146 Written explanations of Mairead McGUINNESS
Launch of automated data exchange with regard to vehicle registration data in Ireland (A9-0003/2019 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
The UK’s withdrawal from the EU (B9-0038/2019, B9-0039/2019)
I supported this resolution, which expresses strong support for the backstop and the Withdrawal Agreement.Parliament wants an orderly Brexit based on the existing Withdrawal Agreement, a balanced deal based on UK red lines and EU principles, on the key separation issues: citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and the border.Parliament must give its consent to the Withdrawal Agreement, and will not approve a deal without a backstop. The backstop protects the Good Friday Agreement, peace process and invisible border.Currently the only solution on the table is the backstop, or the Northern Ireland-only version initially proposed by the EU.The EU remains open to alternative arrangements, but only if they avoid physical infrastructure or related checks and controls, protect the all-island economy, safeguard the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts including North-South cooperation, and maintain the integrity of the single market.The UK Government would be responsible for no deal. We do not want no deal, but must prepare for the possibility, including financial aid for SMEs.If the UK leaves without a deal but returns to the negotiating table, the EU’s priorities will remain citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and protecting the Good Friday Agreement.
State of implementation of anti-money laundering legislation (B9-0045/2019, B9-0046/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Active substances, including flumioxazine (B9-0103/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Active substances, including chlorotoluron (B9-0104/2019)
I voted in favour of the objection as chlorotoluron has a harmonised classification of being very toxic to aquatic life, very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, suspected of causing cancer and suspected of damaging the unborn child, according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA):echa.europa.eu/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.035.978I regret that as many approval extensions have been taken together, it is necessary to vote against the others too.
Foreign electoral interference and disinformation in national and European democratic processes (B9-0108/2019, B9-0111/2019)
I voted in favour of this resolution as citizens have the right to free and fair elections at the heart of the democratic process. Unfortunately, that is not always the case given foreign electoral interference and disinformation. This resolution calls for a strengthening and protection of electoral processes.
Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and own resources: time to meet citizens' expectations (B9-0110/2019, B9-0112/2019, B9-0113/2019)
Employment and social policies of the euro area (A9-0016/2019 - Yana Toom)
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (2014-2020) (A9-0015/2019 - Vilija Blinkevičiūtė)
I supported this proposal that would allow the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to be used to support workers made redundant as a result of economic disruption that would arise in the case of a no-deal Brexit. This is part of an important package of contingency measures voted this plenary session to prepare the EU for a potential exit of the UK from the EU without a deal.
Fishing authorisations for Union fishing vessels in United Kingdom waters and fishing operations of United Kingdom fishing vessels in Union waters (A9-0014/2019 - Chris Davies)
. ‒ I supported this proposal to prolong the transitional provisions introduced in spring 2019 about access to UK waters by EU vessels, access to EU waters by UK vessels and the possibility of swapping quotas, in case of a no-deal Brexit. This is part of an important package of contingency measures voted this plenary session to prepare the EU for a potential exit of the UK from the EU without a deal.
Implementation and financing of the EU general budget in 2020 in relation to the UK's withdrawal from the EU (A9-0018/2019 - Johan Van Overtveldt)
. ‒ I voted in support of this file, which would allow UK bodies to remain eligible for EU funding until the end of 2020 in case of a no-deal Brexit, subject to the UK maintaining its agreed financial contribution, thus minimising disruption to existing EU funding and programmes. This is part of an important package of contingency measures voted this plenary session to prepare the EU for a potential exit of the UK from the EU without a deal.
Periods of application of Regulation (EU) 2019/501 and Regulation (EU) 2019/502 (Committee on Transport and Tourism)
Draft general budget of the European Union for 2020 - all sections
General budget of the European Union for 2020 - all sections (A9-0017/2019 - Monika Hohlmeier, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Assessment of the impact of plant protection products on honeybees (B9-0149/2019)
Financial assistance to Member States to cover serious financial burden inflicted on them following a UK's withdrawal from the EU without an agreement (A9-0020/2019 - Younous Omarjee)
I supported this measure to allow EU Member States to apply for financial assistance in case of serious disruption caused by a no-deal Brexit. This is part of an important package of contingency measures voted this plenary session to prepare the EU for a potential exit of the UK from the EU without a deal.
