[ParlTrack]

I voted in favour of the InvestEU Programme. Built on the successes of EFSI, InvestEU combines several EU financial instruments to better target and maximise the impact of EU investment on the ground. Through four policy windows (sustainable infrastructure, research innovation and digitalisation, SMEs and social investments), InvestEU will produce more that EUR 500 billion of investments in the EU with an EU guarantee of EUR 40.8 billion in current prices, of which almost EUR 16 billion is provisioned in the 2021-2027 EU budget. The final adoption and budget of this regulation depend on the agreement that will be reached for the 2021-2027 MFF.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am in favour of this proposal, which will help to ensure that innovation, research and technological change bring benefits to all. The S&D Group fought to address the scientific and technological divide while maintaining excellence as a core principle of the programme, and made sure that at least 35% of the total budget under this programme is allocated to support the EU’s climate objectives and we also pushed for a proper support for social sciences and humanities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this programme, which is the first dedicated-programme to finance actions in the field of digital and in particular areas that are going to be revolutionary and will change our lives such artificial intelligence or High Super Computing. Europe has to urgently reinforce its industrial capacities to be able to be less dependent on other regions in the world like the US or China that are well ahead and therefore increase our autonomy and to be less economically dependent on them but also be free to do it according to our own values and in respect of human rights, privacy and leaving no one behind.

2016/11/22

I support this regulation, which aim to respond to the issue of terrorist content found online by giving rules and procedures for its deletion/disabling access to it, as well as fines for non-execution of orders. The proposal also stipulates safeguards to fundamental rights, specifically to freedom of speech, that need to be taken into account when implementing these processes, as well as the procedures for redress for wrongful deletions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this directive, as it is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. I welcome this increased protection for millions of European workers, especially for those on the most precarious short-term or on-demand contracts. We cannot accept labour systems that leave millions without security or a guaranteed income, and are therefore glad that Member States will have to restrict the use of zero—hour contracts.

2016/11/22

I strongly support this new European Labour Authority (ELA), and believe that it will play an essential role in ending labour exploitation, ensuring fair worker mobility and tackling undeclared work in Europe. It is not enough to draft good legislation at European level. It is also necessary to ensure that it is properly implemented, applied and enforced afterwards. ELA is an important instrument in this context.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this new proposal, which will help to face the increase mixed migratory flows in 2015 and 2016 has put under pressure on migration, asylum and border management systems, especially in those Member States located at the European Union’s external borders, revealing the structural limitations of European Union policy in the field of migration and showing the need for a coordinated and effective European response.

2016/11/22

I voted in four of this report. The Creative Europe is the only EU direct programme for the cultural, creative and audiovisual sectors. Like in the previous period, the programme proposed by the Commission in May 2018 is divided into CULTURE strand, MEDIA strand and CROSS sectoral strand: (Policymaking, cross cutting activities, programme desks etc.) The programme mainly funds cross border cooperation projects, but also some Prizes and initiatives such as the European Capitals of Culture. The EC proposes a budget of 1.8 billion. I strongly support the EP proposal of doubling the current programme budget, to better cover new actions and priorities, and to raise the success rate among beneficiaries.

2016/11/22

I support this report. Erasmus is one of the most successful EU programmes and it must keep growing. Over the last seven years it allowed for four million people to benefit from learning and mobility opportunities, but we expect that this number will grow to at least 12 million people in the next seven years. The Commission’s proposal to double the budget is not enough. Only by tripling the budget will we be able to deliver our promises to make the new Erasmus+ more inclusive and fully accessible. We also demand Europe-wide strategy to foster inclusiveness. The new Erasmus+ must be truly open for everyone and encourage the participation of everyone in the society.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this proposal. The aim of these tax arrangements is to offset the handicaps affecting those territories (remoteness, raw-material and energy dependence, small market size and low level of export activity), to support their social and economic development and to make local businesses competitive again by compensating part of the extra production costs entailed by local production in the French outermost regions.

2016/11/22

I support this instrument. IPA financing for cross-border cooperation with the EU members states under the European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) should be limited and monitored to safeguard a more balanced co-contribution. This would ensure that it does not replace, but rather complements and encourages existing or potential cooperation between and among IPA beneficiaries under the thematic priorities established in the Annex III..

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of granting discharge to the Commission for 2017. I welcome the positive trend of continuing decreases in the error rate for payments determined by the Court in recent years, reaching an all-time low level of 2.4% in 2017.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The discharge procedure gives Parliament the opportunity to look at the accounts and annual spending and I am pleased that we were again able to vote in favour of discharge, taking into account the official report by the Court of Auditors which declared all spending legal and regular. It also gives us the opportunity to examine and vote on other issues of importance to the day-to-day functioning of Parliament. I voted in favour of more transparency of Members’ allowances, called for fairer conditions for staff and voted in favour of a single seat in order to save money and increase efficiency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The report is in large part the result of the work of the AFCO working group on the revision of the Rules, in particular the transparency of MEPs’ meetings with interest representatives. For instance, members should publish online all scheduled meetings with interest representatives falling under the scope of the Transparency register. Rapporteurs, shadow rapporteurs and committee chairs shall publish online all scheduled meetings with interest representatives falling under the scope of the Transparency register. The Bureau shall provide the necessary infrastructure on Parliament’s website.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which allows Parliament to make recommendations on improving EU action to protect its own resources, especially through the work of OLAF and its follow-up. This report points out that the cooperation agreements between OLAF and the EPPO should ensure the clear separation of powers in order to avoid double structures, conflicting competences and legal loopholes that arise through a lack of competences.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of this annual own-initiative report on the control of the financial activities of the EIB, which is an expression of the Parliament’s role of democratic control and surveillance of the EIB.It reiterates the call of the Parliament to the EIB to report on the state of play and the status of the Parliament’s recommendations from its previous resolutions, with regard to: a) the impact of the EIB lending activities and results achieved; b) the prevention of conflict of interests of the members of the EFSI Investment Committee and provision of more stringent rules on conflicts of interest in the relevant Codes of Conduct of the Management Board and Board of Directors; c) the transparency and disclosure of information on contracting and subcontracting systems concerning intermediaries and final recipients in relation to the prevention of tax avoidance, fraud and corruption.

2016/11/22

I supported this proposal because it will put in place procedures for financial measures through the European Union budget where abuses of rule of law take place in Member States.

2016/11/22

I supported this report, which calls for a combination of legal and voluntary measures involving the Commission, Member States and business associations with a view to improving payment practices.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported the report because it aims to provide people who have lost their jobs with new opportunities through the establishment of the European transition fund. Due to technological developments, climate change and globalisation the employment landscape will continue to change. Often the most vulnerable people are directly affected. With this new fund, we are well prepared to help more people re-integrate into new jobs, including by providing them with proper training.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support this report, as it is important to ensure that children, young people and those suffering from material deprivation are taken care of and provided with opportunities to reach their potential. To this end, our Group has put forward a new instrument to tackle the multidimensional aspects of child poverty called the European child guarantee, with a dedicated budget of EUR 5.9 billion.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because European territorial cooperation works to bring Europe closer together, by removing borders and red tape. It aims to make living side by side without regard for borders an everyday reality. EUR 11.2 billion has been allocated for the years 2021 to 2027 for the scope of cross-border-thinking, which is of the utmost importance in this era of growing nationalism.

