Debate contributions by Victor NEGRESCU

Mr President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, cohesion policy is one of the most powerful European instruments. It is a concrete expression of solidarity between the Member States and the regions of the Union. Without it, Europe would split in two, between the developed regions and the regions left behind. With this mid-term review, we have the chance to correct the current shortcomings, accelerate implementation and demonstrate the real impact of European funds. But more than that, we must defend this policy. There are voices calling into question the future of cohesion after 2027 and here, Commissioner, you have to say very clearly NO to these changes. We cannot allow a policy vital to European fairness to be underfunded or marginalised. Cohesion is not a fad, it is the guarantee of a united, balanced and prosperous Europe. It is our responsibility to make it effective now and to keep it strong in the future.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, when fires, floods or medical crises occur, examples of European solidarity are appreciated by everyone. These situations show that a crisis-ready Union is a necessity. We need concrete, measurable and fair action for all Member States. A few years ago we came up with an initiative that was adopted by the European Parliament on the creation of joint European medical teams and a shared infrastructure for rapid crisis interventions. At the same time, we have secured an increase in the EU budget for civil protection as negotiator of the European legislature. Unfortunately, the European Commission has not implemented these measures requested by the European Parliament. Now we come back to the same conclusions, but lost time must be recovered. Future crises can hit us at any time, anywhere in the Union. To prepare is not to induce panic, but to be responsible and well informed. Citizens want solutions, and we are here to offer them, clearly and unambiguously.

Mr President, Commissioner, education is a foundation of a united, competitive and inclusive Europe. To shape the future, we must invest in education, skills, knowledge, values and mobility. The European Schools Alliance has the potential to become a game changer in achieving the European Education Area, bringing together innovation, mobility and inclusivity to create a truly borderless learning experience. As Vice-President of the European Parliament and a strong advocate for education, I work alongside colleagues in the EPP Intergroup on the Future of Education and Skills to push for ambitious and transformative policies supported by adequate funding. One of our key demands is to allocate at least 20 % of the next multiannual financial framework to education and skills. If we want Europe to remain a global leader, we must treat education as a strategic investment, not just another policy or a cost. We need a new European framework for education and skills – a comprehensive plan that ensures every child and young person, regardless of their background, has access to quality education, modern learning environments and future-proof skills. This can and must be Europe's vision of the future. This means also fostering greater synergies between them and avoiding fragmentation. At the heart of this vision is a need for a real Erasmus 2.0. It should be not just a mobility programme, but a pillar for quality education and training across Europe. We must move towards a common curriculum, share learning objectives and truly European diplomas that are recognised across borders. Our students should not only gain knowledge in different European countries, but also learn about what it means to be together in Europe, strengthening their sense of belonging and shared responsibility. The European Schools Alliance can be a driving force behind these ambitions. By fostering collaboration between schools, educators and policymakers, we can create a system that transcends national borders, ensures fair access to opportunities and equips the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. The time to act is now. The European Education Area must be more than just a concept; it must become a reality. If we speak more and more about defence, we should also speak more and more about education and working together. Investing in education means investing in a better future for our citizens.

I want to remind all speakers about the language that they are using. There are specific rules on this and we all have to comply with those respecting politeness.

The next item is the debate on the Commission statement on accelerating the phase-out of Russian gas and other Russian energy commodities in the EU (2025/2571(RSP)).

Please also take into consideration that interpretation is needed for your speeches. So if you speak too fast, it will be complicated for the interpretation.

Madam Vice-President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, 80 million adults in the European Union do not have basic digital skills. 20% of young Europeans risk entering the labour market without adequate skills and 40% of employers say they cannot find a skilled workforce. The figures show that we need to act now. The Union of Skills can be an important step for the future. However, education and skills must truly become strategic priorities, and for this we need to ensure that this initiative has a real impact on citizens and does not just remain a paper strategy. That is why, together with my colleagues in the European Parliament's intergroup on the future of education and skills, we call for 20% of the next Multiannual Financial Framework to be allocated to education and training. If we want a competitive and fair Europe, we must first invest in people. Moreover, we propose a right to training, a European plan for education and skills, an effective Erasmus 2.0, the removal of time and cost barriers that prevent adults from improving their skills. The Union of Skills must be more than a strategy and a concrete commitment for the future of Europe.

Madam President, dear colleagues, Romania reached a historic milestone 18 years after accession: €100 billion in non-reimbursable European funds. The amount represents concrete investments in better paid hospitals, schools, infrastructure and jobs. But this result was not guaranteed. It took work to ensure that Romania receives and uses these financial resources. In recent years, through my work in the European Parliament, I have saved billions of euros of unused funds, amending European regulations to phase out European projects. We have helped to simplify the rules for accessing European programmes and we have amended the budget of the European Union so that these resources can reach our region. But these funds are not just figures on paper. We need to look ahead: we need better, more efficient absorption, more flexibility and a strategy for the future. 100 billion euros is a success, but also a responsibility. Extremism seeks to destroy this opportunity for Romania. I will continue to fight for every euro to be used where it is most needed by Romanians and Europeans.

Madam Vice-President, Commissioner, dear colleagues, the growth plan for the Republic of Moldova represents a significant investment of the European Union in its economic and social development, but above all a signal of trust in the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. The €1.9 billion is not just a solidarity check, but a strong commitment to modernisation, stability and European integration. These funds must produce visible results for citizens. I have proposed key amendments that have been adopted and that will directly contribute to the success of this plan, and I thank the rapporteurs: - supporting rural areas and policies for children, European funds that go where they are most needed, - the involvement of the diaspora in the implementation of the measures – millions of Moldovans live and work in other European countries and will thus play a key role in the development of the country, - strategic investments in interconnections with Romania, especially in the energy area. Moreover, for the efficient use of these funds we proposed and will open right now, an office of the European Parliament in Chisinau was approved, an initiative that I had as Vice-President of the European Parliament, responsible for the relationship with the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova has an open door in Europe. Europe supports the Republic of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova has a historic opportunity that it cannot miss. You have the full support of the European Parliament.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, simplification of the rules is necessary. I repeated this here, in plenary, several times, when the Commission kept introducing new rules. But we must not create new inequalities or penalise entrepreneurs who have already met European standards. In the Omnibus proposal we see useful measures, such as cutting red tape for SMEs or facilitating public procurement for European companies, but we also see major risks. If we suddenly remove reports for many companies, what do we do with companies that have already invested in these standards? If we change the rules from one year to the next, what guarantee does Europe offer to investors? Who was wrong: The Commission in the previous mandate or the one in the current mandate? Who bears the costs? We need a balanced transition that supports SMEs. Europe must be a model of predictability, not rules that come and go overnight. Yes, we are simplifying, but not introducing new solutions that risk affecting our economy. We need to preserve social values and at the same time we need to help companies grow. At the same time, I have to say: we must not take a step backwards in terms of responsibility.

The next vote is on the continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (see minutes, item 6.3).

The next vote is on the repression by the Ortega‑Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (see minutes, item 6.2).

Is there any opposition to the oral amendment? Yes. So the oral amendment cannot be taken, based on the opposition of the Members. The resolution is adopted (see minutes, item 6.1).

Colleagues, I think we have to resume the discussion on this topic. There was another request for a point of order but, of course, being on the same topic, I think we have to not transform this into a new debate. The last intervention on a point of order is on another topic.

We will continue, dear colleagues. I would like to inform the House that I have received requests for points of order. Let us respect the timing.