On 23rd and 24th of June Executive Vice President Séjourné will deliver a presentation on the trade dimension of the Clean Industrial Deal. Members will hold exchanges on the review of the EU’s Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Ukraine and Moldova. Members will hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement
Members will exchange with the Commission on the State of Play of EU-US trade relations.
The European Commission will deliver a presentation on the new task force on import surveillance.
The new Clean Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations, the first of which were launched with South Africa, will be subject to an exchange of views.
On 23rd and 24th of June Executive Vice President Séjourné will deliver a presentation on the trade dimension of the Clean Industrial Deal. Members will hold exchanges on the review of the EU’s Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas with Ukraine and Moldova. Members will hold a public hearing on the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement
Members will exchange with the Commission on the State of Play of EU-US trade relations.
The European Commission will deliver a presentation on the new task force on import surveillance.
The new Clean Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations, the first of which were launched with South Africa, will be subject to an exchange of views.
Confronted with warfare on the European continent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU Member States, along with other European partners, have backed the need for a substantial increase in defence spending. This budgetary challenge has in turn raised important questions about the role of taxation in financing these efforts.
Confronted with warfare on the European continent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EU Member States, along with other European partners, have backed the need for a substantial increase in defence spending. This budgetary challenge has in turn raised important questions about the role of taxation in financing these efforts.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 Jun 2025 Today, the European Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose the Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions (Directive 2019/1152) into national law.
European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 Jun 2025 Today, the European Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose the Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions (Directive 2019/1152) into national law.
€500 million EIB loan to finance sustainable infrastructure in cities and towns across Greece
Total EIB support under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme reaches €1 billion to improve everyday life in cities across the country
Funding targets climate-resilient, inclusive projects with strong benefits for local communities
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) have signed a new €500 million loan with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) to support hundreds of sustainable projects in cities and towns across Greece. The new funding will help local authorities invest in cleaner water, better waste management, safer roads, greener public buildings and smarter urban services.
This latest operation builds on the success of a previous €500 million loan signed in 2021 under the national “Antonis Tritsis” programme. With today’s signature and, the EIB’s total support for the programme now reaches €1 billion — making it one of the largest urban investment partnerships between Greece and the EU Bank.
“This new €500 million loan reaffirms the EIB’s strong long-standing partnership with Greece and our joint commitment to enabling sustainable urban development in every corner of the country. By supporting the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, we help local communities improve essential infrastructure, enhance resilience and deliver better quality of life for citizens. We are proud to continue our close collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund to turn ambitious local projects into reality,” said EIB Vice-President, Yannis Tsakiris.
EIB helping to harness local impact of CDLF in Greece’s localities
The CDLF, a financial institution which operates as a Legal Entity of Public Law and is supervised by the Ministry of Interior, is tasked with the registry of consignments and the social and regional development by funding projects of public and social interest. For this purpose, the CDLF mainly grants loans to municipalities and prefectures, participates in development bodies and co-funds projects with the EIB. All projects must meet EU environmental and climate standards and support sustainable, inclusive urban development.
“With this signing, the funding for the projects included in the “Antonis Tritsis” Program is secured. These are projects that change the quality of life for all residents in the country, create new infrastructure and strengthen Local Government”, said Minister of the Interior of the Hellenic Republic, Thodoris Livanios.
Unlocking high impact investment across key sectors
The EIB financing will support a wide range of projects across Greek cities and towns, includingSustainable water and wastewater management
Solid waste infrastructure and recycling
Safer and more climate-resilient roads
Energy-efficient upgrades to public buildings
Urban regeneration and public space improvements
Smart city technologies and digital services
Anti-seismic measures in schools and other public infrastructure
CDLF President Mr. Dimitris Stamatis stated: “We are pleased to continue our excellent cooperation with the EIB and proud of our contribution to the design and implementation of the Ministry of Interior’s special development programme Antonis Tritsis. This programme supports a wide range of investments: urban regeneration, flood and seismic protection, water and waste management, e-mobility, renovation and construction of municipal buildings, and smart city initiatives. Our aim is to ensure that every project we finance delivers not only economic returns, but also long-term environmental and social benefits that meet the needs and improve the wellbeing of both current and future generations.”
Only projects that are climate-aligned and follow the principles of sustainable development will be eligible for funding. The investments will be spread across the country, helping cities and smaller communities address local challenges and improve quality of life.
The EIB will complement its financing with advisory services under InvestEU and other EU-supported technical assistance programmes to enhance the capacity of smaller municipalities to develop mature, sustainable and bankable projects.
About the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
The Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) is a public legal entity supervised by the Greek Ministry of Finance. It operates as an autonomous financial and management institution serving local and regional development, the public and social interest, and the exclusive custody and management of all forms of consignments.
The CDLF provides loans to municipalities, regional authorities and other public sector bodies for infrastructure and general interest projects, while also offering technical assistance either directly or in collaboration with other institutions.
