Speeches

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I wish the President all the best for this Cypriot Presidency of the European Semester, which is full of challenges, dangers and threats. We never imagined, until recently, that the main economic and political threat would come from the United States of America, led by Donald Trump. A threat to which we can no longer respond with sentences of circumstance. We welcome the European Parliament's decision to suspend the trade agreement between the European Union and the United States, because we can no longer accept the questioning of the political, economic and strategic autonomy of our Europe and our Member States. But to have a strong Europe, we need a multi-annual budget that really is. Because the regional national partnership plan does not yet allow us to be strong and united on policies such as cohesion and agriculture. We need to challenge European governance, overcoming the right of veto and we need to fully implement the Draghi plan, because competitiveness and decarbonisation need investment and common European debt. Europe has no more time to lose, it must start to react.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, agricultural programmes are a central part of the European budget. For 2026, as socialists and democrats, we have focused on generational renewal, which is a matter of survival for European agriculture. Today in too many regions the average age of farmers exceeds 57 years and every young person who would like to take their place faces enormous obstacles. We have requested an increase of EUR 23 million for complementary income support for young farmers compared to the initial proposal. A first step, but it is not enough: We must give confidence, income and prospects to a new generation of farmers, without whom there will be no food security, no ecological transition, no future for our rural areas. Furthermore, it is unacceptable that the agri-food promotion programmes managed by the Union have been cancelled. These funds have supported European exports, the reputation of our productions and consumers. Well, then, their restoration: Strengthening the European promotion of our food means defending Europe's jobs, territories and value.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the attack on the car of journalist Sigfrido Ranucci has shocked us all and shows that those who want to limit information today feel stronger, to the point of using violence. In Western Europe, Italy is now only 49th in terms of press freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders: The worst result. The report He denounces mafia threats, extremist violence, political pressure, such as the so-called "gag law" and the spurious SLAPP causes used to intimidate journalists. From spying journalists to fake news organised: Democracy is under attack. Do we want to understand, yes or no? And it's time to stop us all, especially the politicians. We must not ridicule those who make information, we must not use power to limit it. The European Media Freedom Act reminds us that media freedom is a pillar of democracy and must be defended every day, not just after an attack. Ranucci said today that we must free the media from political influence. If we don't, we'll never be credible again.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, if we really want the CAP to remain at the service of farmers, we must give a concrete answer to the problem of simplification. Today we risk spending more time in bureaucracy than in the fields. Reducing complex procedures, speeding up payments, making rules clearer and more uniform between Member States does not mean having less effective controls, but giving farmers back time, dignity and trust. Above all, no measure aimed at simplifying the common agricultural policy can lead to a weakening of social conditionality, which is a hallmark of this policy. With the introduction of mandatory written contracts, we are taking a decisive step to correct the imbalance that has been penalizing farmers for too long, strengthening their position in the food supply chain, in a situation where, for every euro spent by consumers on processed products, just over 5 cents end up in the pockets of producers today. For the first time, this Parliament recognises that production costs must be a central element in price-setting. A turning point that gives concreteness to the battle against unfair practices for a fair agricultural income. This vote demonstrates that Parliament wants to face the challenge of food sovereignty and agricultural income, also to allow young people to get closer to the world of agriculture. Another important step has been taken in relation to hemp. The changes we have proposed go in the direction of not prohibiting the cultivation, processing and sale of inflorescences, thus giving a concrete response to a sector undergoing growth and innovation. This is an important achievement in the battle for a single European law. I thank the rapporteurs. It is time to give clear answers to the farmers and supply chains that represent the future of our European rural economy.