2016/11/22

I support the InvestEU programme, which offers an EU budget guarantee of EUR 38bn to support access to finance through the European Investment Bank, national and regional promotional banks, with partners also contributing to an estimated additional EUR 9.5 billion. This is an important attempt under the 2021-27 MFF legislative programme to simplify and make more flexible the EU’s investment support offer.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which underlines the major concerns with regards to migration, rule of law, women’s rights, freedom of expression, discrimination and the mandate of the Fundamental Rights Agency. It is only by placing the well-being of the people and respect for 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.

2016/11/22

I support this report. Gender mainstreaming helps to promote the integration of a gender perspective into the content of the different policies. EU policies should be designed to benefit boys and girls, and men and women, as well as all other gender identities equally.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of this report, which calls for support from the European Commission to Member States to help increase administrative capacity and improve governance, such as via e-tools, increasing also citizens’ access to public services.

2016/11/22

Lyme borreliosis is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans through tick bites. If left untreated it can affect the skin, nervous or musculoskeletal system, leading in some cases to permanent damage. The S&D has called for increased efforts to tackle the spreading of the disease to humans and to improve early treatment through awareness—raising measures, the development of appropriate guidelines, and by ensuring sufficient financing for research that can improve the detection and treatment of Lyme disease.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls on the European Commission to put forward a legislative proposal establishing a European Humanitarian Visa. This visa would give access to European territory for the sole purpose of submitting an application for international protection. Humanitarian visas will help to address the intolerable death toll in the Mediterranean and on the migration routes to the EU. It will help to combat human smuggling and to better manage arrivals, reception and the processing of asylum claims.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of this report, as it calls for the EU and Member States to refocus their efforts on education, increase their spending and update their policies to make sure that we meet our collective goal for every child to have free access to full primary and secondary education by 2030.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I firmly support this report because the S&D Group and Labour MEPs are strongly committed to improving EU energy efficiency targets. Energy efficiency is a fundamental part of the transition to a more sustainable EU energy mix and to achieving our Paris Climate Agreement goals. It is crucial for the competitiveness of our industries that energy efficiency targets are strong and binding. Furthermore, improved energy efficiency targets will secure a better quality of life for those who already experience or are at risk of energy poverty.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it commits the European Union to a significantly higher 2030 target for renewable energy within the Energy Union, in line with the Paris Agreement. This is crucial legislation which will support the development and integration of renewable energy into our energy mix, and will mean that high-polluting biofuels will be phased out and industry will be forced to innovate towards more advanced biofuels. This will also mean strong measures to support self-generation among consumers and the growth of renewable energy communities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that calls for a more unified approach to tackling fraud cases in third countries. We must ensure that EU funds are spent effectively, on projects which warrant EU support.

2016/11/22

I support this revision as it aims to provide a better, more tailored supply of veterinary medicines while ensuring a high level of public and animal health, tackling antimicrobial resistance and protecting the environment.

2016/11/22

I back this legislation because it will deliver cleaner air for our cities by putting zero-emission buses on our streets. Public authorities should be at the forefront of the transition to zero-emission mobility, setting an example for the rest of the economy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ More than 700 000 plastic bottles are littered in the UK every day, many of which end up in our oceans. New sources of plastic leakage, such as single-use plastic products and microplastics, are on the rise, posing new potential threats to animal and human health. I support efforts to reduce plastic waste and with legislation to reduce single-use plastics, the European Union will be the first in the world to adopt a blueprint to put an end to plastic litter, both on land and sea.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I am in favour of the Commission’s proposals regarding transparency. More information relating to the financial flows in water supply companies is needed, including information on annual profits and shareholder dividends.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal because addressing youth unemployment is a priority. The Youth Unemployment Initiative provides support to young people living in regions where youth unemployment is higher than 25%. It helps Member States implement measures to ensure that young people receive a quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within 4 months of leaving school or being unemployed.

2016/11/22

I fully support the alignment of environmental reporting obligations, which will make environmental reporting simpler and will provide more transparency to NGOs and the public.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as the EU 2020 strategy on and growth highlights the need for inclusive growth, which empowers citizens through employment, investing in skills, fighting poverty and modernising labour markets and social protection. The Employee Financial Participation (EFP) offers a tangible means in this respect by involving workers more in the decision—making of the companies they work for, helping to strengthen their skills and employability, ensuring a share of the financial benefits and fighting capital concentration and creating jobs. The EFP also has the potential to stabilise the European economy as a whole, as well as decrease wealth inequality.

2016/11/22

The EU enjoys longstanding relations with Yemen which date back to July 1998, when the relationship was formalised with the entry into force of a cooperation agreement focused on commercial, development and economic issues, setting the basis for a long-term commitment between the EU and Yemen.The start of the crisis in 2015 had a strong impact on the previous cooperation. The EU Delegation was evacuated and has been operating from Amman, Jordan since 2017.I voted in favour of this report because is important to promote a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. I support mediation by the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy to Yemen. The Yemeni people have suffered enough, and we call on all sides to immediately meet their responsibilities.

2016/11/22

I support this report. Increased trade flows in the context of globalisation and new technologies (e.g. online commerce) intensify the need to cooperate effectively in custom matters. Therefore, the EU needs more standardisation, harmonisation and cooperation among national administrations and Member States to reduce customs fraud. I note that the EU has, unfortunately, so far only concluded agreements on mutual legal assistance with a few third countries, such as Japan, the US, Norway and Liechtenstein, despite the fact that it is suspected that funds are also transferred to other jurisdictions. The Commission must encourage efforts to reach agreements with third countries receiving EU funding.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Union value added tax (or EU VAT) is a value added tax on goods and services within the European Union (EU). The EU’s institutions do not collect the tax, but EU Member States are each required to adopt a value added tax that complies with the EU VAT code. I am in favour of this proposal, as it is a vital step towards reducing cross-border VAT fraud. Further simplification of the rules make compliance easier for all parties.

2016/11/22

I strongly support these measures, which allow Member States to react quickly and detect cases of VAT fraud. The Quick Reaction Mechanism measure allows Member States to designate the recipient as the person liable for payment of VAT on specific supplies of goods and services to combat sudden and massive fraud liable to lead to considerable and irreparable financial losses. We must track down and clamp down on fraudsters and criminals who steal tax revenues for their own gain.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of redeploying funds to support humanitarian aid and to fund additional actions linked to the Central Mediterranean migratory route. The S&D group tabled an amendment highlighting the importance of full respect of international human rights standards with regard to the treatment of migrants, which I fully support. The report notes that any decision related to IPA II funding in Turkey should not be made to the detriment of Union support to Turkish civil society, which should be further increased. It also insists on the need to apply workable solutions along the Central Mediterranean migratory route, in cooperation with relevant international, national or regional authorities, and fully respecting international human rights standards with regard to the treatment of migrants.