Under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, the CDLF has so far signed loan agreements totalling €2.7 billion, of which €1.7 billion has already been disbursed. These are financed either from CDLF’s own resources or co-financed with the EIB.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
€500 million EIB loan to finance sustainable infrastructure in cities and towns across Greece
Total EIB support under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme reaches €1 billion to improve everyday life in cities across the country
Funding targets climate-resilient, inclusive projects with strong benefits for local communities
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) have signed a new €500 million loan with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) to support hundreds of sustainable projects in cities and towns across Greece. The new funding will help local authorities invest in cleaner water, better waste management, safer roads, greener public buildings and smarter urban services.
This latest operation builds on the success of a previous €500 million loan signed in 2021 under the national “Antonis Tritsis” programme. With today’s signature and, the EIB’s total support for the programme now reaches €1 billion — making it one of the largest urban investment partnerships between Greece and the EU Bank.
“This new €500 million loan reaffirms the EIB’s strong long-standing partnership with Greece and our joint commitment to enabling sustainable urban development in every corner of the country. By supporting the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, we help local communities improve essential infrastructure, enhance resilience and deliver better quality of life for citizens. We are proud to continue our close collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund to turn ambitious local projects into reality,” said EIB Vice-President, Yannis Tsakiris.
EIB helping to harness local impact of CDLF in Greece’s localities
The CDLF, a financial institution which operates as a Legal Entity of Public Law and is supervised by the Ministry of Interior, is tasked with the registry of consignments and the social and regional development by funding projects of public and social interest. For this purpose, the CDLF mainly grants loans to municipalities and prefectures, participates in development bodies and co-funds projects with the EIB. All projects must meet EU environmental and climate standards and support sustainable, inclusive urban development.
“With this signing, the funding for the projects included in the “Antonis Tritsis” Program is secured. These are projects that change the quality of life for all residents in the country, create new infrastructure and strengthen Local Government”, said Minister of the Interior of the Hellenic Republic, Thodoris Livanios.
Unlocking high impact investment across key sectors
The EIB financing will support a wide range of projects across Greek cities and towns, includingSustainable water and wastewater management
Solid waste infrastructure and recycling
Safer and more climate-resilient roads
Energy-efficient upgrades to public buildings
Urban regeneration and public space improvements
Smart city technologies and digital services
Anti-seismic measures in schools and other public infrastructure
CDLF President Mr. Dimitris Stamatis stated: “We are pleased to continue our excellent cooperation with the EIB and proud of our contribution to the design and implementation of the Ministry of Interior’s special development programme Antonis Tritsis. This programme supports a wide range of investments: urban regeneration, flood and seismic protection, water and waste management, e-mobility, renovation and construction of municipal buildings, and smart city initiatives. Our aim is to ensure that every project we finance delivers not only economic returns, but also long-term environmental and social benefits that meet the needs and improve the wellbeing of both current and future generations.”
Only projects that are climate-aligned and follow the principles of sustainable development will be eligible for funding. The investments will be spread across the country, helping cities and smaller communities address local challenges and improve quality of life.
The EIB will complement its financing with advisory services under InvestEU and other EU-supported technical assistance programmes to enhance the capacity of smaller municipalities to develop mature, sustainable and bankable projects.
About the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
The Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF) is a public legal entity supervised by the Greek Ministry of Finance. It operates as an autonomous financial and management institution serving local and regional development, the public and social interest, and the exclusive custody and management of all forms of consignments.
The CDLF provides loans to municipalities, regional authorities and other public sector bodies for infrastructure and general interest projects, while also offering technical assistance either directly or in collaboration with other institutions.
Under the “Antonis Tritsis” programme, the CDLF has so far signed loan agreements totalling €2.7 billion, of which €1.7 billion has already been disbursed. These are financed either from CDLF’s own resources or co-financed with the EIB.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
The EIB strengthens its support for green and sustainable urban development in Greece with a new €500 million financing agreement in partnership with the Consignment Deposits and Loans Fund (CDLF)
On the 26th of June, Monika Raulinajtys-Grzybek, Ph.D., Professor at SGH (Warsaw School of Economics) will present the report by SGH and the Polish Ministry of National Defence ‘Medicines Supply Security for Poland’s and Europe’s Military Security’.
On the 26th of June, Monika Raulinajtys-Grzybek, Ph.D., Professor at SGH (Warsaw School of Economics) will present the report by SGH and the Polish Ministry of National Defence ‘Medicines Supply Security for Poland’s and Europe’s Military Security’.
Priority question for written answer P-002301/2025/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 144 Lukas Mandl (PPE)
The European Council has put the EU-Israel Association Agreement up for review and is seeking to revise Article 2 thereof.
1.Is the Commission aware of when, how and by which EU body was the State of Israel asked to comment on the subject of the review?
2.What efforts is the Commission making to extend the association agreement to the countries party to the Abraham Accords in an appropriate manner, thereby contributing to lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East?
3.What is the Commission doing to better protect Jewish life in the EU given the dramatic rise in anti-Semitism and in the wake of the anti-Semitic attacks in Washington, D.C., and Boulder, Colorado?
Priority question for written answer P-002301/2025/rev.1 to the Commission Rule 144 Lukas Mandl (PPE)
The European Council has put the EU-Israel Association Agreement up for review and is seeking to revise Article 2 thereof.
1.Is the Commission aware of when, how and by which EU body was the State of Israel asked to comment on the subject of the review?
