9 Written explanations of Maria WALSH

I voted in favour of this report, as I believe it is important to approve the mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund for the six natural disasters (floods) that occurred in 2023. The six countries include Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece, Italy and France. I believe it is important to support this text, which specifically expresses the European Parliament’s solidarity with all the victims.In addition to approving the mobilisation, the accompanying resolution conveys political messages, highlighting the increasing pressure on the EUSF budget as well as the need to shorten the time required for the processing of the applications.

I voted in favour of strengthening Moldova's resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration. I stand in solidarity with the people of the Republic of Moldova and reiterate my unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders.Equally, I strongly condemn the escalating malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations by the Russian Federation, pro-Russian oligarchs and Russian-sponsored local actors aimed at undermining the electoral processes, security, sovereignty and democratic foundations of the Republic of Moldova, fostering divisions within Moldovan society and derailing the country's pro-European trajectory ahead of the upcoming presidential election and the constitutional referendum on EU integration.

I voted in favor of the resolution addressing the issue of democratic backsliding and the increasing threats to political pluralism in Georgia. This resolution is crucial as it highlights the concerning trend of diminishing democratic values and institutions in the country. Over recent years, Georgia has seen a decline in political freedoms, with opposition parties and civil society facing growing pressure. This erosion of democracy not only undermines the country's progress but also poses a serious threat to the future of political diversity and freedom of expression. By supporting this resolution, I stand with those advocating for stronger democratic institutions, fair elections, and the protection of human rights in Georgia. It is essential that the international community continues to monitor these developments and offer support to ensure that Georgia remains on a democratic path, upholding the values of political pluralism and freedom for all citizens.

The annual EU budget funds policies and programmes that are in line with the Union's political priorities and legal obligations. I voted in favour of the overall budget. The EU's financial year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December. Parliament and the Council are the budgetary authority of the EU. The two institutions, assisted by the Commission, decide on the budget in the annual EU budgetary procedure.Along with the actual financial lines of the budget, Parliament also prepares a ‘political resolution’ that outlines our position on the budget and includes our reactions to the changes for the upcoming year – both positive and negative. The text of the resolution touches on many issues, from demanding that Member States have enough funds to implement the Migration Pact or our climate goals, to requesting more money for SMEs and underlining our disappointment that the EU4Health budget has been reduced.It is an incredibly comprehensive text. I voted in favour of the resolution, as it provides a good overview of Parliament’s priorities for the next year and, most importantly, reinforces that UNWRA should continue to get the funding it so desperately needs, despite blatant attempts to retract it.

The annual EU budget funds policies and programmes that are in line with the Union's political priorities and legal obligations. I voted in favour of the overall budget. The EU's financial year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December. The Parliament and the Council are the budgetary authority of the EU. The two institutions, assisted by the Commission, decide on the budget in the annual EU budgetary procedure. Along with the actual financial lines of the budget, Parliament also prepares a ‘political Resolution’ that outlines our position on the budget and includes our reactions to the changes for the upcoming year - both positive and negative. The text of the Resolution touches on many issues, from demanding that Member States have enough funds to implement the Migration Pact or our climate goals, to requesting more money for SMEs and underlining our disappointment that the EU4Health budget has been reduced. It is an incredibly comprehensive text. I voted in favour of the Resolution, as it provides a good overview of the Parliament’s priorities for the next year and most importantly, reinforces that UNWRA should continue to get the funding it so desperately needs, despite blatant attempts to retract it.

This report provides insight into the Commission’s plan for new job guidelines for EU countries. It emphasises the important role of education, training, new technologies, artificial intelligence, and algorithm management in the future of work. It also highlights recent policies about platform work, affordable housing, and addressing job and skill shortages. It is incredibly important that the Parliament are involved in creating these guidelines, together with the Council, to strengthen democratic decision-making. However, there are some aspects that could have been made stronger from the Commission. The Parliament report stresses the need to protect workers' rights, provide strong social support, ensure safe jobs, promote inclusive hiring, and create healthy work environments for everyone. It also calls for Member States to help companies adjust to changes and fully follow EU rules on workplace health and safety, including limits on harmful exposures, to reduce fatal accidents and eliminate workplace-related cancer. There is also an inclusion that specifies that homelessness should be tackled specifically by promoting access to permanent housing (housing first approach) and the provision of enabling support services, which is an incredibly important issue in Ireland. Therefore, I voted in favour of this text.

The current Medical Devices Regulation was adopted in 2017 and was supposed to be fully effective by 2024. However, several extensions have already been granted to companies to improve availability and give manufacturers more time to implement the new rules. For example, devices considered to pose a high risk to individuals enjoy a transitional period lasting until December 2027, while those representing a low risk have until December 2029. The Commission have begun an evaluation to assess how the Regulations affect the sector's competitiveness and the availability of medical devices in the EU. This upcoming consultation will allow the Commission to assess the sentiments of sector stakeholders before drafting its future legislative proposal. I voted in favour of this Resolution as I believe that it is essential that we revise the existing Regulation to rectify issues that it has created, particularly for the companies in this sector based in my constituency. For example, in its current state, devices for children that suffer from heart diseases are in danger because the bureaucratic burden is so high that companies cannot afford to produce devices that are required only in a few numbers.

I voted on a resolution adopted on Thursday which strongly condemn the Azerbaijan regime’s longstanding domestic and extraterritorial repression of activists, journalists, opposition leaders, and others, including EU nationals, which has noticeably intensified ahead of the upcoming 29th United Nations Climate Change conference in Baku on 11 to 22 November. The ongoing human rights abuses are incompatible with its hosting of the climate conference and, I voted to encourage EU leaders such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to use the gathering as an opportunity to address the country’s poor track record in this field. The resolution also calls on the government in Baku to cease all forms of repression in and beyond Azerbaijan, release all persons arbitrarily detained and drop all politically motivated charges. I supported this resolution as I support all initiatives and activities that could lead to the establishment of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement, and calls on Azerbaijan to demonstrate genuine efforts to this end.

I voted in favor of this resolution as it sends a clear message that the new EP will not accept the Chinas intention to rewrite history and distort reality. I, along with my EPP colleagues, condemn China's military exercises and reiterate my support to our democratic friends in Taiwan. The resolution sends a clear message that the new European Parliament firmly stands behind democracy and will continue to closely monitor and call out the PRC's wrong and dangerous actions where needed.