29 Written explanations of David MARTIN

I voted in favour of this report as it stresses the importance of strengthening EU-ASEAN political and economic relations. Developed over four decades, EU-ASEAN relations are of vital importance for ensuring security and stability, international co-operation and promoting democracy and human rights. The report further highlights the ultimate objective of establishing a region-to-region free trade agreement, as trade negotiations are currently on-going or have already been completed with some ASEAN countries. Finally, the report also acknowledges the EU’s concerns for human rights violations in certain ASEAN countries which are affecting the status of current relations and, I believe, will continue to be an issue if not resolved.

I voted in favour of this report outlining political priorities for EU relations with India. A strengthened partnership between the world’s largest democracies is vital to tackle climate change, preserve global peace and stability and achieve sustainable development goals. The report would tap the potential of relations between the EU, as the world’s leading trading block, and India - which tops the ranks of the fastest growing major economies - to fight poverty and inequality, create jobs and growth, and advance gender equality and women’s rights.

I voted in favour of this report, which discusses the implementation of the Common Position on Arms Export, a legally binding framework that sets minimum requirements in arms export controls and the obligation to assess the request for an export licence. The report calls on the EU to launch an initiative to impose an EU arms embargo on Saudi Arabia, which is viewed as non-compliant with the second criterion of the Common Position, as well as other countries accused of serious breaches of international humanitarian law. The report urges the Member States and the EEAS to significantly improve the consistency in implementing the Common Position through a standardised verification and reporting system, and to overcome the current lack of efficiency in defence spending due to duplication. Finally, the report highlights the importance of the UK remaining bound by the position after Brexit.

I voted in favour of this report, as it emphasises that the Latin American and Caribbean region is a key partner for the EU. As partners, the LAC and the EU must jointly face global challenges such as the eradication of poverty, fight against climate change and human rights issues. The report emphasised the need to step up political dialogue on migration, to have closer economic ties through visa facilitation and research cooperation and the need for greater democracy and implementation of gender equality, ensuring reproductive rights. Finally, the report condemns the cut in humanitarian aid and refusal to accept international assistance in some countries, and calls on the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners in Venezuela.

Today, I voted in favour of this report, as it emphasises that the fight against corruption must involve a partnership approach between public and private organisations and that the EU must develop an external anti-corruption strategy. The report further lays the ground for anti-corruption clauses to exist alongside human rights clauses in trade agreements with third countries, and for lobbying to be regulated to ensure openness and transparency. Finally, it calls on the EU to launch a discussion on corruption at the UN level and continue the fight against tax havens.

. ‒ Today I voted in favour of suspending Turkey’s accession process if it goes ahead with constitutional reforms that threaten the rule of law and separation of powers. Importantly, this report makes it clear that if accession talks are suspended, any accession funding that the EU currently provides should go directly to the NGOs and civil-society organisations that are under threat in an increasingly authoritarian Turkey.

I voted to support the Commission in its signing of a new agreement between the EU and Cuba which aims to increase trade and dialogue. The agreement contains rules on human rights standards which will halt the agreement if they are not met.

I voted in favour of this motion on Cuba as it struck the right balance between being constructive, aiming for closer ties between Cuba and the EU, yet at the same time rightly criticising Cuba for human rights violations in the country.

I gave my consent to this procedure as the European Union has been a crucial actor in the international effort to build a new future for Kosovo since 1999. It is important work for the region and we should continue to develop our relations with Kosovo.

I voted in favour of this report, which addresses human rights violations in the context of war crimes, genocide and gender-based violence. The report reaffirms the support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as urging the EU to engage more with third countries to stop human rights violations. With my colleagues, I will now scrutinise the Commission in how it acts as a result of this report.

Whilst Labour MEPs held some reservations about the implications this (non-legislative) report may hold for UK private security companies (PSCs) post-Brexit, overall we voted in favour as the report calls for much-needed improved and closer regulation of PSCs, which are often contracted to supply logistical back-up to combat troops and are used in post-conflict reconstruction.

The Bangladesh Sustainability Compact was set up by the EU, the ILO and key trading partners in 2013 to improve the situation of workers in that country following a spate of deadly factory fires. Despite some progress on health and safety measures, the situation of labour rights in Bangladesh still leaves a lot to be desired. This resolution calls on the Commission to take a firm stance on renewing the agreement as well as highlighting areas where we expect continued improvement. It also calls for an enhanced dialogue between the Commission, the EEAS and Bangladesh to achieve better compliance with the GSP principles. This resolution sends a strong political message to Bangladesh and I voted for it.

I voted for this measure to give political and economic support to Ukraine at a time when it is facing a war in the east of the country and a trade blockade from Russia. The previous import quotas for agricultural and industrial products were routinely exhausted very quickly, so these extended quotas aim at providing extra possibilities for Ukrainian companies to export to the EU market. These quotas remain relatively small and should be absorbed into the much larger EU market easily. However, our Group made sure that safeguards were maintained in certain sensitive sectors and that we keep up the pressure on Ukraine to continue its progress on reform and its fight against corruption.

Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland participate in the single market under the EEA agreement. In accordance with the agreement, the three countries also contribute financially to the alleviation of economic and social disparities in Europe. Despite some minor outstanding trade disputes, I voted to consent to this agreement because it is important that we have a financial mechanism in place so that these important funds are not withheld from the areas that need them the most.

. ‒ I supported this resolution as it acknowledges, on the one hand, the mutual benefits of the FTA, such as a significant increase in exports and the consequent creation of new jobs especially for the EU, and, on the other hand, its missed achievements, such as the lack of implementation of some provisions of the chapter on trade and sustainable development.Following significant violations of the freedom of association, including the imprisonment of trade union leaders, the resolution calls for consultations with the Government with a view to resolving the matter as soon as possible.