2.What efforts is the Commission making to extend the association agreement to the countries party to the Abraham Accords in an appropriate manner, thereby contributing to lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East?
3.What is the Commission doing to better protect Jewish life in the EU given the dramatic rise in anti-Semitism and in the wake of the anti-Semitic attacks in Washington, D.C., and Boulder, Colorado?
Question for written answer E-002398/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Piotr Müller (ECR)
Poland has been waiting for months for the Commission to take a decision on State aid for the country’s first nuclear power plant. The plant in the municipality of Choczewo, Pomerania, is one of the most important energy investments being planned in Poland, with the aim of providing a stable, zero-emission source of electricity for the whole country.
I would therefore like to ask three specific questions, which require equally specific answers:
1.What is the state of play with regard to the Commission’s work on issuing a decision on State aid for the first nuclear power plant in Poland?
2.Has the Polish Government raised this issue with the Commission during the Polish Presidency, i.e. since 1 January 2025? If so, what responses has it received from the Commission?
3.Have meetings on this matter taken place between Polish government ministers and European Commissioners over the last six months?
Question for written answer E-002398/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Piotr Müller (ECR)
Poland has been waiting for months for the Commission to take a decision on State aid for the country’s first nuclear power plant. The plant in the municipality of Choczewo, Pomerania, is one of the most important energy investments being planned in Poland, with the aim of providing a stable, zero-emission source of electricity for the whole country.
I would therefore like to ask three specific questions, which require equally specific answers:
1.What is the state of play with regard to the Commission’s work on issuing a decision on State aid for the first nuclear power plant in Poland?
2.Has the Polish Government raised this issue with the Commission during the Polish Presidency, i.e. since 1 January 2025? If so, what responses has it received from the Commission?
3.Have meetings on this matter taken place between Polish government ministers and European Commissioners over the last six months?
Question for written answer E-002397/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Piotr Müller (ECR)
A new report by Boardwave and McKinsey indicates that the rapid development of AI is creating the conditions for a technological ‘reset’ in which Europe could regain its global competitiveness in the software industry. The report also points out obstacles attributable to public policy, such as limited growth capital, barriers to talent mobility and the fragmentation of the digital market.
Therefore, I would like to ask the Commission:
1.What measures has the Commission taken, and what measures does it plan to take, to mobilise financial instruments to support the scaling up of European software companies, particularly in the expansion phase?
2.How will the planned special ‘28th regime’ for the digital sector help to overcome the barriers stemming from the fragmentation of the Digital Single Market?
3.What specific measures is the Commission taking to increase the use of European software in the public sector and in strategic sectors?
On the 25th of June, Dr Andriy Klepikov, the Executive Director of the International Charitable Foundation “Alliance for Public Health”, a Ukraine based organisation, developing work on the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and other socially dangerous diseases in Ukraine, will present the report on The EU’s role in ending HIV/AIDS in Ukraine and its key policy recommendations.
On the 26th of June, Sandra Gallina, Director-General of DG SANTE, European Commission, will present the proposal on the Critical Medicines Act by the Commission. This proposal contributes to the European health union’s goal of ensuring that all EU patients have access to the medicines they need, wherever they are and whenever they need them. It was a commitment that this proposal would be delivered within the first 100 days of the new Commission.
Question for written answer E-002393/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left)
To date, the Irish Government has advised that there are no provisions for a Member State to unilaterally impose trade restrictions on non-EU countries.
1.Are there provisions under which a Member State can implement unilateral trade restrictions?
2.If so, under what circumstances, such as a breach of human rights compliance, could a Member State unilaterally implement trade restrictions?
Question for written answer E-002389/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE), Pilar del Castillo Vera (PPE)
To encourage Member States to interconnect their installed electricity generation capacity, in Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, the EU set a target for electricity interconnections of at least 15 % by 2030.
What is more, the affordable energy action plan stresses that ‘more needs to be achieved as regards interconnections, grid infrastructure, energy system integration and system flexibility to further upscale integration of cheaper and cleaner energy sources’.
It is vital that the most isolated electricity systems, such as Spain’s, are interconnected. An interconnected system would reduce the risk of sudden supply cuts and make it easier to better manage the increasing levels of variable renewable energy forms, such as wind and solar.
At the start of 2025, as many as eight countries – including Spain – had yet to reach the 10 % target set for 2020.
At the moment, two interconnection projects are under consideration: TR 276 Navarra-Landes and TR 270 Aragón-Atlantic Pyrenees. Both, initially planned to be up and running in 2030, have been delayed until 2036 and 2041 respectively.
What steps does the Commission intend to take to speed up Spain-France projects under consideration through the Pyrenees?
Question for written answer E-002394/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left)
1.Has the Commission investigated the failure to contain ash dieback and prevent it from reaching the extremities of the EU it would not naturally have reached, such as Ireland?
2.What support has the Commission dedicated to managing ash dieback?
3.Has the Commission done an impact assessment on the effect of ash dieback on forestry and conservation?
