[ParlTrack]

I voted in favour of the resolution on the European Border and Coast Guard. Two years ago, Frontex was expanded to become the European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) Agency that it is today. The Agency’s new mandate and increased resources are a clear and strong response to the challenges faced at the EU’s external borders as a result of the migration crisis, but also relate to the difficulty in encouraging greater solidarity among Member States.The EBCG proposal addresses the need to ensure proper control of the Schengen external borders as a precondition to managing migration effectively, to ensure a high level of security within the system while safeguarding free movement of persons within the Union. The necessary operational support has to be provided to ensure that EU solidarity is effectively delivered whenever it is needed.I support the rapporteur that this will enhance solidarity between the Member States, reinforce integration regarding border management and contribute to preventing crisis situations at the external borders. The proposal responds to the weaknesses identified due to insufficient contributions of border guards and technical equipment by Member States and hence the lack of flexibility in redeployment by the Agency.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on market surveillance and compliance of products. Free movement of goods is the most developed of all the four fundamental freedoms. This pillar rests on consumers’ trust: European consumers must be able to trust that the products they buy are safe and compliant, irrespective of who the manufacturer is, in which Member State they may buy it, and by which means (traditional or online sale).Growing imports to the EU, the increasing complexity of the value chains, the increased number of products circulating within the single market, and the increase in e-commerce activities, as well as the new technologies pose new challenges for Member States’ market surveillance authorities and for the EU institutions. There is a clear evidence that only proper, effective and coordinated market surveillance in the EU could respond to these challenges and ensure that only safe and compliant products are reaching the final consumers.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on promoting fairness and transparency for business users of online intermediation services. I support the rapporteur that there is an apparent need for a uniform and targeted set of mandatory rules to ensure a viable business environment in the future. In today’s online platform environment several critical imbalances exist between platforms on the one hand and business users on the other hand. These imbalances are ultimately to the detriment of the consumer as they can lead to reduced competition, which in turn leads to a narrower variety of goods and services as well as higher consumer prices.The Commission’s proposal does in many ways adequately address the lack of transparency concerning many online platforms, but it does too little to address the issues of the lack of fairness in the same online platform environment. Therefore, it is crucial that the current deficit of fairness is addressed in greater detail than in the Commission’s proposal and that more measures are taken to better address the issue.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on better enforcement and modernisation of EU consumer protection rules. There is a clear need to find a balance between the rights afforded to consumers and the expectations then made of businesses. As we move ahead with the digital single market strategy, we also must ensure that the legislative foundations elsewhere support citizens and business as they move online. In this area in particular, the sale of goods online is facilitated by the ability of consumers to exercise the right of withdrawal simply and easily. Any shift in roles risks deterring purchasers from the online sales channel, which would be worse for all parties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the recommendations on EU accession to the Geneva Act on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications. The contracting parties to the agreement undertake to protect, on their territories, the appellations of origin of products of the other countries within the Special Union which are recognised and protected as such in the country of origin. Seven Member States are parties to the Lisbon Agreement, namely Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Hungary, Portugal and Slovakia. Three other Member States have signed but not ratified the Lisbon Agreement, namely Greece, Spain and Romania.I welcome the Council’s decision to approve the Union’s accession to the Geneva Act, as well as the fact that the Member States have been given the opportunity to accede to the act in the interests of the Union, with the Union retaining exclusive competence. The Union will thus enjoy voting rights, whilst being able to take proper account of the specific situation of the Member States that are already contracting parties to the Lisbon Agreement.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the protection of persons reporting on breaches of Union law. The debate in Europe on how best to protect whistle-blowers has moved forward significantly in recent decades. In the light of numerous studies and feedback on experiences, it is now commonly accepted that whistle-blowers play a positive role in preventing and remedying acts prejudicial to the public interest. However, the potential benefits of whistle-blowing are a long way from being fully exploited since many witnesses of acts prejudicial to the public interest in a professional context do not systematically report them. The reasons for this reticence are multiple and range from lack of knowledge of the reporting options available to fear of reprisals if they speak out. This has damaging consequences for society as a whole, as a wide variety of such attacks on the public interest, whether they concern the environment, the fight against tax evasion or corruption, or public health, continue to occur, thus undermining the public’s right to information. I support the rapporteur that the reporting channels set out in the proposal for a directive present sufficient safeguards as to robustness and independence. They could, however, be improved by providing for a notification of receipt of a report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) investigations and cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The creation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is one of Parliament’s key achievements during the current legislature. We expect that it will be a game changer in terms of protecting the EU’s financial interests. It will also have a far-reaching impact on the EU’s institutional set-up for combating fraud and irregularities, with OLAF being the body most affected.I support the Commission’s proposal. However, as indicated by the rapporteur in the resolution, further measures need to be taken to prepare the ground better for the EPPO. Furthermore, the work done by OLAF with its current legal basis has shown several severe shortcomings. The evaluation report underlines how efficiency in fighting fraud and irregularities is hampered by problems inherent in the regulation. Moreover, in 2014 the Commission put forward a legislative proposal to create a controller of procedural guarantees, which has not been taken up yet.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on establishing the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment. The proposed instrument, as a part of a new Integrated Border Management Fund (IBMF) in the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027, aims to reinforce controls on goods entering and exiting the Union’s borders by providing funding for the purchase, maintenance and upgrade of customs control equipment. This includes, for example, new scanners, automated number-plate detection systems and mobile laboratories for sample analysis.The instrument is a new financial tool developed in response to requests from Member States and it is therefore based on their needs as regards better management of external and internal borders. The Commission proposal is useful and well set out. Nevertheless, I support remarks and recommendations in the resolution which seek to make the text clearer and more coherent.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution and I welcome the proposals by the Commission on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems. European Union citizens expect the EU to deliver on effective asylum and migration management, on proper external border management and on addressing ongoing threats to internal security. The refugee crisis and the series of terrorist attacks over the past years have shown the urgency of enhancing relevant information sharing. Delivering on these issues is important in order to maintain public trust in the Union migration and asylum system, Union security measures and the Union capabilities to manage the external borders.I support the rapporteur’s contention that the opportunities offered by interoperability, as a measure to enhance security and external border protection, need to be balanced with the obligation to ensure that interferences with fundamental rights, which may derive from the new interoperability environment, are limited to what is strictly necessary genuinely to meet the objectives of general interest pursued, subject to the principle of proportionality. Interoperability components offer an opportunity to increase the protection of fundamental rights.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution. This legislative initiative is part of the third ‘Europe on the Move’ mobility package and proposes a revision of the current framework to adapt it to changes in mobility resulting from societal trends (e.g. more cyclists and pedestrians, an aging society) and technological developments. The integration of technical progress is at the basis of the proposal, particularly in the areas of tyre-pressure monitoring systems and intelligent speed assistance.In 2017 the number of fatalities on EU roads reached 25 300 people. An additional 135 000 people were seriously injured. I support the rapporteur that these frightening figures need to be reduced significantly. The fatalities on EU roads decreased by over 40% during the years 2001-2010. However, reaching the EU target for 2020, to halve the number of road deaths in the EU by 2020 from the 2010 baseline, will be extremely difficult to achieve without further decisive action. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reduce the number of fatalities and casualties on EU roads, and specific focus should be put on protecting pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users, who accounted for almost half of road victims in 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution. The schedule of commitments of the EU and its Member States in the GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) dates back to 1994 and covers only those 12 Member States that were members of the EU at that time. The 13 Member States that have joined the EU since, i.e. in 1995 and in 2004, continued to maintain their own individual GATS commitments, which were adopted prior to their accession to the EU. In accordance with the terms of Article XXI of the GATS, the European Communities and its Member States submitted a communication pursuant to Article V of the GATS, whereby it notified its intention to modify the specific commitments in order for it to cover the 13 Member States that joined the European Union in 1995 and 2004. I support the rapporteur that the schedule is needed to enter into force to ensure that all the Member States concerned are covered by the same horizontal limitations, that their commitments are not in breach of the acquis communautaire and to advance in further consolidation processes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the agreement to prevent unregulated high seas fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean. The joint programme of scientific research and monitoring which will be established within two years of entry into force of this agreement will have as its objective to increase knowledge of the living marine resources of the Central Arctic Ocean and its ecosystems. The joint programme will be developed and implemented by the parties and has to take into consideration the scientific information provided by other bodies and programmes, as well as indigenous and local knowledge. It is important to underline that this agreement has a twofold objective, firstly to further explore and better understand the biodiversity and ecosystem of the Central Arctic Ocean and secondly to fight and prevent unregulated fishing in that area. These two objectives were of the utmost importance for the European Parliament, together with a moratorium on commercial fishing. Considering the melting of the ice cap and the ever growing areas available for exploration in the Arctic Ocean, signing this agreement will postpone and prevent any unilateral commercial fishing licensing.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the Multiannual plan for stocks fished in the Western Waters and adjacent waters, and for fisheries exploiting those stocks. The multiannual plans for a regionalised approach to fisheries management and conservation that have been formulated by the Commission and co-legislators, in particular, for the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, provide a good starting point for the multiannual Western Waters management plan. The Baltic Sea plan has adopted a multiannual approach to fisheries management on the basis of reference points for fishing mortality and biomass of stocks. These reference points, as quantified by the co-legislators on the basis of regularly updated scientific advice are set down in the regulation and should be promptly and regularly updated by the co-legislators accordingly. I support the Rapporteur that fisheries management should be based on the best scientific advice available. At the same time, the European Parliament must have a greater scope to oversee this process and to preserve its role as co-legislator for the purposes of multiannual fisheries management.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Natural disasters in Europe and worldwide are increasing significantly, both because of the frequency with which they occur and their intensity, and pose a serious threat to our societies, economies and ecosystems. I support the Rapporteur that the future mechanism should acquire further capacities compared to those currently existing in the Member States, in addition to having its own capacities. A genuine European Civil Protection Capacity should be established. This new Capacity will fill the gaps identified in the national response systems. The intention is not to take over or duplicate the work of the Member States, but to complement it where necessary.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the Resolution on the accession of Ecuador and Ukraine to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a vitally important instrument. It has been ratified by all EU Member States.As the matter of international child abduction falls within the exclusive external competence of the European Union, the decision whether to accept the accession of Ecuador and Ukraine has to be taken at EU level by means of a Council decision. I support the rapporteur’s view that the accession of Ecuador and Ukraine to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is to be welcomed. It is particularly important for settling cases of international child abduction that arise when a couple has separated. If the mother and father are from different states, there is a temptation to exploit the lack of cooperation between those states in order to secure custody of the child.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the Resolution on the accession of Belarus and Uzbekistan to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a vitally important instrument. It has been ratified by all EU Member States.As the matter of international child abduction falls within the exclusive external competence of the European Union, the decision whether to accept the accession of Belarus and Uzbekistan has to be taken at EU level by means of a Council decision. I support the rapporteur’s view that the accession of Belarus and Uzbekistan to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is to be welcomed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the European Union including relations between the EU, Greenland and Denmark. Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) have been associated with the European Union (EU) since the entry into force of the Treaty of Rome. I agree with the Rapporteur that it is important to strengthen the political dimension of the association between the EU and the OCTs and increase dialogue between the EU and the OCTs on cooperation and regional integration issues. In order to make dialogue and cooperation more effective, the Commission should, if necessary, provide for specific measures to ensure the OCTs’ participation in Union programmes and facilitate access for such participation by establishing an up-to-date, dedicated gateway for the OCTs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Annual report 2017 on the protection of the European Union’s financial interests – fight against fraud. Sound public spending and the protection of the EU’s financial interests should be key elements of EU policy in order to increase the confidence of citizens by ensuring that their money is used properly and effectively. We can note with satisfaction that the total number of fraudulent and non-fraudulent irregularities reported in 2017 (15 213 cases) was 20.8% lower than in 2016 (19 080 cases) and that their value had decreased by 13% (from EUR 2.97 billion in 2016 to EUR 2.58 billion in 2017). Regarding the fight against corruption, I support the Rapporteur deploring the fact that the Commission no longer deems it necessary to publish the anti-corruption report. It is regretful that further reduced monitoring by the Commission, with data available for only very few countries, concentrates mostly on the economic impact of corruption and almost completely overlooks the other dimensions corruption can affect, such as the trust of citizens in public administration and even the democratic structures of the Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the situation in Venezuela. The elections held on 20 May 2018 were conducted without complying with the minimum international standards for a credible process and failed to respect political pluralism, democracy, transparency and the rule of law. The EU, together with other regional organisations and democratic countries, recognised neither the elections nor the authorities put in place by this illegitimate process and has repeatedly called for ‘the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in Venezuela through a credible political process’.However, on 10 January 2019 Nicolás Maduro illegitimately usurped presidential power before the Supreme Court of Justice, in breach of the constitutional order. The EU cannot be silent when Venezuelan people are being deprived of their fundamental rights and freedoms, when rule of law and democracy are undermined by the clear dictatorship. I support the resolution which recognises Mr Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in accordance with the Venezuelan Constitution, as stated in Article 233 thereof, and expresses its full support for his roadmap.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the annual report on competition policy. A competition policy aimed at ensuring a level playing field in all sectors is a cornerstone of the European market economy and a key factor in guaranteeing the proper functioning of the internal market. I welcome the Commission report on Competition Policy 2017, as well as its efforts and activities to ensure the effective application of competition rules in the Union for the benefit of all EU citizens, especially those in weak consumer positions. It is important that the Commission continues ensuring the full enforcement of EU competition rules, with particular attention to the difficulties faced by SMEs, and avoids the uneven application thereof in the Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Nuclear decommissioning assistance programme of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania. Closing the Ignalina nuclear power plant is a unique challenge for the European nuclear safety, both due to the size of the plant and the technical characteristics of the reactors. The plant was imposed on Lithuania during the Soviet occupation and was designed to serve a much broader region. The task of closing the plant safely and efficiently is far too arduous for a country of the size and economic capacity of Lithuania. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the adequate funding for the programme is ensured. The Ignalina decommissioning programme is approaching a highly challenging stage – dismantling of the graphite reactor core Unit 1 and Unit 2. Failure to guarantee sufficient funding would result in the 4-year suspension of the Unit 2 dismantling, would eventually increase significantly the overall cost of the entire project and jeopardise the nuclear safety of Europe. Therefore, I strongly support the request for the EU’s contribution in the next MFF to be increased to EUR 780 million.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution. In recent years, the subject of looted art and the restitution of cultural property has come to the fore of historical enquiry and public consciousness alike. The problem of looted cultural goods, which were plundered in wartime through acts of violence, confiscation or by apparently legal transactions or auctions, remain part of human history.Looting in colonial times, as well as looting in Syria and Iraq, are still a massive problem. Experts based at local, national and international institutions such as ministries, museums, auction houses, archives, galleries or even private collectors have begun adopting measures designed to motivate the art world to adopt fair practices for identifying, recovering and restituting looted art. The field, however, remains compartmentalised along national, institutional and professional lines and still displays a marked tendency to focus on specific cases or collections.I support the call on the Commission to consider taking legislative action to strengthen the legal system for cross-border restitution claims of works of art and cultural goods looted in armed conflicts and wars on the basis of private international law instruments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the protection of the Union’s budget in case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in the Member States. Concerns about weaknesses in national checks and balances possibly undermining the respect of the fundamental values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union have been a matter of recent public debate. In that context, it has been suggested that the lack of respect of fundamental values should have consequences that include the suspension of disbursements from the EU budget. I support the Commission’s proposal that in order to protect its financial interests from the risk of financial loss caused by generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law, the EU should be able to impose appropriate measures that include suspending, reducing and restricting access to EU funding in a manner proportionate to the nature, gravity and scope of the deficiencies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on establishing the Rights and Values programme. In the European Parliament resolution of 19 April 2018 on the need to establish a European Values Instrument to support civil society organisations which promote fundamental values within the European Union at local and national level, the European Parliament urged the Commission to propose a European Values Instrument as part of the MFF 2021-2027, designed to provide financial support for civil society at the local and national level to counter the backlash against democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU. The instrument would be complementary to already existing programmes and have a funding level corresponding to the EU spending on value-promotion in third countries. I support the rapporteur that more support should be given to grassroots projects promoting European values as defined in Article 2 of the EU Treaty – particularly democratic standards, the rule of law and fundamental rights – as a prerequisite for an open and inclusive society. Such funding should cover, as appropriate, the variety of activities of civil society organisations such as service provision, watchdog activities, advocacy, litigation, campaigning, human rights and civic education and awareness raising.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Annual report on the financial activities of the European Investment Bank. We, Members of the EP, congratulate the EIB on 60 years of successful operations, during which it has invested EUR 1.1 trillion and financed 11 800 projects in 160 countries as the world’s biggest multilateral borrower and lender. It is important to underline the role played by the EIB as the EU’s bank, being the only international financial institution that is entirely owned by EU Member States and is fully guided by EU policies and standards. Amongst other important activities, it is necessary to welcome the strong support of the EIB Group for SMEs and mid-caps with a total investment of EUR 29.6 billion, which has had a positive impact on 287 000 companies employing 3.9 million people.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the differentiated integration. Differentiated integration in the EU takes many different forms: opt-outs, enhanced cooperation initiatives, permanent structured cooperation and intergovernmental formations outside the Treaty framework. In fact, the landscape of flexible solutions allowing some Member States to move forward with deeper integration in a certain policy area has become so varied that it is getting increasingly difficult to identify all cases of differentiated integration and to make sense of them, not only for European citizens but also for policy-makers. While differentiated integration could be seen as a positive instrument for the advancement of European integration at the pace and in the form most appropriate for the current political climate, its use and the forms that it can take should be simplified and streamlined in order to improve its democratic legitimacy. I support the Rapporteur that differentiation should reflect the idea that Europe does not work on a one-size-fits-all approach, but can adapt to the needs and wishes of its citizens. Therefore, differentiation should be a constitutional tool to ensure flexibility when needed without compromising the entire political system and equality between citizens.