It was to better clarify our concern about possible cuts to the multiannual budget for agricultural policies, a concern that we know we share with the Commissioner, because, without resources, the viability of our farmers will be even more at risk, food security will be even more at risk, the development of European regional areas will be even more at risk. Therefore, we strongly say that we will not accept any kind of cut or even the reduction or limitation of legislative autonomy over agricultural policy through a national negotiating model or a unified European budget. Of the guidelines we have made clear that we want sustainable agriculture, to help small farmers, to improve consumer conditions and supply chains. That is why we stand with you, Commissioner, in a battle that we must wage together because agriculture is a pillar of the European integration model.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, if there were a 15% cut to the common agricultural policy, we would have -217 billion euros compared to... (The speaker shows the assembly a sign with figures)

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, fellow rapporteur, Commissioner, we have a complex and invisible network in Europe, over 11 million kilometres long, connecting 266 million households and businesses across the European Union. We have an epochal challenge: make this network climate neutral by 2050. So well the plan for affordable energy and well, for 2026, the Grid Package to accelerate a more secure and cost-efficient cross-border structure, providing secure, clean and affordable energy for European citizens and businesses. But electricity consumption will increase by 60% by 2030. We need strong, resilient and smart networks. And therefore a total investment of 600 billion euros by 2040. Where to find them? 80-90% of investments fall on states and private operators, therefore on citizens through tariffs, with the risk of serious inequalities. We need a European strategy with a European network fund. green bond European long-term investments.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, without an appropriate multiannual financial framework, the European Union will not be able to face any of the major challenges it faces: I think about tariffs, I think about the economic crisis, I think about international competition. That is why we need financial and budgetary instruments that enable Europe to play a leading role in the world. Well, therefore, the forecast of greater own revenues; well, therefore, the provision of instruments such as common debt, which the Draghi report calls on us to use to increase strategic investments for the competitiveness of our companies and for the quality of life of our citizens. We say 'no' to the centralisation of a budget based on national plans and instead want funds such as cohesion, agriculture and agriculture to be defended, after twelve years of cuts, we can no longer accept further limitations. Without a strong budget, European businesses and citizens will not have a future.

Madam President, Commissioner, last Saturday I attended a huge rally in Istanbul, where more than 2 million citizens demonstrated peacefully against the arrest of Mayor İmamoğlu and another 1 400 people. On Friday, we met the leaders of the CHP party with a delegation of the European Socialist Party to stand for democracy in Türkiye, but the Minister of Justice refused our visit to the mayor in prison. This Parliament cannot remain silent in the face of the arrest of journalists, intellectuals, students, lawyers and politicians. The European Union has the duty to protect and promote democratic values and the rule of law in all countries, especially those that are in negotiations to join the European Union. On 17 April, the Turkish President will be hosted in Italy by the Prime Minister, Meloni, and we expect the Italian Government to distance itself from him. The Commission must firmly condemn the illiberal acts of the Erdoğan Government and must act for the freedom of İmamoğlu and political opponents and for the dignity of the Turkish people now.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, in these 20 years we have lost 37% of our farmers and 12% of our profits. Commissioner, the work of the vision is an excellent starting point. There are, however, many issues that we need to address, starting with resources: Without adequate resources, we will not have a vision Nor will we have a common agricultural policy. That's why we say "no" to any cuts in agricultural resources. We say 'no' to any centralisation of funds or forms of decentralisation to national states. Instead, we want sufficient resources to increase productivity and income, without creating unequal treatment, promoting sustainable, quality and innovative food supply chains. Our farmers need clear and simple rules. We don't want deregulation, but a good simplification, because the law of the strongest is not the right law. But our farmers bear the brunt of an often suffocating bureaucracy. This is why we want a more sustainable agriculture, with young people and women protagonists and with workers who are the real engine, because without involving farmers and workers we will not have an agriculture in the future of a strong, united and sustainable Europe.

(IT) Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, there is no doubt that the new geopolitical framework arising from the American elections and the ever-increasing Chinese influence on South America require Europe to change its pattern. We must strengthen our commitment on all international markets, play a commercial leadership. Europe thrives on exports: 30% of the GDP of our continent is linked to exports, and this is even more true for a country like Italy, my country. This is why Mercosur, in principle, is a useful tool, especially for industrial sectors, such as chemistry, cars, machines. However, Commissioner, there may be serious problems for agriculture. Then there are conditions that the Commission must follow. First: Reciprocity. Second: Check with a European customs office. Third: resources for promotion, because you cannot cut the CAP and then promote Mercosur. Fourth: Will this compensation of one billion euros be there or not? Fifth: compliance with environmental standards. An important agreement must become a good agreement.