Question for written answer E-002392/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Nicolás González Casares (S&D)
Against a backdrop in which many European countries are increasing restrictions on alternative ways of marketing tobacco such as e-cigarettes or vapes – 15 of which have requested that the Tobacco Taxation Directive be revised, pointing specifically to the impact of the new marketing routes – and in which statistical information – such as the recent figures provided by an Irish study on the impact of vapes on young people – suggests that three quarters of young people who use e-cigarettes or vapes had never smoked traditional tobacco:
1.Does the Commission know how many preventable cancer cases could arise as a result of the delay in proposing a new Tobacco Directive?
2.Does the Commission intend to respond to the Member States’ request to revise the Tobacco Directive by coming up with a proposal that incorporates the new marketing routes?
3.Is the Commission carrying out any studies on consumption patterns for e-cigarettes and vapes among young people?
2. Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) ***I (debate)
Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) [COM(2024)0060 – C9-0028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers (A10-0097/2025)
Jeroen Lenaers introduced the report.
The following spoke: Magnus Brunner (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Heléne Fritzon (rapporteur for the opinion of the FEMM Committee), Javier Zarzalejos, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marina Kaljurand, on behalf of the S&D Group, Susanna Ceccardi, on behalf of the PfE Group, Assita Kanko, on behalf of the ECR Group, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Saskia Bricmont, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Irene Montero, on behalf of The Left Group, Mary Khan, on behalf of the ESN Group, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Alex Agius Saliba, Anders Vistisen, who also answered a blue-card question from Jeroen Lenaers, Paolo Inselvini, Laurence Farreng, Alice Kuhnke, Nikos Pappas, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Monika Beňová, Lukas Sieper, on comments made by some of the previous speakers (the President took note), Ewa Kopacz, Maria Guzenina, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Georgiana Teodorescu, Moritz Körner, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Anja Arndt, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Moritz Körner, Malika Sorel, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Mathilde Androuët, Gheorghe Piperea, Ana Miguel Pedro, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Elisabeth Dieringer, Chiara Gemma, Péter Magyar, who also answered a blue-card question from Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Jaak Madison, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Lara Magoni and François-Xavier Bellamy, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Eleonora Meleti, Maria Grapini, Viktória Ferenc, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Nina Carberry, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Annamária Vicsek, João Oliveira and Alessandra Moretti.
IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO Vice-President
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sunčana Glavak and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Magnus Brunner and Jeroen Lenaers.
The debate closed.
Vote: 17 June 2025.
3. European Ocean Pact (debate)
Commission statement: European Ocean Pact (2025/2744(RSP))
Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Isabelle Le Callennec, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, Silvia Sardone, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bert-Jan Ruissen, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Carmen Crespo Díaz, André Rodrigues, António Tânger Corrêa, Nora Junco García, Ana Vasconcelos, Rasmus Nordqvist, Nikolas Farantouris, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Antonio Decaro, André Rougé, who also answered a blue-card question from Christophe Clergeau, Michal Wiezik, Mélissa Camara, Catarina Martins, Željana Zovko, Sofie Eriksson, France Jamet, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Sebastian Everding, Francisco José Millán Mon, Thomas Bajada, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Yvan Verougstraete, Luke Ming Flanagan, Sander Smit, Nicolás González Casares, Billy Kelleher, Fredis Beleris, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Salvatore De Meo, Giuseppe Lupo, César Luena and Idoia Mendia.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Ingeborg Ter Laak, Sebastian Tynkkynen and João Oliveira.
The following spoke: Costas Kadis.
The debate closed.
(The sitting was suspended at 11:57.)
IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA President
4. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 12:06.
5. Formal sitting – Address by His Majesty King Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
The President made an address to welcome His Majesty Abdullah II, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
King Abdullah II addressed the House.
(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)
IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA Vice-President
6. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 12:33.
***
The following spoke: Fernand Kartheiser on the response time for written questions (the President provided some clarifications) and Alexander Jungbluth (the President cut him off as remarks did not constitute a point of order).
7. Voting time
For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.
7.1. Amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte ***I (vote)
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 228/2013 as regards additional assistance and further flexibility to outermost regions affected by severe natural disasters and in the context of cyclone Chido devastating Mayotte (COM(2025)0190 – C10-0071/2025 – 2025/0104(COD)) –Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
(Majority of the votes cast)
COMMISSION PROPOSAL
Approved(P10_TA(2025)0115)
Detailed voting results
7.2. Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast)***I(vote)
Report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) [COM(2024)0060 – C9-0028/2024 – 2024/0035(COD)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Jeroen Lenaers (A10-0097/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
COMMISSION PROPOSAL and AMENDMENTS
Approved (P10_TA(2025)0116)
REQUEST FOR REFERRAL BACK TO COMMITTEE
Approved
The following had spoken:
Jeroen Lenaers (rapporteur), after the vote on the Commission proposal, to request that the matter be referred back to the committee responsible, for interinstitutional negotiations in accordance with Rule 60(4).
Detailed voting results
7.3. Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the carriage of freight by road of 29 June 2022***(vote)
Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine amending the Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine on the carriage of freight by road of 29 June 2022 [16072/2024 – C10-0226/2024 – 2024/0290(NLE)] – Committee on Transport and Tourism. Rapporteur: Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (A10-0102/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION
Approved (P10_TA(2025)0117)
Parliament consented to the conclusion of the agreement.