2016/11/22

The Kozloduy and Bohunice programmes were established in the context of the negotiations for accession to the EU of Bulgaria and Slovakia. The current proposal follows up on the Union commitment to provide financial support to both Member States in decommissioning respectively the Kozloduy nuclear power plant units 1-4 and the Bohunice VI nuclear power plant. The aim of this proposal for a Council regulation is to address the challenges of the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the management of the arising waste under a common instrument in order to optimize synergies and knowledge sharing. In order to achieve consistency in EU law the decommissioning of Kozloduy and Bohunice power plants should be considered under the same legal framework as the decommissioning of Ignalina power plant in Lithuania, however, taking into account specific situation of each nuclear power plant. This would facilitate the efforts of the Union in setting up the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and allow for a more objective European approach towards energy and in particular to nuclear challenges.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU emergency travel document. Almost seven million EU citizens travel to or live in places outside the EU where their own country does not have an embassy or consulate and the number of unrepresented EU citizens is expected to increase to at least ten million by 2020. EU citizens resident in the territory of a non-EU country where their Member State of origin does not have representation are entitled to the protection of the diplomatic and consular authorities of any other Member State on the same conditions as that state’s nationals. I support the Rapporteur’s view that the Union should contribute to the protection of its citizens. The fundamental right to consular protection of unrepresented citizens of the Union under the same conditions as nationals, enshrined in Article 46 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, is an expression of European solidarity.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Situation of fundamental rights in the European Union in 2017. The European Union (EU) is based on the values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, all of them enshrined in its Charter of Fundamental Rights. The promotion and safeguard of these principles makes Europe unique and a worthy political project where the citizens are at its core. I support the Rapporteur that only by placing the well-being of the people and the respect of their personal, civil, political, economic and social rights at the centre of the European Union’s policies and decisions, that we will manage to counteract Euroscepticism and (re)engage with those citizens who are still struggling to overcome the consequences of the economic crisis and the severe austerity measures imposed by the EU for some years.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the establishment, as part of the Integrated Border Management Fund, of the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment. The proposed instrument for financial support for customs control equipment, as part of the new Integrated Border Management Fund (IBMF) in the MFF for the period 2021-2027, aims to reinforce checks on goods entering and exiting the Union’s borders by providing funding for the purchase, maintenance and upgrading of customs control equipment such as new scanners, automated number plate detection systems and mobile laboratories for sample analysis. The instrument is a new financial tool developed in response to prior requests from the Member States and is therefore based on their needs as regards better management of both external and internal borders. I support the rapporteurʼs view that the proposal is useful and well drafted. The Customs Union is a cornerstone of the European Union, one of the largest trading blocs in the world, and is essential for the proper functioning of the single market for the benefit of both EU businesses and citizens. I believe that the instrument will provide much-needed support for efficient functioning of the Customs Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the conclusion of the EU-Albania status agreement on actions carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in Albania. The conclusion of formal, legally binding agreements within the framework of cooperation with third countries is of crucial importance for ensuring transparency, public scrutiny and democratic oversight of such cooperation. However, any agreements concluded between the European Union and third countries on actions carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency should be carefully considered, have added value and be strictly necessary and proportionate in terms of purpose and content. I support the rapporteurʼs view that the proposed status agreement is consistent with the model status agreement. However, as this agreement enters the implementation phase, it is important that the European Border and Coast Guard Agency should promptly inform the European Parliament about the activities conducted as part of the implementation of the status agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the recommendation on the EU-Kyrgyzstan comprehensive agreement. I support the rapporteurʼs view that it is important to negotiate and conclude – without delay – an ambitious, comprehensive and balanced partnership and cooperation agreement (PCA) between the EU and Kyrgyzstan. The current agreement has been in place since 1999, and it is high time for a new agreement to form the basis for strong and lasting relations and the stable, secure and sustainable development of both parties. The new agreement should identify strategic short- and long-term perspectives and establish a number of well-defined structured goals for cooperation with Kyrgyzstan. It is necessary to invest additional efforts and deepen the relationship in order to make the EU more visible and more effective in the country and in the region.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the Autonomous driving in European transport. Our mobility system is undergoing profound changes to become more digital, safer and cleaner. Further automation of vehicles in all transport modes, and namely regarding connected and automated road vehicles, together with advances in information and communication technologies provide rich opportunities to improve traffic flows, increase safety for all users and reduce the environmental impacts of transport. It is imperative to continue and intensify at all levels the related efforts: regarding the regulatory framework, research and innovation, real-life testing and deployment of vehicles and road and communication infrastructure. It is key for Europe to stay at the forefront of this field, in order to reap the benefits of automated road transport and to successfully compete with the enormous thrust of efforts elsewhere in the US, China or Japan. I support the Rapporteur that it is necessary to address in a prompt manner outstanding issues in data protection, vehicle and route data use, and cybersecurity. Moreover, standardisation efforts at international level, namely in the framework of the UNECE and Vienna Convention, need to be further coordinated and help to ensure seamless interoperability of vehicles across borders.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU guidelines and the mandate of the EU Special Envoy on the promotion of freedom of religion or belief outside the EU. Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief (FoRB) is a universal human right, a value of the EU and an important and undeniable pillar of dignity, greatly impacting on all individuals, their personal identity and development and on societies. It is deeply worrying that recent years have seen a dramatic rise in violations of FoRB worldwide and the persecution of believers and non-believers. We welcome the fact that the Special Envoy has developed effective working networks within the Commission as well as with the Council, the European Parliament, and other stakeholders. It is important that the Special Envoy continues focusing on promoting freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief, and the rights to non-belief, apostasy and the espousal of atheistic views, also paying attention to the situation of non-believers at risk.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution. Settlement of commercial disputes is far too slow in the EU. The World Bank estimates that in a number of Member States, it may well take up to 3-4 years to enforce a commercial contract. The choice of law in commercial contracts is not evenly distributed between the different Member States. This has many reasons, but as an effect, judges and legal practitioners in some countries get less experience in commercial matters, and also the development of jurisprudence in those countries is not as rich. I support the Rapporteur that a number of measures could be taken to support a more even distribution of choice of law and of development of and competence in commercial law in those Member States. The most obvious measure would be possible changes to the Rome I regulation regarding the rules on the choice of an applicable law aiming at achieving a stronger connection between the purpose and aim of agreements and the law chosen within the EU. The Commission should further study the establishment of a European Commercial Court to supplement the courts of the Member States specialised in the settlement of commercial disputes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Establishment of the Digital Europe programme for the period 2021-2027. The Digital Europe Programme for the period 2021-2027 proposed by the Commission on 6 June 2018 should bring benefits to European businesses and citizens, reinforce Europe’s capacities in key digital technology areas through large-scale deployment and widen their diffusion and uptake in both areas of public interest and private sector. However, taking into account the specificity of certain objectives, on top of the digital transformation, the Programme overall aim is to create capabilities and reinforce strategic autonomy of the EU. The current state of digitalisation of EU economy, industry and society is not sufficient to answer to the political ambition of the Digital Single Market. There is still an important gap to cover through substantial and better European investment, in order to achieve the common goal and fully benefit from the EU added value. This proposal is the first pan-European digital programme and it should be seen as a major step for strengthening and improving Europe’s leading position.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to finance immediate budgetary measures to address the on-going challenges of migration, refugee inflows and security threats. Flexibility Instrument is intended to allow the financing, for a given financial year, of clearly identified expenditure which could not be financed within the limits of the ceilings available for one or more other headings. I support the agreement between the Parliament and the Council to further mobilise the Flexibility Instrument by EUR 178 715 475, following the proposal by the Commission to mobilise the Flexibility Instrument to supplement the financing available in the general budget of the Union for the financial year 2019 beyond the ceiling by the amount of EUR 985 629 138 to finance measures in the field of migration, refugees and security.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The negotiations between the European Union (EU) and Japan for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), launched on 25 March 2013, were concluded on 8 December 2017. On 17 July 2018, the EU and Japan signed the EPA, as well as the Strategic Partnership Agreement, at the EU-Japan Summit in Tokyo. I agree with the Rapporteur that the EU-Japan EPA is of major strategic importance. The agreement represents a balanced and comprehensive outcome of significant economic value for the EU, its citizens and businesses. The agreement provides for new market opportunities, in particular for sectors, which are usually not the main beneficiaries of trade agreements (such as agriculture). There are a number of new concepts in this EPA, such as the commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change and dedicated chapters on corporate governance and SMEs. The agreement also fully respects the right to regulate and protects public services. It is important to stress that this agreement has the potential to contribute to sustainable growth and decent jobs while promoting the Union’s values and upholding high standards in areas like food safety, environmental protection and labour rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the annual report on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The EU’s security environment is now more volatile, unpredictable, complex and ambiguous than at any time since the end of the Cold War, confronted with interstate conflicts, natural disasters, terrorism, failed states, cyber-attacks and hybrid warfare.Therefore, current EU policies may no longer suffice to promote a stable and prosperous neighbourhood. The EU has a growing responsibility to safeguard its own security while defending its interests and values. I agree with the Rapporteur that no single EU Member State can respond effectively to today’s global challenges on its own. 28 Member States working together towards coherent and unified positions and representing 500 million citizens provide more leverage in international negotiations, in promoting human rights and accountability, and in setting international regulations and political, democratic, environmental, social and economic standards.It is regretful that fact that the Member States all too often prioritise their national interests, regardless of the possible consequences at a European level, thereby undermining the EU’s unity, consistency and effectiveness, and as a result its credibility as a global player.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy. The rules-based world order is being increasingly challenged, in the EU neighbourhood and beyond, at both the political-military level and, more recently, the commercial-economic level. These systemic challenges are being accompanied by the continuous deterioration of the strategic international environment, which is confronted with interstate and intrastate conflicts and violence, terrorism, state failure, cyber and hybrid attacks on the foundational pillars of our societies, the effects of climate change and natural disasters.I agree with the Rapporteur that these challenges are too vast to be successfully met by any single country, and that it is vital for the EU to respond to these challenges rapidly, consistently, effectively, with one voice and in concert with allies, partners and other international organisations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. While Ukraine has been making progress on the path towards European integration, registering important achievements in the first electoral period after the Revolution of Dignity, more difficult tasks still need to be addressed. Public support for modernisation and reform is suffering on account of people’s disappointment at deteriorating social conditions, uncertainty about the future, dissatisfaction with the government’s reform policy, the continuing power of the oligarchs and the persistence of endemic corruption in state institutions. Despite all difficulties and war in the eastern part of the country, Ukraine deserves particular praise for reforms in the areas of energy, health, pensions, education, public administration, decentralisation, public procurement, defence and security, and the banking sector, and for securing macro-economic stabilisation. However, there is an urgent need for greater political oversight, synergy and coordination of the European integration process at the highest political level and for a greater focus on reforms that bring tangible benefits to citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on ʻeducation in the digital era: challenges, opportunities and lessons for EU policy designʼ. Technology is evolving at a faster rate than ever before and is transforming many aspects of our lives. This also holds true for the labour market: the introduction of different technologies is changing the majority of professions across all industries. These implications require a proper response from our educational systems if we are to educate the citizens, employees, employers and entrepreneurs of the future. With all these rapid technological changes, education systems are struggling to adapt, not only in terms of how to use the technologies, but also in terms of teaching the necessary skills and of training for teachers and trainers to do that. I support the rapporteurʼs view that these developments give us the opportunity to rethink education in the digital era. Education in digital skills starts at school and, unfortunately, not all schools are even connected, despite the calls and possibilities for funding at EU level. The digital transformation of education and the economy needs a proper policy response. Without such a response, there is a risk that a new social divide will emerge.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the coordination of social security systems. The Commission’s proposed revision aims to facilitate mobility by ensuring that individuals do not lose their rights when moving within Europe (EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and to ensure the continuity of social security when moving from one national legislation to another. It is legitimate for the country receiving the social security contributions also to be responsible for paying unemployment benefits. However, I support the rapporteurʼs view that further clarifications are needed regarding these provisions, so that the changes proposed by the Commission do not create practical, administrative, linguistic or training difficulties, as well as regarding the competence of the public employment service.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the Establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE). Proper implementation of EU environmental and climate legislation and policy, combined with the requisite funding, is necessary to meet the overarching environment and climate objectives and international commitments of the EU and the Member States. A key demand for the European Parliament has been to assure a sufficient level of funding for the MFF for 2021-2027 and a greater concentration of budgetary resources in areas that demonstrate a clear European added value and stimulate sustainable economic growth. As the only programme dedicated specifically to environment and climate action, LIFE remains a crucial, effective and efficient financial instrument to help contribute to achieving the EU’s objectives. I support the Rapporteur, that a doubling of the financial envelope for the LIFE programme is therefore required and justified, as has been reiterated by the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on humanitarian visas. I support this clear request by Parliament for a legislative proposal establishing a European Humanitarian Visa system. The Commission should present such a proposal by the end of March 2019.This period might appear short. It is, however, fully justified given the urgency of the matter, the extended debates which have taken place, the studies undertaken and the detailed recommendations made in this report. I support the rapporteur’s contention that it is high time to find innovative solutions addressing both the needs of persons seeking protection and those of Member States. The current thinking as regards the visa acquis, on the one hand, and the asylum acquis, on the other, is artificial and unsuited to today’s realities. A courageous step is necessary in order for the EU to live up to its values.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as one of the key achievements in the railway sector is the establishment of a legal framework for the protection of passengers’ rights as part of EU consumer rights. However, several Member States still grant exemptions to some articles of the Regulation due to lack of financial means for upgrading neglected rail infrastructure or outdated rolling stock. Therefore, improvements and modernisation of the railway sector should remain permanent goals for the sector, including the protection of railway passengers. I also welcome, among other things, the proposal of the Commission in particular with regard to the provision of assistance to people with reduced mobility or disabilities and to compensation in case of travel disruptions.This update of the regulation provides momentum to further improve the EU railway system and set an even clearer framework for the relationship between the carriers and the customers. It has to be underlined that in order to be competitive, the railway sector has to provide excellent and modern services to customers at an affordable price. It is of utmost importance for ensuring sustainability of transport and social cohesion that new passengers are attracted to rail transport.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it is the latest update of the 2004 report in line with the decisions made at the 2015 and 2017 Stockholm Convention COP meetings. The update lays out a new role for the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and their adequately funded activities, supporting the work of the Commission in the preparation of dossiers on substances.The update is aimed in general at aligning the text with that of the REACH regulation in order to ensure clarity and consistency for all actors, including citizens and industries whose activities are affected by this update. The use of impact assessments to assess POP proposals where appropriate is also in keeping with the Better Regulation Guidelines.The EU’s decisions on the safety of chemicals have far-reaching consequences. We have to consider not only the technical and scientific aspects of new proposals but also the socio-economic effects of POPs listings. It is important that all steps are taken to ensure decisions made are based on scientific evidence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this interim report on the future MFF as the EU must provide itself with the necessary budgetary means to attain its objectives, political priorities and carry through its policies, especially long-standing ones enshrined in the Treaties, such as cohesion policy and the common agricultural and fisheries policies. The 2021-2027 MFF must guarantee the EU’s responsibility for and ability to meet emerging needs, additional challenges and new international commitments. The EU has to ensure a strong and credible EU budget for the benefit of citizens over the next seven-year period and avoid a repetition of previous mistakes and the serious problems linked to the underfinancing of the 2014-2020 MFF.This report will be the outline for Parliament’s negotiating mandate on every aspect of the Commission proposals.I also emphasise the importance of nuclear safety and the need to increase the amount allocated to the nuclear decommissioning assistance programme for the Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania in order to adequately meet the technological challenge of dismantling the Chernobyl-type graphite reactor cores, as well as to prevent radiological risks and further reduce the hazard for EU citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on state aid rules and new categories of state aid. I welcome the initiative of the Commission to improve the interplay of EU funding programmes with state aid rules. National or regional authorities often do not have appreciation of the fact that EU funds are not automatically excluded from state aid rules nor automatically qualified. Only the differences in the legal status of directly paid EU funds to the final beneficiaries and indirectly paid EU funds via national authorities are clearly defined for now.The update of the EU State aid Enabling Regulation will resolve the misleading confusion and it will allow the Commission to modify the General Block Exemption Regulation. In this way, nationally managed funds and centrally managed EU funds can be combined as easily as possible, without distorting competition in the Single Market.The two new included categories in the Enabling Regulation (national funds combined with EU centrally managed funds; and projects by EU European Territorial Cooperation programmes) will contribute to administrative simplification as additional checks under overlapping rules will be avoided.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which acknowledges the European defence market as an instrument to guarantee the security and defence of Member States and EU citizens and it also contributes to the implementation of the CFSP and the CSDP. But the Member States have to overcome the current lack of efficiency in defence spending due to duplication, fragmentation and lack of interoperability, and to aim for the EU to become a security provider also by better controlling arms exports. In any case EU Member States have the legitimate right to acquire military technology for the purposes of self-defence but it is also the only union of states that has a legally binding framework through which arms export control is being improved, including in crisis regions and countries with a questionable human rights record. Therefore I welcome other non-European third countries who have joined the arms export control system on the basis of the Common Position and are willing to join in the near future. Finally, export licensing risk assessments and the implementation of end-user controls, post-shipment controls and on-site inspections have to be strengthened and better coordinated between EU delegations, the EEAS and the Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report aimed at empowering the competition authorities of the Member States to apply the regulation more effectively and ensure the proper functioning of the internal market, given that this strengthens the role of the competition authorities of the Member States to be more effective so that competition is not distorted in the internal market and businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are not disadvantaged by national legislation. The competition authorities should have more power to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market and adequate rules, particularly with regard to its independence and resources, powers of investigation and imposition of sanctions, among other aspects. The application of the principle of subsidiarity is important, although there must be some harmonizing control from the EU institutions to ensure that the objectives are reached in terms of improving the internal market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as the time has come to maximise the opportunities that more advanced digital technologies bring. The Commission proposal to add infrastructure at the core of the framework is the right approach. Since the 2009 review, the market has changed dramatically. New players have emerged as consumers and businesses increasingly rely on data services.The smart world of today needs increased connectivity and wavelengths and very high capacity fixed and mobile networks. Therefore, the EU needs a framework based on connectivity to improve its society to become a gigabit society. The necessary investment, however, is estimated at EUR 500-600 billion and the private sector would have to provide the largest share, which requires a framework that has to ensure predictability and long-term investment. Therefore, investment, competition and regulation must form the backbone for the establishment of a universal VHCN and 5G broadband infrastructure. The EU has the necessary assets and economies of scale for cloud computing, big data, data-driven science, robotics, artificial intelligence and the internet of things to fully develop. The EU has a real opportunity and is perfectly equipped to be a data economy leader, the key competitive advantage of this century.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report for the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).As BEREC is not an EU agency and consists of a Board of Regulators, composed of the representatives of the national regulatory authorities (NRAs) established in each Member State, it is well anchored in the realities of 28 national telecoms markets to provide relevant expertise. BEREC is aiming to ensure a consistent implementation of the regulatory framework for electronic communications, for instance, through dissemination of best practices and issuing guidelines and opinions, it provides advice to the NRAs and EU institutions and it carries out other tasks assigned to it by the regulatory framework. The key element of the Commission proposal is the proposal to convert BEREC and BEREC Office into a single EU Agency. The Board of Regulators would become the Management Board of the Agency and the Administrative Manager of the Office would become the Executive Director. Under the Commission proposal, this merger would provide BEREC with an appropriate and efficient governance structure, a mandate and the tools it needs to ensure consistent implementation of the regulatory framework.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report for laying down performance standards for CO2 emissions for new heavy-duty vehicles because the position adopted in the Committee puts at risk the European electricity sector and the road transport sector, setting reduction levels above what the Commission has considered as optimal in its impact assessment. Also, the sanctions-based mechanism established against manufacturers that do not reach the stated objectives seems to be too excessive. The final proposal of the Parliament seems very unbalanced. I still think that the best tool to achieve the decarbonisation of transport and thus mitigate the effects of climate change should go hand in hand with industry, social entities and institutions, never against or without any of the parties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution because the elaboration of a proposal on the need for a comprehensive mechanism for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights has been a longstanding demand from the European Parliament, while the Council and the Commission have repeatedly ignored this request. Such a mechanism is more urgently needed now than ever before, but first of all, an interinstitutional agreement for a comprehensive, permanent and objective EU mechanism for the protection of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights is needed.There should be regular mechanisms for monitoring compliance in the Member States with respect to fundamental freedoms and the values on which the EU is based, beyond the activation of Article 7, which should be an extraordinary mechanism. Subsidiarity should not be understood, in this case, as a freedom to exercise the power within a state, but the extension of the values of freedom, justice and equality.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report with recommendations to the Commission on humanitarian visas because I believe it is a step forward in achieving a common asylum and migration policy, given that now decisions taken by the Member States leave the EU only in a coordinating role, without real power. There are no provisions in the EU law as to how a refugee should actually arrive, leading to a situation that almost all arrivals take place in an irregular manner. Therefore, we must move forward in the fight against the human smugglers that put at risk the lives of thousands of people fleeing the war and provide European humanitarian visas, with common criteria.It is high time to find innovative solutions addressing both the needs of persons seeking protection and Member States. The current thinking as regards the visa acquis on the one side and the asylum acquis on the other is not adequately shaped and not adapted to today’s realities. The EU should take a step forward in order to put into practice its values.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, and I welcome the multiannual plan for the Adriatic Sea as it will provide a tool for multiannual management of biological marine resources to help rebuild stocks and return the fisheries sector to a sustainable level. Scientists have assessed the status of sardine and anchovy stocks, and the current level of fishing in the Adriatic Sea constitutes overexploitation. Therefore, the adoption of the report is timely and I support the measures intended to improve the state of stocks, with particular emphasis on spatial protection of areas in which to preserve juvenile fish and protect a stock while it is spawning. The joint management of small pelagic stocks, for example sardine and anchovy, is also very important as the two species share the same ecological niche and their biomass is altering.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution as it is fundamentally important to guarantee that the common European values are upheld in full, and that fundamental rights are guaranteed in Romania and throughout the EU. The redrafted law relating to Romanian judicial and criminal legislation and specifically its potential structurally to undermine the independence of the judicial system, lessening the capacity to fight corruption effectively in Romania, and to weaken the rule of law, is causing huge concerns.Corruption remains a challenge in the EU. Whilst the nature and scope of corruption may differ from one Member State to another, it harms the EU as a whole, its economy and society, hampers economic development, undermines democracy and damages the rule of law. The Romanian authorities should put in place safeguards to ensure there is a transparent and legal basis for any institutional cooperation and should avoid any interference that upsets the system of checks and balances. Any measures which would decriminalise corruption in office should be countered, and the national anti-corruption strategy should be applied immediately.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it reiterates the obligation on the Member States to ensure full access for minorities to their human rights, irrespective of whether they are individuals or communities. Protection of minorities is a key element of the Copenhagen criteria for Member States and candidate countries. However, there is no guarantee that the candidate countries, when they become Member States, will comply with the commitments they make in line with the Copenhagen criteria. The EU still lacks effective measures to monitor and ensure respect for minority rights and the protection of minorities in the EU.The EU must constantly monitor Member States’ compliance with the Copenhagen criteria before and after joining the Union, ensuring that the rights of minorities to maintain, protect and enhance their identity are observed, and that minorities can participate effectively in social, economic, cultural and public life. The Commission should therefore draw up a common framework of EU minimum standards for the protection of minorities, with measurable milestones and regular reporting.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as investing in digitalisation can be a strong engine for inclusive growth in developing countries, especially if these investments reach everyone regardless of gender, geography or economic status. Digitalisation is global and it affects all aspects of our lives. With further commitment to this process from the developing countries themselves, as well as with strong support from the European Union, the international community and the public and private sector, it is possible to reduce the digital and economic division where people are left behind, although new technologies create opportunities. The internet is not only a place for goods and services, but it also helps people to exercise their economic, civic and political rights. In developing countries, modern communications technology is a necessity and can allow people to participate successfully in the changing world.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the import of cultural goods. Lately it has come into the spotlight that general rules applicable to the trade in goods do not address all of the specificities of the import of cultural goods. Illicit trafficking in cultural goods is linked to organised crime, terrorism financing, money laundering and tax evasion and also results in the loss of cultural heritage in third countries. I support the rapporteurs’ view that the Commission proposal would extend that protection to the cultural heritage of third countries, which is not harmonised at EU level. Common rules on the export of cultural goods do already exist under EU regulation. It is important to ensure a proper balance between the objective of curbing the illicit import of cultural goods and the need to ensure that proposed controls and additional obligations do not pose an undue burden to licit economic operators in art market and to customs authorities. Moreover, adequate technical assistance and support should be given to the micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises operating in art market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Protection of the EU’s financial interests - Recovery of money and assets from third-countries in fraud cases. The protection of the EU’s financial interests should be a key element of EU policy aimed at increasing the confidence of citizens by ensuring that their money is used properly and effectively. However, the diversity of legal and administrative systems in the Member States presents a challenging environment for combating fraud, in the absence of uniform legislation at European level to combat organised crime. I support the Rapporteur that there is the need, for the purposes of prevention, to avoid transfers of funds through financial intermediaries operating in non-transparent and uncooperative jurisdictions. The Commission should undertake a risk assessment of EU laws that facilitate illegal money transfer outside of the EU, and remove the sensitive points in those laws.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships in the food supply chain. In an agricultural policy environment that has become distinctly more market oriented, the good and fair governance of the agricultural and food supply chain has become crucial for all the actors involved, and especially for agricultural producers. The latter are particularly vulnerable to unfair trading practices (UTPs) as they often lack bargaining power that would match that of their partners that buy their products. This is mainly due to the limited alternatives they have for getting their products to final consumers, as well as to the structural weakness of the farming system compared to its downstream partners. The present Commission proposal on UTPs corresponds to a strong and longstanding demand from the European farming community and a long felt belief that farmers should be better protected against abusive practices from processors and retailers. It could be a long expected legislative instrument to defend agricultural producers’ bargaining position in the agricultural and food supply chain.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on Veterinary medicinal products. The Commission’s draft regulation is a move in the right direction that the veterinary medicines market should be separated from the human medicines market, which works very differently. The Commission is right to stress the importance of product availability and simpler administrative procedures without sacrificing the principles of public health and the protection of the environment.Nonetheless, the Commission has not gone far enough on some points and the draft contains a number of loopholes. I support the Rapporteur that it should be much more ambitious in its measures relating to antibacterial resistance and should, in particular, provide clear definitions on the different kinds of treatment (curative, control and preventative) and ban the prophylactic use of antibiotics. It is essential that the rules on medicinal products for human use and the rules on medicinal products for veterinary use agree on this point.