I will speak in Italian. Mr Pabón, you are rightly concerned about the destruction of agriculture. So why doesn't he say anything about the risk of tariffs coming from the American government and Trump on European products, such as agri-food products, such as wine, such as olive oil? And when that happens, will you be against Spanish farmers or Trump? He was in Madrid saying that Trump is his leader to make a better Europe. Are you a European patriot or an American patriot?

Mr President, Mr Vice-President, we are facing a new protectionist policy by US President Trump, supported by the right wingers in this Chamber. Instead, we must respond as protagonists by strengthening multilateralism and opening Europe to new markets. This is why the document on competitiveness is important. But in many aspects it is still incomplete and generic. The reference to the Draghi and Letta reports for investments in strategic sectors and the strengthening of the European single market is correct. But the fundamental question is: how do we finance all this? How do we find the EUR 8 billion per year until 2030 that the Draghi report defines as a necessity? In addition to aiming for cooperation between Member States and the savings market, we must make the issuance of Eurobonds permanent to make essential strategic investments, as already done for NextGenerationEU. Stop generic slogans – it's time for responsibility, vision and courage to truly relaunch the European economy.

Mr de la Pisa Carrión, you speak of freedom, autonomy and opportunity. But where is the freedom of the European Patriots who have become American Patriots? Where is the freedom and autonomy when you accept the imposition of a concentration of economic and political power by President Trump and financier Musk? Where is freedom if you want to defend workers and citizens, but you are against any increase in public investment, for innovation and competitiveness?

