2 Written explanations of Thomas BAJADA

I voted in favour of the objection regarding the modification of the maximum residue levels for carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl and cyproconazole, because products imported from non-EU countries must meet the same standards as those produced within the EU. This is crucial for safeguarding public health and safety, both in Europe and in the countries of origin, and for protecting our farmers from unfair competition.These substances undermine our efforts to ensure fair competition globally and within the internal market. As S&D, we also objected to this measure in the ENVI Committee to uphold the EU's health and environmental standards. Our farmers are justifiably concerned about unfair competition from imports where these substances are still allowed. Therefore, we must ensure that substances banned in the EU for their harmful effects on health, biodiversity or the climate are not indirectly supported through imports from countries that continue to permit their use.

The world has been witnessing appalling atrocities committed against Ukrainian civilians by the Russian army and allied militias throughout the past thousand days.From this perspective, I condemn any form of military aggression, especially when it indiscriminately targets civilian populations.On the other hand, one gets the impression that the players in the conflict are ignoring all possible means of a peaceful resolution. I strongly believe that the EU, as well as all Western States, should strive towards peace and diplomacy, thereby refraining from any acts that could potentially lead to escalation.Moreover, as a representative of a population that enshrines neutrality in its Constitution, I find the resolution’s call for an obligation on all EU Member States to commit to militarily supporting Ukraine with no less than 0.25 % of their GDP to be highly problematic. Such an obligation would create constitutional problems for Malta and any Member State with a similar approach to foreign affairs. The Maltese people have always upheld global diplomacy as the best means of conflict resolution, above all other acts of armed war.Therefore, while solidly agreeing with some important points within the resolution, I was obliged to vote against certain amendments and on the resolution as a whole.