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of medicated feed. Medicated feed is an efficient and economic tool for treating groups of animals. The manufacturing standards applied in its production guarantee that the medicine is distributed in a homogeneous and stable manner in the feed. In this way, each animal has access to the same quantity of medicine and in the correct quantities for the treatment to be effective. In this regard, it is important to update Directive 90/167/EEC and replace it with a regulation, which would be appropriate given that it is widely agreed that at present the differences among Member States in regulating medicated feed have become too wide.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles. The proposal for a directive amending Directive 2009/33/EU on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport, by setting minimum targets in public procurement for clean vehicles, aims at the promotion of the clean transport, fostering new and clean technologies and in the long-term reduction of emissions of air pollutants and CO2. The amended Directive should also contribute to the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, as well as to compliance of vehicles with the requirements of the latest standards of emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases.The proposed Directive uses public procurement to stimulate demand for clean road transport vehicles. EU manufacturers, however, also need to be protected from unfair competition. Therefore, I agree with the Rapporteur that road transport vehicles which are produced by manufacturers based in third countries where EU manufacturers do not have the access to tenders by way of public procurement for the purchase, lease, rent or hire-purchase of road transport vehicles, should not be counted towards the achievement of minimum procurement targets.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Deployment of infrastructure for alternative fuels in the EU: time to act! Transport is the only major economic sector in the EU where greenhouse gas emissions have increased since 1990. It is responsible for 23% of CO2 emissions, and this share is still growing. In order to fulfil its commitments to fight climate change, protect the environment and to strengthen its energy independence, Europe will have to increase efforts in decarbonising its economy. In 2014, Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure was adopted. Unfortunately, the binding targets for each Member State as foreseen in the European Commission’s proposal were deleted. The evaluation of the National Framework Plans (NFP), showed, that the ambition and effort differs widely between Member States and that the NFPs. As there are different modes, different types and environments of transport which have their own specific requirements as regards fuels and powertrain technologies, a mix of alternative fuels is the most promising approach in the medium term. Energy should also be used as efficiently as possible to decarbonise.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the general budget of the European Union for 2019 – all sections. Europe’s citizens expect the Union to ensure economic growth and foster job creation evenly within all its regions. In order to meet those expectations, investments in research and innovation, digitalisation, education, infrastructure and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are needed, as well as fostering of employment, particularly among the young people of Europe. I support the rapporteurs in their disapproval of the Council position to cut the very programmes that are designed to make the Union economy more competitive and innovative. Many of those programmes, for example Horizon 2020, are heavily oversubscribed, which shows a poor use of resources and means that many excellent projects do not receive funding. Moreover, ahead of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union, the Union needs the necessary financial resources to respond to citizens’ expectations, to allow the Union to effectively tackle the numerous abovementioned priorities and challenges it faces and to improve the day-to-day life of its citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on Discharge 2016: EU general budget - European Council and Council. Parliament refuses to grant the Secretary-General of the Council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Council and of the Council for the financial year 2016. It is regrettable that the Council has not replied to the observations made by Parliament in its discharge resolution of 18 April 2018. Following the trend from previous years, and despite occasional exchanges of information between the buildings departments of the two institutions, the Council continues not to provide detailed information on its buildings policy in its annual financial report. I support the rapporteur’s view that buildings policy and related expenditure need to be clear, and that the public must have full access to this information as a sign of transparency vis-à-vis Union citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data in Ireland. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Ireland to receive and supply personal data in respect of dactyloscopic data, with the aim of facilitating and strengthening cross-border cooperation between the competent authorities in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.The decision sets out a number of general provisions on data protection which a Member State must implement before it can take part in the automated data exchange. In accordance with Council Decision 2008/616/JHA, verification that these conditions have been met is to be established by an evaluation report, which is to be based on a questionnaire, an evaluation visit and a pilot run. I support the rapporteur’s view that, as Ireland has met all necessary requirements, automated data exchange with regard to dactyloscopic data can be launched.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. The amount of plastic marine litter in oceans and seas is growing, to the detriment of ecosystems, biodiversity and potentially, human health, and causes widespread concern. At the same time, valuable material that could be brought back into the economy is lost, once littered. Plastic makes up 80-85% of the total number of marine litter items, measured through beach counts. Europe has a responsibility to tackle marine litter originating from Europe and it has also committed to act at a global level, notably through the G7 and G20 but also through the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative will place the EU at the forefront of global efforts, giving credibility and strength to its international action in the field. We look forward to the full implementation of this initiative.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System in the field of border checks. The current Schengen Information System II (‘SIS II’) legal framework although agreed by 2006/2007 only became applicable on 9 April 2013 when the SIS II system was ready. However, there is still much room for improvement by Member States. The assessment accompanying the current proposals and the evaluations and recommendations on the Schengen Evaluation Mechanism sometimes point to serious issues regarding the non- or wrong implementation of the SIS II legal framework. This is particularly worrisome regarding terrorism. Therefore, I welcome the Commission’s proposals, as they further strengthen the SIS, underlining its truly European nature, maintaining its main characteristics and addressing some of the shortcomings at national level. I also support the rapporteur that further improvements can still be made and urge the Commission and Council to consider those improvements.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Use of the Schengen Information System for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals. The use of the Schengen Information System for information sharing on return decisions is another small but crucial step in a series of Union measures with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the return of illegally staying third-country nationals. The Union has to improve the effectiveness of its return policy. It is crucial in order to maintain public trust in the Union migration and asylum policy. This proposal will set up for the first time a Union-wide system for sharing information between Member States on return decisions and will therefore allow for monitoring whether third-country nationals subject to those decisions have left the territory of the Member States and implementation of Union wide return decisions. I support the Rapporteur that this improvement should thereby increase the effectiveness of Union return policies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the harmonisation of the structures of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages. Directive 92/83/EEC on the structures of excise duty on alcohol and alcoholic beverages sets out the common rules on the structures of excise duty applied to alcohol and alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine. However, the Directive has not kept pace with the challenges and opportunities offered by new technologies and developments within the alcohol industry. The large variation in duty levels between Member States, which provides a strong incentive for tax evasion, and other weaknesses in the design of the tax necessitate the use of burdensome administrative procedures for both tax administrations and economic operators. These disproportionate administrative and compliance costs for economic operators restrict the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in intra-EU trade in alcohol and alcoholic beverages. I support the Commission proposal, since the objectives of this Directive, namely to reduce the compliance burden of economic operators and administrative burden for tax administrations, cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can rather, by reason of the effects of the action, be better achieved at Union level.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on Discharge 2016: European Asylum Support Office (EASO), with which Parliament approves the closure of the accounts of the European Asylum Support Office for the financial year 2016. I support the rapporteur in welcoming the action already undertaken by the ad interim Executive Director to improve the governance structure of the EASO, restore transparency and build trust, as well counteracting the previously detected deficiencies in the legality and regularity of transactions.In this regard, the EASO needs to prepare a comprehensive and detailed roadmap, including a clear plan for restoring trust in management, especially bearing in mind that competent and effective management is key in view of the challenges the Office faces generally. In particular, it is important to make sure that the recruitment and training of the significant number of new staff provided for in 2018 and 2019 is of such a level that the EASO will have well motivated and high-quality personnel at its disposal, that there will be less staff turnover and that knowledge and experience are retained.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the electronic publication of the Official Journal (OJ) of the European Union. The aim of the proposal is to update the procedure for authenticating the electronic version of the OJ by an electronic signature and to introduce the possibility of authenticating a document with an advanced electronic seal.According to the Commission, the use of such an advanced electronic seal would make it possible to automate the electronic signature and accelerate the procedure for publication of the OJ on the EUR-Lex database. The use of an electronic seal rather than a signature would make a difference in legal terms, since the authentication method for a signature involves a specific natural person, whereas when a seal is used it is created by a legal person with no indication of who within that legal person was responsible for authenticating the document.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Bahamas Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver. This agreement on the waiver of short-stay visas crowns the deepening of relations between the European Union and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, which is politically highly significant in the context of the Cotonou Agreement. The amending agreement ensures legal coherence as well as harmonisation among Member States, by adhering to the new definition of short-stay provided by the Schengen Borders Code amendment, which gives a clearer interpretation of ʻshort-stayʼ. I support the rapporteurʼs view that the visa waiver will have a positive impact on rapprochement between the peoples of Europe and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The new visa waiver agreement will enable citizens to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership and to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Mauritius Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver. This amending agreement on the waiver of short-stay visas crowns the deepening of relations between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius, which is politically highly significant in the context of the Cotonou Agreement. Mauritius has a very good record of growth. Despite the country’s isolation from major world markets, it is among the most successful small developing countries in diversifying its economy out of dependence on one agricultural commodity (sugar) into manufacturing, tourism, horticulture and, lately, financial services and ICT. The amended visa waiver agreement will enable citizens not only to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership, but also to continue to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Antigua and Barbuda Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver. The EU’s political dialogue with the various Pacific ACP countries and Antigua and Barbuda in particular is gradually increasing. This agreement may enable us to continue our partnership under a clear legal framework. The amending visa exemption will continue sending out a positive message of support for the country and the efforts it is making.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver. St Kitts and Nevis is a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Association of Caribbean States, Caribbean Community, Non-Aligned Movement, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Organization of American States, United Nations and World Trade Organization. The EU’s political dialogue with the various ACP countries and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in particular is gradually increasing. The visa waiver will have an important impact on rapprochement between the peoples of Europe and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The new visa waiver agreement will enable citizens to not only derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership but continue to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Barbados Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver. This amending agreement on the waiver of short-stay visas simultaneously represents a culmination of the deepening of relations between the European Union and Barbados, which is politically highly significant in the context of the Cotonou Agreement. The amending agreement ensures legal coherence as well as harmonisation among Member States, by adhering to the new definition of short-stay as is provided by the Schengen Borders Code amendment, which provides a clearer interpretation of the term. Barbados has an exceptionally high quality of life rating for a developing country. The economy, formerly a sugar monoculture, was developed over three decades to achieve a balance of growth and social development, and diversified into three main sectors: services, light industry and sugar. I support the Rapporteur that the new visa waiver agreement will enable citizens not only to derive full benefit from the ACP-EU partnership but also to participate in it by travelling at a reduced, economical and practical cost under a clearer and more coherent legal framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the EU-Seychelles Agreement on the short-stay visa waiver. Despite having one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, the Seychelles is vulnerable economically, due to its small size, isolation, limited natural resources and dependence on tourism, which accounts for the bulk of foreign-exchange earnings. Though tourism worldwide grew strongly and cheaper long-haul flights made destinations such as the Seychelles more accessible, the industry became increasingly competitive. Imports needed for tourism were in large part responsible for the country’s trade deficit. The EU’s political dialogue with the various ACP countries and the Seychelles in particular is gradually increasing. I support the Rapporteur that this agreement may allow us to continue our partnership under a clear legal framework. The amending visa exemption will continue to send out a positive message of support for the country and the efforts it is making.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: application EGF/2018/002 PT/Norte – Centro – Lisboa wearing apparel. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund has been created in order to provide additional assistance to workers suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. On 10 September 2018, the Commission adopted a proposal for a decision on the mobilisation of the EGF in favour of Portugal to support the reintegration in the labour market of workers made redundant by two enterprises operating in the economic sector in the two regions of Norte, Centro and Lisboa in Portugal. Those redundancies are linked to major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation, notably the serious economic disruption undergone by the wearing apparel sector. The increase of imports into the EU put a downward pressure on prices, which had a negative effect on the financial position of enterprises in the textiles sector in the EU and triggered a general trend in the textiles and clothing industry to offshore production to lower cost countries outside the EU. Therefore, the support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund is very much needed by the workers in Portugal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on Resources for economic, social and territorial cohesion and resources for the investment for growth and jobs goal. The proposal is of high importance as it concerns the funding for the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) in 2018. The YEI provides support to young people living in regions where youth unemployment was higher than 25% in 2012. In 2017, funds were increased for regions where youth unemployment was higher than 25% in 2016. The YEI supports young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs), including the long-term unemployed and those not registered as job-seekers. It ensures that, in those parts of Europe facing the greatest challenges, young people can receive targeted support. I support the present proposal to frontload some of the 2020 appropriations for the YEI to 2018. An increase in the budgetary means for the YEI in 2018 was agreed in the budgetary negotiations for 2018. The increase is considerable, namely by an amount of EUR 116.7 million, which brings the total YEI budget for 2018 to EUR 350 million. It is important that the EP adopted the proposal by using rapid adoption procedure.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the alignment of reporting obligations in the field of environment policy. The Commission intention to streamline the alignment of reporting obligations for environment-related legislation, updating specific provisions of 10 sectoral directives and regulations is very much needed as it comes at a conducive moment when efforts are being made to simplify the environmental legislation, including reporting provisions, that has been gradually increasing since the 1970s. This proposal is aimed to increase transparency, provide an evidence base for future evaluations, and to simplify and reduce the administrative burden for Member States and the Commission. With these improvements, data will be better collected and processed, offering faster comprehensive assessments for decision—makers in Members States and at Union level.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the role of employee financial participation in creating jobs and reactivating the unemployed. In the last 30 years, employee financial participation (EFP) has developed a lot through Europe. In 2018, there are around 10 million employee shareholders in Europe, and 2017 was a record year for EFP with nearly EUR 400 billion held by employees. Nevertheless, the development of employee share ownership is geographically unbalanced within the European Union, with a lag of 30-40 years between lead and late European countries. These differences between Member States can be explained by the existence or not of adequate legislation. I agree with the Rapporteur that without asking for new legislative instruments at EU level, this INI report would help to make a step forward towards the development of EFP in Europe by highlighting the potential of these schemes for both workers and their employers. The report rightly suggests a number of measures which could be taken at Union level to facilitate EFP, such as the need for awareness—raising campaigns, exchanges of best practices platforms, citizens’ financial education, more transparency and information, more incentives and a reflection on transnational obstacles.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it welcomes the updated strategy on public procurement for the EU, which can stimulate better implementation of the public procurement rules in the Member States and accelerate national reforms as necessary. In addition to that the new Directives not only set the rules with which public authorities need to comply in order to justify how they spend taxpayers’ money. Moreover, the Directives provide enormous opportunities for the Member States to attain strategic goals and pursue policies through public spending. But the full potential of public procurement in helping to build a competitive social market economy is yet to be unlocked. About four years after the formal adoption of the Directives, there is no clear picture, nor full overview of how the Directives are being transposed and implemented in the different Member States. This is unfortunately due to the fact that considerable delays occurred regarding the transposition in many Member States, also to the extent that the Commission had to start infringement procedures for a few of them.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it calls on the improvement and effectiveness of the functioning of Eurojust. Since it was set up, this EU agency has facilitated coordination and cooperation between national investigative and prosecutorial authorities in dealing with cases affecting a number of Member States. By rapidly solving legal problems and identifying competent authorities in other countries, Eurojust has facilitated the execution of requests for cooperation and the application of mutual recognition instruments, thereby improving cross-border prosecution.I also support the Council decision on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), but the principles of proportionality and subsidiarity have to be respected, competences between Eurojust and the EPPO have to be aligned in the proposal and data protection provisions need to be updated. In the end, these necessary reforms will lead to more transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as the three legislative proposals contained in this legislative package will enable the EU’s legal framework in the areas of money laundering, illegal movements of cash and the freezing and confiscation of assets to be supplemented and reinforced, thereby constituting a more powerful and better-coordinated European response in this field. Freezing and confiscation of the proceeds of crime are among the most effective means of combating organised crime. Money coming from and going to criminal organisations needs to be blocked. Having a mutual recognition instrument is of fundamental importance, given that the principle of mutual recognition of judgments and judicial decisions is a cornerstone of judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the EU. However, fundamental rights have to be respected and procedures simplified and clarified. It is also of importance that the new instrument has to be harmonised with the other European legislative instruments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report this regulation on the Free flow of non-personal data de facto establishes data as the fifth freedom in the Single Market. With the emergence of new technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, the possibility to move data freely has become a key issue for European companies. But localisation requirements put in place by Member States reduce competition and increase storage costs by an estimated 120 percent. However, by removing these requirements the EU could highly benefit from that. I support the simplification and clarification of this regulation making it easy to apply. Moreover it is important that the text of the regulation is legally certain and future proof in order to maximise the benefits of free movement of data.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution as I am convinced that globalisation and increasing internationalisation of business activities and supply chains make the role that corporations play in ensuring respect for human rights more important and create a situation in which international norms and rules are crucial to avoid human rights violations in third countries. I firmly believe that the private sector is an important partner in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in mobilising additional resources for development. Given the increasing role in development cooperation of the private sector, their actors must align with development effectiveness principles and abide by the principles of corporate accountability throughout the whole life cycle of projects. Moreover, I fully support the implementation of the UNGPs and all States shall elaborate and adopt national action plans for the swift, effective and comprehensive implementation of the said principles. However, a global approach to the way in which transnational corporations abide by human rights law is still lacking.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution as I am gravely concerned about the continued deterioration of the situation in Yemen and the devastating humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians. I condemn every attack against civilians and express my grave distress at the level of violence in Yemen. With this resolution we call on all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and to comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. All parties have to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law to allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to all people in need in all affected areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution as the Commission has to take up all measures to recover uncollected EU own resources to provide revenue for the EU budget. Moreover, the Commission has to ensure that Member States fully comply with the provisions of the Union Customs Code, which entered into force on 1 May 2016, and to clarify any provisions that may lead to confusion. The Commission and the Member States have also to make sure that the application of the common rules by customs authorities is organised in such a manner that fraud, including carousel fraud, is effectively prevented and controls are reinforced at ports, airports and land borders and on the internet.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as the harmonisation of the different national VAT systems is an important long-term task, which should simplify the life of our companies, reduce their compliance costs and reduce cross-border fraud. This report aims in the right direction as it introduces a series of fundamental principles or ‘cornerstones’ for the future definitive VAT system, and four ‘quick fixes’ to improve the day-to-day functioning of the current VAT system, tackling the VAT identification number, chain transactions, call-off stock situations and proof of intra-Community supply. In particular, companies considered as financially reliable may, under certain conditions, obtain from their national tax authorities a status of ‘certified taxable person’, a reliable taxpayer recognised as such by Member States, and thus benefit from simplified procedures.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it endorses the Commission’s proposal authorising the Member States to prolong the possibility for Member States to apply the reverse charge mechanism to combat existing fraud in supplies of goods and services included in Article 199a of the VAT Directive and the possibility to use the Quick Reaction Mechanism, which have proven to be effective tools for combating VAT fraud. It appears that the measures included in Articles 199a and 199b of the VAT Directive have been useful as temporary and targeted measures. Their expiration on 31 December 2018 would deprive Member States of an efficient tool to fight fraud. It is therefore appropriate to prolong the measures included in Articles 199a and 199b until 30 June 2022, the date on which the definitive regime for intra-Union B2B supplies of goods should enter into force.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it endorses the Commission’s proposal to make the legal framework for cooperation between Member States on the movement of goods subject to excise duties. It allows the automation of the control of these movements, thus facilitating the task of administrations. In detail, the objective of the proposal is to introduce the obligation of registration of economic operators moving goods. In the absence of that proposal, the full automation of movements of goods released for consumption will not be possible. Moreover, this proposal respects fundamental rights, particularly the right to privacy though the existing provision on data protection.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because a European citizen confronted with a disease has to benefit from the most innovative therapies. The Commission’s proposal is timely and represents a high degree of added value for the EU. It constitutes a further step towards closer EU integration in the important area of health.The fundamental aim of the proposal is to introduce joint clinical assessment of health technologies at EU level. The evaluation of new treatments is currently carried out at national level, with little coordination between Member States, and the associated costs and administrative procedures are multiplied for pharmaceutical companies. This reduces the number of new treatments available and delays their launch. The consequences are serious: because of this, Europe performs, for example, significantly worse than the USA in the fight against cancer. This report will, in particular, make it possible to pool clinical trials at European level and to benefit more quickly from the best new treatments.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against the Commission proposal, as it sets too ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles. Thus, they will have to emit 40% less CO2 by 2030 compared to the 2021 targets. Transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and, with this regulation, the EU shows that it takes seriously its commitments made at COP21, but more has to be done. Electricity and electric cars are definitely part of the solution, but only a variety of solutions will achieve both ambitious and realistic goals.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it aims to further harmonise national VAT systems which will simplify the life of European companies. The fragmentation of the VAT system has created a great obstacle for the well-functioning of the Single Market. That is why an EU-level VAT regulation is needed to replace the current transitional arrangements and guarantee equal treatment to all Member States. This report supports better European coordination with regard to the VAT rates applicable to the various products. The report also proposes setting up a single information portal for companies on the various European and national rules in this area. This is an excellent initiative for our companies, which will simplify their efforts when they want to export to other European markets.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it should help reduce uncertainties for European economic players. The IFRS 17 will necessitate a fundamental change in accounting for insurance contracts, but this change will bring greater consistency and transparency and seek to deliver increased comparability. The implementation efforts for this standard are already in progress and the International Accounting Standards Board is providing implementation support, in particular by setting up a Transition Resource Group for IFRS 17. This standard will provide more precise information on insurance contracts and improve their comparability. However, its implementation raises some concerns within the sector. That is why this resolution calls on the Commission and the economic actors involved in the design of this new standard to make certain clarifications on specific points.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it highlights the benefits that distributed ledger technologies, such as blockchain, can bring. DLT reduces intermediation costs in a trusted environment between the transacting parties and allows peer-to-peer exchange of value that can empower citizens, disrupt legacy models, improve services and reduce costs throughout value chains, in a wide range of key sectors, such as energy, transport, healthcare and education. DLT technologies could potentially affect all sectors of the economy and that is why I also support Parliament’s calling on the Commission to carry out an impact assessment on the potential of DLT-based solutions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls on the Commission to take into better account the specific needs of rural, mountainous and remote areas. As cities in the EU territory are growing, we must not forget those areas, as they often have insufficiently supported and exploited resources and assets. The European economy, cities, industry, tourism and our citizens largely depend on these areas for food, land use, energy, water, clean air and raw materials. That is why we have to tackle their specific needs, promote cohesion, foster good neighbouring relations and make full use of the possibilities arising from cross-border cooperation, macro-regional strategies and other instruments for a balanced territorial development in Europe, in order to stabilise and counterbalance negative trends in local markets, demographic dynamics and natural assets.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which aims to bring together in one and the same text a number of previously dispersed provisions, without any change in their substance. The EU has granted several third countries a right whereby their nationals are exempted from visas when travelling on our territory. This is an essential part of the Unionʼs external action and is often accompanied by reciprocal concessions granted by those states. This report is a step towards administrative simplification and clarification of Union law so as to make it clearer and more accessible to citizens, which I fully support.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it allows Morocco to join the PRIMA tool. Its specific objective is very important for coordinating and strengthening the separate national research and innovation programmes in these sectors by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach. In this way PRIMA is an example of what EU science diplomacy is able to achieve for the common good. I welcome the new developments through this report, which enables a leading Mediterranean partner of the Union to integrate into and strengthen the PRIMA tool. Given the demographic trends in the Mediterranean, this important tool brings together the research capacities of the Union and of participating Mediterranean countries to bear on facilitating the development and the implementation of innovative and integrated solutions for more efficient, safer, more secure and more sustainable agro-food and water provision and management systems in the Mediterranean area.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it enables the conclusion of the air transport agreement negotiated between the EU and Canada. This agreement was already signed in 2009 and is in force but had to be amended, in particular following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and a decision of the EU Court of Justice. Canada is one of our key partners, as shown by the success of CETA. This air transport agreement includes a gradual phasing-in of traffic rights and investment opportunities, as well as far-reaching cooperation on a number of issues including safety, security, social matters, consumer interests, environment, air traffic management, state aids and competition, as well as excellent development opportunities for the European airline industry. All EU airlines will be able to operate direct flights to Canada from anywhere in Europe without any restrictions on routes, prices, or the number of weekly flights between Canada and the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour this report as it aims to include the Italian municipality of Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano in the EU customs territory and in the territory of the Union. For geographic reasons, such as isolation and economic disadvantage, the two Italian exclaves within the territory of Switzerland have been historically justified by their exclusion from the EU customs territory. However, Italy now considers this exclusion to be no longer necessary. In view of their special situation, the territories will be subject to a special status, in particular as regards VAT rules, in order not to be subject to unfair competition with the neighbouring Swiss economy. Therefore, I support this request of the Italian government, which only requires a formal change in the VAT Directive.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it makes possible the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for the reclassification of 450 licensed Dutch employees in financial services in 2017. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund has been created in order to provide additional assistance to workers suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. Studies also show that the reclassification of employees is more effective than training for people that are already unemployed. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund must in no way exempt companies from their obligations towards the employees they dismiss. It is the employees who benefit from these measures and not their employers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which aims to update the European Directive on Audiovisual Services. The current version dates from 2010, but the audiovisual landscape has changed a lot since then. Thus, television channels, content producers, sharing platforms or video-on-demand services such as Netflix are increasingly competing in the same market, with regulatory frameworks that remain different. This text therefore extends European audiovisual rules to online video sharing platforms (such as Youtube or Facebook). They should also have simple and effective tools for reporting inappropriate content, including videos broadcast by terrorist groups.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, as a part of the 2018 budget, EUR 70 million in commitment appropriations and EUR 35 million in payment appropriations for Turkey under the pre-accession instrument had been earmarked. They were to be released on the condition that sufficient progress has been made on human rights and fundamental freedoms. But Turkey is not moving in the right direction, quite the contrary. Therefore, the proposed cancellation of the budgetary reserve is justified and necessary. This money will be used for the European Neighbourhood Policy and for humanitarian actions, but the cancelation should not come at the expense of the Turkish civil society.

