Debate contributions by Marion WALSMANN

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen. In just a few weeks, Christmas is a time when millions of European families are looking for gifts for their loved ones. Today we have the chance to give them the greatest gift: security. Toys remain the most frequently reported product category in the EU rapid alert system for unsafe products. We cannot and will not accept this any longer. With the new Toy Safety Ordinance, we are sending a clear signal. Safe toys for our children in Europe are a top priority. And this regulation is more than an update of outdated regulations. It is a commitment to our values, to the protection of our children and to strengthening the competitiveness of European industry. By setting the highest safety standards, we create a market where quality wins. I would also like to thank the shadow rapporteurs and the other colleagues who have made this success possible with their excellent work. If we agree immediately, we will ensure that children in Europe can continue to play with the safest toys in the world in the future.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, For two decades, North Macedonia has been striving to join the EU – with perseverance, a willingness to reform and clear popular support. Despite the challenges, the country has made impressive progress. And yet, the accession process is stalled. Bilateral disputes have been blocking the way for years. This undermines confidence in North Macedonia and the credibility of the EU integration process. Yes, more reforms are needed. I know the difficulties on the ground, but they must not be a pretext to delay accession forever. It is time to strengthen confidence in the EU and its values by finally offering North Macedonia the perspective it deserves. I therefore expressly support my colleague's report. The European Council must send a clear signal for the swift start of the next phase of negotiations with full respect for Macedonian language and identity. The EU Commission should also actively support North Macedonia in achieving the next steps.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen! Europe faces the challenge of remaining an attractive location for venture capital and safe foreign direct investment. This is not only a question of competitiveness, but also of the future viability of our continent. The numbers speak a sobering language. While the US and China are investing heavily in start-ups and disruptive technologies, Europe is moving forward in small steps and risks losing innovation potential. Europe currently holds only 5% of the global venture capital funds launched and only 6% of the global funding for AI start-ups. The reasons are obvious. We are dealing with insufficient support for innovations, which are often stalled halfway to commercialization. The Single Market remains weakened by fragmentation and bureaucratic hurdles. This, of course, discourages investors, especially in strategically important sectors of the future. Venture capital-financed companies are changing entire sectors of the economy and, last but not least, have also boosted foreign direct investment in many sectors. Groundbreaking ideas therefore need the appropriate financial backing on site. We urgently need a strong financing environment in Europe that is more accessible to SMEs and less bureaucratic. It is crucial that we seek greater policy coordination on strategic investments. This includes harmonising innovation support more closely and focusing funding on key areas. Only with bold reforms and better coordination can we ensure that start-ups and scale-ups not only emerge here, but also grow in Europe. Clear action and commitment are needed here. I also call for this on behalf of SME Europe.