the past. And it is not only for road users that concerns must disappear. Our waterways and airports also deserve the right infrastructure. I also really realize that this is going to be a challenge. Consider the limited electricity grid and problems with paying. Therefore, as far as the FPS is concerned, Member States should now start strengthening the electricity grid and working on smart technologies – think of smart charging. Because that way we can relieve the pressure on the power grid. Payments should also be made simpler, with a debit or a recharging card, so that charging becomes accessible – everywhere in the EU. I see that the transport sector is very committed to that sustainable future, but that is not possible overnight, so allow them a realistic timeline. We must now do what is necessary to make the energy supply for the transport sector future-proof. And to steer that in the right direction, I call for a national coordinator who oversees the roll-out and helps local authorities with that challenge. For one thing is clear to me: With these proposals, we do not have to drive less, sail less or fly, but we do have to be cleaner.

Mr President, and Søren, branch, we are taking a flight together towards a greener aviation. A European aviation blending rate is of unprecedented importance. I also hear sounds around me from: ‘it does not go far enough’ or: ‘It's just a drop on the glowing plate’. On the contrary, as far as I'm concerned. Look at the Netherlands. Even the Netherlands is starting a sprint with a blending obligation of 14% in 2030. But with Europe, too, we are taking a leap forward with biofuel, with synthetic fuels. Both will help on the way to sustainable and future-proof aviation and in the long term also fly electrically or fly on hydrogen. Enough opportunities! Every airline that lands and refuels at European airports pays for the blending percentage, including airlines from countries where the rules on fair competition are sometimes taken a little less closely. That is precisely the strength of this proposal: a level playing field for all. I am ready for take-off.

Mr President, if I ask you all: Do you want to make the energy transition a success for our maritime sector? Then everyone in this house no doubt applauds that. The pandemic has had a huge impact on the maritime sector and on the transport and logistics sector in general over the past two years. On top of that, there is the terrible war in Ukraine, which results in higher fuel prices. At the same time, we all need to prepare for tomorrow's reality. As far as I'm concerned, that future is safe and green. The industry is already doing so much. Think, for example, of the first hydrogen-powered inland waterway vessel, the MS Anthony or the maritime master plan in which all players from my own country – the Dutch maritime sector – participate. But we as Parliament also have a role to play in this whole, for example by bringing the overall Fit for 55 package to a very successful conclusion. And specifically as far as I am concerned, the shore-side electricity roll-out for our ports. But there is also a role for European agencies, such as the European Maritime Safety Agency. Their role will only increase with these new rules for that safe, green maritime sector. As far as I am concerned, we must really take this into account during this review. Because the green future of our sector has already sailed and let's work together to steer it into a safe and sustainable port.

Madam President, I will speak on behalf of my dear friend and colleague Stéphanie Yon—Courtin. The distributed ledger technology (DLT) pilot regime is yet another good proof that Europe is the continent for digital finance. With the pilot regime, Europe will be a pioneer on the use of blockchain on the financial markets. And with this pilot regime, innovative financing solutions for SMEs will be developed in Europe. So with the pilot regime, disruption will shape the future of the financial markets with no concessions on financial stability and on consumer protection. In that case, Renew fully supports the trilogue agreement and we hope for swift progress on the rest of the digital finance package.

–President, Commissioner, while supermarket prices are skyrocketing and energy bills are actually going through the roof, the ECB continues to refuse to intervene. We actually hear one excuse after another: inflation is only temporary, more data is needed to analyse whether an interest rate hike does not solve the problem. Where the economy suffers from deficits, the ECB has no shortage of excuses. As far as I am concerned, the ECB has only one task and that is to ensure price stability. Are prices rising too fast? The central bank must intervene. But after months of high and rising inflation, the ECB remains on its hands. It is high time that the ECB finally tackles this problem by normalising monetary policy, by stopping printing money and by raising interest rates. This is the only way to get inflation back into the bottle.