Search and rescue in the Mediterranean (B9-0130/2019, B9-0131/2019, B9-0132/2019, B9-0154/2019)
Search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean are essential to save lives. I voted in favour of the EPP resolution, B9-0132/2019.I voted against resolution B9-0154/2019 because of genuine concerns that sharing information concerning persons in distress at sea with all vessels indiscriminately, and circumventing Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centres, runs contrary to current maritime practice and could leave migrants vulnerable to illegal criminal gangs and human trafficking.
Opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania (B9-0155/2019, RC-B9-0156/2019, B9-0156/2019, B9-0157/2019, B9-0158/2019, B9-0159/2019, B9-0160/2019, B9-0161/2019)
Distance sales of goods and certain domestic supplies of goods (A9-0019/2019 - Ondřej Kovařík)
I supported this report to clarify the rules on distance sales and certain domestic supplies of goods, particularly with regard to online sales to ensure VAT obligations are met. It is part of a broader package on the mandatory transmission and exchange of information on VAT payments to tackle VAT fraud and improve VAT collection from Internet sales.
Criminalisation of sexual education in Poland (B9-0166/2019, B9-0167/2019, B9-0168/2019)
I voted in favour of this resolution, which opposes draft legislation in Poland that could criminalise sexual education. Instead, the resolution urges all EU countries to provide comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education in schools, to help protect young people from sexual exploitation, abuse and violence.
EU-Ukraine Agreement amending the trade preferences for poultry meat and poultry meat preparations provided for by the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement (A9-0024/2019 - Enikő Győri)
Children rights in occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (B9-0178/2019, B9-0179/2019, B9-0180/2019)
Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to finance immediate budgetary measures to address the on-going challenges of migration, refugee inflows and security threats (A9-0039/2019 - Monika Hohlmeier)
Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund to provide for the payment of advances in the general budget of the Union for 2020 (A9-0036/2019 - Monika Hohlmeier)
2020 budgetary procedure: joint text (A9-0035/2019 - Monika Hohlmeier, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Climate and environmental emergency (RC-B9-0209/2019, B9-0209/2019, B9-0211/2019, B9-0212/2019, B9-0215/2019, B9-0216/2019, B9-0218/2019, B9-0220/2019)
EU accession to the Istanbul Convention and other measures to combat gender-based violence (B9-0224/2019, B9-0225/2019, B9-0226/2019)
Measures to address the impact on European agriculture of the WTO ruling on the Airbus dispute (RC-B9-0197/2019, B9-0197/2019, B9-0198/2019, B9-0201/2019, B9-0203/2019, B9-0204/2019, B9-0206/2019, B9-0208/2019)
On-going negotiations for a new EU-ACP Partnership Agreement (B9-0175/2019)
The Cotonou Partnership Agreement governs relations between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States. It will expire in February 2020 and negotiations are ongoing to finalise a new agreement. I voted in support of this resolution that takes stock of negotiations and emphasises the importance of EU-ACP relations.
Macro-financial assistance to Jordan (A9-0045/2019 - Luisa Regimenti)
EU-Switzerland Agreement on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime (A9-0043/2019 - Roberta Metsola)
EU-Liechtenstein Agreement on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime (A9-0044/2019 - Roberta Metsola)
Protocol to EU-Switzerland Agreement concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Switzerland regarding the access to Eurodac for law enforcement purposes (A9-0025/2019 - Jadwiga Wiśniewska)
Accession of Solomon Islands to the EU-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement (A9-0050/2019 - Bernd Lange)
Requirements for payment service providers (A9-0048/2019 - Lídia Pereira)
Consumers are able to buy more and more goods and services online, and can trust the payments they make. Businesses have also been able to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. However, there is also the risk of fraudsters gaining an unfair market advantage by not fulfilling their VAT obligations. I voted in favour of this report, which will bolster the fight against VAT fraud by fostering cooperation between tax authorities and payment service providers.