2016/11/22

I support the final text as agreed in the interinstitutional negotiations. It will pool together national and European-level information, procedures and assistance services into a single entry point on the ‘Your Europe’ portal, through which citizens can easily find and access what they need. The gateway will be user-friendly and multilingual, and will also help start-ups and SMEs looking to start operating in other EU Member States. Thanks to the S&D group’s efforts, the gateway will cover a broader range of information and procedures than those the Commission originally suggested.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which states that the situation in Hungary presents a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values. The report asks the Council to investigate the situation and provide appropriate recommendations to Hungary in this regard.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which takes stock of EU-US relations. No matter how much damage President Trump causes and how much he undermines the transatlantic relationship, the report emphasises that we cannot allow him to poison the important relationship between the US and Europe - a pillar of global peace, security and free trade. Europe must work hard to defend its interests while anticipating a time when Trump is no longer President.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because exceptional circumstances sometimes require flexibility and in this case, special measures played an important role in sustaining the Greek economy at a time of stretched financial liquidity. We have to bear in mind that the primary goal of the EU cohesion policy is to bring added value to public and private funding. In that sense, exceptional measures like the one foreseen in Regulation 2015/1839 can be justified only on an exceptional basis.

2016/11/22

We must support border regions, which generally perform less well economically than other regions within a Member States, by reducing the complexity, length and costs of cross-border interaction and promoting the pooling of services along internal borders.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the agreement in order to kick-start this initiative, which will give young people the chance to take part in projects that will benefit communities across Europe. This programme is an important step in the process to strengthen solidarity in Europe, and Parliament negotiators secured within the programme a wide range of activities and actions, such as solidarity, education, health, environmental protection, disaster prevention, provision of food and non-food items as well as reception and integration of migrants and asylum seekers. Priority will be given to non-profit activities, which is key.

2016/11/22

The Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP), which provides tailor-made assistance for implementation of structural reforms for the period 2017-2020, has a budget of EUR 142.8 million. However, the Commission received so many requests that they needed to be prioritised and some requests were not selected for funding.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this file because the Euratom Programme will strengthen the research and innovation framework in the nuclear field and will also coordinate Member States’ research efforts, thereby avoiding duplication, retaining critical mass in key areas and ensuring public funding is used in an optimal way.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The extent of multilingualism is one of the greatest assets of cultural diversity in Europe and, at the same time, one of the most significant challenges for the creation of a truly integrated EU, in particular with the development of language technology that supports not only spoken languages but also sign languages. I supported the report as it reflects a commitment to promoting multilingualism and to tackling the deepening digital divide between widely used and less-used languages.

2016/11/22

I strongly support this report. Labour MEPs want a more sustainable and ecological circular economy both for our environment and to ensure quality green jobs and a more sustainable and fair economic system. We are in favour of a ‘circular economy’ as one of the five policy goals for the next cohesion policy 2021-2027.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of this report. The objective of the proposed Macro Financial Assistance is to help the Ukraine cover part of its additional external financing needs in 2018-2019, reducing the economy’s short-term balance-of-payment and fiscal vulnerabilities. In addition, EU assistance could provide incentives to step up Ukraine’s reform efforts by agreeing with the Ukrainian authorities a Memorandum of Understanding setting out a package of measures supporting economic adjustment and structural reforms.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome this report which calls for stronger and better relations between the EU and NATO, underlining that the two institutions have different roles and should complement each other. It recognises that although the EU is taking on a security role, the main responsibility for collective defence remains with NATO. In order to ensure that the EU’s and NATO’s responsibility and obligations do not overlap, the two institutions must work closely together and the report welcomes progress made in this area already. As Britain moves close to leaving the EU, it is imperative that the EU maintains close relations with NATO and the UK, which will remain one of NATO’s most important members.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this important report which notes that while cyberspace offers tremendous opportunities it also brings some threats. In order to guarantee the security of our citizens, democracies and economies when dealing with the evolving risks and threats of cyber/hybrid attack/manipulation, we must be at the forefront of IT research and development / intelligence / civil protection / military innovation and applications – and ensure the very best cooperation and exchange among Member States and the EU institutions, as well as with NATO and our democratic and peace-loving allies around the globe.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because the blue economy development strategy and the financial and regulatory support for recreational fishery will help communities to diversify their income and their economies. From a Brexit perspective, it is very important to take into consideration the interests of recreational fishermen when establishing future regulations, so that they can have easy, fair and legal access to fishing sites and stocks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report because I am of the opinion that we must ensure people have the right to access quality education, taking into account different forms of learning including formal, informal, and lifelong learning, learning for sustainability, entrepreneurship and media literacy. I believe education must focus not only on economic growth but also on learners’ personal development, improved health and well-being. Finally, I welcome the report’s attention to the need, in a fast—growing world, to train the trainers and ensure proper support for teachers.

2016/11/22

The own initiative report on the protection of EU’s Financial Interests (PIF report) is voted annually to accompany the discharge process. I am in favour of this report, as it allows Parliament to make recommendations to improve the way the EU protects its own resources, especially through the work of OLAF.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this annual own-initiative report which is part of the discharge procedure and scrutinises the activities of the European Investment Bank for the year 2016. I would like to emphasise that it is crucial to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion in the EIB.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I have shown my support for this report; it is in the context of Article 9(7) of the Common Provisions Regulation and aims to assess the achievements and give an overview of the challenges, including in the post-2020 period. Furthermore, it seeks to close different divergence gaps within the EU and to build a strong single market for a more competitive Europe.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour on this report. Sustainability has a key role to play in the EU agriculture policies. The measures provided in this report offer a more streamlined set of rules for producers and more certainty for consumers of organic food in Europe. This legislation puts in place safeguards and opportunities which will help the EU’s organic sector to develop and expand further.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I strongly support the updating of the employment policy guidelines in light of the European Pillar of Social Rights. This revision of the employment guidelines provides a special focus on equal opportunities, fair working conditions as well as social protection and inclusion for all citizens.

2016/11/22

The EU provides direct funding (the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights) to CSOs operating in third countries to foster EU values, but funds for CSOs promoting values within the EU are very limited, particularly for CSOs operating at local and national level. Therefore, I support this proposal that stresses the need of setting up a European Values Instrument for the promotion and protection of EU values, especially democracy, freedom, rule of law and fundamental rights, within the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

2016/11/22

. ‒ As a member of Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand, I fully support this consensual report on the Framework Agreement with Australia as one of the EU’s closest friends and allies. It is important both for the EU and symbolically, at an international level. At a time of harsh international rivalry, mistrust and isolationist/populist temptations, and with the USA withdrawing from numerous multilateral agreements, the EU is ‘bucking the trend’ by confidently looking forward to even closer alliances with other like-minded nations.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of this new set of legislative proposals which revises four key directives of the Circular Economy Package. The proposals seek to break the make-use-dispose cycle and includes measures covering production, consumption and waste management through new, more ambitious recycling and reuse targets. It is crucial for the EU to lead a transition towards an economic model that reduces waste and promotes reuse, efficiency, durability and recycling. Furthermore, I fully support the binding targets on landfill, packaging and other waste, which include: recycling targets for urban waste of 55% in 2025, 60% in 2030 and 65% in 2035, a ceiling to limit landfilling to 10% of all waste for all Member States by 2035, recycling targets for general packaging waste of 65% by 2025 and 70% by 2030, and recycling targets for plastic packaging waste of 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030.