Detailed voting results
7.4. Termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union***(vote)
Recommendation on the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union [05673/2025 – C10-0012/2025 – 2024/0245(NLE)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Karin Karlsbro (A10-0089/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
DRAFT COUNCIL DECISION
Approved (P10_TA(2025)0118)
Parliament consented to the termination of the agreement.
Detailed voting results
7.5. Termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union (Resolution) (vote)
Report containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the proposal for a Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cameroon on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the Union [2024/0245M(NLE)] – Committee on International Trade. Rapporteur: Karin Karlsbro (A10-0094/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0119)
Detailed voting results
7.6. Electoral rights of mobile Union citizens in European Parliament elections * (vote)
Report on the proposal for a Council directive laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for Union citizens residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals (recast) [09789/2024 – C10-0001/2024 – 2021/0372(CNS)] – Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Rapporteur: Sven Simon (A10-0090/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
COUNCIL DRAFT
Approved(P10_TA(2025)0120)
Detailed voting results
7.7. Amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure concerning the declaration of input (Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure) (vote)
Report on amendments to Parliament’s Rules of Procedure concerning the declaration of input (Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure) [2025/2067(REG)] – Committee on Constitutional Affairs. Rapporteur: Sven Simon (A10-0086/2025)
(Majority of Parliament’s component Members required)
PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION
Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0121)
This amendment would enter into force on the first day of the following part-session.
The following had spoken:
Sven Simon (rapporteur), before the vote, to make a statement on the basis of Rule 165(1).
Detailed voting results
7.8. Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy (vote)
Report on strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy [2024/2105(INI)] – Committee on Regional Development. Rapporteur: Denis Nesci (A10-0092/2025)
The debate had taken place on 16 June 2025 (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 22).
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Adopted by single vote (P10_TA(2025)0122)
Detailed voting results
7.9. Financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville (vote)
Report on financing for development – ahead of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville [2025/2004(INI)] – Committee on Development. Rapporteur: Charles Goerens (A10-0101/2025)
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Rejected
The following had spoken:
Charles Goerens (rapporteur), before the vote, to make a statement under Rule 165(4), and after the vote on the resolution as a whole.
Detailed voting results
9
(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)
8. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 12:57.
9. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
The following spoke: Marion Maréchal, to make a personal statement in the light of the comments made by Benedetta Scuderi during the previous day’s sitting, before the adoption of the agenda (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 16).
The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.
10. Implementation report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (debate)
Report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility [2024/2085(INI)] – Committee on Budgets – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteurs: Victor Negrescu and Siegfried Mureşan (A10-0098/2025)
Victor Negrescu and Siegfried Mureşan introduced the report.
The following spoke: Raffaele Fitto (Executive Vice-President of the Commission).
The following spoke: Carla Tavares (rapporteur for the opinion of the BUDG Committee), Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (rapporteur for the opinion of the EMPL Committee), Jonas Sjöstedt (rapporteur for the opinion of the ENVI Committee), Giuseppe Lupo (rapporteur for the opinion of the TRAN Committee), Markus Ferber, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jean-Marc Germain, on behalf of the S&D Group, Enikő Győri, on behalf of the PfE Group, Denis Nesci, on behalf of the ECR Group, and Ľudovít Ódor, on behalf of the Renew Group.
IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN Vice-President
The following spoke: Nikolas Farantouris on behalf of The Left Group, Rada Laykova, on behalf of the ESN Group, Karlo Ressler, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Jonás Fernández, Julien Sanchez, who also answered a blue-card question from Lukas Sieper, Ruggero Razza, Rasmus Andresen, Jussi Saramo, Alexander Jungbluth, who also answered a blue-card question from Radan Kanev, Thomas Geisel, Dirk Gotink, Costas Mavrides, Klara Dostalova, Bogdan Rzońca, Gordan Bosanac, who also answered a blue-card question from Sunčana Glavak, Milan Mazurek, Danuše Nerudová, Pierre Pimpie, Aurelijus Veryga, Radan Kanev, Alex Agius Saliba, Tomasz Buczek, Dick Erixon, Gheorghe Falcă, Idoia Mendia, Angéline Furet, Giovanni Crosetto, Georgios Aftias, Nils Ušakovs, Marlena Maląg, Kinga Kollár, who also answered a blue-card question from Enikő Győri, Evelyn Regner, Marion Maréchal, Angelika Winzig, Eero Heinäluoma, Adrian-George Axinia, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Sandra Gómez López, Jacek Ozdoba, Adnan Dibrani, César Luena and Damian Boeselager.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nikolina Brnjac, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă and Hélder Sousa Silva.
The following spoke: Raffaele Fitto, Victor Negrescu and Siegfried Mureşan.
The debate closed.
Vote: 18 June 2025.
11. The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report (debate)
Report on The Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law report [2024/2078(INI)] – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. Rapporteur: Ana Catarina Mendes (A10-0100/2025)
Ana Catarina Mendes introduced the report.
The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).
IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE Vice-President
The following spoke: Isabel Wiseler-Lima (rapporteur for the opinion of the AFET Committee), Ilhan Kyuchyuk (rapporteur for the opinion of the JURI Committee), Michał Wawrykiewicz, on behalf of the PPE Group, Birgit Sippel, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alessandro Ciriani, on behalf of the ECR Group, Moritz Körner, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Gaetano Pedulla’, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Dolors Montserrat, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Marco Tarquinio, Fabrice Leggeri, Mariusz Kamiński, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Mary Khan, Ondřej Dostál, Javier Zarzalejos, Chloé Ridel, András László, who also answered a blue-card question from Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Patryk Jaki (the President reminded the House of the rules on conduct), Irena Joveva, Marcin Sypniewski, who also answered a blue-card question from Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Zoltán Tarr, Alessandro Zan, Marieke Ehlers, Nicolas Bay, Nikola Minchev, Sven Simon, Marc Angel, Gilles Pennelle, Dainius Žalimas, Paulo Cunha, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Matjaž Nemec, Csaba Dömötör, David Casa, Katarina Barley, who also answered a blue-card question from Patryk Jaki, and Loucas Fourlas.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Katrin Langensiepen, Petras Gražulis and Maria Zacharia.
The following spoke: Michael McGrath and Ana Catarina Mendes.
The debate closed.
Vote: 18 June 2025.
12. 2023 and 2024 reports on Montenegro (debate)
Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Montenegro [2025/2020(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Marjan Šarec (A10-0093/2025)
Marjan Šarec introduced the report.
The following spoke: Marta Kos (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Reinhold Lopatka, on behalf of the PPE Group, Costas Mavrides, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jaroslav Bžoch, on behalf of the PfE Group, and Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, on behalf of the ECR Group.
IN THE CHAIR: Nicolae ŞTEFĂNUȚĂ Vice-President
The following spoke: Vladimir Prebilič, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giorgos Georgiou, on behalf of The Left Group, Davor Ivo Stier, Matjaž Nemec, Matthieu Valet, Carlo Ciccioli, Thomas Waitz, who also answered a blue-card question from Tomislav Sokol, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Željana Zovko, Tonino Picula, Annamária Vicsek, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, Sunčana Glavak, Carla Tavares, Liudas Mažylis and Tomislav Sokol.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Marta Kos and Marjan Šarec.
The debate closed.
Vote: 18 June 2025.
13. 2023 and 2024 reports on Moldova (debate)
Report on 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Moldova [2025/2025(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Sven Mikser (A10-0096/2025)
Sven Mikser introduced the report.
The following spoke: Marta Kos (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Andrzej Halicki, on behalf of the PPE Group, Marta Temido, on behalf of the S&D Group, Cristian Terheş, on behalf of the ECR Group, Dan Barna, on behalf of the Renew Group, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group, Andrey Kovatchev, Victor Negrescu, Eugen Tomac, Davor Ivo Stier, Marcos Ros Sempere, Karin Karlsbro, Mika Aaltola, Kristian Vigenin and Krzysztof Brejza.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Maria Grapini, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Marta Kos and Sven Mikser.
The debate closed.
Vote: 18 June 2025.
14. Two years since the devastating Tempi rail accident (debate)
Commission statement: Two years since the devastating Tempi rail accident (2025/2698(RSP))
The President provided some procedural clarifications.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS Vice-President
The following spoke: Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, on behalf of the PPE Group, Yannis Maniatis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Afroditi Latinopoulou, on behalf of the PfE Group, Emmanouil Fragkos, on behalf of the ECR Group, Sandro Gozi, on behalf of the Renew Group, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, and Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group.
The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The debate closed.
15. Corrigenda (Rule 251) (action taken)
Corrigendum P9_TA(2024)0348(COR02) had been announced on 16 June 2025 (minutes of 16.6.2025, item 15).
As no requests for a vote had been made in accordance with Rule 251(4), the corrigendum was deemed approved.
16. Delegated acts (Rule 114(6)) (action taken)
The recommendation from the AGRI Committee to raise no objections to a delegated act had been announced in plenary on 16 June 2025(minutes of 16.6.2025, item 14).
As no objections to the recommendation had been raised in accordance with Rule 114(6), the recommendation was deemed approved.
17. Interpretations of the Rules of Procedure (action taken)
The AFCO Committee had provided interpretations of Article 3(5), first subparagraph, of Annex I and Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure. The interpretations had been announced in plenary on 16 June 2025(minutes of 16.6.2025, item 11).
As they had not been contested by a political group or Members reaching at least the low threshold in accordance with Rule 242(4), the interpretations were appended to the Rules (P10_TA(2025)0123).
18. EU framework conditions for competitive, efficient and sustainable public transport services at all levels (debate)
Commission statement: EU framework conditions for competitive, efficient and sustainable public transport services at all levels (2025/2742(RSP))
Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Dariusz Joński, on behalf of the PPE Group, Johan Danielsson, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roman Haider, on behalf of the PfE Group, Antonella Sberna, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Lena Schilling, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Elena Kountoura, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Nina Carberry, François Kalfon, Annamária Vicsek, Kosma Złotowski, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Kai Tegethoff, Kostas Papadakis, Elena Nevado del Campo, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Julien Leonardelli, Péter Magyar, who also answered a blue-card question from Annamária Vicsek, Sérgio Gonçalves, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Sérgio Humberto, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Matteo Ricci, Nikolina Brnjac and Regina Doherty.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Maria Zacharia and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The debate closed.