2016/11/22

I voted against the resolution on a visa free regime for Kosovo. I agree with the Commission that Kosovo is making a visible progress for the fulfilment of the requirements of the 2012 roadmap which identified all the legislation and other measures that Kosovo needed to adopt and implement to advance towards visa liberalisation. However, the statehood of the country is not recognised by all EU Member States. The recognition of a state should be one of the main prerequisite for a visa free regime with a particular country. Therefore, I believe that Kosovo people should be granted a visa free regime only after full recognition of Kosovo statehood by all EU Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on July 2018 fires at Mati in the Attica region, Greece and the EU response. This tragic event shows the shortcomings of the risk assessment mechanisms at the EU level. It is important that Member States take full advantage of the EU funding from cohesion funds for fire prevention and emergency response and inform the public about the risk of forest fires. There is a clear the need for a more scientific research in risk assessment mechanisms, prevention and early detection systems and other means of combating natural disasters, and for improved sharing of experiences and best practices among regions and Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the threat of demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and other Bedouin villages. Khan al-Ahmar is one of the 46 Bedouin communities that the UN considers to be at high risk of forcible transfer in the central West Bank. However, the Israeli High Court ruled that the entire cluster of structures of Khan al-Ahmar had been built illegally, in violation of the planning and zoning laws, and therefore had to be demolished. It is important to underline that the forcible transfer of residents of an occupied territory, unless the security of the population or imperative military reasons so demand, is prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian law. Moreover, the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar would further threaten the viability of the two-state solution and undermine prospects for peace. It is essential that the EU would continue to speak with one voice on this matter.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on a European Strategy for Plastics in a circular economy. Plastic is an important and valuable material which has a useful place in our society and economy. However, the way in which plastics are produced and used today is both unaffordable and unsustainable. The key challenge therefore is to manage plastics in a sustainable way throughout the whole value chain and thus change the way in which we produce and use plastics. Innovation, research and development, and investments in infrastructure are critical if the EU wants to succeed in developing a new plastics economy. The Commission’s announcement to invest an additional €100 million to drive investment towards circular solutions under Horizon 2020 is encouraging. I support the rapporteur supports the development of a Strategic Research Innovation Agenda on plastics which should also look beyond 2020.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the options to address the interface between chemical, product and waste legislation. Moving towards a circular economy requires strict application of the waste hierarchy and, where possible, phasing out of substances of concern, in particular where safer alternatives exist or will be developed, so as to ensure the development of non-toxic material cycles, which will facilitate recycling and are essential for the sound development of a functioning secondary raw materials market. A truly circular economy products must be designed for upgradeability, durability, reparability, reusability and recyclability, and with minimal use of substances of concern. It is important that the primary aim of the Commission would be to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the material cycle, to achieve full consistency between the laws implementing waste and chemicals policies and to ensure better implementation of current legislation, while addressing those regulatory gaps that could act as barriers to a sustainable EU circular economy including, in particular, with respect to imported articles.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on a European One Health Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance. For three years the Commission has been postponing the presentation of the Strategic Approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment despite mounting evidence regarding the severity of the problem. I firmly support the introduction of an operational strategy for the EU One Health Action Plan against AMR. This operational strategy should incorporate all of the ambitious recommendations put forward by the Parliament and ensure that the Commission does not just make an Action Plan but actually takes action.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on Europe on the Move: an agenda for the future of mobility in the EU. The mobility sector plays a key role in the European economy and society. With the development of automated cars, digitalisation and the necessity to develop cleaner transport, the sector is undergoing profound changes which affect all aspects of our societies. The automotive industry is one of the main driving forces in the European economy, accounting for almost 7% of the EU’s Gross Domestic Product and providing employment to 12.2 million people. It is vital to ensure that this industry has the workers it needs to stay at the forefront of technological advances and to maintain its strong position on the global market. Therefore, the transport transition needs to be managed and facilitated in a way that makes the optimal use of the new opportunities from the point of view of all users of mobility sector. I support the Rapporteur that a particular attention should be put on the need to ensure that the mobility revolution does not leave any areas or social groups behind, such as rural areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Implementation of the Plant Protection Products Regulation. The EU is the appropriate level at which regulatory action in the field of pesticides should continue to take place and environmental measures aimed at preventing, limiting and containing the spread of pathogens and pests have to remain the focus of all current and further actions. However, effective implementation cannot be achieved without better harmonisation with EU policies and without increased incentives to promote alternative solutions. Enforcement of regulatory decisions under the Regulation is insufficient and better controls of the spread of pathogens and pests at national level are needed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the dual quality of products in the Single Market. I support the rapporteur that the principle of equal access to high-quality goods in a non-discriminatory way in the Single Market should be a true right of all European citizens. If this is not the case, the essence of the functioning of the Single Market and consumer trust in the Single Market could be seriously damaged. Recent initiatives announced by the Commission to address this issue, in particular its commitment to deliver a common testing methodology at European level, are very welcome and should be implemented without further delay.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on nominal quantities for placing on the Union market of single distilled shochu. This proposal is an amendment to Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 on the definition, description, presentation and labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks. It aims at introducing a derogation from Union rules concerning bottle sizes for single distilled shochu, a spirit drink produced by pot still and bottled in Japan that is traditionally sold in bottles of sizes of four go （合 or one sho （升). The derogation is proposed in order to implement the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which is currently in the process of ratification at EU level. I support the initiative, which shows EU readiness to cooperate constructively with a partner country and protect its products with geographical indications.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on the amendment to the US-EU Memorandum of Cooperation (deployment of air traffic management systems). Sharing the common goal to develop safer and more efficient air transport, the EU and the USA signed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the United States of America and the European Union in civil aviation research and development in 2011. Cooperation under the MoC has now reached a high level of maturity and has delivered important results in terms of promoting global interoperability of air traffic management (ATM) systems. Consequently the scope of cooperation now needs to be extended to topics relating to the deployment of ATM systems and encompassing all phases of ATM modernisation, in particular. I support the rapporteur’s view that it is in the EU’s interest to give consent to the modernisation of the EU-US MoC.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Agreement on Air Transport between Canada and the EU (accession of Croatia). On 1 July 2013, the Republic of Croatia acceded to the EU and became its 28th Member State. In accordance with the Act of Accession of the Republic of Croatia, Croatia will accede to the agreements concluded or signed before the accession of Croatia by the EU Member States and the European Union with one or more third countries. I believe the Agreement on Air Transport between Canada and the EU will be beneficial for Croatia and will expand its commercial cooperation with Canada.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Autorių teisės bendrojoje skaitmeninėje rinkoje. Manau, kad Autorių teisių direktyva ir jame esantis 11 straipsnis yra gyvybiškai svarbus užtikrinant žiniasklaidos laisvę Europoje. Jis suteiks leidėjams nuosavybės teisę į jų internetinį turinį, kai šiuo metu internetinės platformos naudoja šį turinį nemokamai. Šiuo metu interneto gigantai neatlygintinai naudojasi žurnalistų, leidėjų darbo vaisiais. Dėl to, Europoje leidėjų skaičius drastiškai mažėja, reakcijos tuštėja. Tam turime užkirsti kelią, užtikrinti, kad autorių teisės yra apsaugotos. Džiaugiuosi, kad Europos Parlamentas priėmė šią rezoliuciją, kuri yra žingsnis pirmyn link autorių teisių apsaugos.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the proposal for a regulation on controls on cash entering or leaving the European Union. I support the rapporteur that in the context of the fight against terrorism and organised crime, strong measures must be taken at the European level in order to stop the financing of these criminal activities, and therefore to put an end to the exploitation by criminals of different national rules related to cash controls. The Regulation on cash controls adopted in 2005 to control cash movements entering or leaving the Union must be strengthened in light of recent events, when it has become clear that money-launderers and terrorist financiers have managed to find ways to circumvent the European rules on cash controls.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on countering money laundering by criminal law. Money laundering and the related financing of terrorism and organised crime remain significant problems at the Union level. Therefore, it is important to apply measures allowing for more efficient and swifter cross-border cooperation between the competent national and Union authorities and with the Union agencies responsible, which will improve the exchange of information and allow the identification of the instigators of terrorism. Measures adopted solely at national or even at Union level, without taking into account international coordination and cooperation, have very limited effect. I support the rapporteur that the current Union legal framework is neither comprehensive nor sufficiently coherent to be fully effective. The differences in national legal frameworks can be exploited by criminals and terrorists, who can choose to carry out their financial transactions in Member States where they perceive measures to counter money laundering to be weakest. Therefore, actions at the EU level are urgently needed such as the creation of a strengthened Union legal framework making it possible to deal more effectively with terrorist funding.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the situation in Hungary. This is the first time since its founding that the Parliament has decided to write a report investigating the need to trigger an Article 7(1) TEU procedure. I strongly believe that by voting in favour of the resolution members of the European Parliament voted in in favour of the European values. With this resolution the EP does not seek to punish the Hungarian people but to express its concerns regarding the policies of the Hungarian Government and find a way for a dialogue. Close friends do not shy away from telling each other the unpleasant truth. Obviously there is a need for the EU to come forward with appropriate measures to restore inclusive democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights in Hungary.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Autonomous weapon systems. I join the call on the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR), the Member States and the European Council to develop and adopt, as a matter of urgency and prior to the November 2018 meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, a common position on lethal autonomous weapon systems, as well as to work towards the start of international negotiations on a legally binding instrument prohibiting lethal autonomous weapon systems. If the EU seeks to pursue its ambition to be a global actor for peace, it has to expand its role in global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, and to strive its actions and policies for the maintenance of international peace and security, ensuring respect for international humanitarian and human rights law and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl ES ir JAV santykių padėties. Europos Sąjungos ir JAV transatlantiniai ryšiai buvo, yra ir bus ypatingai svarbūs ne tik mums, bet visam pasauliui. ES ir JAV partnerystė visada buvo stipri, grindžiama abipusių vertybių bei sutartų taisyklių. Deja, pastaruoju metu gyvename kitokioje realybėje. Iš kitos Atlanto pusės skrieja pareiškimai, kad Europos Sąjunga yra priešas, kad Europos Sąjunga yra blogiau nei Kinija. ES turi savo interesus šiuose santykiuose ir mūsų pareiga yra juos ginti dėl ES piliečių gerovės. ES turi stengtis išsaugoti gerus santykius bei išnaudoti visas galimybes, kad jie būtų plėtojami remiantis nusistovėjusiomis taisyklėmis, kurių turi būti laikomasi ir kurios, reikalui esant, gali būti koreguojamos remiantis abipusiu sutarimu.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl ES ir Kinijos santykių padėties. Noriu dar kartą atkreipti dėmesį į OBOR strategiją, kurią Kinija pristato kaip ekonominio bendradarbiavimo strategiją. Visgi, ji yra Kinijos nacionalinio saugumo ir gynybos žinybų kūrinys, tai ekonominės ekspansijos strategija, kurios tikslas – Kinijos dominavimas pasaulyje, nauja pasaulio tvarka, JAV ekonominės galios ir įtakos pasaulyje mažinimas. Negana to, ja siekiama supriešinti Europos Sąjungą ir JAV. Kinijos dominavimo pasaulyje siekį rodo tai, kaip kinai perima strateginius ekonominius objektus Europoje: Pirėjo jūrų uostas – jau kinų valstybinės kompanijos rankose, Portugalijos elektros energijos gamyba ir perdavimas – taip pat kinų rankose, o formatu „16+1“ jau nusitaikyta į Rytų ir Vidurio Europos valstybes – Europos Sąjungos nares.Kinija virsta Europos Sąjungos vidaus jėga, kurią privalome sustabdyti. Kinija – ir gerbtina, ir laukiama partnerė, bet abipusiškumas, skaidrumas ir taisyklių laikymasis yra būtini sėkmingai partnerystei.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the common system of value added tax as regards the special scheme for small enterprises. I support the rapporteurʼs view that the Commission’s proposal will ease the VAT compliance burden on SMEs. Small businesses bear proportionally higher VAT compliance costs than larger businesses, which not only violates the principle of fair taxation, but also hampers entrepreneurship. Therefore, this initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship across the Union by introducing some administrative simplification measures for small enterprises, such as to expand the VAT exemption for small enterprises from a solely national regime to a more EU-wide regime; to impose real administrative simplifications for SMEs; and to set up a one-stop shop for VAT returns in all of the EU. Moreover, VAT returns for small enterprises should be treated separately from the other VAT matters. VAT simplification measures for SMEs could be implemented more quickly than the definitive VAT regime. There should be no delay in fostering entrepreneurship. Therefore, the date of implementation of this proposal should be advanced.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the draft Council implementing decision on the new psychoactive substances. This decision will be a tool for Member States to subject cyclopropylfentanyl and methoxyacetylfentanyl to control measures and impose criminal penalties as provided for under their legislation by virtue of their obligations under the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol. The EU needs a quick and expertise-based response at Union level to the emergence of new psychoactive substances detected and reported by the Member States. EU citizens must be protected against all possible drug substances which pose a great risk to their health and to society as a whole.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Europos Sąjungos solidarumo fondo lėšų mobilizavimo siekiant suteikti pagalbą Bulgarijai, Graikijai, Lietuvai ir Lenkijai. Džiaugiuosi, kad Europos Parlamentas pritarė dėl 16,9 mln. eurų paramos Lietuvai skyrimo, kuri nors iš dalies kompensuos pernai vasarą ir rudenį užklupusių potvynių nuostolius.Dėl šių potvynių daugiausia nukentėjo tinklų infrastruktūra ir žemės ūkis. Lietuvos valdžios institucijos nelaimės sukeltą tiesioginę žalą įvertino 407,4 mln. EUR. Nors Europos Sąjungos solidarumo fondo skiriama kompensacija nepadengs visų nuostolių, kuriuos patyrė Lietuvos ūkininkai ir tinklų infrastruktūros kompanijos, visgi ši parama yra labai reikalinga.Noriu paraginti Europos Komisiją imtis visų reikiamų veiksmų, kad Europos Sąjungos solidarumo fondo išmokos, patvirtintos Europos Parlamento, kuo greičiau pasiektų nuketėjusiuosius nuo gamtinių nelaimių tiek Lietuvoje, tiek ir Lenkijoje, Graikijoje bei Bulgarijoje.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Draft Amending Budget No 4/2018: mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania and Poland. Those countries urgently need the EU’s financial support after natural disasters which devastated their territories in 2017. My country – Lithuania – faced unprecedented floods that destroyed infrastructure and agricultural sector. The Lithuanian authorities estimated total direct damage caused by the disaster at EUR 407.4 million. The EU support of EUR 16.9 million is very much needed. I urge the relevant EU institutions do their utmost to provide the assistance without a delay.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the impact of EU cohesion policy on Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland ranks as one of the poorest regions in North Western Europe, partly due to the decline in certain traditional industries, as well as due to the inter-community violence, which lasted for several decades.The important and positive contribution of EU cohesion policy to Northern Ireland is obvious and I support the rapporteur’s overall conclusion on the impact of cohesion policy on Northern Ireland that the policy has had a resoundingly positive effect on life in Northern Ireland, particularly in deprived urban and rural areas, and with regard to cross-community relations.The European Union’s cohesion policy has helped to improve the economic and social situation of Northern Ireland following the implementation of the peace process, meaning that Northern Ireland now has much less of a development deficit than a few decades ago. Those good practices with cohesion funding and the PEACE Programme should be taken as the EU model and promoted in order to overcome mistrust among communities in conflict and to achieve lasting peace in other parts of Europe and even worldwide.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on specific measures for Greece. The 2008 economic and financial crisis had a profound impact on national and regional budgets, limiting funding for all types of investment in all Member States in general and in Greece particularly. It must be stressed that in Greece, the 2007-2013 programming period coincided with a prolonged and deep recession, triggered by the global economic and financial crisis, which laid bare the long-term structural deficiencies of the economy.Therefore, in this rather difficult economic context, the ESI Funds became much more important for the co-financing of public investment programmes. The commitments from the ESI Funds played a crucial role in Greece as in many other Member States, accounting in some cases for more than 50 % of total public investment. The EP welcomes the preliminary assessment that the 2007-2013 programming period is expected to be closed with no loss of funds for Greece; however, it is important to remind the Greek authorities of the importance of ensuring proper communication and visibility of investments under the ESI Funds.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the pathways for the reintegration of workers recovering from injury and illness into quality employment. Life expectancy in the EU is changing the age pyramid. In 2015, life expectancy at birth in the EU-28 stood at 83.3 years for women and 77.9 years for men. However, healthy life years free from limitations tend to be shorter, particularly in some Member States. Moreover, work-related stress is a growing problem and the second most frequently reported work-related health problem in Europe. I support the Rapporteur that it is essential to improve the management of sickness absence in the Member States, as well as to make workplaces more adaptable to chronic conditions and disabilities, by tackling discrimination through better enforcement of functioning legislation at the EU and national levels.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on Relationships between the EU and third countries concerning financial services regulation and supervision. Since the financial crisis, more than 40 new pieces of EU financial legislation have been adopted, of which 15 include ‘third-country provisions’ that give the Commission, on behalf of the EU, discretion to unilaterally decide whether regulatory rules in foreign jurisdictions can be considered equivalent. The equivalence is, among other things, a tool to promote international regulatory convergence, which may lead to more competition in the EU internal market on a level playing field, while preventing regulatory arbitrage, protecting consumers and investors, preserving the EU’s financial stability and maintaining consistency within the internal market. The equivalence is also a tool to ensure fair and equal regulatory and supervisory treatment between EU financial institutions and third-country financial institutions. I support the Rapporteur in that the EU should promote global financial regulatory reforms aimed at reducing systemic risk and enhancing financial stability. Any framework of international regulatory and supervisory cooperation should safeguard financial stability in the Union and respect its regulatory and supervisory regime and standards and their application.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the regulation on Boosting growth and cohesion in EU border regions. Internal border regions of the European Union represent as much as 40% of its territory and are home to 150 million of Europeans. They also generate a quarter of Europe’s GDP. Despite these facts, the border regions are facing persistent obstacles, which hamper their growth and development and, as a result, they perform worse economically than regions situated deeper within the Member States. I support the Rapporteur in that the most powerful tool to overcome the burdens for the development of border regions is the mutual trust and political will of all the authorities responsible. Local and regional authorities should therefore be granted more trust from the Commission and national governments. Their efficient cooperation on the border regions requires more flexibility and undertaking special arrangements as the legal systems of the Member States involved are often not complementary. This is true even in regard to EU law, as the transposition of the directives can vary in different Member States. Therefore, the territorial impact assessment should be made obligatory for all the new EU legislation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on European Solidarity Corps. The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is a valuable Commission initiative aimed at boosting solidarity in Europe. There is a greater need than ever for this: continuing youth unemployment, currency crises and increasing Euroscepticism mean that more commitment and solidarity are required at European level. In order to address these challenges in a long-term way and promote solidarity as early as possible, the ESC is focusing on the future of Europe: young people. I support the Commission’s proposed programme, which comprises an extended European Volunteer Service and an employment strand covering jobs and practical training for the solidarity sector.