2016/11/22

I support this report which examines the mid-term review conducted by the Commission and reforms the current instrument architecture. Over the 2014-2020 MFF, the EU dedicated EUR 51.8 billion to external action. A large share of this funding, EUR 32 billion, is spent through the nine external financial instruments. It is important to increase the external action appropriations (Heading 4). The reform of the current instrument architecture aims to provide more flexibility, efficiency, coherence and responsiveness, and also increase cost-effectiveness, accountability, transparency and public oversight.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour on this proposal, as the revision of the regulation on funding for European parties and foundations will help the enhancement of the ‘Spitzenkandidat’ principle in the 2019 election by introducing more effective and democratic rules and by strengthening the focus on a true European dimension of the next campaign.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this directive because it encourages energy efficiency and will increase energy savings in the building sector. This report brings the existing rules up to date by taking into account recent technological developments with a clear outline of relevant national actions that contribute to the alleviation of energy poverty. Increasing the renovation of the EU’s building stock over the next few years to improve its energy performance is crucial. The new simplified framework will cover the speed, quality and effectiveness of building renovation, with the long-term aim of moving to the decarbonisation of buildings. As a result, the energy consumption of buildings in the EU, which currently accounts for 40% of total energy, will decrease, contributing significantly to reaching the EU’s 2020 and 2030 energy efficiency targets.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. Cohesion policy is the key public investment tool of the European Union, and represents one—third of the EU budget. We must fight for an inclusive, fair cohesion policy in order to create quality jobs for the wellbeing of citizens.

2016/11/22

I am in favour of updating and promoting the Europass. Over twelve years, more than 100 million Europass CVs have been created online, and with this single online portal, both recruiters and applicants will have easy access to available information that can be useful for job searches, applications, recruitment, the choice of education, training or career paths. To this end, the Europass online platform and tools will be more user-friendly and safer, available free of charge to all users, and accessible for persons with disabilities.

2016/11/22

The European Union Youth Orchestra is the only organisation of its kind that brings together young people from all 28 EU Member States every year to work together culturally and artistically at the highest levels of excellence. The amended regulation aims at ensuring its financial survival until 2020, given its unique institutional nature and its history. However, it is important for the sustainability of the organisation that it diversifies its revenues and increases its visibility, and ensures full transparency in its selection process. We must also ensure that we use this opportunity to debate the role of arts and culture in order to develop Europe and provide funding in a stable and coherent manner under the future Creative Europe programme. I voted in favour of the proposed text, as I believe that it reflects this approach.

2016/11/22

The report sketches out the broad priorities of the European Parliament during the budget process for 2019. It supports the priorities such as Horizon2020, COSME, YEI and Erasmus+. Therefore, I am glad to show my support for this report.

2016/11/22

This report sets out Parliament’s position on the future of EU finances. I voted in favour of the report because it sets the right priorities by calling for more funds for programmes such as the research programme, the successor programme to Horizon 2020, the student exchange programme Erasmus+ and more funds to tackle youth unemployment.

2016/11/22

The Annual Growth Survey of 2018 shows positive signs of recovery for Europe’s economy with stable growth, falling rates of unemployment and improvement in investment and public finances. I welcome the new impetus given to social policies in the European Semester and would like emphasise that this must translate into investment in education, youth and culture policies.

2016/11/22

I welcome and support this agreement. The EU and New Zealand are close partners. This agreement will foster that partnership by providing practical arrangements between the administrations, which secure global supply chains and facilitate the fight against customs fraud.

2016/11/22

I supported this proposal, which is an important element of the Digital Single Market strategy in supporting e-commerce growth as part of a modern and fair social Europe. The new regulations proposed in this report will allow consumers and companies, in particular SMEs, to buy and sell products and services online more easily and confidently across the EU. It will apply to all the major players in the parcel industry, including UK parcel delivery service providers, e-commerce and large multinational companies, and will in principle affect over four billion parcels, which are ordered online and delivered annually.

2016/11/22

Only one in five of current EU FTAs make a reference to women’s rights, and only two out of five include references aiming to promote gender equality. I voted in favour of this report as gender equality is one of our priorities. This report intents to provide the Commission with a series of recommendations to improve gender equality. It calls for Trade and Sustainable Development chapters in EU trade agreements to include gender quality, as well as the inclusion of a gender chapter in all trade agreements with reference to international standards.

2016/11/22

The 47 lagging regions in eight EU Member States are of two types: ‘low-income’ and ‘low-growth’ regions. Around one in six EU residents live in a lagging region. Against this context, this report emphasises the need to apply tailor-made strategies, programmes and actions to suit the need of different lagging regions in order to stimulate their economic growth and sustainable development. Therefore, I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

I am voting in favour of this report because I support the fight for mandatory climate targets for Member States. It is important that we take the lead on working towards sustainable growth and green jobs for Europe.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report and I believe the UK must continue to maintain the closest possible relationship with the European Investment Bank if it leaves the EU. The report calls for urgent clarification of the impact of Brexit on the EIB, in particular the UK’s contributions and future economic participation, and also says that the EIB is right to make investment in UK projects contingent on assurances that investment eligibility criteria, notably on environmental standards, will be met for the full duration of such investments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the revision of the agreement on relations between the European Parliament and the European Commission (to lay down provisions governing when Commissioners stand in EP elections). The agreement covers the political responsibilities of the Commission’s President, the ways in which both institutions interact to exchange information, the rules on concluding international agreements, how Parliament feeds into the Commission’s Work Programme and the different ways the Commission participates in parliamentary proceedings.

2016/11/22

I support the resolution on fighting discrimination of EU citizens belonging to minorities in the EU Member States. This resolution calls on the Member States to ensure that their legal systems guarantee that persons belonging to a minority, including LGBTI persons, are not discriminated against. The Parliament condemns any discriminatory treatment by public officials of persons belonging to minorities and suggests that the competent authorities make use of the measures in place for reporting and, where necessary, sanctioning cases of discrimination.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Every day, 6 000 girls fall victim to the horrible practice of genital mutilation, nearly a quarter of them under the age of 14. This barbaric practice is known to cause lifelong physical and psychological pain.Parliament has tabled an oral question to the Commission requesting a progress report on the issue. The key to success is mainstreaming the prevention of female genital mutilation into all relevant policy areas and ensuring that the EU works hand in hand with Member States, the UN, NGOs and other partners.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this directive which aims to enhance the cost-effectiveness of emission reductions and low-carbon investments. The ETS was the first of its kind worldwide and remains the largest international trading system for greenhouse gas emissions globally, covering around 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Parliament’s report on the European Central Bank’s annual report for 2016 which highlights the high level of unemployment still present in some Member States, the need for more transparency in the ECB purchase policy and a calls for wage increases. GDP growth in the euro area has been stable but modest, yet favourable compared to previous years and following a steady path, standing at 2% in 2015 and 1.8% in 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on accelerating clean energy innovation because I believe accelerating the transition to a low-carbon competitive economy is both an urgent necessity and a tremendous opportunity for Europe and the European Union can and should play a decisive role in this transition. The report acknowledges the tremendous impact that the energy transition will have on employment in some regions of the European Union and underlines the need to support these regions in the development of inclusive, local and just transition strategies and in addressing societal, socio-economic and environmental impacts. Furthermore, it calls on the Commission, the Member States and relevant authorities to identify best practices in addressing households in energy poverty, which is an issue that S&D and Labour MEPs have worked hard to include.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which examines how EU macro-regional strategies can construct a platform to improve cross-sectoral coordination. In future, we must ensure these strategies are implemented effectively, ensure participating countries invest enough and focus on making results measurable.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which intends to bring technical measures under one piece of legislation, reducing unwanted catches and limiting the effects of fishing gear on vulnerable species and ecosystems, primarily through a process of simplification and regionalisation, using ‘performance indicators’ to monitor progress over time.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which proposes the development of a UNFCC Gender Action Plan to ensure women’s participation in decision-making on climate change. We must commit to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the institutional process, both at EU and Member State level.