(The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)
IN THE CHAIR: Sabine VERHEYEN Vice-President
19. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 19:33.
20. Latest developments on the revision of the air passenger rights and airline liability regulations (debate)
Council and Commission statements: Latest developments on the revision of the air passenger rights and airline liability regulations (2025/2743(RSP))
Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Apostolos Tzitzikostas (Member of the Commission) made the statements.
The following spoke: Andrey Novakov, on behalf of the PPE Group, Matteo Ricci, on behalf of the S&D Group, Roman Haider, on behalf of the PfE Group, Kosma Złotowski, on behalf of the ECR Group, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, on behalf of the Renew Group, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Arash Saeidi, on behalf of The Left Group, Stanislav Stoyanov, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jens Gieseke, Johan Danielsson, Julien Leonardelli, Michele Picaro, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Nina Carberry, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Annamária Vicsek, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Borja Giménez Larraz, François Kalfon, Ernő Schaller-Baross, Nikolina Brnjac, Sérgio Gonçalves, Barbara Bonte, Sophia Kircher, Isabella Tovaglieri, Markus Ferber and Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sérgio Humberto, Ana Miranda Paz, Elena Kountoura and Magdalena Adamowicz.
The following spoke: Apostolos Tzitzikostas and Adam Szłapka.
The debate closed.
21. Situation in the Middle East (joint debate)
Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation (2025/2770(RSP))
Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza (2025/2747(RSP))
Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statements.
The following spoke: Michael Gahler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Sebastiaan Stöteler, on behalf of the PfE Group, Bert-Jan Ruissen, on behalf of the ECR Group, Bart Groothuis, on behalf of the Renew Group, Hannah Neumann, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Rima Hassan, on behalf of The Left Group, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Yannis Maniatis and Elena Donazzan.
IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE Vice-President
The following spoke: Bernard Guetta, Mounir Satouri, Marc Botenga, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Hildegard Bentele, Kathleen Van Brempt, Rihards Kols, Barry Andrews, Villy Søvndal, Kathleen Funchion, Ruth Firmenich, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Catarina Mendes, Alexandr Vondra, Irena Joveva, Catarina Vieira, Catarina Martins, Erik Kaliňák, Wouter Beke, Leire Pajín, Alberico Gambino, Abir Al-Sahlani, Saskia Bricmont, João Oliveira, Maria Zacharia, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Marta Temido, Geadis Geadi, Leoluca Orlando, Luke Ming Flanagan, Fidias Panayiotou, Maria Walsh, Thijs Reuten, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Alice Kuhnke, Danilo Della Valle, David Casa, Chloé Ridel, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Majdouline Sbai, Céline Imart, Vasile Dîncu, Michael McNamara, Anna Strolenberg, Michał Szczerba, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Evin Incir and Regina Doherty.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ana Miranda Paz, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Lukas Sieper and Katarína Roth Neveďalová.
The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.
The debate closed.
22. Assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe and the threat to the democratic process and peace in Colombia (debate)
Statement by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy: Assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe and the threat to the democratic process and peace in Colombia (2025/2749(RSP))
Kaja Kallas (Vice President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) made the statement.
The following spoke: Davor Ivo Stier, on behalf of the PPE Group, Leire Pajín, on behalf of the S&D Group, Sebastian Kruis, on behalf of the PfE Group, Carlo Fidanza, on behalf of the ECR Group, Cristina Guarda, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Anthony Smith, on behalf of The Left Group, Francisco José Millán Mon, Javi López, Jorge Martín Frías, Reinhold Lopatka, Julien Sanchez and Rody Tolassy.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen.
The following spoke: Kaja Kallas.
The debate closed.
23. Oral explanations of votes (Rule 201)
23.1. Combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child sexual abuse material and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA (recast) (A10-0097/2025) Cristian Terheş
23.2. Strengthening rural areas in the EU through cohesion policy (A10-0092/2025) Cristian Terheş,Kathleen Funchion
24. Explanations of votes in writing (Rule 201)
Explanations of votes given in writing would appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website
25. Agenda of the next sitting
The next sitting would be held the following day, 18 June 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.
26. Approval of the minutes of the sitting
In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.
27. Closure of the sitting
The sitting closed at 22:52.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT
I. Documents received
The following documents had been received from committees:
– ***I Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability (COM(2023)0769 – C9-0443/2023 – 2023/0447(COD)) – AGRI Committee – Rapporteur: Veronika Vrecionová (A10-0104/2025)
A total of €270 million will address various EIB Group policy objectives, including financing the green transition of SMEs and mid-caps and fostering women entrepreneurship.
An additional €100 million will be earmarked exclusively for financing projects in the agricultural sector.
The operation contributes to the EIB Group strategic priority of strengthening the European agriculture and bioeconomy sectors, to the competitiveness of European SMEs and mid-caps.
