<p>Virginijus Sinkevičius, born on 4 November 1990 in Vilnius, is a Lithuanian politician. Commissioner-designate for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.</p>

<p>After the hearing by the Committee on Fisheries (PECH) and the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) of the European Parliament, the committees prepare an evaluation letter on the candidate.</p>

Hearing of Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, Commissioner-designate

EP Plenary session - Enhancing Europe’s civilian and defence preparedness and readiness

AFET ITRE - Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space

TRAN - Confirmation hearing of Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, European Commissioner-designate for Sustainable Transport and Tourism

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Consequences of the devastating forest fires in the Amazon and the importance of the Amazon for climate change

EP Plenary session - Strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

EP Plenary session - The crisis facing the EU’s automotive industry, potential plant closures and the need to enhance competitiveness and maintain jobs in Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States

TRAN Committee - Exchange of views with Maja Markovčić Kostelac, Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency EMSA

TRAN Committee constitutive meeting

EP Plenary session - Pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews

EP Plenary session - The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles

EP Plenary session - Water crisis and droughts in the EU as a consequence of the global climate crisis and the need for a sustainable, resilient water strategy for Europe

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Recent ecological catastrophe involving plastic pellet losses and its impact on micro plastic pollution in the maritime and coastal habitats

Public Hearing of the High-Level Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of the War in Ukraine

EP Plenary session - Packaging and packaging waste

Trilogue on Environmental Crimes

Agreement between EP and Council on the Nature Restoration Act

ENVI Extraordinary meeting - Report back on ongoing interinstitutional negotiations

EP Plenary session - Oral Question - Towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector Commission

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - Oceans, biodiversity and fisheries

ENVI Committee - Exchange of views with Commissioner Virginijus SINKEVICIUS

Alexander BERNHUBER, Simone SCHMIEDTBAUER, Virginijus SINKEVICIUS,  Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries meet with a delegation from Austrian, German and Italian Alpine Farmers

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.

ENVI extraordinary meeting - Exchange of views with Virginijus SINKEVICIUS, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, on the outcome of the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Trilogue on  the final shape of EU rules for the design, production and disposal of batteries

Trilogue on the regulation on deforestation-free products.

Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space of the VON DER LEYEN Commission, is heard by the Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committees. Committees on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) and Security and Defence (SEDE) are also invited to participate as joint committees. Questions and answers.

Confirmation hearing of Andrius KUBILIUS, European Commissioner-designate for Defence and Space: Questions / Answers (part 3)

Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, Commissioner-designate, Sustainable Transport and Tourism, of the VON DER LEYEN Commission is heard by the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) of the European Parliament. Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) participates as joint committee. During the confirmation hearing, Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS answers questions by committee members.

Confirmation hearing of Apostolos TZITZIKOSTAS, Commissioner-designate, Sustainable Transport and Tourism: questions / answers (part 3)

MEPs debate on a continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States. MEPs are calling for continued military and financial support for Ukraine in a resolution expected on Thursday. Ahead of the vote, Parliament is holding a debate with the Commission. In July, the newly-elected Parliament adopted its first resolution of the term, stating that the EU must support Ukraine until it wins against Russia’s occupying forces. This latest resolution reaffirms that commitment, urging EU countries to maintain their backing for Kyiv.

Continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States: MEPs debate (part 2)

The Body would develop and interpret common minimum standards of ethical conduct, as well as publish reports on how these have been applied in internal rules. Parliament decides on Thursday whether to approve the agreement to establish an Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards, which aims to set up a framework for cooperation for the EU’s institutions and bodies. Even though Parliament’s negotiators managed to improve the Commission’s proposal significantly, which was described as “unsatisfactory” by MEPs in July 2023, MEPs are set to raise issues related to the scope and powers of the envisioned body (including Council’s limited participation) in the debate preceding the vote. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE)

EP Plenary session - Interinstitutional Body for Ethical Standards: Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA, DE)

During Question Time, MEPs quiz Commission Vice-President Jourová about EU governments’ preparedness to combat foreign interference, including from Russia.

EP Plenary session - Question Time (Commission) - Preparedness of EU governments to combat foreign interference, including from Russia: Questions and answers with Věra JOUROVÁ, Vice-President of the European Commission (part 1)

Parliament adopts its negotiating position on new rules promoting the right to repair and more sustainable consumption of consumer goods. MEPs debate on draft legislation to make it easier for consumers to repair defective goods even after the expiration of the guarantee. The proposal complements other ongoing EU initiatives that pursue the European Green Deal objective of sustainable consumption and the circular economy. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by René REPASI (S&D, DE), Rapporteur.

Common rules promoting the repair of goods: closing statements by René REPASI (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner on Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

Parliament adopts its negotiating position on new rules promoting the right to repair and more sustainable consumption of consumer goods. MEPs debate on draft legislation to make it easier for consumers to repair defective goods even after the expiration of the guarantee. The proposal complements other ongoing EU initiatives that pursue the European Green Deal objective of sustainable consumption and the circular economy. Opening statements by René REPASI (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, Sunčana GLAVAK (EPP, HR), and Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Common rules promoting the repair of goods: opening statements by René REPASI (S&D, DE), Rapporteur, Sunčana GLAVAK (EPP, HR), and Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries

MEPs debate on new rules to incentivise EU countries to jointly procure defence products and support the EU’s defence industry. The new regulation, already agreed with member states, establishes a short-term instrument to boost the European defence industry through common procurement (EDIRPA) through to 2025. The tool should help member states address their most urgent and critical defence needs, especially those which have been exacerbated by the transfer of defence products to Ukraine, in a voluntary and collaborative way. Opening statement by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE) and Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL), Rapporteurs, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Karlo RESSLER (EPP, HR), Rapporteur for BUDG. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA): opening statement by Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE) and Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL), Rapporteurs, Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

The draft text, adopted by the Environment Committee in June 2023, sets stricter 2030 limits and target values for several pollutants relative to the original Commission proposal to ensure that air quality in the EU is not harmful to human health, natural ecosystems and biodiversity. MEPs also want to increase the number of air quality sampling points and harmonise currently-fragmented and unintuitive air quality indices to provide better information to citizens about local air pollution. MEPs debate and vote on Wednesday on new rules to improve EU air quality for a cleaner and healthier environment. Extracts from the debate (12/09); extracts from the vote (13/09); and statement by Javi López (S&D, ES), Rapporteur.