2016/11/22

I and my Socialist and Democrat colleagues abstained in the vote on the 2018 Budget. We felt that the European Council had failed to negotiate seriously around the priorities of the Parliament and hope that the Council will respond positively at the next negotiations. By abstaining, rather than voting against the budget, we allowed the 2018 budget to be adopted including increased allocations for Labour priorities such as Horizon 2020, Erasmus+, COSME, security, the Youth Employment Initiative and the EU Europol Agency, for which we have argued throughout the process.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the resolution on this point because New Zealand is one of the EU’s closest friends and allies anywhere in the world.At a time of harsh international rivalry, mistrust and populist temptations, and with the US withdrawing from numerous multilateral agreements, the EU is bucking the trend by confidently looking forward to an even closer alliance with other like-minded nations, like New Zealand.

2016/11/22

. – This report has taken a balanced position on issues of security and immigration, as well as including a much—needed progressive commitment to economic and social development in Africa. It is important that we support these developments if we are to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.

2016/11/22

. – This report has taken a balanced position on issues of security and immigration, as well as including a much needed progressive commitment to economic and social development in Africa. It is important that we support these developments if we are to reach the Sustainable Development Goals.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, which received broad support in the TRAN Committee. The adoption of this initiative report calls for new cars to be fitted as standard with a range of life-saving technologies, including automated emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and intelligent seatbelt reminders in all seats. Mandatory safety standards for new cars sold on the European market have not been updated since 2009 and, even though there has been progress over a longer timeframe, a 6.7% year-to-year reduction was needed over the 2010-2020 period to reach the EU 2020 target. Unfortunately, for the third year in a row, the UK remained among the countries that saw an increase in its figures on road accidents and no significant efforts were made to register a drop in the number of road deaths. As a result of the failure to reduce deaths at the pace required, significant and urgent efforts are now needed for the EU to stay on track.

2016/11/22

. – I voted to support the growth of e-commerce and to tackle widespread infringements of consumer law in the EU. This requires efficient tools for cooperation between the enforcers of consumer law. The rules and tools need to be fit for the digital age to ensure that consumers can shop with confidence online, including across borders. The reform of the CPC Regulation is key to empower consumers by giving the national authorities far-reaching powers, including the power to impose fines and penalty payments, and to order the trader to compensate consumers who suffered harm as a consequence of the infringement including, amongst others, monetary compensation.Our political group stands firmly behind consumer rights and fully supports this report; this swift agreement on an important piece of legislation will be a crucial piece in the puzzle of ensuring strong and enforceable consumer rights for everyone in the EU.

2016/11/22

. – With my Socialist and Labour colleagues I voted in favour of this report because it would highlight the importance of cohesion policy measures as they are often the main provisions that address demographic challenges at the regional and local levels and often complement national and regional strategies.

2016/11/22

After resounding support for this proposal in the Committee on Transport and Tourism, I am happy to report that I voted in favour of the report today in plenary. This regulatory fitness check of the EU legislation on passenger ship safety proposes to amend the requirements set out in Directive 98/41/EC for counting and registering passengers and crew on board passenger ships, and to remove any overlap in reporting obligations or disproportionate requirements.

2016/11/22

This report was excellent work by my good friend Gilles Pargneaux. I voted in favour of it because I believe that climate change is one of the most important challenges for mankind and that all states and all players worldwide need to do their utmost to limit the problems. The Paris Agreement is a major step in that direction. However, much more still needs to be done. At the same time, the efforts to fight climate change should not be seen as an obstacle to striving for economic growth but should, on the contrary, be seen as a driving force in the realisation of new and sustainable economic growth and employment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which recognises that women’s economic empowerment is both the right thing to do and the intelligent thing to do. The report is calling not only for gender equality – a fundamental right – but also for a boost to economic growth and prosperity. Member States need to step up to the mark and introduce concrete legislation to tackle the pay gap and to enable women to participate in the labour market on a truly equal footing.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I believe that a strong, independent civil society is an indispensable element of a functioning democracy and a vital tool for the protection and promotion of human rights and development. I am, along with my Socialist and Democratic colleagues, extremely concerned at the increasing measures in some countries to restrict the operations of NGOs and exclude them, often aggressively, from public life. I remain committed to supporting CSOs in developing countries and assisting governments and local authorities to develop robust and inclusive mechanisms for formalising the role of civil society in political processes. Civil society actors, including human rights defenders and development NGOs, must always have the space to operate free from intimidation, harassment, violence and undue bureaucratic burdens, and we will continue to press the Commission, EEAS and Member States to prioritise this in external policy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which, at its core, states that cybersecurity strategies need to be based on fundamental rights and freedoms, rapid information exchange on the identification of and mitigation of cyber threats between Union, state and private actors. This will ensure that the common systems are resilient and both businesses and citizens are made aware of potential threats and ways to secure their digital environments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because there are 80 million disabled persons in the EU and their numbers could reach up to 120 million by 2020 mostly due to the aging of the population of Europe. We need to improve the EU-wide accessibility of products and services to ensure the inclusiveness of our society. Many activities that we take for granted still remain inaccessible to people with disabilities and people with functional limitations.

2016/11/22

I voted to support this report, following my Socialist and Democratic colleagues in calling for this important contribution to the creation of the capital market union (CMU). The implementation of these proposals will move the CMU towards a more integrated internal market, with access to capital and funding for companies, big and small, in all Member States.

2016/11/22

This report outlines the political priorities for the EU’s relations with India. I voted in favour of it as it advocates for a much-needed strengthened partnership between what are the two largest democracies in the world. It is vital that we use this opportunity to tackle areas of common concern such as climate change, global peace and stability and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Labour colleagues and I join the Parliament in calling on both sides to tap into the potential of relations between the EU, as the world’s leading trading bloc, and India, which tops the leader boards of the fastest growing major economies. Such a relationship can result in a better strategy to deal with the fight against poverty, creating jobs and growth and advance gender equality and women’s rights.