Measures to strengthen administrative cooperation in order to combat VAT fraud (A9-0047/2019 - Lídia Pereira)
Consumers are able to buy more and more goods and services online, and can trust the payments they make. Businesses have also been able to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. However, there is also the risk of fraudsters gaining an unfair market advantage by not fulfilling their VAT obligations. I supported this report, which will improve administrative cooperation among Member States on VAT-relevant payment information, and so will help the fight against VAT fraud.
Association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union ('Overseas Association Decision') (A9-0033/2019 - Tomas Tobé)
CAP: Financial discipline as from financial year 2021 and flexibility between pillars in respect of calendar year 2020 (A9-0042/2019 - Norbert Lins)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Active substances, including dimoxystrobin and mancozeb (B9-0230/2019)
I voted against this objection. The European Commission has not overstepped its mandate in extending the approval licenses of these ten active substances.Under Article 17 of Regulation 1107/2009, the European Commission is obliged to extend the license of active substances: ‘Where for reasons beyond the control of the applicant it appears that the approval is likely to expire before a decision has been taken on renewal, a decision shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 79(3), postponing the expiry of the approval period for that applicant for a period sufficient to examine the application.’The European Ombudsman Decision in case 687/2018/TE found that the Commission is obliged to extend the approval of active substances if it does not complete a reassessment in time, provided the delay was not caused by the manufacturer of the product.Where concerns about chemicals are raised, we need a risk management decision in a timely fashion.It is regrettable that the Commission continues to bundle together extension approvals. This practice should change so that we treat each substance individually and extend each license individually.
Public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI free zones (B9-0234/2019)
Fair taxation in a digitalised and globalised economy - BEPS 2.0 (B9-0238/2019)
I was unable to support this resolution. It is an extremely complex issue, evidenced by the continuing deliberations at OECD level to find a solution for the fair taxing of digital companies. I welcome efforts towards a fairer tax system in the EU and at global level – all companies must pay their fair share.I am very supportive of OECD efforts to address the challenges in the international tax system. The ideal way to tackle these problems is on an internationally—agreed basis through the OECD. But the views of all countries should be considered and respected. Many of the proposals contained in this resolution could have a devastating impact on the tax revenue of many Member States, which we need to be mindful of.I look forward to continuing discussions on these issues in the course of the next Parliament, looking towards an international solution based on consensus.
The Rule of Law in Malta, after the recent revelations around the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia (B9-0240/2019)
The Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated in a car bomb attack on 16 October 2017. I supported this resolution, which is concerned about the integrity of the ongoing investigation into her murder and the Maltese Government’s response, and highlights the importance of maintaining the rule of law in Malta.
Commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Romanian revolution of December 1989 (B9-0241/2019)
Situation of the Uyghur in China (China-cables) (RC-B9-0246/2019, B9-0246/2019, B9-0247/2019, B9-0248/2019, B9-0249/2019, B9-0250/2019)
I voted in favour of this resolution in light of concerns about the increasingly repressive regime that Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities are facing in Xinjiang province in China. The resolution calls on the EU and its Member States to take all necessary measures to persuade the Chinese Government to close the camps, to end all human rights violations in Xinjiang, and to uphold the linguistic, cultural, religious and other fundamental freedoms of the Uyghurs.
Situation of human rights and democracy in Nicaragua (RC-B9-0251/2019, B9-0251/2019, B9-0252/2019, B9-0253/2019, B9-0254/2019, B9-0255/2019)
Violent crackdown on recent protests in Iran (RC-B9-0271/2019, B9-0271/2019, B9-0272/2019, B9-0273/2019, B9-0274/2019, B9-0275/2019, B9-0276/2019)
Protocol to the Agreement between the EU, Iceland and Norway concerning the criteria and mechanisms for establishing the State responsible for examining a request for asylum lodged in a Member State or in Iceland or Norway regarding the access to Eurodac for law enforcement purposes (A9-0053/2019 - Jadwiga Wiśniewska)
Annual report 2018 on the human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union's policy on the matter (A9-0051/2019 - Isabel Wiseler-Lima)
Situation in Venezuela after the illegal election of the new National Assembly Presidency and Bureau (parliamentary coup) (B9-0051/2020, B9-0052/2020, B9-0053/2020, RC-B9-0048/2020, B9-0048/2020, B9-0049/2020, B9-0050/2020)
COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity (Kunming 2020) (B9-0035/2020)
Institutions and bodies in the Economic and Monetary Union: Preventing post-public employment conflicts of interest (B9-0047/2020)
Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community (A9-0004/2020 - Guy Verhofstadt)
I voted to support the Withdrawal Agreement for the UK to leave the EU in an orderly manner. Over three and a half years since the UK referendum, this Agreement provides certainty about the key withdrawal issues: citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement. While I regret the UK decision to leave the EU, it was important to support the Withdrawal Agreement to ensure an orderly exit, rather than a disorderly one. In particular, the Agreement means that there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland and that the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement in all its parts will be protected. The Agreement will have to be implemented effectively. The next phase of negotiations will also be vital to ensure a strong relationship into the future between the EU and the UK.
