20 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 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 favour 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 offers support to ensure that Georgia remains on a democratic path, upholding the values of political pluralism and freedom for all citizens.

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 favour 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 offers 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 the 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.

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 the 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 China's 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.

I support efforts to end to illegal deforestation (for the production of soy, coffee, rubber, palm oil, cattle, and other products). However, I believe that the application of the EU Deforestation Law should be delayed, as proposed by the European Commission and as endorsed by Member States. This would allow third countries, member states, operators and traders to be fully prepared in their due diligence obligations. There are concerns that the application of the regulation as planned from 30 December 2024 would create unnecessary red tape for farmers and businesses that are expected to comply with it.I have support the call for a postponement of 12 months. Some socialist, liberal and green politicians, including governments, have also expressed serious reservations about implementing the deforestation law in its current form. There's no problem with the objective of the law - but only with how it is implemented. It is sensible to delay its application to provide greater legal certainty and predictability, and to allow sufficient time for the smooth and effective implementation of the rules, including fully establishing the required due diligence systems.

I voted in support of this report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards the electronic value added tax exemption certificate. The proposal will remove the administrative burden and costs associated with processing the paper version of the VAT exemption certificate. The proposal refers to limited VAT cases that are very context-specific, and mainly relate to transactions where the customer is a person/entity that falls under diplomatic, consular or military arrangements.

voted in favor of the Report on Faster and Safer Relief of Excess Withholding Taxes. This initiative is essential to ensure that taxpayers can receive timely and secure relief from excess withholding taxes, reducing administrative burdens and preventing instances of double taxation. By streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency, this measure will foster greater fairness in cross-border taxation. It also strengthens trust in the tax systems across Member States, benefiting businesses and individuals alike.

I voted in favor of amending the European Investment Bank's (EIB) Statute. This amendment aims to implement a key recommendation from the G20’s review of Multilateral Development Banks’ (MDBs) capital adequacy frameworks. The recommendation focuses on removing statutory lending limits from the statutes of MDBs, including the EIB. This change is designed to modernize and enhance the flexibility of the EIB's operations. By eliminating fixed statutory limits, the amendment grants the EIB's Board of Governors—acting unanimously—greater authority to set and manage risk and leverage metrics. This means the Board can respond more dynamically to evolving global challenges and economic conditions, ensuring that the EIB can maximize its impact while maintaining robust financial oversight. The decision aligns with broader efforts by the G20 to strengthen MDBs’ ability to mobilize resources effectively, addressing global priorities such as climate action, sustainable development, and economic resilience. This reform represents a forward-looking step that equips the EIB with the tools needed to meet these challenges more effectively while preserving its financial stability.

I voted in favor of the Motion for a Resolution on the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2024, to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. This resolution sets the mandate for the European Parliament’s delegation to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The conference will take place in Baku from 11 to 22 November 2024. By endorsing this resolution, I support a clear framework for the delegation’s engagement in COP29. This is a critical opportunity for the EU to contribute to global climate action, reinforce commitments to the Paris Agreement, and advocate for ambitious, sustainable, and equitable climate policies. The resolution underscores the importance of addressing pressing climate challenges through multilateral cooperation and reaffirms the EU's role as a leader in advancing global climate initiatives.

I voted in support of this resolution on EU action against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia. I reiterate my condemnation of Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. I also reiterate my unequivocal support for the EU sanctions regime, which aims to undermine the capacity of the Russian regime to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine. The Parliament notes that Russia is actively circumventing EU sanctions and seeking new ways to do so, inter alia, by operating a ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers. The Parliament considers the ‘shadow fleet’ a key financial lifeline for Russia in its illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine and a major tool created to circumvent the EU sanctions regime. The Parliament denounces the risk these unsafe and uninsured Russian vessels pose to maritime security and to our European coastal Member States and marine ecosystems. This motion for resolution calls, for the next EU sanctions packages to include the systematic sanctioning of vessels sailing through EU waters without known insurance in order to protect our waters and avoid the financial burdens of oil spill clean-ups.