I voted in favour of this motion as it is important for Parliament to give its consent to completing the Protocol to include all 28 EU Member States.

It is important for Parliament to give its consent to completing the update of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement to include all 28 Member States, so I voted in favour of this motion.

I voted for the EU to accede to the International Cotton Advisory Committee because the Labour Party is committed to improving workers’ rights in other countries and this requires international cooperation. The ICAC brings together cotton producing, consuming and trading countries. It assists governments in promoting a sustainable world cotton economy by raising awareness, gathering statistics and fostering international cooperation. By being a member of this organisation the EU will have more influence and leverage over our cotton-producing partners.

The resolution acknowledges the importance of tackling illicit trade, counterfeiting and fraud. To this end it is crucial to guarantee a better cooperation between the Commission and Member States to ensure a coordinated and uniformed approach in the implementation of the Union Customs Code. In addition, cooperation on customs controls between the EU, Member States, third countries and international organisations such as the OECD and the World Customs Organisation needs to be improved. I therefore supported this resolution.

. ‒ Unfortunately, many of the minerals essential for everyday electrical devices such as smartphones are extracted from conflict-affected areas like the Democratic Republic of Congo, and can fuel violence by providing funds for armed groups and corrupt regimes. This harms the prospects for sustainable development as well as raising serious ethical questions.Having significantly altered the Commission’s original proposal, which was too lenient, Parliament secured important changes, including mandatory due diligence requirements for Union importers, smelters and refiners of 3TG (tungsten, tantalum, tin, and gold), based on OECD guidelines. The Commission had initially proposed a voluntary scheme, but Labour MEPs and our social democrat colleagues from across Europe dug in our heels to ensure this more progressive and effective conclusion. I therefore voted for the final text of the proposal, which was the result of long negotiations between the three institutions.

. ‒ The Arctic is a region with huge economic potential, both in terms of energy resources and in other ways. Climate change is a sad reality but one which, at the same time, is creating new economic development opportunities, for example in the transport sector, now that new shipping routes have become accessible. However, it is crucial that economic activities are carried out in a sustainable manner with full respect for the environment and for the indigenous and local communities.EU trade policy can contribute significantly towards this. All future EU free-trade agreements with non-EU Arctic partners will have to include an ambitious trade and sustainable development chapter that takes the peculiarities of the Arctic into account with a view to its preservation. This was the case in CETA and will be crucial for TTIP as well, if negotiations are resumed. Consistency between EU policies is key, as the future of this unique environment and its local communities is at stake.

I voted in favour of this report as it is an important step in reaffirming the EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans, our neighbours. Montenegro has continued to show commitment to EU integration, and its progress in steadily opening chapters represents a positive example for other countries in the region.

This is a technical file that aims to compensate Brazil for the increase in tariffs it has experienced in Croatia following the latter’s accession to the EU. In particular, the EU’s tariffs on cane sugar imports are much higher (around 80%) compared to in Croatia (around 50%), where Brazilian raw cane sugar enjoys a 98% market share. In compensation for this increase and similar increases in other sectors (like poultry and turkey meat), the Commission proposed an increase in tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), which offer tariff-free access for a limited amount of goods. As this is a technical file designed to correct imbalances in line with previous practice, I voted for it.

I voted to give consent for this motion as Lebanon is an EU partner in the Middle East and it was important for Parliament to give its consent to completing the Protocol to include all 28 EU Member States.

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which addresses ways for us to improve access to medicines. I believe this is a key objective at a time when technology, treatments and medicines are developing rapidly in the private sector whilst public health budgets are shrinking.Governments and politicians in all Member States must put far more energy and resources into ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable in society are catered for and protected in our health-care systems. This should include addressing the balance of power in negotiations between pharmaceutical companies and Member States. It is imperative that all European citizens should have access to essential medicines at an affordable price.

The EU is not only an important destination for illegal wildlife products but also a crucial transit route. This report sets out how the EU can better tackle this crime which threatens sustainable development and fragile ecosystems. Firstly, it must be tackled in the EU’s external trade policy. Free trade agreements are an excellent opportunity to strengthen international rules on this through commitments in ambitious trade and sustainable development chapters. The recently negotiated EU-Vietnam trade deal pays close attention to wildlife sustainability and in this respect, must be a model for future trade negotiations. Secondly, the report calls for the effective implementation of international agreements and existing EU measures especially at Member State level where results have been patchy. For these reasons I voted for this report and look forward to a substantive response from the other EU institutions.

CETA is a progressive agreement for Europe and for Canada. It offers important opportunities for EU exporters including for UK companies, SMEs and farmers, notably through the reduction of 99% of tariffs to zero and the elimination of burdensome non-tariff barriers, and unprecedented access to Canadian provincial public procurement markets. We S&Ds have also secured unprecedented changes to the final text in particular through the replacement of the toxic ‘Investor-to-State dispute settlement’ (ISDS) by a new public dispute settlement system for investment, ‘Investment court system’ (ICS), and ensured that our high health and safety standards and public services were safeguarded without undermining workers’ rights and global environmental protection. Therefore, I voted in favour of the agreement.

This file concerned a technical update of the international Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, which eliminates import duties on all aircraft, their components and other related products, other than military aircraft. I voted in favour of this technical change.

I voted for this proposal implementing the safeguard clause and stabilisation mechanism for bananas included in the free trade agreement concluded between the EU, of the one part, and Colombia and Peru, of the other part, as amendments were necessary to take into account Ecuador’s accession to the agreement. In particular I recognise the importance of the proper implementation of the stabilisation mechanism for bananas, Ecuador being the major worldwide exporter of bananas.