The EIB Group – made up of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) – has signed a new €250 million securitisation operation with Santander to boost investment by small businesses (SMEs) and mid-caps companies in Spain and to support the agricultural sector and women entrepreneurship in the country. This investment will allow Santander to mobilise up to €370 million to improve access to financing for companies in strategic sectors, boost agricultural development, and support economic cohesion across regions.
Under the operation, the European Investment Fund (EIF) commits €200 million through a bilateral guarantee with ING, while the European Investment Bank (EIB) invests €50 million. The entire EIB Group investment is being made through a single securitisation in which other private investors have also participated.
The EIF €200 million investment will unlock €270 million of additional financing, covering a broad spectrum of EIB Group policy objectives like supporting SMEs and mid-caps green transition, foster women’s entrepreneurship and extend green loans to private individuals.
The EIB €50 million investment will mobilize €100 million to finance projects in the agricultural sector carried out by SMEs and midcaps operating in Spain. Investments are expected to cover a broad range of activities, such as sustainable and regenerative agriculture, working capital for climate resilience and adaptation crops varieties, infrastructure improvements and water management systems. Approximately 10% of the financing will specifically benefit young and newly installed farmers with the EIB enabling eligibility for financing the acquisition of agricultural land. The investment takes place under the Pan-European Agricultural Programme, an €3 billion package launched by the EIB in 2024 to support agricultural businesses, with a particular focus on businesses led by young entrepreneurs.
This operation is one more demonstration of the EIB Group’s role of promoting financial instruments like securitisations that help unlock capital for green projects, reduce the risk borne by sponsoring financial institutions and strengthen the EU capital markets union.
The agreement with Santander contributes to the eight strategic priorities of the EIB Group, specifically to strengthen agriculture and the bioeconomy sectors in Europe, support climate action, encourage women’s entrepreneurship, promote economic, social and territorial cohesion and foster the EU capital markets union.
Background information
About the EIB Group
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024, helping power the country’s green and digital transition and promote economic growth, competitiveness and better services for its people.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
About Santander
Banco Santander (SAN SM) is a leading commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain and one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. The group’s activities are consolidated into five global businesses: Retail & Commercial Banking, Digital Consumer Bank, Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB), Wealth Management & Insurance and Payments (PagoNxt and Cards). This operating model allows the bank to better leverage its unique combination of global scale and local leadership. Santander aims to be the best open financial services platform providing services to individuals, SMEs, corporates, financial institutions and governments. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising €220 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2030. In the first quarter of 2025, Banco Santander had €1.4 trillion in total funds, 175 million customers, 7,900 branches and 207,000 employees.
Question for written answer E-002283/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew)
The Dutch Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) recently informed the Dutch agriculture minister that the cancer risk has been incorrectly assessed for years in the pesticide authorisation process, including for glyphosate. Instead of a one-sided test specifically aimed at determining cancer risks, a less accurate two-sided test has been the norm.
1.Can the Commission urge the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as soon as possible to tighten the guidelines for assessing cancer risks in the pesticide authorisation process, and to make the more accurate one-sided test the norm?
2.The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) states that glyphosate is probably carcinogenic, while EFSA’s risk assessment states that exposure to glyphosate is ‘unlikely’ to lead to cancer in humans. To what extent was the EFSA assessment based on the less accurate two-sided test?
3.Is the Commission willing to encourage EFSA and the authorisation authorities in the Member States to have pesticides that have been approved in the past based on the two-sided test re-evaluated using the more accurate one-sided method, which also takes stacking effects and cocktail effects into account?
EU measures for consumer protection are intended to protect the health, safety, and economic and legal interests of all consumers in the EU, wherever they live, travel or shop. EU provisions regulate both physical transactions and e-commerce, and contain rules of general applicability together with provisions targeting specific products, including medicines, genetically modified organisms, tobacco products, cosmetics, toys and explosives for civilian use.
Audiovisual policy in the EU is governed by Articles 167 and 173 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The key piece of legislation in this field is the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. The main EU instrument to help the industry is the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union demands respect for ‘the freedom and pluralism of the media’. The European Media Freedom Act establishes a common framework for media services in the internal market.
The Member States of the European Union have agreed, as a result of their membership of the EU, to transfer some of their powers to the EU institutions in specified policy areas. Thus, EU institutions make supranational binding decisions in their legislative and executive procedures, budgetary procedures, appointment procedures and quasi-constitutional procedures.
The EU has played an important role at international level in seeking solutions to biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate change. The 1992 UN Conference on the Environment and Development adopted the Convention on Biological Diversity. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change notes the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity. As part of the European Green Deal, the new biodiversity and forestry 2030 strategies aim to put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery and to support deforestation-free value chains.
The European Union has legal personality and as such its own legal order separate from international law. Furthermore, EU law has direct or indirect effect on the laws of its Member States and becomes part of the legal system of each Member State. The European Union is in itself a source of law. The legal order is usually divided into primary legislation (the Treaties and general legal principles), secondary legislation (based on the Treaties) and supplementary law.
Freedom of movement and residence for persons in the European Union is the cornerstone of EU citizenship, established by the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992. The gradual phasing-out of internal borders under the Schengen agreements was followed by the adoption of Directive 2004/38/EC on the right of EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the EU. Notwithstanding the importance of this right, substantial implementation obstacles persist.