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Commission proposal to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme and adapt its general objective. The Commission’s proposal seeks to amend Regulation (EU) 2017/825 in order to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) and adapt its general objective following the high number of requests from the Member States for funding for structural reforms. It is important to have greater clarity both on the structural reforms to be promoted using cohesion funding and on their likely impact on the effectiveness of cohesion funding. Most of the inequalities across EU countries are now accounted by differences within, rather than between, countries. I agree with the Rapporteur that effective structural transformation requires a commitment by governments at different levels to work together to facilitate concerted and integrated action, combining a mix of policy inputs, to meet different territorial development needs and challenges. Given that Member States already have their own reform initiatives, the programme should focus on the measures that will best support the country-specific recommendations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on Euratom Programme complementing the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme. The Euratom Research and Training Programme can contribute to improved nuclear safety, security and radiation protection; in particular, as the nuclear reactor fleet of the Union is ageing, the need to ensure expertise for decommissioning activities and to improve safety for the decommissioning process is evident. The research and training should also encompass nuclear waste management and disposal. Despite the commercial use of nuclear power for five decades in the Union, none of the Member States is in possession of a disposal site for high—level nuclear waste and spent fuel, and progress in this area remains slow. Expertise on radioactive waste management and disposal will be indispensable for decades to come, which is why research and training is vital. Considering the risks involved for public health and safety, involvement of public funds is appropriate notwithstanding the polluter—pays principle.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Measures to prevent and combat mobbing and sexual harassment at the workplace, in public spaces, and in political life in the EU. Sexual harassment and mobbing are two of the extreme yet widespread forms of gender-based discrimination, for which 90% of the victims are female. Up to 55% of women have been sexually harassed in the EU and one in ten women have been subjected to sexual harassment or stalking using new technologies. It is appalling that despite the fact that sexual violence and harassment represent a blatant disregard for gender equality, and therefore a contradiction to one of the EU’s core values and many decades’ worth of comprehensive international legislation, they are a very real and persistent problem in almost every country in the world. It is evident that there is an urgent need for increased knowledge, for example through the collection of relevant disaggregated comparable data, and understanding of the risks and consequences of violence and harassment at work, in public spaces, and in political life in order to find possible ways and methods to address them.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on language equality in the digital age. The EU is a unique endeavour involving more than 500 million citizens sharing about 80 different languages. While multilingualism is one of Europe’s biggest assets, it also poses one of the most substantial challenges for the creation of a culturally and socially integrated EU, as well as being an obstacle in the fulfilment of the goals of the Digital Single Market.I support the rapporteur’s view that, in order to bridge the technology gap, policies should focus on fostering technology development for all European languages. The preservation of a language, and thus of the culture developed around it, is critically tied to its ability to function and be useful in modern and changing environments including the digital world. Therefore, cultural and language diversity is closely linked to the capacities and resources in the digital world. Europe can become a world leader in the field of linguistic diversity and equality. It could extend to the rest of the world the tools and methodologies built to facilitate widespread use of all the European languages.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on transparent and accountable management of natural resources in developing countries: the case of forests. It is necessary to remind ourselves that 300 million people live in forests and 1.6 billion people rely directly on forests for their livelihood, including more than 2 000 indigenous groups; forests are home to an estimated 80% of all terrestrial species and constitute, therefore, an important reservoir of biodiversity. However, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, around 13 million hectares of forest are lost each year.I support the rapporteur’s view that the Commission should immediately launch a thorough impact assessment and a genuine stakeholder consultation, involving in particular local people including women, with the purpose of establishing a meaningful EU action plan on deforestation and forest degradation that includes concrete and coherent regulatory measures, as well as a monitoring mechanism, to ensure that no supply chains or financial transactions linked to the EU cause deforestation, forest degradation, or the violation of human rights. This action plan should promote enhanced financial and technical assistance to producer countries with the specific aim of protecting, maintaining and restoring forests and critical ecosystems, and enhancing the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the EP resolution on structural and financial barriers in the access to culture. Access to culture is one of the fundamental rights guaranteed in numerous legal documents: from the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the constitutions of most EU Member States, which directly or indirectly refer to culture and access to it. Cultural access and participation are also considered a priority issue at EU level. I support the rapporteur in that while we recognise the importance of creativity and innovation as inherent aspects of culture, there is a need to facilitate the artistic activities of artists themselves, and to provide citizens with access to the output of the cultural and creative sectors. We cannot forget the crosscutting nature of cultural issues and their impact on other areas of social life, including the importance of culture for economic growth. In this context, it is important to specifically recognise the need for Member State governments to ensure adequate education of artists and the public and to protect the artistic infrastructure and tangible cultural heritage. Achieving those objectives will, in the long term, enable the proper development of an inclusive society and the strengthening of active European citizenship.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the EP resolution on the Georgian occupied territories 10 years after the Russian invasion, which reaffirms its unequivocal support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. The resolution of conflicts in Georgia is essential to enhancing the security and stability of the European continent as a whole. These conflicts and the continuing occupation of the Georgian territories remain a potential threat to the sovereignty of other European countries. Almost 10 years have passed since Russian military forces invaded Georgia; they still occupy Abkhazia and South Ossetia and threaten Georgia, including key transit links, railways and pipelines connecting the region and Europe.Although there is a ceasefire agreement in place, Russia still refuses to implement it. Instead, since 2011, Russia has implemented a policy of illegal fence and barrier constructions to move the borders forward, to separate communities and divide the Georgian population.We should never forget that Georgia is the victim of Russian aggression, not the other way around, and with more than 20% of its internationally recognised territory occupied, Georgia was, is, and will remain a reliable partner for the EU and NATO.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už EP rezoliuciją dėl pasiūlymo dėl Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos sprendimo toliau teikti makrofinansinę paramą (MFP) Ukrainai. Pritariu pranešėjui, kad kiekvienas paramos dalies išmokėjimas turėtų būti grindžiamas aiškiai apibrėžtų politikos priemonių įgyvendinimu ir išankstinių ES MFP teikimui nustatytų politinių sąlygų laikymusi (veiksmingi demokratiniai mechanizmai, įskaitant daugiapartinę parlamentinę sistemą ir teisinę valstybę, bei pagarbos žmogaus teisėms užtikrinimas). Noriu pažymėti, kad Ukrainos valstybė vykdo savo įsipareigojimus ir jai tenka veikti labai sunkiomis sąlygomis, kai beveik kasdien žūsta kariai ir civiliai, kai dalis valstybės teritorijos – Krymas – yra okupuotas.Galime pasidžiaugti, kad mes, ES, turime veikiančius asociacijos ir laisvosios prekybos susitarimus bei bevizį režimą su Ukraina. Taip, yra daugybė būtinų reformų, kurias Ukraina turi įgyvendinti, tačiau mūsų vertinimai turi būti objektyvūs.Dėl to palaikau Komisijos pasiūlymą suteikti naują 1 mlrd. EUR vertės MFP Ukrainai. Nauja paramos dalis padės Ukrainai žengti toliau, vykdyti reikalingas reformas, stabilizuoti ekonomiką ir vykdyti struktūrines reformas.Turime būti solidarūs, kad Ukraina taptų stabilia ir klestinčia šalimi.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the EP resolution on the negotiations on the modernisation of the EU-Chile Association Agreement. Chile and the EU are united by shared values and close cultural, economic and political ties; and they are close partners in tackling regional and global challenges, such as climate change, international security, sustainable development and global governance. Therefore, I support the rapporteur’s position and his suggestion to the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative that a modernised agreement with Chile should be ambitious, comprehensive and balanced, delivering tangible benefits for the citizens, businesses and economies of both sides.It is important considerably to strengthen cooperation between Chile and the EU – two like-minded partners in an environment of new uncertainty in international relations – on the basis of our shared values and principles of democracy, the fight against climate change, ensuring gender equality, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution on EU—NATO relations. The EU and NATO share the same values in pursuit of international peace and security, they face similar strategic challenges and they have converging security and defence interests, including the protection of their citizens against any threats. The strategic partnership between the EU and NATO is fundamental for addressing these security challenges.In past years, the EU and NATO have achieved a remarkable degree of cooperation. With many shared members, common interests and challenges, the EU and NATO have worked in close cooperation and have stepped up in such areas as hybrid threats and cyber—threats, military operations and exercises, and the fight against terrorism.I believe that EU-NATO cooperation should be further enhanced against hybrid and conventional threats in the East and South of the EU, with NATO remaining the cornerstone of collective defence in Europe. I welcome these steps brought forward and included in this report. They are timely and aimed in the right direction.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of Parliament’s resolution on cyber—defence. Cyber and hybrid challenges, threats and attacks constitute a major threat to the security, defence, stability and competitiveness of the EU, its Member States and its citizens. The EU and the Member States face an unprecedented threat in the form of politically motivated, state-sponsored cyber—attacks as well as cybercrime and terrorism. Therefore, it is important that the EU has all possible means and is ready to react adequately and protect its citizens.First of all, a common cyber—defence policy and a substantial cyber—defence capability should constitute core elements in the development of the European Defence Union. In this context I welcome the initiative of the Commission for a cybersecurity package to foster EU cyber—resilience, deterrence and defence. It is important to establish a coherent development of cyber—capacities across all EU institutions and bodies, as well as in the Member States, and provide needed political and practical solutions to overcoming the remaining political, legislative and organisational obstacles to cooperation on cyber—defence, where regular and enhanced exchange and cooperation between relevant public stakeholders in cyber—defence, at EU and national level, are crucial.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the EP resolution on the state of play in recreational fisheries in the EU. Recreational fishing is a hobby, although the economic, social and environmental importance of this activity is a factor that shows how important this activity is and should thus be taken into consideration and analysed when considering future regulations. Therefore, it is necessary to collect sufficient data on recreational fisheries, and on maritime recreational fisheries in particular, in order to properly evaluate the total fishing mortality levels for all stocks. Without full information, the management plans and the regulation adopted are not going to be proportional and fair to the two fishing sectors targeting the same stock – commercial and recreational. I support the rapporteurʼs view that we need to find the right way of including recreational fisheries in the next common fisheries policy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the EP resolution ‘Towards a sustainable and competitive European aquaculture sector’. In Europe, aquaculture accounts for about 20% of fish production and directly employs some 85 000 people. From 2009 to 2013, production fell by about 100 000 tonnes. In a background of economic crisis and growing competition from third countries, during the last 10 years the volume of aquaculture production in the European Union has suffered a recession. This has also led to structural changes within the sector, principally consolidation and mergers of small companies, leading to a prevalence of large companies in the fish aquaculture sector and few new investors. I support the rapporteur that to obtain a growing, vibrant, sustainable and innovative EU aquaculture sector, overcoming the recession obstacles remains paramount. However, without – inter alia – reduced bureaucracy, improved transparency and effective planning, better coordination at EU and national level, national strategic plans, stricter EU legislation on imports of aquaculture products and better controls in the borders, there cannot be business certainty and sustainable development of the EU aquaculture sector.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this implementation report, as we are seeking to provide elements for a strong, long term and well-coordinated strategy in the interest of young Europeans. The EU Youth Strategy is designed for young people who should be our first interlocutors. We need to give them a voice in order to ensure their strong participation in policy making. All young people should have access to the labour market and have quality jobs. That is why we have to strengthen our efforts to give young people equal opportunities for securing sustainable inclusion in the labour market and long-term jobs. Young Europeans need to have a positive outlook on their future careers and retirement prospects but they are in doubt of their quality retirement because of the progressive degradation of social welfare systems. As a consequence, a new social pact between generations has to be promoted in order to secure their future. Young people have also the right to live in a healthy environment and have access to education and culture.Therefore I support the strengthening of European programmes, their better improvement, promotion and financing with a long-term and coordinated vision in order to deliver strong results.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as the EU needs a modernised and simplified common agricultural policy (CAP). The post-2020 EU farm policy must be smarter, simpler, fairer and more sustainable, but also well financed and truly common. The CAP budget has to be kept at its current level, as a minimum.I fully support more ambitious targets for future EU farming policy. We have to guarantee a secure supply of high-quality food for our citizens and better support for young and new farmers, and we need to increase their competitiveness by making farming smarter, more innovative and better prepared for market fluctuations. On top of enabling EU farms to carry on producing safe and quality food at affordable prices, the future CAP should make them more environmentally sustainable and fully integrated into the circular economy. It should also foster innovation, research and smart farming practices.Finally, EU Member States should be enabled to adapt the CAP to their needs without renationalisation, which would distort our single market. The CAP has to be based on a common set of EU objectives, rules, tools and checks, and Member States should adopt national strategies tailored to their needs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution as the new MFF should reflect a clear and positive vision of the Union’s future and respond to the needs, concerns and expectations of our citizens. The new MFF must provide the Union with the necessary financial means to meet important challenges, political priorities and objectives over the next seven-year EU long-term budget.Despite the additional funding needs for new political priorities and challenges for the EU, the proposed Member State contributions are lower in real terms than the current level. The increases for several EU programmes are actually significantly lower while the cuts for other programmes are significantly higher than they were originally presented by the Commission. The principle of our solidarity can’t be breached and therefore I am concerned that the European Commission’s proposal weakens the main EU solidarity policies. High cuts in the Cohesion Fund for the poorest Member States and in the Rural Development Fund are also not acceptable. We want a cohesive, supportive, competitive and secure EU.I am therefore in support of building a more ambitious MFF for the benefit of our citizens and I expect, that the Council will act in consistency with its political commitments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as the EU has to ensure its strongest support for the UN Action Plan for Libya for the stabilisation of the country and for a political and inclusive national reconciliation process. The EU support will help to reach a stable and long-lasting political agreement for all Libyan actors, including all tribal entities.The EU has to further intensify its diplomatic efforts, including all regional actors and neighbouring countries, and prioritise work within the EU institutions in order to support the UN plan and help to create political consent and guarantee security in Libya. Moreover we have to intensify our cooperation with all international organisations in order to strengthen the coherence and convergence of international action.But the crisis in Libya has to be seen in a wider regional and pan-African context, bearing in mind that Libya is key to the stability of North Africa. The EU should be actively involved in counter-terrorism and counter-trafficking efforts and can also contribute to stability in the region by fighting human rights abuses and the violations of international humanitarian law, fighting irregular migration through and from Libya and fighting migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as the Schengen area is one of the greatest achievements and an essential part of the European Union. However, the past years have been very difficult and the reality has changed too. The Schengen area has come under enormous pressure due to failures in parts of the acquis, such as the external borders and other strongly linked areas.With freedom of movement, external borders become common borders and security problems in one Member State potentially affect all others. Member States have reacted to the new challenges with changes in their laws to allow internal border controls based on illegal migration threats, but the reintroduction of internal border controls is not a solution. Schengen could not be used as an easy justification for security issues.There are new challenges and threats, all of which require more cooperation, better information and European solidarity. Therefore, I strongly support the new approved measures in the field of security, from information systems to amending the Schengen Borders code. The EU has to enforce the new rules in a way that guarantees the functioning of the Schengen area and defends the rights of EU citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution as it suggests a way forward to address the gaps and improve the conditions in which victims involuntarily find themselves. Member States are not doing enough to protect victims of terrorism and other serious crimes, including domestic abuse, despite existing EU law having obliged them to put common minimum standards in place.But legally-binding and adopted rules to protect victims of crime are still not applied to the full scale yet, and victims still don’t receive proper care in the Member States. They need tailor-made, free of charge help easily accessible in one place, independent of their nationality or where the crime against them was committed. This also applies to victims of terrorism, whose needs are specifically addressed in this resolution. Member States need also to do more as regards information, compensation and support services in order to protect all victims of crime, without discrimination.I support the call for a web portal, an emergency telephone line, a coordination centre of support organisations and experts to provide practical services to the victims and a European fund for assistance to the victims of terrorism to be created as soon as possible.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. Since the publication of the Trade for All strategy, the context of the EU’s trade policy has changed significantly and new challenges need to be addressed properly. The EU is a front-runner in the world for free and fair trade. Within the global value chains trade opens markets, creates growth and jobs and strengthens our relations with third countries, illustrated by various of our Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) worldwide.We want to have a values and principles based trade policy. That is why we need more than TDIs, in order to prevent unfair trading practices in our markets and an increase in transparency within the processes of the global value chain instruments. For example, the bilateral investment agreements (BIAs) are very effective instruments to protect our investors against unfair practices.Furthermore, we should not overlook the positive advances that have been made with our FTAs our DCFTAs under implementation, which help to create a stable, democratic and prosperous EU neighbourhood.Finally, we should actively reach out to our partners, pursuing an ambitious trade agenda in a global context, especially keeping up the framework of the WTO.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it provides improvements to the existing support schemes and to the assistance for young farmers to overcome the major barriers to entering agriculture. It is of utmost importance for the agricultural sector that it attracts young people and helps them to establish themselves as viable businesses and contributes to the establishment of a new generation of farmers. This is one of the key priorities for the future of the CAP after 2020. Young farmers will therefore benefit from a number of measures.It is also important that the support to CAP young farmers’ tools should continue, and the maximum level of funding should be increased beyond 2%. At the same time, the budget allocations for the grant schemes should be sufficiently available to award all positively evaluated applications.Furthermore, I fully support the development of more opportunities for young farmers and new entrants and the removal of all barriers. Improvements would include better access to land and capital, raising profitability and skills development (business skills), more EU flexibility when responding to changing conditions, re-evaluating the direct payment scheme and creating new incentives and succession plans for older farmers to pass their farms on to younger generations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because the revised directive will help to improve the conditions of workers while ensuring fairer competition between European companies that will have to compete on the workers skills and not on the lowest social terms.Posted workers will benefit from a maximum of an 18 month posted mission and the same rules on remuneration as workers in the host Member State, including bonuses and protection from day one. Their rights as well as the internal market will be strengthened through fairer rules in cross-border activity.The revised Directive will set up a wide range of conditions to boost the labour market and offer decent salaries and clearer rights to ensure the well-being of Europeans and businesses. The latter will also be better protected if they have not provided the correct level of remuneration because a Member State has not properly listed the applicable elements to be applied to the posted worker.Fraud will be tackled as well as workers will be protected by Member States through relevant legislation and collective agreements, even in cases of fraudulent postings through letterbox companies. It is crucial that there is no EU division between East and West.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it underlines the urgent need for more ambitious and decisive action by public authorities to accelerate investments, in particular in green infrastructure and to address the misallocation of capital away from sustainable and long-term goals. The vast majority of investment and lending capital is not compatible with internationally agreed climate objectives or environmental, social and corporate governance criteria. The urgent need to respond to this threat has led to innovation in the field of sustainable finance in different EU Member States. To implement a sustainable finance system an information and incentives framework shall be created so that the capital flows in the direction of investments necessary to ensure a rapid and just ecological transition for European economies and societies. This would allow the EU to maintain its leading position in tackling climate change and reinforce its value driven approach. Given the current pace of the development of green finance and clean energy investments, the objectives of the Paris agreement are unlikely to be reached without additional efforts. Therefore the EU must show global leadership and use its power to accelerate the stabilisation of the climate and the protection of the global ecosystem.