Common charger for mobile radio equipment (RC-B9-0070/2020, B9-0070/2020, B9-0072/2020, B9-0074/2020, B9-0075/2020, B9-0076/2020, B9-0085/2020)
Gender pay gap (B9-0069/2020, B9-0073/2020, B9-0083/2020, B9-0084/2020)
. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution, which welcomes European Commission President von der Leyen’s announcement that she will introduce measures on binding pay transparency in the first 100 days of the new Commission’s mandate, and calls for concrete measures to ensure that the principle of equal work for equal work or work of equal value is respected.
The EU priorities for the 64th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (B9-0093/2020, B9-0095/2020)
Allocation of slots at Community airports: common rules
. – I voted to allow the temporary suspension of rules obliging airlines to use their slots at EU airports, reflecting falling demand in flights. We have voted for three measures, the start of the EU’s pandemic response.But we must do more. Solidarity is essential. We need EU cooperation to maintain supply chains for medical equipment and food. Beyond this, we must examine whether the EU is equipped to address global crises. We heard terrible stories from colleagues from Italy and Spain, the European countries worst affected. We must stand with our partners – as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, for their interest but also our own.Member States have introduced border restrictions to prevent the disease’s further spread. While no country has banned freight, supply chains have been severely impacted. Recent waiting times at some borders have been over 24 hours, even for medical supplies.The Commission is working with Member States to maintain EU-wide supply chains, for example establishing ‘green lane’ border crossings for freight, with maximum 15-minute waits, so medical supplies and food shipments are not delayed.Research is vital to emerge from the crisis – the EU will invest in vaccines and treatments.This is not just a health crisis but also economic. The ECB’s announcement of a €750 billion stimulus is extremely welcome. The EU should issue ‘coronabonds’ – an extraordinary measure responding to an extraordinary crisis. Finally, we must consider if the EU is fully equipped to deal with global crises.On animal health, the EU has stronger powers which means more effective EU action on disease outbreaks like African Swine Fever. This isn’t the case for human health. Our strength on animal disease was only developed after the BSE crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis we cannot afford to waste. We must acknowledge the need for more coordinated EU action on health - more Europe, not less.The EU has been limited by eurosceptics who constrain EU areas for action. These people then criticise the EU for not intervening effectively in a crisis. We should all think again about what we want the EU to look like. For my part, I want a Europe that acts before a crisis hits, a Europe well-prepared to handle future shocks, a Europe that leads globally and helps locally. We can do it. Perhaps this shock to the system will make us act - better late than never.
