8 Written explanations of Petras AUŠTREVIČIUS

By establishing the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and providing an additional exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, we are one step closer to ensuring that Russia pays for the massive destruction it continues to cause throughout Ukraine.The EU macro-financial assistance will cover EUR 35 billion of the EUR 45 billion agreed between the EU and the G7. Moreover, this loan will be covered by windfall profits from interest on frozen Russian assets, meaning that Ukraine will be able to use these funds for immediate needs, including restoring critical infrastructure, without worrying about having to repay the loan.I voted in favour of these proposals, which should allow the EU to provide Ukraine with a much-needed financial loan by the end of 2024.

I deeply regret the situation that prevents me from voting in favour of granting discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Council and of the Council for the financial year 2022. My decision is based on the recommendation of the European Ombudsman, who indicated that the Council’s practice with regard to transparency in the legislative process constituted maladministration, and on the Council’s refusal to cooperate with, and provide information to, Parliament’s body responsible for scrutinising the implementation of the Council’s budget and the Council’s management. I would like to recall that Parliament is responsible for granting discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the Union. The Council’s actions not only contradict this, but also risk creating mistrust among citizens in the transparency of the Council and the rest of the Union.

I voted in favor of this resolution in response to the fact that, despite the availability of 500 000 different medical devices on the EU market, there are certain disparities in access to these devices in the Member States, jeopardising citizens' access to proper medical care. The resolution calls on the Commission to propose solutions on how to further improve the existing legislation on medical devices, in order to alleviate the situation where manufacturers are overburdened with certification and authorisation procedures for medical devices, and where shortages of devices end up compromising patient safety. Given its importance, such a review must be carried out without delay, by the first quarter of 2025.

I voted in favour of the new College of the European Commission to ensure that the European Union's executive body can start working as soon as possible. Today, with the growing uncertainties in the face of a second Trump presidency, Russian military threats and the rise of Chinese influence, I believe that Europe cannot afford to have a paralysed Commission, but must show that it is a powerful global player. Therefore, with this vote of confidence, I express my high hopes that the newly elected Commission will work in the EU's interest, ensuring our common security, competitiveness and respect for the rule of law.

By voting in favour of a mobilization of the European Union Solidarity Fund, the European Parliament ensured the delivery of assistance to Germany and Italy, which suffered from a catastrophic flooding event earlier this year. The estimated damages in Germany and Italy were EUR 4,131.6 million and EUR 158.39 million, respectively. This decision will ensure the necessary funds are made available for reconstruction in the affected regions. Therefore, I voted in favour of supporting the Commission's proposal.

I voted in favour for this version of 2025 EU Budget. In this version European Parliament overruled Council’s cuts of funding. I find important that over EUR 230 million are added for key programmes that improve the lives of citizens. The areas with additional funding are research, health, education, young farmers, coordination of social security schemes, crisis response to natural disasters, climate action, humanitarian aid, military mobility and border management. Despite Council’s attempts to cut on Erasmus+ and further programmes, European Parliament has found a way to remain a true representative of the citizens.

I voted in favour of this resolution to express my concern at the deeply worrying situation in the Georgian's political landscape following the parliamentary elections. The ruling Georgian Dream party and its leader, the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, are responsible for the continuing democratic backsliding, including irregularities during the parliamentary elections, and for ignoring the will of the Georgian people for Euro-Atlantic orientation integration. The European Parliament has always stood by the Georgian people and will continue to do so. The resolution clearly states that the election results cannot be recognized, that new free and fair elections must be held and those responsible for the democratic backsliding, violations of electoral laws and standards, administrative abuses and misuse of state institutions, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, should face personal sanctions.

I voted in favour of this resolution calling on Member States to extend public bans on new smoking products such as HTPs, e-cigarettes and other aerosol products. Such a ban should focus on ensuring health and safety and maximum protection of children, adolescents, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups. The Tobacco Taxation Directive, the Tobacco Advertising Directive and the Tobacco Products Directive should be revised as soon as possible, taking into account the health and well-being of all the above-mentioned groups. Given the social importance of this resolution, I voted in favour.