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe: extracts from the debate (12/09); extracts from the vote (13/09); and statement by Javi López (S&D, ES), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on new rules to improve EU air quality for a cleaner and healthier environment. In October 2022, the Commission proposed a revision of the EU air quality rules with more ambitious targets for 2030 to achieve the zero pollution objective by 2050 in line with the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan. The draft text, adopted by the Environment Committee in June 2023, sets stricter 2030 limits and target values for several pollutants relative to the original Commission proposal to ensure that air quality in the EU is not harmful to human health, natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Javi LOPEZ (S&D, ES), Rapporteur.

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe: closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Javi LOPEZ (S&D, ES), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on Tuesday and vote on Wednesday on new rules to improve EU air quality for a cleaner and healthier environment. In October 2022, the Commission proposed a revision of the EU air quality rules with more ambitious targets for 2030 to achieve the zero pollution objective by 2050 in line with the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan. The draft text, adopted by the Environment Committee in June 2023, sets stricter 2030 limits and target values for several pollutants relative to the original Commission proposal to ensure that air quality in the EU is not harmful to human health, natural ecosystems and biodiversity. Opening statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Javi LOPEZ (S&D, ES), Rapporteur. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe: opening statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Javi López (S&D, ES), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on new rules to incentivise EU countries to jointly procure defence products and support the EU’s defence industry. The new regulation, already agreed with member states, establishes a short-term instrument to boost the European defence industry through common procurement (EDIRPA) through to 2025. The tool should help member states address their most urgent and critical defence needs, especially those which have been exacerbated by the transfer of defence products to Ukraine, in a voluntary and collaborative way. Closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE) and Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL)

European Defence Industry Reinforcement through common Procurement Act (EDIRPA): closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Michael GAHLER (EPP, DE) and Zdzisław KRASNODĘBSKI (ECR, PL)

MEPs debate on a law that would contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU’s land and sea areas and to achieve EU climate and biodiversity objectives. As there was no majority in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in favour of the EU nature restoration law as amended, the Committee has tabled to plenary the proposal to reject the Commission’s proposal. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and César LUENA (S&D, ES), Rapporteur.

Key debate - Nature restoration: closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment and César LUENA (S&D, ES), Rapporteur

MEPs debate on a law that would contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU’s land and sea areas and to achieve EU climate and biodiversity objectives. As there was no majority in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in favour of the EU nature restoration law as amended, the Committee has tabled to plenary the proposal to reject the Commission’s proposal. Opening statement by César LUENA (S&D, ES), Rapporteur, Anne SANDER (EPP, FR), Caroline ROOSE (Greens/EFA, FR), and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. The transcript if the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Key debate - Nature restoration: opening statements by César LUENA (S&D, ES), Rapporteur, Anne SANDER (EPP, FR), Caroline ROOSE (Greens/EFA, FR) and by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

Parliament gives its final green light to updated rules for the design, production and waste management of all types of batteries sold in the EU. The deal reached with the Council in December 2022 aims to build a stronger and more competitive industrial sector, which is crucial for the EU’s energy transition and for strategic autonomy. It introduces stronger requirements to make batteries more sustainable, more durable and better-performing, as well as including more stringent targets for waste collection, recycling efficiency and material recovery. Closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Achille VARIATI (S&D, IT), Rapporteur.

Batteries and waste batteries: closing statements by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment and by Achille VARIATI (S&D, IT) , Rapporteur

The EU Parliament gives its final green light to updated rules for the design, production and waste management of all types of batteries sold in the EU. The deal reached with the Council in December 2022 aims to build a stronger and more competitive industrial sector, which is crucial for the EU’s energy transition and for strategic autonomy. It introduces stronger requirements to make batteries more sustainable, more durable and better-performing, as well as including more stringent targets for waste collection, recycling efficiency and material recovery. Opening statements by Achille VARIATI (S&D, IT), Rapporteur, Patrizia TOIA (S&D, IT), ITRE Committee; Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), IMCO Committee; Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries and by Erik BERGKVIST (S&D, SE), TRAN Committee. The transcript is the result of an automated process. Please check against delivery.

Batteries and waste batteries: opening statement by Achille VARIATI (S&D, IT), Rapporteur, Patrizia TOIA (S&D, IT), Antonius MANDERS (EPP, NL), Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment and by Erik BERGKVIST (S&D, SE)

MEPs debate a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) calling for the end of trade in shark and ray fins in the EU. Closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

European Citizens' Initiative "Stop Finning – Stop the trade": closing statement by Virginijus SINKEVIČIUS, European Commissioner for Environment

Plenary debates a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) calling for the end of trade in shark and ray fins in the EU. The European Citizens' Initiative “Stop Finning - Stop the Trade” gathered the support of over 1.1 million signatures with the minimum threshold reached in 15 member states. Extracts from the debate. The transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please, check against delivery.

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