Specific measures to mobilise investments in the health care systems of the Member States and in other sectors of their economies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative)
. – I supported making €37bn available for a Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative, for health systems, small businesses and the labour market. We have voted for three measures, the start of the EU’s pandemic response. But we must do more. Solidarity is essential. We need EU cooperation to maintain supply chains for medical equipment and food. Beyond this, we must examine whether the EU is equipped to address global crises.We heard terrible stories from colleagues from Italy and Spain, the European countries worst affected. We must stand with our partners – as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, for their interest but also our own. Member States have introduced border restrictions to prevent the disease’s further spread. While no country has banned freight, supply chains have been severely impacted. Recent waiting times at some borders have been over 24 hours, even for medical supplies.The Commission is working with Member States to maintain EU-wide supply chains, for example establishing ‘green lane’ border crossings for freight, with maximum 15-minute waits, so medical supplies and food shipments are not delayed.Research is vital to emerge from the crisis – the EU will invest in vaccines and treatments.This is not just a health crisis but also economic. The ECB’s announcement of a €750 billion stimulus is extremely welcome. The EU should issue ‘coronabonds’ – an extraordinary measure responding to an extraordinary crisis. Finally, we must consider if the EU is fully equipped to deal with global crises.On animal health, the EU has stronger powers which means more effective EU action on disease outbreaks like African Swine Fever. This isn’t the case for human health. Our strength on animal disease was only developed after the BSE crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis we cannot afford to waste. We must acknowledge the need for more coordinated EU action on health - more Europe, not less. The EU has been limited by eurosceptics who constrain EU areas for action. These people then criticise the EU for not intervening effectively in a crisis. We should all think again about what we want the EU to look like.For my part, I want a Europe that acts before a crisis hits, a Europe well-prepared to handle future shocks, a Europe that leads globally and helps locally. We can do it. Perhaps this shock to the system will make us act - better late than never.
Financial assistance to Member States and countries negotiating their accession to the Union that are seriously affected by a major public health emergency
. – I voted to extend the EU Solidarity Fund to public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 outbreak. We have voted for three measures, the start of the EU’s pandemic response. But we must do more. Solidarity is essential. We need EU cooperation to maintain supply chains for medical equipment and food. Beyond this, we must examine whether the EU is equipped to address global crises.We heard terrible stories from colleagues from Italy and Spain, the European countries worst affected. We must stand with our partners – as Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, for their interest but also our own. Member States have introduced border restrictions to prevent the disease’s further spread. While no country has banned freight, supply chains have been severely impacted. Recent waiting times at some borders have been over 24 hours, even for medical supplies.The Commission is working with Member States to maintain EU-wide supply chains, for example establishing ‘green lane’ border crossings for freight, with maximum 15-minute waits, so medical supplies and food shipments are not delayed.Research is vital to emerge from the crisis – the EU will invest in vaccines and treatments.This is not just a health crisis but also economic. The ECB’s announcement of a €750 billion stimulus is extremely welcome. The EU should issue ‘coronabonds’ – an extraordinary measure responding to an extraordinary crisis. Finally, we must consider if the EU is fully equipped to deal with global crises.On animal health, the EU has stronger powers which means more effective EU action on disease outbreaks like African Swine Fever. This isn’t the case for human health. Our strength on animal disease was only developed after the BSE crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis we cannot afford to waste. We must acknowledge the need for more coordinated EU action on health - more Europe, not less.The EU has been limited by eurosceptics who constrain EU areas for action. These people then criticise the EU for not intervening effectively in a crisis. We should all think again about what we want the EU to look like. For my part, I want a Europe that acts before a crisis hits, a Europe well-prepared to handle future shocks, a Europe that leads globally and helps locally. We can do it. Perhaps this shock to the system will make us act - better late than never.
Regulation amending the Multiannual financial framework 2014-2020
I voted for the Parliament to give its consent for the Council to modify the purpose for which appropriations under the global margin for commitments in the Multiannual Financial Framework can be used, which will allow the EU to finance its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the health and economic consequences.
Draft amending budget No 1/2020: Assistance to Greece in response to increased migration pressure - Immediate measures in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak - Support to post-earthquake reconstruction in Albania - Other adjustments
I supported this report, providing additional budgetary resources in response to current pressures. First, there is additional funding for Greece which is under additional migratory pressure as a result of the situation in North East Syria. Second, money is made available to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including for PPE, repatriating EU citizens and for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Third, the EU is providing support to Albania for reconstruction following the recent earthquake.