2016/11/22

. – Balsavau už pranešimą dėl Europos baltyminių augalų propagavimo strategijos. Esu įsitikinusi, kad atėjo tinkamas laikas įgyvendinti platų strateginį Europos augalinių baltymų gamybos ir tiekimo planą. Šio plano pagrindas turi būti darnus visos ES auginamų augalų sistemos vystymas. Taip pat reikia iš esmės pakeisti mūsų gamybos sistemas siekiant patenkinti ūkininkų pragyvenimo poreikius ir žiedinės ekonomikos bei darnios žemės ūkio gamybos reikalavimus. Naujos gamybos sistemos turi būti grindžiamos aplinkai nekenksmingais ir mažai sąnaudų reikalaujančiais būdais, tokiais kaip agroekologija. Europos Parlamentas jau ne kartą yra išreiškęs savo nuomonę dėl Europos baltymų plano, tačiau niekada nebuvo imtasi tolesnių veiksmų, ir ES toliau išlieka priklausoma nuo augalinių baltymų tiekimo. Siekiant įgyvendinti šį Europos baltymų planą, reikia sutelkti kelių ES politikos sričių – bendros žemės ūkio, prekybos, mokslinių tyrimų ir ES kaimynystės – turinčių įtakos baltymų problemų sprendimui, priemones ir užtikrinti jų nuoseklų įgyvendinimą.

2016/11/22

. – Balsavau už pranešimą dėl pastatų energinio naudingumo. Energijos taupymas pastatuose bus naudingas ne vien tik vartotojams ir klimatui, bet prisidės ir prie tvarios bei konkurencingos Europos ekonomikos. Pastatams suvartojame daugiau nei 40 proc. energijos, todėl būtina užtikrinti, kad pastatų energijos sąnaudos būtų efektyvesnės, ir tokiu būdu būtų galima ekonomiškai ir reikšmingai prisidėti prie išmetamo anglies dioksido kiekio mažinimo, kaip nurodyta Paryžiaus susitarime dėl klimato kaitos. Tuo pat metu sumažintume ir priklausomybę nuo importuojamos energijos, pavyzdžiui, Artimųjų Rytų naftos ir Rusijos dujų. Į susitarimą taip pat įtraukti valstybių narių įsipareigojimai parengti ilgalaikes nacionalines energijos vartojimo efektyvumo ir nuo iškastinio kuro nepriklausančių statybų fondų strategijas. Taip pat bus suteikiama prieiga prie finansavimo priemonių, perkeliant privatų kapitalą į energijos vartojimo efektyvumo renovacijos rinką. Esu įsitikinusi, kad šis susitarimas yra labai svarbus žingsnis energetikos sąjungos įgyvendinimo ES viduje link.

2016/11/22

. – Balsavau už pranešimą dėl Ekonominės, socialinės ir teritorinės sanglaudos stiprinimo Europos Sąjungoje. Europos Komisija kas 3 metus pateikia ataskaitą apie ekonominės, socialinės ir teritorinės sanglaudos pažangą. Septintoje ataskaitoje EK nurodo, kad globalizacijos, migracijos, skurdo, inovacijų stokos, taip pat klimato kaitos, energetikos srities permainų ir oro taršos poveikis būdingas ne tik mažiau išsivysčiusiems regionams. Dėl to būsimajai sanglaudos politikai turime skirti jos uždavinius atitinkantį biudžetą, taip pat ir įvertindami naujus iššūkius, kad būtų įgyvendinti pagrindiniai šios ES politikos tikslai. Per naują programavimo laikotarpį privalome užtikrinti, kad sanglaudos politika ir toliau būtų tinkamai įgyvendinama visuose Europos regionuose. Ji turi likti pagrindine ES viešųjų investicijų priemone ir ilgalaike strategija. Sanglaudos politika negali būti vykdoma tik mažiausiai išsivysčiusiuose regionuose, nes tai trukdytų siekti pažangos visose ES politinių prioritetų srityse. Sanglaudos politika suteikia Europai pridėtinės vertės, nes prisideda prie Europos viešųjų gėrybių ir prioritetų įgyvendinimo, tokių kaip augimas, socialinė įtrauktis, inovacijos, investicijos ir aplinkosauga. Esu įsitikinusi, kad tai yra pagrindinė ES priemonė, siekiant šalinti skirtumus tarp regionų, gerinti pragyvenimo lygį ir mažinti nepalankiausias sąlygas turinčių regionų atsilikimą.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Europass framework for skills and qualifications. The New Skills Agenda is a step forward in updating, modernising and improving the European tools and services regarding skills, competences and qualifications. Europass, a portfolio of documents which individuals can use on a voluntary basis, is one of the European tools helping to achieve better transparency in qualifications and competences. However, it should not become a ‘one-stop’ portal for education and training, as there are other EU tools already providing the necessary services. Therefore, for better synergy, the Europass portal can be linked to, for example, the well-established and functioning expert groups, which ensure that the tools and services provided are of high quality and actually used. It is important that the change should be gradual in order to prevent a heavy administrative burden for the Member States, which might lead to unexpected organisational costs. I support the rapporteur’s view that Europass should aim to improve the understanding of learning acquired not only in formal, but also in non-formal and informal settings and through practical experiences, including mobility.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the location of the seat of the European Medicines Agency. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is an important EU decentralised agency, responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines in the EU. The agency, currently based in London, has to be relocated in the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. On 20 November 2017 the European Council voted to assign the seat of the EMA to Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. I support the rapporteur’s view that it is regrettable that the European Parliament, and ultimately the representatives of EU citizens, were not fully involved in the procedure to select the new seat of the EMA, which was eventually concluded by drawing lots, despite its being such an important decision.It is necessary to defend the prerogatives of the European Parliament. All decisions relating to the location of EU bodies and agencies need and – legally – have to be taken under the ordinary legislative procedure, fully respecting the European Parliament’s prerogatives, whereby the European Parliament and the Council are equal co-legislators.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB). The Commission in this proposal suggests that taxable profits should be shared between Member States where the company is active. The apportionment formula – the ‘Massachusetts Formula’ – comprises three equally weighted factors: sales, assets and labour. I support the Rapporteur that it’s important to add the fourth factor – personal data collection and exploitation for commercial purposes (‘DATA’) – to ensure that CCCTB also applies to digital activities. These factors are more resilient to aggressive tax planning than transfer pricing. I support the Rapporteur in saying that, in addition, this system would allow Member States to keep the sovereign right to set the tax rate and would tax the appropriate share of profits incurred by a company.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the situation in Syria. The resolution strongly condemns, once again and in the strongest terms, all the atrocities and the widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed during the conflict, and, in particular, the acts perpetrated by Assad regime forces, including with the support of its allies Russia and Iran, as well as by UN-listed terrorist organisations. Renewed and intensive global cooperation is urgently needed in order to achieve a peaceful and sustainable solution to the conflict, as so far the international community has provided insufficient support to the democratic opposition. I support the EP position of deploring the repeated Russian vetoes at the UN Security Council. This attitude, from a permanent member of the Security Council and therefore with a special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security is shameful. In the eyes of the world, the obstruction of international investigations is more a sign of guilt than anything else.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on further macro-financial assistance to Georgia. The Commission proposes EUR 45 million, of which EUR 35 million is in loans and EUR 10 million in grants to help the country to cover part of its external financing needs for the period 2017-2020. Despite that, Georgia continues to face a weak external environment, its fiscal deficit has widened, and the lari has depreciated sharply over recent years, which has resulted in a higher public debt to GDP ratio. However, its financial system remains sound and well capitalised overall, particularly thanks to prudent supervision and regulation by the central bank.The EU is Georgia’s main trading partner and Georgia continues successfully to adapt to the requirements of the DCFTA, which entered into force on 1 September 2014, showing good progress in required reforms. Therefore, I support the European Parliament’s position to agree with the Commission’s proposal to provide macro-financial assistance to Georgia. The disbursement of each instalment should be linked to clear conditions, and the Commission should rigorously monitor the fulfilment of these conditions throughout the entirety of the macro-financial assistance operations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the reform of the European Union’s system of own resources. It is important that the future MFF proposed by the Commission should include ambitious proposals to revise the Own Resources Decision and all related legislative acts, as well as to introduce new own resources. The current system of own resources is highly complex, unfair, non-transparent and totally incomprehensible to the EU’s citizens, in particular the non-transparent calculations related to the national rebates and correction mechanisms which apply to the system of own resources or the statistical VAT-based resource. Moreover, this system is not subject to any effective parliamentary control at EU level and in essence lacks democratic legitimacy and accountability. Therefore, in order to provide stable finances at EU level, the establishment of a transparent, simpler and fairer new system of own resources, building on effective elements of the current system, is strongly needed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on a European strategy on Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems. The world is about to experience an extremely fast-moving industrial and digital revolution. However, there are major discrepancies in the level of development and preparedness of the Member States, but we must not allow digitalisation and technological advances to heighten this imbalance. It is important that every European citizen should be able to benefit equally from the modern industrial revolution and the benefits it brings. The transport sector is in the process of dramatic change, where the EU must contribute with meaningful, long-term responses of its own, i.e. on increasing car safety, driving licences and driver training, and create the European low-emission mobility strategy. The EU needs parallel cooperation rather than isolated competition in the field of digital advances where these have an impact on the transport sector, as only in this way can it face up to the challenges of global development posed by the US and China. The European strategy on Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems is an important step in this direction.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on cross-border parcel delivery services. Parcel delivery is a competitive, innovative and fast growing sector. However, there are strong concerns about the delivery of items bought and sold cross-border and EU online consumers as well as small businesses have been found this to be a key problem, including in many cases the relatively high costs involved. A regulation in the framework of Digital Single Market Strategy proposed by the Commission is an important step in securing more efficiency in the sector, transparency of tariffs and terminal rates, and affordable prices. I support the European Parliament Resolution, which seeks to improve the Commission’s proposal to provide a fair and balanced approach for all operators in the sector that is fully in line with the provisions of Postal Services Directive 97/67/EC.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution on the Establishing the European Defence Industrial Development Programme aiming at supporting the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the EU defence industry. The EU Member States’ overall defence budget is falling, unlike that of other global powers, such as China and Russia; and the US defence budget is twice that of the EU. At the same time, the lack of cooperation at European level is reflected in a duplication of weapons systems and equipment and hence considerable budgetary inefficiency. Moreover, there is the absence of common specifications among Member States. This leads to delays and additional costs in the development of flagship projects. Therefore, ‘more Europe’ is needed to provide more reliable, more independent and less costly technology. It is essential that the European Defence Industrial Development Programme start to be successfully implemented from January 2019 in order to secure the prospects for the European defence industry in the period after 2020.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on Geo-blocking and other forms of discrimination based on customers’ nationality, place of residence or place of establishment.It is an important step towards an even more competitive and integrated Digital Single Market, unleashing the business and job-creating potential of the new economy, by getting rid of one of the major obstacles: unjustified geo-blocking when buying physical goods online, which should not be taking place in our united Europe. This decision should now deliver concrete results for citizens all over Europe, bringing positive changes to their daily lives and strengthen their right to profit from the whole Single Market.This type of discrimination will end, as the new rules will ban blocking access to websites and redirecting the customer to another country-specific website without his or her consent. These measures are important for traders, especially small enterprises, who are going to be protected by better rules, including no obligation to deliver goods, moreover, they will not be obliged by suppliers to geo-block for business reasons. The revision of the law considering ending geo-blocking in additional sectors such as the audio-visual or transport sectors will take place in the nearest future.