2016/11/22

Today I voted to support this report which recognises the crucial role that forest management has in combating climate change. All sectors must contribute to the overall EU emissions reduction target, but in the case of forest management it should be measured using a more scientifically objective approach and not allow countries to hide the impact of policies that actually increase emissions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as Labour MEPs had fought incredibly hard to place the issues of tackling youth unemployment at the forefront of EU policy. I welcome this budget proposal, which calls for additional resources to support young people to find a good-quality offer of employment, continued education and/or apprenticeships.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which is critical in the current regime of arms exports. In line with the report, I hope that we can find a means to make the system for the export of arms more efficient and better coordinated across the EU. It was in 2008 that the Council agreed to a Common Position on the Export of Arms from EU Member States. In this position, eight criteria are listed which must be met in order to export arms to third countries. Only when all eight criteria have been met should a Member State grant an export licence.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as I believe that every European should be able to benefit from Wi-Fi connectivity, no matter where they live or how much they earn. I echo the message from my Labour colleague Theresa Griffin: this is about the internet of people, not things.

2016/11/22

I supported this report, as it represents a big step towards strengthening the EU’s energy security. For the first time, the solidarity principle will apply. In the case of a serious gas supply crisis, EU countries will have to help their neighbours out in order to prevent Europeans from being left without a heating supply in cold weather.As gas covers around a quarter of the EU’s energy demands and more than two thirds of the EU’s gas is imported, securing gas supply is a priority. Although EU countries had taken some steps after the gas crises of 2006 and 2009, some countries still remained vulnerable to supply disruptions. Closer regional cooperation among Member States on preventive and emergency measures is the best way to ensure security of gas supply.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and girls and I am pleased to see that it passed with such a clear majority. The accession of the EU to this Convention will hopefully provide a coherent legal framework to combat violence against women. The adoption of this report – which has been backed by all Labour MEPs – demonstrates that we must have an absolute zero tolerance of gender-based violence. I wish for a swift ratification by all Member States without any reservations.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Today Labour MEPs voted in favour of suspending accession with Turkey if it goes ahead with constitutional reforms that threaten the rule of law and the separation of powers. Importantly, this report makes it clear that if accession talks are suspended, any accession funding that the EU currently provides should go directly to the NGOs and civil-society organisations that are under threat in an increasingly authoritarian Turkey.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The proposal will bring together a new European Fund for Sustainable Development Guarantee Fund and existing tools into a single fund designed to boost investment in Africa and the Neighbourhood and to help tackle the root causes of the migration crisis.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impact virtually every aspect of the EU’s work. The SDGs represent not only a blueprint for a better society and world, but essential elements – deliverable through practical and measurable action – for achieving better and more equal health outcomes, greater well-being among citizens, higher overall prosperity, action against climate change and the conservation of the environment for future generations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it is important that the social and economic rights of citizens in the outermost regions of the EU are respected and that we address the challenges faced by these regions because of their remoteness, insularity, small size, difficult topography and climate, and economic dependence on a few products.

2016/11/22

Today I voted I favour of this recommendation as Cuba is a country of great strategic interest to the EU. Europe needed to establish this agreement to complete the map of its relations with Latin America. Cuba is no longer an exception.

2016/11/22

Labour MEPs support measures in the fight against fraud and corruption, and ensuring that cross-border VAT fraud can be tackled more rigorously and that the financial interests of the EU will be better protected. Although we usually focus on fraud in expenditure, it is also important we take actions against fraud in revenue

2016/11/22

Today I voted in favour of the mandate for the trilogue. ‘New initiatives means fresh money’. Hence the EPLP’s insistence on having new projects or new political commitments financed by additional resources without prejudice to existing programmes and without having recourse to flexibility instruments. The Commission proposal falls short of complying with this principle, notably for priorities expressed by Parliament and the Council such as growth and quality jobs or migration.

2016/11/22

Short and at times artificially short product lifetimes of goods are an issue faced by consumers throughout the EU. The European Parliament wants steps to be taken to take action to stop planned obsolescence. This report rightfully points out that the modern ‘use-and-dispose’ culture is not sustainable: we must move to a more sustainable economic models, and extending product lifetimes could have a key role to play. It calls for the European Union and the Member States to take ambitious action to support the design of more durable goods, easy repairs, and to encourage fair usage-based sales models.

2016/11/22

Labour MEPs voted in favour of the report, which addresses human rights violations in the context of war crimes, genocide and gender-based violence. The report reaffirms the support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) as well as urging the EU to engage more with third countries to stop human rights violations. We will now scrutinise the Commission in how it acts as a result of this report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it calls for better working conditions and for policies that encourage more stable forms of employment.It defines decent work as work that provides a living wage, respect of collective bargaining, workers’ participation in company matters, equal treatment of workers, workplace health and safety, social security protection for workers and their dependents, provisions on working and rest time, protection against dismissal, access to training and lifelong learning and support to work-life balance for all workers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution because the EFSI should finance projects in order to address market failures and support operations which could not have been carried out by the usual business of the EIB and other institutions. The report calls for the development of the investment platforms and the financing of small and medium-sized projects and for ensuring better complementarity with Structural Funds. There needs to be more transparency in the selection of projects. This INI report outlines the achievements as well as the shortcomings of the implementation of the EFSI programme after the first 1.5 years.

2016/11/22

This resolution calls for an adequate public minimum pension and for the Commission to do an impact assessment on the Country-specific recommendations on women’s pensions. This is necessary as the gender pension gap was at 39% in 2014. The resolution targets some of the core contributing factor of the gender pension gap, such as gender pay gap, labour market segregation, part time work, stereotypes, lack of facilities for a better work life balance and discrimination.

2016/11/22

Serbia has been in accession talks with the EU for several years and the country has been an official candidate since 2012. This has helped the EU to successfully provide stability in the Balkans. Through the accession talks, Serbia has made progress in areas such as the rule of law, although it still has significant work to do. Today, Labour voted in favour of a report supporting the Commission’s work on Serbia’s accession to the EU. EU membership has been, and continues to be, a vital tool in providing increased stability and prosperity in Serbia and the wider Balkan region.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this regulation, which will make choosing energy efficient appliances simpler for consumers. New energy labels will enhance consumers ability to choose products which use less energy, thus enabling citizens to participate in the fight against climate change and cut their energy bills.

2016/11/22

To be the European Capital of Culture is to be synonymous with urban sustainable regeneration, increased investment, quality job creation and long term local social and economic development. Most importantly, it changes the aura and vibrancy of a city. Designation indeed brought in millions of extra visitors and pounds to Glasgow in 1990 and Liverpool in 2008, contributing greatly to the regeneration of areas that Margaret Thatcher shamefully urged her government to abandon or leave ‘to rot’. These are great examples of the deep and positive transformations that such a title can bring to cities and more broadly to the regions around them. It is crucial that the UK is able to participate in the programme in 2023 and beyond, celebrating cultural heritage and innovation in Britain’s cities and demonstrating that we are still part of the European cultural family.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this regulation, because its objective is to contribute to building a society and an economy based on knowledge and innovation and to strengthen the scientific and technological basis and thus European competitiveness by leveraging additional national public and private R&D funding and by helping to attain the target of 3% of GDP for R&D by 2020. The UK has a leading position in the field of science; which the report acknowledges and states that it wishes the strong link with UK entities can continue.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report because I believe that there is a need to secure a resilient, sustainable and stable EU funding strategy to speed up economic recovery, boost employment and help certain economic sectors and less-developed regions catch up. Also, EIB should systematically pay attention to mid- and long-term economic, social and environmental effects when defining investment actions and its funding decisions, particularly with regard to cross-border aspects.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this legislative report because it will bring important changes to the fees that citizens all over Europe will pay to use their mobile phones while temporarily abroad. ‘Roam like at Home’ will significantly reduce the costs of using mobile phones when you travel abroad on holiday or for work. It will also be fair on telecoms operators too, with measures to ensure that those benefiting from the reduced tariffs while abroad really do habitually reside in the Member State that their SIM card is from.