Draft amending budget No 2/2020: Providing emergency support to Member States and further reinforcement of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism/rescEU to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak
Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument for 2020: migration, refugee inflows and security threats; immediate measures in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak; reinforcement of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (C9-0092/2020)
Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument for 2020: migration, refugee inflows and security threats; immediate measures in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak; reinforcement of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (C9-0096/2020)
Mobilisation of the Contingency Margin in 2020: providing emergency assistance to Member States and further reinforcing the Union Civil Protection Mechanism/rescEU in response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Specific measures to provide exceptional flexibility for the use of the European Structural and Investments Funds in response to the COVID-19 outbreak
Introduction of specific measures for addressing the COVID-19 crisis
I supported this report which will assist the EU and its member states in responding to the particular risks that face the most deprived during this crisis. These measures will assist the Member States as they continue to implement the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Specific measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in the fishery and aquaculture sector
I voted in favour of this report, which is part of the EU response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The fishery and aquaculture sector has been hit hard by the economic consequences of the pandemic, which will impact coastal communities. This report will allow member states to use the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund more flexibly and support fishers and aquaculture producers affected by the outbreak.
Medical devices (C9-0098/2020)
I supported this report to postpone the implementation of the new medical device regulation from May 2020 by a year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector is concentrating on the supply of vital equipment such as ventilators. Industry and regulators are using their resources to respond the public health crisis and now is not the time for a change in the rules.
EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences
I voted to support the resolution on the EU’s coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. As a Parliament it is essential for us to keep working to represent our citizens’ concerns and scrutinising action in response to this crisis. That means criticising the response when necessary. The EU and Member States should have been quicker to react to the situation in Italy, the first Member State severely affected by COVID-19. But it also means highlighting positives, like the EU institutions working to ensure better coordination among Member States on issues including the movement of goods and medical supplies.The EU also needs a comprehensive economic package in line with the principle of ‘whatever it takes’.Over the coming weeks, we need to see the EU coordinating the actions of Member States as they lift some restrictions. However, we should not be complacent. The virus has not gone away.
Renewal of the EU-India Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation (A9-0096/2020 - Cristian-Silviu Buşoi)
Renewal of the EU-Ukraine Agreement on cooperation in science and technology (A9-0095/2020 - Cristian-Silviu Buşoi)
Amending the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) - Protocol (A9-0089/2020 - Rosanna Conte)
A safety net to protect the beneficiaries of EU programmes: setting up an MFF contingency plan (A9-0099/2020 - Jan Olbrycht, Margarida Marques)
I voted in favour of this report, which calls on the Commission to publish a contingency plan by 15 June 2020 in case a new MFF is not agreed in time for a smooth implementation and transition from the previous MFF in 2021. This is important to provide the beneficiaries of EU programmes with a safety net, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis. The contingency plan should also allow funding to be temporarily re-focused on the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak and assisting in the recovery.
Minimum requirements for water reuse (A9-0098/2020 - Simona Bonafè)
Temporary measures concerning the general meetings of European companies (SE) and of European Cooperative Societies (SCE)
New MFF, own resources and Recovery plan
. – I voted in favour of this report which calls for a strong recovery plan commensurate with the size of the crisis we face, financed by recovery bonds guaranteed by the EU budget, and for an ambitious new MFF that both reflects the measures needed to address the crisis as well as the political priorities of the new Commission. As the resolution notes, the recovery plan and the new MFF must be aligned in structure and objectives.However, any proposal for own resources must not infringe on Irish tax sovereignty, and I voted against paragraph 9 of the resolution for this reason.
Macro-financial assistance to enlargement and neighbourhood partners in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis
. ‒ I supported this report to support 10 of the EU’s neighbouring partners in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, making available macro-financial assistance in the form of medium-term loans for a total amount of EUR 3 billion to the Republic of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Kosovo, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of Tunisia and Ukraine.
Temporary measures concerning the operation of air services
. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which is part of a package of measures responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in the area of transport. This report amends legislation to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the aviation sector, including with regard to traffic rights restrictions and ground-handling contracts.
Temporary measures concerning the validity of certificates and licences (omnibus)
. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which is part of a package of measures responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in the area of transport. This report lays down measures relating to the renewal and extension of the validity of certain certificates, licences and authorisations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak with regard to road, rail and inland waterways transport.
Port infrastructure charges
. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which is part of a package of measures responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in the area of transport. This report allows managing bodies of a port or competent authorities to decide whether to waive, reduce, suspend or defer the payment of the port infrastructure charges due from 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2020.