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, every day farmers and farmers ensure that quality food arrives on our tables, combats soil degradation and erosion, and contributes to maintaining biodiversity. Their work is vital for the social, economic and environmental sustainability of rural areas and forms the backbone of Europe's prosperity and competitiveness. Despite this centrality, the agricultural sector is one of the most precarious and difficult sectors of the economy, where working conditions are not yet optimal. In the European Union we have 10 million employees in the agricultural sector and the figure rises to 17 million if we consider the daily workers; 32 % of undeclared employment and many cases of unregistered working hours; 500 fatal accidents a year, including that of Satnam Singh, the young Indian worker abandoned on the street in Latina, Lazio, after losing his arm in an accident at work. The system is influenced by illegal labour intermediation – just think of the corporal system – and the introduction of social conditionality was therefore an important result of the last CAP reform, as the Commissioner pointed out. We must implement directives, such as the minimum wage and the due diligence, important steps in this direction, but many challenges still remain. Social conditionality should be implemented by all Member States by 2025, with the full involvement of social partners – which is often not the case – and all Member States should be allowed to have sectoral collective agreements. The strategic dialogue and the vision for agriculture and food are an important first step. Commissioner, improving the working and living conditions of agricultural workers is an important battle for all of us, and this must not only happen through quality jobs, but also through strengthening rights for a new alliance between workers and businesses.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we have come to the end of this debate and we all agree that tourism is a key part of the European economy, with more than 700 million foreign visitors spending more than EUR 800 billion every year. But Europe does not yet have a brand and does not yet have a real and strong strategic plan. As Mayor of Florence and President of Eurocities, I learned that there are some priorities: the first is that the Commission looks at tourism as a cross-cutting sector, better coordinating programmes; the second is to finance projects on transport and technological innovation that promote tourism; the third is that there should be coordination with cohesion policies to promote tourism in rural inland areas; the fourth is to combine public and private investment; The fifth is to involve local and regional communities in an annual conference. Commissioner Tzitzikostas, you have been an excellent president of the Committee of the Regions and you have this sensitivity, thanks also to the portfolio that combines transport and tourism.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, last week a terrible event took place in my city, Calenzano. A gas plant exploded, creating a fire and unfortunately leading to the death of six people, with 19 injured, two of them very serious. It is yet another work-related accident that has affected my country, as many other work-related accidents affect our cities, regions and countries in the European Union every day. There is still not enough to save lives and it is unacceptable that, even today, in a continent like ours, there are people who get up in the morning to go to work and then never return home. We must fight not only for workers' rights, but also for the safety of workers in our countries.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Minister, this Budapest declaration is an important first step on the road to European competitiveness, especially in comparison with the economic giants such as the United States and China. In this context, agriculture faces a threefold challenge. The first one: regaining economic competitiveness, which has been declining for more than two decades. The second: achieving an ecological transition that is favourable to both farmers and civil society. The third: addressing the social challenge with a balanced diet of high quality, safe, but also valuing the professions, the new generations and promoting rural areas. In this context, the Draghi report is a clear blueprint for a path forward on European competitiveness; The European Union will not be able to remain a strategic actor if it does not address this issue. The same goes for agriculture. So we need to invest, invest, invest. And for this reason, if an opening has been made to the eurobond For defense, I don't see why it can't and shouldn't be done for the economy and agriculture. We need to give concrete answers to our farmers and our economy.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the historian Jacques Le Goff wrote that European identity was born in the Middle Ages and it was in the Middle Ages that the first municipalities were born. It is in the Middle Ages that cities have their roots: our cities, where we find monuments, churches, universities, where the languages that make up Europe's cultural heritage of identity are born. This is why cities are today the real challenge of a modern, sustainable and strong Europe. And while it is true that Europe is built from the bottom up, Commissioner, we cannot accept the dismantling of cohesion policy. We cannot accept that cities and regions are not the protagonists of the decisions that are made for our citizens. We cannot accept a centralisation of the European budget and a suspension of the urban agenda because, as David Sassoli said, when the construction site of Europe closes and we have a united and strong Europe, there will be cities with their innovation, with their peace and their strength.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we have seen a real housing emergency in Europe: 19 million people live in inadequate housing; rents increased by 41.5% in ten years, as did house prices, which doubled in five countries. In Italy, 2.5 million households spend 40% of their income on housing. And the Italian government has canceled the fund for public construction and that for the rent contribution. The Eurocities association, of which I was a member, offers many solutions, starting with a financial plan. But I would ask the Commissioner, above all, to make a commitment to the question of the relationship between theovertourism, short tourist rentals and the indiscriminate increase in house prices and rents. There are many proposals, such as the homologation of rules in the Member States or how to give more powers to mayors to regulate or limit the phenomenon of short-term tourist rentals, and also a comparison with the platforms that manage most of the market. The European Union will be able to discuss this at the G7 Tourism Summit in Florence in November. The right to housing is neither a luxury nor a business, it is a pillar of a cohesive and secure European society. And we at S&D will strive for that.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the launch of the strategic dialogue after the farmers' protests was undoubtedly useful and positive, especially since a synthesis has been created between the two souls of the agricultural and agri-food sector, the environmental and the economic. It is a working method that involved the main stakeholders and indicated some important priorities for the future. However, this exercise is only a beginning, which will have to be followed by an even more open and transparent working method, involving above all the co-legislators. The recognition of the agricultural sector as central and strategic for the future of Europe is positive, as is the desire to create a specific fund outside the CAP budget that supports the ecological transition, whose investments cannot weigh on those who are small and have no instruments. It is essential to avoid the increase in costs linked to the environmental ambition of the European Union, while preserving agricultural competitiveness. However, a standardised sustainability benchmarking system, as proposed by the dialogue, must take into account that European agriculture is highly differentiated and this system may be difficult to apply homogeneously at European level. The focus on the importance of generational renewal, with the creation of new farms run by young people, is positive, as is the need to invest in quality and job security and enhance rural areas to make the agricultural sector more attractive, with greater synergy between CAP resources and cohesion policies. Let us not forget the importance of food security and the role of innovation, including genetic innovation, in reducing the use of chemicals, combating diseases and the negative effects of climate change. Our farmers demand attention, courage and commitment. The best defense is the attack and for this we need more resources and more competitiveness. As the Draghi report suggests, we will need an unprecedented plan of new public investment, including the use of a common European debt, as well as a real fiscal and financial union that will lead us out of the crisis. The time for a Europe that survives is over: It is time for a Europe that runs stronger and more united.