2016/11/22

I voted with my Labour colleagues in favour of this resolution because Britain can be proud that it has a reputation as an honourable country that stands by its international commitments. Britain will rightly honour the financial commitments it has made while a member of the EU. To do anything else would not be the British way.We cannot prejudge what the final deal will be, but it appears UKIP is trying to tie the government’s hands. The UK may still wish to participate in some EU programmes, for example those that benefit students or keep our manufacturing jobs in the UK. The British people voted for Brexit but not to lose their jobs or to make themselves poorer.

2016/11/22

Labour MEPs have voted for better regulation of medical devices to prevent a repeat of scandals like the metal-on-metal hip replacements or PIP breast implants. The new law will strengthen requirements for medical devices and require high-risk devices to undergo additional, pre-market assessment. Stricter rules on post-market surveillance will ensure a faster response if there is a problem with a device and a new Unique Device Identification number will improve traceability and means patients will know what device they have been implanted with.

2016/11/22

With my Labour colleagues I voted in favour of this revision, because this revision of the MFF regulation brings additional flexibility of around EUR 2.7 billion and is a positive change as it will help to create more room for manoeuvre to tackle the current EU challenges/crises.The package includes a statement on reinforcements/‘top-ups’, which are combined with the obligation to cut existing EU programs in compensation for the proposed budgetary changes.This amending regulation does not break the MFF agreement, nor does it incur any further spending without an additional agreement of the Parliament and Council.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report because it calls for a more transparent, accessible budget to be published on the parliament’s website to enable all citizens to better understand the Parliament’s expenditure. It calls also for a revision on the rules on internal budgetary procedure to give MEPs the scrutiny power of spending proposals.The report calls for greater GEA transparency, including a precise list of expenses defrayable, and suggested transparency measures, including a section on the EP website for Members to publish their GEA records. The report also considers that the Parliamentary Assistance Allowance envelope should not be increased.

2016/11/22

With my Labour colleagues, I voted in favour of this report because the modified proposal will ensure that conflicts of interests are avoided in the future via a separation of responsibilities between type approval and market surveillance authorities. The report also sets clearer obligations on economic operators and reporting duties by national authorities and strengthens the quality and independence of technical tests. This in turn will help to prevent and avoid any future emission scandals with no more faulty products being sold to EU citizens.

2016/11/22

Labour MEPs backed calls for greater recognition of the experiences of women in rural areas who so often disproportionately face the consequences of poor services and infrastructure. Women in rural setting also face increased obstacles to secure and safe employment and are locked out of the resources needed to start their own businesses. Investment in women in rural areas, and the vital services, will do much to protect rural communities that are increasingly vulnerable and allow local economies to thrive, building on agricultural and other businesses.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. The objective of the regulation is to break the link between the trade and extraction of minerals and the financing of armed conflicts. Instead of banning imports from conflict-affected areas, the regulation aims to create a European market for responsibly traded minerals sourced from conflict regions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ As the geopolitical importance of the Arctic region is growing, with climate change effects and competition for natural resources bringing new environmental and security risks for the region and for the world, the EU should protect the fragile ecosystems and push to keep the Arctic an area of cooperation. That is why I supported this report.

2016/11/22

I voted for this report which welcomes the continued progress in Montenegro’s EU integration and calls on the Council to speed up the negotiations with the country. In particular, it encourages the opening and closing of further chapters in the accession negotiations in 2017 and calls on Montenegro to deliver concrete results, especially in the fields of the rule of law, justice and the fight against corruption and organised crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which aims to prevent, eliminate or reduce the level of health risks to humans, animals and plants which may arise along the entire food chain. This regulation is one of the most important pieces of legislation in the field of food safety in this legislature.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution. The text points out that the economic crisis and the measures to combat it have provoked economic migrations within the EU while the EU and Member States must successfully address the lack of employment opportunities and inadequate social protection in workers’ home regions in order to ensure that mobility is voluntary. It also calls for a better harmonisation of the interpretation of ‘habitual residence’.

2016/11/22

I supported the general guidelines for the preparation on the 2018 budget. Without increasing the current budget, the key points of the 2018 budget include: decent, quality and stable jobs, particularly for youth; economic growth and socio-economic convergence; the European Fund for Strategic Investments; migration; the External Investment Plan; EU Trust Funds; Facility for Refugees in Turkey; security; climate change; the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF); and own resources.

2016/11/22

With my Labour colleagues, we are committed to leading a transition towards an economic model that reduces waste and promotes re-use, efficiency, durability and recycling. We cannot continue with the existing paradigm. Around 600 million tonnes of waste are just thrown away in Europe, when they could be reinvested in the economy. It is a matter of sustainability, efficiency and ethics.It is only by setting ambitious targets and goals and giving Member States the instruments and tools to change attitudes and practices, that there will be any serious shift towards a more sustainable, resource efficient circular economy. Labour MEPs also support and voted for measures to halve food waste by 2030, along with a clear definition of food waste and a food waste hierarchy, as these are top priorities for Labour, which are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments and promoting an ambitious circular economy in Europe.

2016/11/22

With my Labour colleagues, we are committed to leading a transition towards an economic model that reduces waste and promotes re-use, efficiency, durability and recycling. We cannot continue with the existing paradigm. Around 600 million tonnes of waste are just thrown away in Europe, when they could be reinvested in the economy. It is a matter of sustainability, efficiency and ethics.It is only by setting ambitious targets and goals and giving Member States the instruments and tools to change attitudes and practices, that there will be any serious shift towards a more sustainable, resource efficient circular economy. Labour MEPs also support and voted for measures to halve food waste by 2030, along with a clear definition of food waste and a food waste hierarchy, as these are top priorities for Labour, which are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments and promoting an ambitious circular economy in Europe.

2016/11/22

With my Labour colleagues, we are committed to leading a transition towards an economic model that reduces waste and promotes re-use, efficiency, durability and recycling. We cannot continue with the existing paradigm. Around 600 million tonnes of waste are just thrown away in Europe, when they could be reinvested in the economy. It is a matter of sustainability, efficiency and ethics.It is only by setting ambitious targets and goals and giving Member States the instruments and tools to change attitudes and practices, that there will be any serious shift towards a more sustainable, resource efficient circular economy. Labour MEPs also support and voted for measures to halve food waste by 2030, along with a clear definition of food waste and a food waste hierarchy, as these are top priorities for Labour, which are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments and promoting an ambitious circular economy in Europe.

