3 Written explanations of Samira RAFAELA

. – I voted on the European protection of cross-border and seasonal workers in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. The resolution strives to protect the fundamental rights of cross-border and seasonal workers, since they have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. I voted for the resolution in line with the aim to ensure and promote the protection of cross-border and seasonal workers.Specifically on paragraph 7 of the resolution, I fully support the aim of this paragraph to ensure quality housing for cross-border and seasonal workers. However, there are alternative ways that this can be done without decoupling this from their remuneration, as it is not guaranteed that decoupling would ensure decent housing facilities. Therefore, voting in support of this resolution is a vote in support of the protection of the rights of cross-border and seasonal workers and looking forward at alternative ways to ensure these rights.

Today, I voted to abstain on the 2018 annual report on the implementation of the common commercial policy.I voted against Amendment 36, which was adopted, as it is my view that remarks on the ratification of the Mercosur agreement do not fall within the scope of this report on trade policy in 2018 and that it is untimely to approve or reject the Mercosur agreement before the final texts have been submitted to Parliament. It is for this reason that I could not vote in favour of this report.Having said that, the report on which we voted includes strong chapters, notably on gender and trade. It is time for the common commercial policy to take the specific situation women find themselves in seriously. That is why this report calls on the Commission and the Council to propose negotiating a specific gender chapter in EU trade and investment agreements.

The creation of a Council Configuration on Gender Equality will ensure that gender equality issues are discussed at the highest political level. This will strengthen dialogue and cooperation between Member States, increase capacity to deliver common responses to EU—wide problems, and narrow the gaps between Member States in this area.Today, I voted against proposals by other groups aimed at broadening the scope – into Equality rather than Gender Equality – of the Council configuration. A specific Council configuration on Gender Equality would represent a key element to unblock the negotiations on the main files relating to gender equality such as the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, the Women on Boards Directive, and the Anti—Discrimination Directive.Voting against a broader scope is by no means because I am blind to the broader discussion on equality. On the contrary, with this resolution, we are advocating an intersectional and inclusive approach that combats the multiple threats of racism and discrimination. At the same time, this resolution does welcome the idea for future enlargement.