4th railway package: extension of the transposition periods
Request for funding for biomedical research on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (B9-0186/2020)
Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission (A9-0109/2020 - Victor Negrescu)
Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria (A9-0105/2020 - José Manuel Fernandes)
Draft amending budget No 4/2020: proposal to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Portugal, Spain, Italy and Austria (A9-0106/2020 - Monika Hohlmeier)
Conclusion of the EU-Israel Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement (A9-0085/2020 - Andor Deli)
. – This is an aviation agreement of a technical nature that was agreed in 2013, part of a package of similar agreements with other countries to bring them under the wider umbrella of the EU aviation regulatory framework. I abstained given recent developments regarding the occupied territories. Now is not the time to send a more positive message to Israel by ratifying this agreement.
Recommendations on the negotiations for a new partnership with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (A9-0117/2020 - Kati Piri, Christophe Hansen)
. – The European Parliament wants a close EU-UK partnership but will not approve an agreement without measures to ensure fair competition or if the Withdrawal Agreement is not effectively implemented. This is why I supported this report.The EU and UK agreed in the Political Declaration on an economic partnership with zero tariffs and zero quotas, more than in other EU free trade agreements. Because of this and the UK‘s geographic proximity and close economic ties with the EU, the EU and UK also agreed the deal would involve zero dumping: a level-playing field, strong guarantees that the UK will not undercut the EU on labour, environment, climate change, tax and state aid regulations. But the UK has not respected this objective in negotiations despite signing up to the Political Declaration.As the rapporteur for Brexit in the Agriculture Committee, I have emphasised that EU farmers need to be able to compete fairly with UK counterparts. That means fair competition in terms of state supports. It also means food will not be sold on the single market if it does not meet EU standards. We do not want to see tariffs, especially as these are typically much higher for agri-food products.
Conference on the Future of Europe (B9-0170/2020, B9-0179/2020)
. – I supported this report that urges the Council to conclude its position on the future of Europe. In our plenary debate we heard from the Croatian Presidency that the Council would draw up its position as soon as possible. For me, as soon as possible means now. The Parliament decided its position in January, as did the Commission – what has taken the Council so long? Interinstitutional negotiations need to start so that we can kick off the Conference in September. With the COVID-19 crisis, the conference more urgent than ever.
Amending Regulations (EU) No 575/2013 and (EU) 2019/876 as regards adjustments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (A9-0113/2020 - Jonás Fernández)
Setting up a special committee on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation, its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office (B9-0190/2020)
Setting up a special committee on artificial intelligence in a digital age, its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office (B9-0189/2020)
The reopening of the investigation against the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic on the misuse of EU funds and potential conflicts of interest (B9-0192/2020)
Guidelines for the 2021 Budget - Section III (A9-0110/2020 - Pierre Larrouturou)
. – I voted in favour of this report which sets out the Parliament's priorities for the EU's 2021 budget, which should be the first budget under the new Multi-annual Financial Framework. The Parliament believes that next year's budget should focus mainly on mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 crisis and supporting the recovery, building on the Green Deal and digital transformation.
Eastern Partnership in the run-up to the June 2020 Summit (A9-0112/2020 - Petras Auštrevičius)
Western Balkans, following the 2020 summit (A9-0091/2020 - Tonino Picula)
. – I voted in favour of this report that supports the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, to enhance the accession process by ensuring that it strengthens fundamental values and rule of law and brings sustainable democratic, economic and ecological transformation and social convergence, ensures good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.
Tourism and transport in 2020 and beyond (RC-B9-0166/2020, B9-0166/2020, B9-0175/2020, B9-0177/2020, B9-0178/2020, B9-0180/2020, B9-0182/2020, B9-0184/2020)
Administrative cooperation in the field of taxation: deferring certain time limits due to the COVID-19 pandemic (C9-0134/2020)
. – I supported this report in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which offers Member States three additional months to exchange information on financial accounts of which the beneficiaries are tax residents in another Member State. Similarly, Member States will have three additional months to exchange information on certain cross-border tax planning arrangements.