2016/11/22

With my Labour and Socialist colleagues I voted in favour of this report because gender equality is a fundamental principle and political objective of the EU, which should be translated into policies and spending. In certain policy areas, gender equality as a principal is well applied. In some cases EU funding is the only support that is aimed directly at women, whilst EU funds are some of the only funds in the UK that explicitly require involvement of and an analysis of the impact on women.This report is particularly significant as it recognises the value of gender funding but identifies key weaknesses and areas for improvement, specifically the guarantee of gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting in all EU budget titles and in all phases of EU projects.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because rabbits are the second—most—farmed livestock species in the European Union. However, there is not yet any specific EU legislation on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. This report calls on the Commission, to draw up a roadmap towards financially sustainable minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits; which should consist, as a minimum, of: a) the drafting of guidelines containing good practices and establishing animal welfare rules for rabbits; b) Commission recommendations.

2016/11/22

During its first two years (2014–2015), Creative Europe has supported 230 UK cultural and creative organisations and audiovisual companies, including from the gaming industry, as well as the cinema distribution of 84 UK films in other European countries with grants totalling €40 million. I voted in favour of the implementation report as I agree with the priorities it sets for the second half of the financing period, namely to improve access to the programme for small-scale organisations and grass-roots initiatives and projects, to elaborate qualitative monitoring criteria corresponding to the specific nature of the sectors and to further engage in simplification, especially in terms of application and reporting, as some great projects are discouraged from applying.

2016/11/22

So far 94 projects involving organisations from the UK have been funded through the Europe for Citizens programme. The Europe for Citizens programme is a key tool in order to strengthen a sense of European citizenship and belonging, to enhance solidarity, mutual tolerance and respect, to promote a better understanding of the EU, its origin and development, its values, its institutions and competences and to foster an active dialogue between EU citizens. I therefore voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The EU is an important destination for illegal wildlife products but also a crucial transit route. It must do its utmost to stamp out this awful trade which threatens endangered species and fragile ecosystems.The report stresses that robust provisions on wildlife protection should be negotiated in the trade and sustainable development chapters of all future EU free trade agreements, including provisions and commitments aimed at the proper implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements. It welcomes the close attention that has been paid to wildlife sustainability issues in the forthcoming EU trade agreement with Vietnam. Secondly, it emphasizes that existing EU measures must be implemented effectively, especially at member state level. All EU countries must take responsibility for this issue.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Labour MEPs voted in favour of the report as it is a key tool in the fight to prevent terrorism by responding to the phenomenon of aspiring or returning foreign fighters and lone actors or groups. It would do this by criminalising key preparatory acts, such as travelling abroad for terrorist purposes or terrorist recruitment. It also obliges Member States to exchange relevant information in relation to criminal proceedings on terrorist offences as soon as possible if the information can be used to prevent future attacks or assist other ongoing investigations or proceedings. In addition, it requires Member States to put in place emergency response systems in the event of an attack to ensure immediate help is given to victims and their families, for example through national websites and emergency support centres.

2016/11/22

Labour MEPs fully support increased security at the external borders of the Union carried out with respect for fundamental rights. It is essential that Member States make full use of measures such as the entry/exit system, which will enhance much—needed cooperation in the area of counter terrorism within the EU.

2016/11/22

I abstained from voting on this report because this report is about how the EU wants to deal with its future and we should not get in the way of that because of Brexit.

2016/11/22

I abstained from voting on this report because this report is about how the EU wants to deal with its future and we should not get in the way of that because of Brexit.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because the rapporteur observes that the key communication on projects should not be just about spending and bookkeeping, but also be targeted on European added value and visibility of successes of Europe. The report further insists that the communication on the ESI Funds should be modernised and intensified.

2016/11/22

Citizens have raised concerns throughout the CETA debate and the European Social Semocrats have responded quickly and effectively, securing unprecedented changes to the final text and solid guarantees on issues that are important to Labour voters.I have voted in favour of this trade agreement because CETA foresees a sustainable development chapter, which commits both partners to increasing environmental protections, reaffirming obligations to labour rights and establishing a platform for NGOs, trade unions and civil society to monitor the application of the agreement. The inclusion of an ambitious and meaningful trade and sustainable development chapter has been a key demand of the Socialist and Democrat (S&D) Group in the European Parliament, where Labour MEPs sit. We have also extracted cast-iron commitments from the European Commission that they will continue to improve the enforceability of this chapter, so that infringements could be sanctioned.We have also managed to secure a fundamental reform to how investment protection will work in the future. Following our clear rejection of the old-style Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), the European Commission was forced to go back and change the text of the agreement in an unprecedented move.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the most essential tool in our efforts to reach the EU’s 2030 climate and energy goals and fulfil our obligations to mitigate climate change under the Paris Agreement. The ETS was the first of its kind worldwide and remains the largest international trading system for greenhouse gas emissions globally, covering around 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The ETS caps the total amount of emissions by those installations covered, and allows credits issued under the scheme to be traded. In this way it has put a price on carbon in the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which calls for a better balance between the economic and social dimensions in the European Semester and recalls the need to put emphasis on quality and inclusive employment for all.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Expert groups play an important role in ensuring the smooth functioning of EU policies, but they must be properly monitored to ensure transparency and balanced composition. We welcome the manner in which the Commission engaged constructively with Parliament in drawing up its new rules for expert groups, and hope that the messages from this report can be taken into account when implementing the reforms.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because I support an effective and comprehensive European whistle-blower protection programme across the EU. It is important that whistle blowers have the right channels to disclose their information on possible irregularities affecting the EU’s financial interests.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Report on the Annual Report on Competition Policy because it is through a strong European competition policy that we are able to ensure that consumers are getting the best possible deal, and that small and local businesses are competing on a level playing field.Being part of a market with 500 million consumers is one of the biggest benefits we get from being in the EU, and by developing and enforcing strong rules for fair competition we ensure more innovation, more opportunity, and ultimately a better deal for British citizens and consumers.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report as it lays out a holistic strategy for advancing gender mental health and well-being, and addresses the risks posed to women’s health from gender inequalities in medical research and clinical trials. The report emphasises the link between socioeconomic conditions and mental wellbeing, as well as the need for education and awareness—raising to break down the stigmas around mental health conditions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because the European logistics sector is contributing about 14% to the EU GDP, while in the UK the logistics and postal sector is worth approximately GBP 55 billion to the economy and comprises 5% of the UK GDP. Therefore, the economic impact of freight transport logistics and its contribution to European growth and competitiveness can hardly be overestimated. This report emphasises the importance and the potential of a sector which is constantly increasing in demand and plays a vital role for the smooth functioning of many services and activities in our economy, covering the production of goods to their delivery and recycling, and ranging from local to global levels. Making better use of available capacity of TEN-Ts could not only help reduce congestion and CO2 emissions, but also improve accelerated digitalisation and fair competition for talented staff in ageing societies.

2016/11/22

With my Labour colleagues, I voted in favour of the report as it calls for a number of measures which can make a big difference in improving ordinary people’s lives and strengthening social cohesion across Europe: a ban on zero-hour contracts; basic labour rights and social security coverage for people in all forms of employment; internships that are paid; upward wage convergence with measures to end in-work poverty and legislation on work-life balance.

2016/11/22

163 Written explanations of Derek VAUGHAN

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