2016/11/22

I voted against this report, because the key vote for me was on Amendment 17D deleting paragraph 29 concerning the Petition 0747/2016 on the electoral rights of non-citizens in Latvia and Estonia. During the votes Amendment 17D was rejected, so I voted against this resolution as a whole. My arguments which are the following:Firstly, voting rights and citizenship are in the exclusive competence of EU Member States as confirmed frequently by the European Parliament and, furthermore, specifically by the Commission in its opinion (at the request of the Committee on Petitions concerning Petition 0747/2016) stating that the Commission does not find that there are grounds raised for it to intervene in this case. It means that Petition 0747/2016 should never have been admissible and should have been closed. The citizens of Latvia and Estonia would distrust European institutions for interfering in a matter which is not their competence, but a national one.Secondly, as in many Member States, in Latvia and Estonia the right to vote is an integral part of citizenship. Non-citizens are able to become citizens through naturalisation at any time, if they wish so, and thus gain the right to vote.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rekomendaciją dėl Tarybos reglamento dėl Europos prokuratūros įsteigimo. Esu įsitikinusi, kad ES biudžeto ir ES finansinių interesų apsaugai nacionalinių institucijų nepakanka. Europos prokuratūra padės geriau atlikti tyrimus ir patraukti atsakomybėn už nusikaltimus, dėl kurių nukenčia ES biudžetas. Jos paskirtis – užtikrinti ES finansinių taisyklių laikymąsi visoje ES, nes sukčiavimo plačiu mastu būdų yra daug, jie sudėtingi, dažnai veikiama ne vienoje, o keliose šalyse, todėl tokiais atvejais peržengiamos vienos šalies jurisdikcijos ribos. Naujoji Europos prokuratūra koordinuotai tirs bylas dėl neteisėto ES lėšų panaudojimo keliose valstybėse iš karto, taip pat vykdys baudžiamąjį persekiojimą ir palaikys kaltinimą teisme.Šiuo metu sukčiavimo ar korupcijos nusikaltimų baudžiamieji tyrimai priklauso išimtinei valstybių narių kompetencijai. OLAF, Eurojustas ir Europolas neturi įgaliojimų atlikti nusikalstamų veikų tyrimų, tad Europos prokuratūra užpildys šią institucinę spragą.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už šį pranešimą. Pastaruoju metu saugumas – vienas svarbiausių mūsų piliečių prioritetų, negalime to negirdėti. Mes puikiai žinome, kad bendra saugumo ir gynybos politika, kuri apibrėžta ES sutartyje, nėra įgyvendinama tinkamai. Lisabonos sutartis sudarė galimybes įvykdyti BSGP srities reformas ir inovacijas, tačiau tai nebuvo padaryta. Galiu tik pasidžiaugti, kad Europos Parlamentas sugrįžo prie šių klausimų. Nuolatinis struktūrizuotas bendradarbiavimas, efektyvesnė institucinė sistema, aktyvesnis ES dalyvavimas NATO struktūrose yra tai, ko Europos Sąjungai ir jos valstybėms narėms reikia nedelsiant.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Tarybos sprendimo dėl Europos Sąjungos ir Viduržemio jūros regiono šalių susitarimo, steigiančio Europos bendrijos bei jos valstybių narių ir Libano Respublikos asociaciją, protokolo, kuriuo atsižvelgiama į Kroatijos Respublikos įstojimą į Europos Sąjungą, sudarymo Europos Sąjungos bei jos valstybių narių vardu projekto. Pritariu pavesti Pirmininkui perduoti Parlamento poziciją Tarybai, Komisijai ir valstybių narių bei Libano Respublikos parlamentams ir vyriausybėms.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Tarybos sprendimo dėl Europos Sąjungos ir Lichtenšteino Kunigaikštystės susitarimo dėl papildomų taisyklių, susijusių su išorės sienų ir vizų finansinės paramos priemone kaip Vidaus saugumo fondo dalimi 2014–2020 m. laikotarpiu, sudarymo Europos Sąjungos vardu projekto. Pagal ES reglamentus, taikant priemonę pagal jos nuostatas dalyvauja šalys, susijusios su Šengeno acquis įgyvendinimu, taikymu ir plėtojimu, ir kad turi būti sudaromi jų finansinių įnašų susitarimai bei nustatomos tokiam dalyvavimui būtinos papildomos taisyklės. Įgyvendinant šį pasiūlymą bus galima sudaryti būtent šiuos susitarimus, leidžiančius Komisijai prisiimti atsakomybę už priemonei skirto biudžeto įgyvendinimą šioje asocijuotoje šalyje ir nustatyti Lichtenšteino indėlį į Sąjungos biudžetą pagal šią priemonę. Išorės sienų ir vizų finansinės paramos priemone įdiegiamas solidarumo mechanizmas, kuris dalyvaujančias šalis, atsižvelgiant į tarpusavio interesus ir viena kitos vardu, įpareigoja laikytis tokių pačių Europos išorės sienų kontrolės taisyklių. Esu įsitikinusi, kad pasiūlymas padės įgyvendinti pagrindinį Šengeno acquis tikslą – dalytis atsakomybe, kad būtų užtikrinta veiksminga, aukšto lygio ir vienoda kontrolė prie išorės sienų, laikantis Sąjungos įsipareigojimo gerbti pagrindines laisves ir žmogaus teises.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos sprendimo, kuriuo nustatomas keitimosi informacija apie tarpvyriausybinius valstybių narių ir trečiųjų šalių energetikos susitarimus bei teisiškai neprivalomas priemones mechanizmas ir panaikinamas Sprendimas Nr. 994/2012/ES.Sėkmingos energetikos politikos pagrindinė sudedamoji dalis yra galimybė visiems europiečiams įsigyti saugią, tvarią ir konkurencingomis kainomis parduodamą energiją. Taip pat reikia užtikrinti energetinį saugumą. Šiuo požiūriu ES valstybės turi rodyti solidarumą mažiau privilegijuotoms bloko narėms ir taip pat Komisija turi galėti įsikišti, jei kyla teisėtų su energetiniu saugumu susijusių susirūpinimą keliančių klausimų.Labai svarbi ir konkurencija energetikos srityje. Tai, kad Komisija galėjo nagrinėti projekto „South Stream“ atvejį tik remdamasi jo rezultatais, privertė susijusiais šalis atsidurti keblioje situacijoje, kadangi susitarimai jau buvo pasirašyti ir jau buvo kai kur investuota. Tai yra dar viena priežastis, kodėl vedant derybas energetikos srityje reikia daugiau skaidrumo ir tvarumo.Reikia prisiminti, kad dujos yra būtinas kuras pereinant prie mažo anglies dioksido kiekio ateityje. Jei mums reikia importuoti kokį nors iškastinį kurą, geriau jau importuoti dujas, kuriomis mažiausiai teršiama aplinka.Energetikos srityje ES neišnaudojo dar daug galimybių. Tokią situaciją galima pakeisti būsimomis Europos pastangomis energetikos srityje taikant pagrindinius principus, kuriais remiantis buvo sukurtas integracijos projektas, t. y. solidarumo ir valstybių narių tarpusavio pasitikėjimo.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už Europos Parlamento rezoliuciją dėl Komisijos įsipareigojimų taikyti abipusiškumo principą vizų klausimu pagal Reglamento (EB) Nr. 539/2001 1 straipsnio 4 dalį.Suprantu, kad vizų abipusiškumo kriterijus, kaip vienas pagrindinių ES vizų politikos kriterijų, reiškia, kad ES piliečiams, keliaujantiems į trečiąją šalį, turėtų būti taikomos tokios pačios sąlygos kaip tos trečiosios šalies piliečiams, keliaujantiems į ES. Tikslas turi būti pasiekti tokį vizų abipusiškumą. Dėl to esu įsitikinusi, kad Komisija yra teisiškai įpareigota priimti deleguotąjį aktą, kuriuo laikinai sustabdomas vizos reikalavimo netaikymas vizos reikalavimo tam tikrų ES valstybių narių piliečiams nepanaikinusių trečiųjų valstybių piliečiams, o tai atliekama per 24 mėnesių laikotarpį nuo pranešimo šiuo klausimu paskelbimo datos.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliucijos pasiūlymą dėl ES galimybių pagerinti prieigą prie vaistų, kadangi viešosios sveikatos priežiūros sistemos yra itin svarbios siekiant užtikrinti pagrindinę ES piliečių teisę – visuotinį sveikatos priežiūros prieinamumą ir vaistai yra viena iš pagrindinių sveikatos priežiūros sudėtinių dalių, o ne vien prekybos objektas. Taip pat už pacientų galimybes gauti vaistų, bendrai atsakingi yra visi sveikatos priežiūros sistemos subjektai. Dėl to esu įsitikinusi, kad reikia imtis nacionalinio ir ES masto priemonių siekiant užtikrinti pacientų teisę pasinaudoti visuotiniu, įperkamu, veiksmingu, saugiu ir laiku teikiamu pagrindiniu ir naujovišku gydymu, kad būtų galima užtikrinti ES viešųjų sveikatos priežiūros sistemų tvarumą ir užtikrinti būsimas investicijas į naujoves farmacijos srityje. Dėl to valstybės narės turi tvirčiau bendradarbiauti siekdamos kovoti su rinkos susiskaidymu. Labai svarbu didinti skaidrumą ir savanorišką valstybių narių bendradarbiavimą vaistų kainų nustatymo ir kompensavimo srityje, kad visos ES ir nacionalinės institucijos veiktų skaidriai, ir kad leidimų išdavimo procese dalyvaujantys ekspertai neturėtų interesų konfliktų. Mūsų siekis turi būti užtikrinti sveikatos priežiūros sistemų tvarumą ir išsaugoti ES piliečių teises naudotis kokybiškomis sveikatos priežiūros paslaugomis.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliucijos pasiūlymą dėl 2013 m. gruodžio 11 d. Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos reglamento (ES) Nr. 1295/2013, kuriuo sukuriama programa „Kūrybiška Europa“ (2014–2020 m.) ir panaikinami sprendimai Nr. 1718/2006/EB, Nr. 1855/2006/EB ir Nr. 1041/2009/EB, įgyvendinimo. Esu įsitikinusi, kad programą „Kūrybiška Europa“ reikia tęsti, peržiūrėti ir patobulinti 2021–2028 m. laikotarpiui kaip programą, kuri apima visus kultūros ir kūrybos sektorius, kurioje daugiausia dėmesio skiriama aukštos kokybės projektams, kurią sudaro dvi paprogramės ir tarpsektorinė paprogramė, įskaitant mokymą, auditorijos plėtrą, patekimą į rinkas, socialinę įtraukti, bendradarbiavimą, tarpsektorinius ir kryžminės naudos projektus, tarpusavio mokymąsi, taip pat ryšių palaikymą, tyrimus, konkrečiai kultūros ir kūrybos sektoriams skirtą paramą, garantijų priemonę ir programos „Kūrybiška Europa“ centrų rėmimą. Pratęsiant šią programą, reikėtų patobulinti atrankos bei vertinimo kriterijus ir aiškiai įtraukti kultūros ir meninės kokybės skatinimą ir tikrąją kultūros vertę.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliucijos pasiūlymą dėl 2014 m. balandžio 14 d. Tarybos reglamento (ES) Nr. 390/2014, kuriuo nustatoma 2014–2020 m. laikotarpio programa „Europa piliečiams“, įgyvendinimo.Esu įsitikinusi, kad programa „Europa piliečiams“ yra unikali ir labai simbolinė, nes ją vykdant visų pirma siekiama išklausyti pilietinės visuomenės diskusijas, ji skatina kritiškai mąstyti apie Europos projektą, jo istoriją, judėjimus bei idėjas, kurias šis projektas paskatino, taip pat programa prisideda prie žinių apie Europos sprendimų priėmimo procesą didinimo ir padeda sudaryti geresnes pilietinio ir demokratinio dalyvavimo Sąjungos lygmeniu sąlygas. Europos Sąjungos priartinimas prie jos piliečių seniai yra vienas iš pagrindinių Europos politikos formuotojų ir Europos Parlamento tikslų, bet jis niekada nebuvo toks svarbus kaip dabar. Dėl didelio susidomėjimo programa ir mažos finansuoti atrenkamų projektų dalies yra nepaprastai svarbu padidinti biudžetą jos išlaikymui. Be kitų priežasčių, didesnį susidomėjimą programa lėmė ir tai, kad dėl reklamos veiklos išaugo tikslinės grupės informuotumas. Kad ši tendencija išliktų, rekomenduoju NIC, kurie ypač sėkmingai reklamuoja programą savo šalyse, dalytis su kitais NIC geriausia patirtimi komunikacijos srityje, susijusia, pvz., su naudingomis priemonėmis ir metodais. Taip pat manau, kad reikėtų įsteigti tarptautinę partnerystę, taip stiprinant pajėgumą rengiant mokymą ir seminarus šia tema ir pavedant šią veiklą NIC.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliucijos pasiūlymą dėl bendros ES prekybos politikos atsižvelgiant į laukinės gamtos tvarumo reikalavimus. Pritariu požiūriui dėl ES prekybos politikos, kad pirmenybę reikia teikti ne tik kovai su neteisėta prekyba laukiniais augalais ir gyvūnais, bet į visus būsimus susitarimus įtraukti nuostatas, kuriomis siekiama ją sumažinti ir galiausiai panaikinti, taip pat griežtas ir veiksmingas papildomas priemones, ypač susijusias su mokymu, prevencija ir sankcijų taikymu miškotvarkos, sveikatos apsaugos ir muitų srityse. Taip pat pabrėžtina, kad dėl jokio ES prekybos politikos aspekto neturėtų būti užkirstas kelias ES ir jos prekybos partneriams priimti sprendimus, kurie būtų būtini siekiant užtikrinti laukinės gamtos ir gamtos išteklių apsaugą, jei tokiomis priemonėmis siekiama teisėtų viešosios politikos tikslų ir jos nėra savavališka ar nepagrįsta diskriminacija. Dėl to ES valstybėms narėms reikėtų apsvarstyti politinius sprendimus, kaip būtų galima pašalinti visas likusias teisines spragas, dėl kurių atvejais, kai neteisėtai įgyjami laukiniai augalai ir gyvūnai bei laukinės gamtos produktai, galėtų būti sudarytos palankesnės šių atvejų sprendimo sąlygos. Šiam tikslui įgyvendinti reikėtų vykdyti išsamią stebėseną ir efektyviai naudotis esamais ištekliais ir agentūromis.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl kovos su terorizmu. Dėl neseniai įvykdytų teroristinių išpuolių Europoje ir kitose pasaulio vietose, visų pirma dėl 2015 m. lapkričio 13 d. įvykdyto teroristinio išpuolio Paryžiuje, kai žuvo 130 žmonių, akcentuojamas poreikis dėti daugiau pastangų siekiant užkirsti kelią terorizmui ir kovoti su juo. Kova su terorizmu yra pasaulinė kova, ES negali jos vykdyti ar laimėti viena. 2014 m. JT Saugumo Tarybos rezoliucijoje visos ES valstybės narės teisiškai įpareigojamos kriminalizuoti su terorizmu susijusias nusikalstamas veikas, pavyzdžiui, keliones į trečią šalį su tikslu planuoti ar vykdyti teroristinius išpuolius arba siekiant rengti teroristus ar dalyvauti rengime, taip pat tokių kelionių rėmimą, organizavimą arba padėjimą jas vykdyti. Ši rezoliucija buvo perkelta į Europos Tarybos papildomą protokolą dėl užsienio kovotojų. Manau, kad dėl sparčiai besikeičiančios globalios situacijos, plintant terorizmui ir radikalizmui, labai svarbu atitinkamai pritaikyti ES acquis siekiant užkirsti kelią teroristiniams nusikaltimams Europoje. Pritariu, kad itin svarbu atnaujinti ES kovos su terorizmu ir teroristiniais tinklais teisinę sistemą, susijusią su šiais klausimais: Teroristų rengimas ir dalyvavimas rengime Europoje ir už jos ribų, tiek mokymo stovyklose, tiek internetu; vadinamųjų užsienio kovotojų kelionės į konflikto zonas teroristiniais tikslais; aukų teisių įtvirtinimas ir didesnė terorizmo aukų apsauga, pagalba ir parama joms visoje Sąjungoje ir kita.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl tikrinimo prie išorės sienų sugriežtinimo naudojant atitinkamas duomenų bazes. Šengeno sienų kodekso atnaujinimas, kuriuo bus sugriežtinta ES išorės sienų kontrolė – ne tik trečiųjų šalių, bet ir visų į ES atvykstančių ar išvykstančių Sąjungos piliečių duomenys bus tikrinami pamestų bei pavogtų dokumentų bazėse – prisidės prie saugumo didinimo ES. ES valstybės bus įpareigotos atidžiau tikrinti, ar sieną kertantys asmenys nekelia grėsmės viešajai tvarkai ir vidaus saugumui. Pritariu šioms su ES Taryba suderintoms taisyklėms, kuriomis reaguojama į išaugusią terorizmo grėsmę Europoje bei užsienio teroristų kovotojų reiškinį, kai vis daugiau ES piliečių vyksta į Siriją ar Iraką paremti teroristinių grupių.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl galimų dabartinės Europos Sąjungos institucinės sąrangos pakeitimų ir korekcijų. Manau, kad dabar yra metas rimtai apsvarstyti, kaip reaguoti į Europos Sąjungos valdymo trūkumus ir imtis išsamiai ir nuosekliai persvarstyti Lisabonos sutartį. Pritariu nuostatai, kad Sąjungos reformos kryptis turėtų užtikrinti jos modernizavimą nustatant naujas priemones, naujus veiksmingus Europos gebėjimus ir užtikrinant demokratiškesnį sprendimų priėmimo procesą, o ne grįžti prie nacionalinio valdymo labiau taikant tarpvyriausybines priemones. Tai ypač svarbu dabar, kai valstybėse narėse labai daugėja grupių, kurios kenkia Sąjungos vienybei sukeldamos vis didesnį skaidrumo trūkumą, skleidžia populistines bei nacionalistines idėjas, taip pat mažindamos žmonių pasitikėjimą ES.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už ES ir Kuko Salų tausios žvejybos partnerystės susitarimą. Manau, kad ES ir Kuko Salų žvejybos partnerystės susitarimu bus veiksmingai skatinama tausi žvejyba Kuko Salose pasitelkiant tinkamą ES paramą sektoriui. Šis susitarimas prisidės prie tolimesnio ES ir Kuko Salų bendradarbiavimo siekiant užtikrinti tvarią žuvininkystės politiką ir atsakingą žuvų išteklių naudojimą Kuko Salų žvejybos rajone.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl ES ir Kuko Salų tausios žvejybos partnerystės susitarimo. Svarbu tai, kad tvarus Kuko Salų žuvininkystės sektoriaus plėtojimas bus vykdomas bendradarbiaujant ekonominėje, finansinėje, techninėje ir mokslinėje srityse, tuo pačiu gerbiant savarankiškus šios šalies sprendimus dėl šio plėtojimo. Taip pat noriu išreikšti apgailestavimą, kad kitos regiono šalys nesudarė partnerystės susitarimų su ES ir kad jos atvėrinėja savo žvejybos vietas kitoms pasaulio valstybėms ir regionams, kurie kai kada taiko žvejybos praktiką, pagal kurią neatsižvelgiama į turimus išteklius. Raginu šias šalis pasirinkti susitarimą su ES, pagal kurį skatinama tausi žvejyba ir suteikiama parama sektoriui.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Registro kontrolės ir Komisijos ekspertų grupių sudėties. EP jau yra išreiškęs susirūpinimą dėl ankstesnių Komisijos ekspertų grupių veiklos organizavimo taisyklių veikimo bei atkreipė dėmesį, kad tam tikroms ekspertų grupėms trūksta skaidrumo, kad tokių grupių sudėtis nesubalansuota. Todėl palankiai vertinu 2016 m. gegužės 30 d. Komisijos sprendimą, nustatantį naujas Komisijos ekspertų grupių kūrimo ir veiklos horizontaliąsias taisykles. Visgi tenka apgailestauti, kad, nors daug nevyriausybinių organizacijų išreiškė susidomėjimą, Komisija neorganizavo visapusiškų viešų konsultacijų dėl ekspertų grupių sudarymo. Todėl labai svarbu, kad naujosios taisyklės būtų griežtai ir vienodai taikomos visoms ekspertų grupėms, nesvarbu, koks jų pavadinimas (taigi įskaitant specialiąsias, aukšto lygio ar kitas „neeilines“ grupes, taip pat oficialias ir neoficialias grupes) ar struktūra. Pritariu EP pozicijai, kad naujosios taisyklės privalo užtikrinti proporcingą atstovavimą, kuris sudarytų sąlygas visų suinteresuotųjų subjektų atstovų dalyvavimui. Be to, Europos Parlamentas taip pat turi turėti galimybes prašyti pateikti Komisijos sprendimo įgyvendinimo ataskaitą.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl informatorių vaidmens saugant ES finansinius interesus. Informatoriai atlieka itin svarbų vaidmenį, kai reikia aptikti korupciją ir sukčiavimą bei apie juos pranešti, nes tiesiogiai šiose nusikalstamose veikose dalyvaujančios šalys aktyviai mėgins tas veikas nuslėpti, kad jos nepatektų į jokį oficialių pranešimų teikimo mechanizmą. Pritariu, kad skaidrumo ir sąžiningumo principais paremtas informavimas apie pažeidimus yra itin svarbus. Todėl informatorių apsauga turėtų būti užtikrinama pagal įstatymą ir sustiprinta visoje Europos Sąjungoje. Taip pat svarbu užtikrinti, kad informatorių tvirtinimai būtų profesionaliai tiriami siekiant užkirsti kelią melagingiems diskredituojantiems pranešimams.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl trečiųjų valstybių ir organizacijų, su kuriomis Europolas sudaro susitarimus, sąrašo. Siekiant kovoti su rimtu ir organizuotu tarpvalstybiniu nusikalstamumu ir tarptautiniu terorizmu Sąjungoje, visos Europos šalys turi glaudžiai bendradarbiauti ir dalytis duomenimis. Šiuo metu Danija visapusiškai dalyvauja Europolo veikloje, tačiau nuo 2017 m. gegužės 1 d. Danija nebepriklausys Europolui ir negalės dalyvauti jo veikloje, naudotis jo duomenų bazėmis ar su juo keistis duomenimis. Danijai staiga pasitraukus iš Europolo ir neužtikrinus sklandaus perėjimo prie tam tikros Danijos ir Europolo asociacijos, gali atsirasti veiklos spragų ir sumažėti ES pajėgumų veiksmingai kovoti su organizuotu nusikalstamumu ir terorizmu. Todėl pritariu nuostatai, kad Danija būtų susieta su Europolu sudarius operatyvinio bendradarbiavimo susitarimą. Tam, kad būtų išvengta bet kokių veiklos spragų, Europolas ir Danija šį bendradarbiavimo susitarimą turi sudaryti iki 2017 m. gegužės 1 d. Šis susitarimas padės užtikrinti pakankamą operatyvinio Danijos ir Europolo bendradarbiavimo lygį, įskaitant susijusių asmens duomenų mainus, taikant atitinkamas apsaugos priemones ir duomenų apsaugą.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Kontrolės priemonių taikymo naujoms psichoaktyviosioms medžiagoms. Remiantis paskelbta bendra Europos narkotikų ir narkomanijos stebėsenos centro (EMCDDA) ir Europolo ataskaita, naujos psichoaktyviosios medžiagos (MDMB-CHMICA) sukelia aukšto lygio ūmų toksiškumą, galintį padaryti didelę žalą žmonių sveikatai. Keliose ataskaitose taip pat nurodyta smurto ir agresijos galimybė kaip medžiagos naudojimo pasekmė. Ši medžiaga Europos Sąjungos narkotikų rinkoje prieinama bent nuo 2014 m. rugpjūčio mėn. ir buvo užfiksuota 23 valstybėse narėse. Paprastai ji parduodama kaip teisėta psichoaktyvioji medžiaga rūkymo reikmenų parduotuvėse, o internetu kaip teisėtas kanapių pakaitalas. Iš turimos informacijos matyti, kad nefasuotus MDMB-CHMICA miltelius pagamino Kinijoje įsisteigusios cheminių medžiagų gamybos įmonės. Jie įvežami į Sąjungą, kur yra perdirbami ir pakuojami į komercinius rūkymo mišinius arba parduodami kaip milteliai. Todėl pritariu Tarybos sprendimo pasiūlymui, kurio tikslas – paraginti valstybes nares taikyti medžiagos DMB-CHMICA kontrolės priemones ir baudžiamąsias sankcijas, kaip numatyta jų teisės aktuose, kuriais vykdomi jų įsipareigojimai pagal 1971 m. Jungtinių Tautų psichotropinių medžiagų konvenciją.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Europos prisitaikymo prie globalizacijos padarinių fondo lėšų mobilizavimo: Nyderlandų paraiška „EGF/2016/005 NL/Drenthe Overijssel – mažmeninė prekyba“. Europos prisitaikymo prie globalizacijos padarinių fondas įsteigtas siekiant teikti papildomą pagalbą darbuotojams, nukentėjusiems nuo esminių pasaulio prekybos sistemos struktūrinių pokyčių. Nors mažmeninės ir didmeninės paslaugos sukuria 11 proc. Sąjungos BVP ir 15 proc. viso Sąjungos užimtumo, šis sektorius vis dar patiria neigiamą krizės poveikį. Šis poveikis jaučiamas ir Drentės bei Overeiselio regionuose (Nyderlandai) mažmeninės prekybos sektoriuje, kur nuo 2015 m. rugpjūčio 1 d. iki 2016 m. gegužės 1 d. buvo atleista 1 096 darbuotojų. Todėl pritariu Europos Parlamento ir Tarybos sprendimui 2017 finansinių metų Europos Sąjungos bendrajame biudžete mobilizuoti Europos prisitaikymo prie globalizacijos padarinių fondo lėšas siekiant skirti 1 818 750 EUR įsipareigojimų ir mokėjimų asignavimų sumą pagal pateiktą Nyderlandų paraišką.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Europos konsensuso dėl vystymosi peržiūros. Manau, kad Europos konsensuso dėl vystymosi peržiūra atliekama laiku ir yra reikalinga, nes pakito išorinės aplinkybės – patvirtinta Darbotvarkė iki 2030 m. ir darnaus vystymosi tikslai, sudarytas Paryžiaus COP 21 susitarimas dėl klimato kaitos, sudaryta Sendajaus nelaimių rizikos mažinimo programa, patvirtinta Adis Abebos veiksmų darbotvarkė dėl vystymosi finansavimo ir Pusano veiksmingo vystomojo bendradarbiavimo partnerystė. Be to, kilo naujų visuotinių iššūkių arba stiprėja senieji, pavyzdžiui, klimato kaita ir migracijos aplinkybės, besivystančios šalys tapo įvairesnės ir turi įvairių ir konkrečių vystymosi poreikių, atsiranda naujų paramos teikėjų ir naujų pasaulinio lygio subjektų, mažėja pilietinės visuomenės organizacijų veikimo erdvė, įvyko pokyčių ES viduje. Europos konsensusas dėl vystymosi yra labai svarbus formuojant bendrą ir darnią poziciją ES ir valstybių narių lygmenimis dėl vystymosi politikos tikslų, vertybių, principų ir pagrindinių aspektų, taip pat ir dėl jos įgyvendinimo. Manau, kad peržiūrint konsensusą turi būti išsaugotas jo acquis , ypač jo holistinis požiūris ir aiškus pirminis tikslas – kovoti su skurdu ir, ilgainiui, jo panaikinimas. Svarbu, kad vystymosi politika atspindėtų Sąjungos ypatingą dėmesį pažeidžiamoms valstybėms, jaunimo nedarbui, moterims ir mergaitėms, patiriančioms lytimi grindžiamą smurtą ir žalingą praktiką bei esančioms konfliktinėse situacijose.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už rezoliuciją dėl Metinės ES konkurencijos politikos ataskaitos. Svarbu pažymėti, kad stipri ir veiksminga ES konkurencijos politika visada buvo kertinis vidaus rinkos akmuo, nes ji skatina ekonomikos efektyvumą, sukuria augimui, inovacijoms ir technologinei pažangai palankią aplinką ir mažina kainas. Konkurencijos politika pati savaime yra demokratijos Europoje užtikrinimo priemonė, nes ja užkertamas kelias pernelyg dideliam finansinės ir ekonominės galios sutelkimui nedaugelio asmenų rankose, kuris trukdytų ES politinėms institucijoms veikti nepriklausomai nuo didelių pramonės ir bankų grupių. Pritariu palankiam Komisijos metinės ataskaitos dėl konkurencijos politikos vertinimui, iš kurios matyti, kad tinkama ES konkurencijos politika gali padėti atkurti pakankamą investicijų ir inovacijų lygį, jei bus sukurta sąžininga konkurencijos aplinka. Šiandien labiau nei kada nors anksčiau Europos Sąjungai reikalinga griežta ir ryžtingai įgyvendinama konkurencijos politika. ES konkurencijos politika negali ir neturi išspręsti visų Sąjungos problemų, bet turi daug galimybių pasiekti reikšmingų patobulinimų daugelyje sričių. Džiaugiuosi, kad šie patobulinimai jau pradėti įgyvendinti.