Mr President, Commissioner, the other day someone asked me: ‘What good is a banking union, just as a hardworking Dutchman?’ A simple but super good question. And the reason for that banking union is actually ten years ago, when the financial system was really on the brink of collapse and banks with gigantic amounts of taxpayers' money had to be saved. And the problem? National banks that were too intertwined with their governments. And the consequence? A banking crisis and a debt crisis. And for whom was it the worst? Exactly, for that taxpayer. And precisely to protect that taxpayer, we have set up that banking union, which must ensure that your savings and your mortgage are safe, and that the ordinary man does not pay for the defaults of banks. As VVD, we believe it is important that the banking system is stable, that the savings remain safe in your account, and that we ensure that banks do not run risks that they simply cannot bear, in order to prevent a new banking crisis. Fortunately, a lot is going well. The banking sector has become much more stable and has even been able to play a very important role during the coronavirus crisis by keeping lending to the real economy going. But the banking union is not finished yet. A European deposit guarantee scheme would be the culmination of what is called a perfect banking union. But it is not for nothing that such a common guarantee system is a very hot issue. Banks must reduce their risks. In doing so, they not only keep themselves safe, but also do not jeopardise European solidarity. And I really welcome this report, which acknowledges this and sends a clear message to the Commission: if it wants to speed up the negotiations for a European Deposit Guarantee Scheme, this cannot be separated from risk reduction. Because that is so incredibly important, that what has been built by our hard-working Dutchman and European: The European economy.

Mr President, inland waterway transport is on the verge of a number of radical changes that are being driven by sustainability and digitalisation. Where are the needs of the inland waterway sector, what problems need to be solved and addressed, and how do we make this sector future-proof? Finally, I am proud to present the report, which is the final result of intensive consultations and discussions with stakeholders from all corners of the inland waterway sector, from skippers to research institutes and from inland ports to innovative inland waterway operators. One thing quickly became clear to me and stands out: This sector is full of motivation and energy to innovate. However, the creation of this future-proof sector requires a number of ingredients. First of all, good infrastructure, including bridges, locks and roads. This infrastructure is essential to modal shift-achieve goals. Automation and digitalisation also play an essential role. In addition, a very realistic roadmap is being drawn up for making our fleet and ports more sustainable, offering multiple options for alternative fuels and taking into account the different types of ships. This energy transition challenge is perhaps the biggest challenge, as the sector is made up of small family businesses, the self-employed and SMEs, and these are the hard-working entrepreneurs who literally and figuratively retire. It is therefore important that there is a very green business case. After all, the skippers must be able to assume that they can also recoup the considerable investment that they will and must make, whereby they can use some help. That is why the report also calls for a European Inland Waterway Fund to provide financial support to the sector during both the green and digital transitions. This fund should be accessible to small businesses. I am therefore pleased that the Commission has already recognised the importance of sufficient financial support in the recently published action programme for inland waterway transport, NAIADES III. However, recognition alone is not sufficient; action must also be taken. I would therefore ask you to vote in favour of this report and not to waste the energy currently flowing through the sector to green, improve and renew. With this report, we in Parliament have a tool that will enable us to build tomorrow's inland waterway transport and prepare the sector for a sustainable and even more efficient future.

Mr President, when the world came to a standstill last year with a shock, one of the biggest questions was whether the European countries would be able to take the economic support measures needed in the very short term to keep the companies afloat and so that people would keep their jobs. And we have seen that the countries have indeed done everything in their power to achieve this. Member States have shown far-reaching solidarity, for example also through the temporary COVID-19 recovery fund. And thanks in part to those rare but very necessary exceptions to the fiscal rules, we managed to keep our economy afloat. Now that we have the prospect of the end of the pandemic in Europe and we can speak cautiously about economic recovery, we must not forget that it was precisely for years that prudent fiscal policy ensured that we had the financial space last year to be able to take these exceptional measures. The corona pandemic has proven that it pays to keep an apple for the thirst. In this context, it is incredibly important that we rebuild the buffers used as soon as possible, and that national debts are brought back to manageable levels. Mr President, that is exactly what this report calls for: sensible ways to re-lead clear fiscal rules. And I understand, for everyone – just as we are getting our freedom back a little, and just as the end of the much-mentioned tunnel is in sight again – that sensible and correct fiscal policy is not the first thing we want to think about. And yet I would like to insist that we must pick up that thread again, so that we can guarantee that we can also cope with future economic storms.