Exceptional temporary support under EAFRD in response to the COVID-19 outbreak (amendment of Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013) (C9-0128/2020 - Norbert Lins)
European citizens’ initiative: temporary measures concerning the time limits for the collection, verification and examination stages in view of the COVID-19 outbreak (C9-0142/2020 - Loránt Vincze)
The Anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd (B9-0194/2020, B9-0195/2020, B9-0196/2020, B9-0197/2020)
. – I supported this resolution, which affirms that Black Lives Matter, in light of the anti-racism protests that have happened in the US, but also in the EU and worldwide, following the tragic death of George Floyd. The resolution calls on the US Government to address structural racism, but also on the EU and its Member States to take decisive action against racism and discrimination.
The PRC national security law for Hong Kong and the need for the EU to defend Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy (RC-B9-0169/2020, B9-0169/2020, B9-0171/2020, B9-0173/2020, B9-0174/2020, B9-0176/2020, B9-0181/2020, B9-0193/2020)
. – I supported this report that deplores the unilateral introduction of national security legislation by the Chinese Government in Hong Kong, which attacks the city's autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms and threatens the People’s Republic of China’s commitments and obligations under international law, in particular the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Amending Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013 as regards the resources for the specific allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative (A9-0111/2020 - Younous Omarjee)
Amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2454 as regards the dates of application due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis (A9-0123/2020 - Luděk Niedermayer)
I voted in favour of this report which supports the postponement of the date of application of the VAT e-commerce package. The report limits the postponement period to 3 months, to strike a balance between recognising the difficulties in the timely application of the VAT e-commerce package as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and limiting budgetary losses caused by the postponement.
The rights of persons with intellectual disabilities in the COVID-19 crisis (B9-0204/2020)
I voted in favour of this report which calls on the European Commission to put forward a comprehensive post-2020 European Disability Strategy, to learn lessons from the COVID-19 crisis and to mobilise resources to guarantee the continuity of care and support services for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families.
European citizens’ initiative: temporary measures concerning the time limits for the collection, verification and examination stages in view of the COVID-19 outbreak (C9-0142/2020 - Loránt Vincze)
Amending Directives (EU) 2017/2455 and (EU) 2019/1995 as regards the dates of transposition and application due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis (A9-0122/2020 - Ondřej Kovařík)
I voted in favour of this report which supports the postponement of the date of application of the VAT e-commerce package. The report limits the postponement period to 3 months, to strike a balance between recognising the difficulties in the timely application of the VAT e-commerce package as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and limiting budgetary losses caused by the postponement.
Financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2019 (A9-0081/2020 - David Cormand)
I supported this report which highlights the importance of the activities of the EIB, as the Union’s investment bank, with regard to increasing current levels of investment in the EU. The report also calls for a more climate-focused EIB and welcomes the fact that in 2018, 29% of the EIB’s lending was climate-related and encourages the EIB to support projects for a just transition.
Control of the financial activities of the European Investment Bank - annual report 2018 (A9-0118/2020 - Bas Eickhout)
Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States (A9-0124/2020 -José Gusmão)
Draft amending budget no 5 to the general budget 2020 Continuation of the support to refugees and host communities in response to the Syria crisis in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey (A9-0127/2020 - Monika Hohlmeier)
Mobilisation of the Contingency Margin in 2020: continuation of humanitarian support to refugees in Turkey (A9-0125/2020 - Monika Hohlmeier)
Revision of the guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure (B9-0122/2020)
Transitional provisions in order to address the impact of COVID-19 crisis (amendment of Regulation (EU) 2016/1628) (C9-0161/2020)
Conduct of clinical trials with and supply of medicinal products for human use containing or consisting of genetically modified organisms intended to treat or prevent coronavirus disease (C9-0185/2020)
A comprehensive Union policy on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing – Commission's Action plan and other recent developments (B9-0207/2020)
I voted in favour of this report, which sets out a comprehensive EU policy on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, outlining steps to be taken over the next 12 months, from better enforcement of existing rules to their revision, and an overhaul of the EU’s supervisory and enforcement architecture.
Conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020 (B9-0229/2020)