2016/11/22

Balsavau prieš rezoliuciją dėl Lyčių lygybės skatinimo atliekant psichikos sveikatos ir klinikinius tyrimus. Tam buvo net keletas priežasčių. Visų pirma, pranešimo tekstas apima žymiai daugiau probleminių klausimų (abortai, kai kurių mažumų grupių atstovų psichinė sveikata), nesusijusių su pranešimo pavadinimo tema. Daugelyje vietų kalbama tik apie seksualinės orientacijos mažumos grupių narių psichinę sveikatą. Tai vadinama pozityvia diskriminacija, kuri labai susiaurina visą pranešimo apimtį. Dėl šių ir kitų trūkumų negalėjau pritarti visai rezoliucijai.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už Europos Parlamento pranešimą dėl tam tikros Europos Sąjungos bei Europos atominės energijos bendrijos ir Kosovo stabilizacijos ir asociacijos susitarimo (SAS) taikymo tvarkos. SAS įsigaliojo 2016 m. balandžio 1 d., po to, kai jį ratifikavo Europos Parlamentas ir Kosovo Nacionalinė Asamblėja. Šios procedūros metu EP aktyviai pritarė šio Susitarimo sudarymui, dar ypač ir dėl to, kad Kosovo, kaip ir kitų Vakarų Balkanų šalių, santykiai su ES bus sutartiniai. Be to, įsigaliojus SAS, buvo įsteigtas stabilizacijos ir asociacijos parlamentinis komitetas, kuris skubiai priėmė savo darbo taisykles ir surengė du susitikimus. Tai parodo abipusį norą artimesniam bendradarbiavimui. Pranešimo projekte, dėl kurio šiandien balsavome, yra numatytos Susitarimo nuostatų įgyvendinimo taisyklės. Laikausi nuomonės, kad greitas šios tvarkos įgyvendinimas sudarytų Kosovui palankias sąlygas visapusiškai pasinaudoti SAS.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už Europos Parlamento rezoliuciją dėl siūlymo panaikinti Baltarusijos tekstilės gaminių importo į ES kvotas. Politinių kalinių Baltarusijoje paleidimas 2015 m. prisidėjo prie tam tikrų teigiamų ES ir Baltarusijos santykių pokyčių, todėl tikimasi, kad minėtų kvotų panaikinimas pagerins dvišalius santykius ir atvers naujas galimybes ES ir Baltarusijos įmonių bendradarbiavimui. Svarbu pažymėti, kad kvotų sistema galės būti grąžinta, jei Baltarusijoje stipriai pablogės žmogaus teisių padėtis.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už Europos Parlamento rezoliuciją, kuria Europos Parlamentas pritaria Susitarimo dėl Tarptautinio mokslo ir technologijų centro (TMTC) veiklos tęsimo sudarymo projektui. Sutinku su pranešėjo rekomendacija pritarti Susitarimui dėl TMTC, kuris perkeltas į Astaną (Kazachstanas) po Rusijos pasitraukimo iš Centro 2015 m. liepos mėn. Naudojantis nauja vieta ir susitarimais, bus galima tęsti svarbų darbą, kurį pradėjo ankstesnis Centras laikotarpiu po SSRS iširimo, t. y. skatinti masinio naikinimo ginklų ir jų siuntimo į taikinį priemonių platinimo prevencijai skirtų tarptautinių mechanizmų tobulinimą; plėtoti saugumo kultūrą. TMTC projektas turėtų žymiai sumažinti riziką, kad karinės žinios pateks į netinkamas rankas, bei užtikrinti, kad būtų tęsiama dabar vykdomų ir naujų projektų veikla pasikeitus dalyviams, apimant platesnę geografinę taikymo sritį, galbūt įtraukus Artimųjų Rytų regioną, ir taikant naują tikslų, konkrečiau pritaikytų dvejopo naudojimo srities žinioms, rinkinį. Svarbu pažymėti didelę šio bendradarbiavimo projekto naudą visoms dalyvaujančioms valstybėms. Šiuo projektu prisidedama prie pasaulinio saugumo. Jis duos naudos ne tik minėtame susitarime dalyvaujančioms šalims, nes projektas gali būti vykdomas ir valstybėse, kurios nėra susitarimo šalys. Masinio naikinimo ginklų (įskaitant branduolinius) gamyba ir platinimas yra rimtas iššūkis pasauliniam saugumui, todėl visiškai pritariu priemonėms, padėsiančioms užkirsti kelią šių ginklų platinimui.

2016/11/22

Susilaikiau balsuodama dėl Europos Parlamento rezoliucijos dėl Direktyvos 2015/849 papildymo nustatant strateginių trūkumų turinčias didelės rizikos trečiąsias valstybes. Palaikau Europos liaudies partijos frakcijos, kurios narė esu, poziciją, kad valstybė turi būti įtraukta į šį sąrašą tik tuomet, jei yra neginčijamų įrodymų apie nuolatinę pinigų plovimo riziką ir terorizmo finansavimą. Europos Komisija turi turėti skaidrų aiškų būdą, kuris padėtų įvertinti situaciją trečiosiose šalyse. Todėl visiškai pritarti EP rezoliucijai, raginančiai parengti ambicingesnį didelės rizikos valstybių sąrašą, negalėjau. Taip pat negalėjau pilnai palaikyti Europos Komisijos, nes dar yra šioje srityje aspektų, kuriuos EK turi tobulinti.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už Europos Parlamento rezoliuciją dėl logistikos ES ir daugiarūšio vežimo naujais transeuropinio transporto tinklo (TEN-T) koridoriais. ES logistikos ir krovininio transporto politika turėtų būti siekiama suteikti daugiau galimybių išlaikyti palankią aplinką, pašalinti kliūtis ir pasinaudoti ekonomikos augimo ir užimtumo potencialu šiame sektoriuje atsižvelgiant į ryškėjančias ekonomikos ir socialines tendencijas, dinamiškus technologinius pokyčius ir didėjančią tarptautinę prekybą. Todėl logistikos sričiai reikia skubiai skirti daugiau dėmesio politinėje darbotvarkėje bei skatinti iniciatyvas, kuriomis remiama krovininio transporto logistikos sritis ir sprendžiamos šios pagrindinės problemos: ES krovininio transporto logistikos strategija, integruoto daugiarūšio krovininio transporto skatinimas, TEN-T Europos logistikos koordinatorius, optimalaus skiriamo finansavimo panaudojimo užtikrinimas, visų lygmenų teisinių taisyklių ir administracinių procedūrų supaprastinimas, veiksminga transporto rūšių integracija ir kt. Tuo pačiu svarbu užtikrinti, kad dėl logistikos plėtros neblogėtų gyvenimo sąlygos, ypač žmonių, kurie jau patiria didelės taršos poveikį. Todėl vertinant projektus reikia atsižvelgti į socialinius, aplinkosaugos ir ekonominius aspektus.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už Europos Parlamento rezoliuciją dėl Europos socialinių teisių ramsčio. Europos socialinis modelis turi daug nacionalinių variantų ir kiekviena šalis turi savo ypatumų, kurie atspindi istorinę raidą ir subsidiarumo principą. Vis dėlto globalizacijos ir technologinių pokyčių sąlygomis ES valstybių narių tarpusavio priklausomybė yra itin didelė, ypač turint omenyje bendrą valiutą, ir jos gali užtikrinti plačius sluoksnius apimančią piliečių gerovę tik veikdamos drauge. Taigi Europos socialinis modelis gali būti bendras projektas, kurio pagrindinis tikslas yra didėjanti socialinė konvergencija: nuolatinis visų ES šalių gyventojų gerovės didinimas, grindžiamas tvariu ir integraciniu ekonomikos augimu. Manau, kad Europos socialinis modelis turi būti paremtas lygiomis galimybėmis bei veiksmingos konkurencijos skatinimu, kuri yra svarbus ekonomikos augimo ramstis.

2016/11/22

Balsavau už EP rezoliuciją dėl su ES muitinės kodekso įgyvendinimu susijusių problemų sprendimo. Pritariu siūlymui dėti daugiau pastangų kuriant vienodesnius elektroninius muitinių reikalavimus ir rizikos vertinimo programas ES lygmeniu per Sąjungos muitinės kodekse nurodytą laiką, siekiant užtikrinti, kad prekių atvežimas į ES, tranzitas ir išvežimas iš ES būtų užregistruotas kuo veiksmingiau (kartu nekenkiant saugumui), tarpusavyje sujungiant valstybių narių sistemas. Taip pat svarbu, kad būtų sukurta darni elektroninė sistema, grindžiama tokiu pat duomenų modeliu ir bendromis judėjimo sistemomis. Pritariu nuostatai, kad Komisija šioje srityje turėtų imtis iniciatyvių veiksmų, pirmiausia taikydama bendrą finansavimą, kad būtų galima užtikrinti IT sistemų tobulinimą ir suderinamumą su kitomis sveikatos ir veterinarijos sertifikatų IT sistemomis. Suvienodintos muitinių elektroninės sistemos žymiai prisidės prie efektyvesnės prekybos, bus naudingos ES verslininkams, nes muitinių procedūros vyks greičiau ir sklandžiau.

2016/11/22

205 Written explanations of Laima Liucija ANDRIKIENĖ

ParlTrack - 2011-2024