53 Written explanations of Jana TOOM
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Active substances, including flumioxazine (B9-0103/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Active substances, including chlorotoluron (B9-0104/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Genetically modified maize MZHG0JG (SYN-ØØØJG-2) (B9-0107/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Genetically modified soybean A2704-12 (ACS-GMØØ5-3) (B9-0105/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 × DAS-40278-9 and genetically modified maize combining two, three or four of the single events MON 89034, 1507, MON 88017, 59122 and DAS-40278-9 (B9-0106/2019)
Foreign electoral interference and disinformation in national and European democratic processes (B9-0108/2019, B9-0111/2019)
The European Parliament has always been in favour of transparency on all levels and the same principle should apply to EU East StratCom Task Force (ESTF).Before asking for more financing, the current financial situation and the use of resources should be evaluated first through an extensive audit, for example. In this House we are responsible for every euro that we spend.Another concern that I have regarding the ESTF is that their articles are anonymous, which is unacceptable in the context of media standards.Therefore, I voted against the upgrade of the ESTF and an increase in its financing.The wording of the Report as a whole remained controversial, and I have abstained on the final vote.
Employment and social policies of the euro area (A9-0016/2019 - Yana Toom)
As Rapporteur, I am pleased with the outcome of the Report. One of the most important points concerns the widely debated topic of minimum wage. We call on the Commission to propose a legal instrument to guarantee that every worker has a fair minimum wage, in accordance with national traditions, collective agreements or legal provisions.This Report also calls on the Commission and Member States to actively address social policy issues, in particular youth unemployment, gender pay gap, discrimination and labour market segmentation and inequalities.In addition, there is a call to the Commission to create a European unemployment benefit reinsurance scheme, which will protect people and to reduce pressure on public finances in the case of a crisis or other external shocks.Furthermore, I welcome the fact that the Commission’s country—specific recommendations (CSRs) have a stronger focus on social policy. Unfortunately, the implementation rate of the CSRs has been in a downward spiral. Therefore, I would like the Commission to put the necessary pressure on Member States to implement recommendations, which is clearly reflected in this Report.
Implementation and financing of the EU general budget in 2020 in relation to the UK's withdrawal from the EU (A9-0018/2019 - Johan Van Overtveldt)
General budget of the European Union for 2020 - all sections (A9-0017/2019 - Monika Hohlmeier, Eider Gardiazabal Rubial)
Discharge 2017: European Asylum Support Office (EASO) (A9-0011/2019 - Petri Sarvamaa)
The issues in EASO that started in 2016 have persisted in 2017. There has been abusive use of Union funds, as well as abuse of human resources, harassment and inappropriate behaviour towards staff and other violations. Until all violations have been corrected, I believe it is the right decision not to grant the discharge with respect of the implementation of the Office’s budget for the financial year 2017.
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Assessment of the impact of plant protection products on honeybees (B9-0149/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: partially granting an authorisation for a use of chromium trioxide (Cromomed S.A. and others) (B9-0151/2019)
Effects of the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook Group (RC-B9-0118/2019, B9-0118/2019, B9-0119/2019, B9-0120/2019, B9-0121/2019, B9-0122/2019, B9-0124/2019)
The bankruptcy of Thomas Cook has severe consequences all across the EU, for consumers, employees and many business owners. It has brought to light issues regarding consumer protection in cases of bankruptcy.I regret that this House did not support the suggestion to amend the Regulation on air passenger rights, extending its scope to include bankruptcy and insolvency situations. Nevertheless, I have supported the resolution, as it contains important points on how to avoid such situations in the future.
The Turkish military operation in northeast Syria and its consequences (RC-B9-0123/2019, B9-0123/2019, B9-0125/2019, B9-0126/2019, B9-0127/2019, B9-0128/2019, B9-0129/2019, B9-0133/2019)
I could not support the Resolution. While there were several points that I agree on regarding the Turkish intervention and the security threat it poses to the territory, I could not support the text in full.I believe that the Turkish intervention adds more pressure to an already tense area and goes against the international efforts to fight Daesh.Unfortunately, this was not reflected in full in the Resolution and I have abstained.
Search and rescue in the Mediterranean (B9-0130/2019, B9-0131/2019, B9-0132/2019, B9-0154/2019)
It is shameful that the Resolution on Search and Rescue operations has been rejected in this House. It is clear that Member States should abide by international and EU standards when conducting such operations and should stop prohibiting access to NGO vessels who conduct such operations themselves.Furthermore, the Resolution called on legal pathways to entry, so that loss of life can be prevented. It is a disgrace that the House voted against a Resolution that simply reiterated international obligations to rescue persons in distress at sea, instead of letting people drown in the Mediterranean.
Opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania (B9-0155/2019, RC-B9-0156/2019, B9-0156/2019, B9-0157/2019, B9-0158/2019, B9-0159/2019, B9-0160/2019, B9-0161/2019)
I believe that accession talks should be opened with Northern Macedonia and Albania, and have supported the resolution. It is important for the EU that the area in the Balkans is stable. While the two states are not ready, economically and institutionally, to join the EU, accession talks are the best instrument to bring about change. It has worked as an accelerator for change in the past, and should be viewed as such now as well.
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 and sub- combinations MON 89034 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9, 1507 × NK603 × DAS-40278-9 and NK603 × DAS-40278-9 (B9-0171/2019)
Objection pursuant to Rule 112: Genetically modified maize Bt11 × MIR162 × MIR604 × 1507 × 5307 × GA21 and genetically modified maize combining two, three, four or five of the single events Bt11, MIR162, MIR604, 1507, 5307 and GA21 (B9-0172/2019)
Criminalisation of sexual education in Poland (B9-0166/2019, B9-0167/2019, B9-0168/2019)
I strongly condemn the criminalisation of sexual education in Poland. Sexual education plays an essential role in sexual and reproductive health. It is essential that education and information is provided, in order to guarantee the knowledge of health and safety of sexual relationships as well as reproductive rights. I have therefore supported the Resolution and hope that the Polish authorities will respond appropriately.
Public discrimination and hate speech against LGBTI people, including LGBTI free zones (B9-0234/2019)
It is unacceptable that discrimination is happening in this form and scale in certain Member States. Member States should follow their obligations of protecting the fundamental rights of every person and tackle the issues, in particular when it happens within their own institutions. I have supported the resolution.
Fair taxation in a digitalised and globalised economy - BEPS 2.0 (B9-0238/2019)
Indeed the digitalisation of the economy has brought about several challenges, but I believe that these challenges should be addressed on a global scale. I strongly believe that an EU unilateral taxation model for digital services would not sufficiently address the current issues and therefore voted against the resolution.
Enabling the digital transformation of health and care (B9-0239/2019)
Technological developments in healthcare have the ability to benefit both patients and healthcare providers. I have supported the Resolution, as there is more need for investment in technology and education as well as a proper monitoring with regards to the use of sensitive data of patients. When it comes to digital solutions and their incorporation into the existing healthcare framework, an exchange of best practices can be extremely useful.
The European Green Deal (RC-B9-0040/2020, B9-0040/2020, B9-0041/2020, B9-0042/2020, B9-0043/2020, B9-0044/2020, B9-0045/2020, B9-0046/2020)
Dealing with climate change has been proven to be an important challenge, particularly for young people and future generations. While I support the Green Deal, I believe that it is important that measures are taken to soften the blow to regions which are heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Climate action should be balanced with proper transitional measures in order to prevent serious economic and social harm.
Annual report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy (A9-0054/2019 - David McAllister)
The Report drew attention to important points regarding the common foreign and security policy, such as the call for a stronger, united, effective, proactive and more strategic European Union. However, I have abstained on the final vote as the approach towards cooperation with Russia was unbalanced.
Annual report on the implementation of the common security and defence policy (A9-0052/2019 - Arnaud Danjean)
European Parliament's position on the Conference on the Future of Europe (B9-0036/2020, B9-0037/2020, B9-0038/2020)
The European Union is ready for change. Just as the Convention on the Future of the European Union before has brought about much needed reform, I hope that the Conference will be at least as successful. The biggest difference this time, is the participation of citizens and civil society which is crucial for any meaningful reforms.
Activities of the European Ombudsman in 2018 (A9-0032/2019 - Peter Jahr)
The Ombudsman has done important work in 2018, which was reflected in this Report. Now is also the time to look to the future and see what the next steps are. For us in the PETI Committee, it will be important to establish clear rules on the Ombudsman elections, in order to avoid unfair practices. From the Ombudsman, I would like to see an inquiry into the practices of the Commission on how infringement complaints are dealt with. I am looking forward to our cooperation on this matter.
Discharge 2018: EU general budget - European Parliament (A9-0021/2020 - Maria Grapini)
Implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia (A9-0136/2020 - Sven Mikser)
. ‒ I voted in favour of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement progress report. The EU is the main trade partner for Georgia, and Georgia is the most progressive country in the process of reforms among the three post-Soviet countries which signed and ratified Association Agreements with the EU in 2014: Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. I fully support the idea of bringing Georgia closer to the EU and the reforms in Georgia supported by the EU and the international community, in particular, the constitutional and electoral code amendments in accordance with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, which will lead Georgia to a more proportional electoral system for the upcoming elections.
Just Transition Fund (A9-0135/2020 - Manolis Kefalogiannis)
. ‒ I strongly support the Just Transition Fund and believe that those who are the most impacted by the green transition should be helped. However, this fund should be strictly used for its purpose: investments in regions and people who otherwise would be left in poverty. As shadow rapporteur in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), I believe that investments and reskilling are key to ensure a transition which is just for everyone.
Situation in Belarus
I voted in favour of the resolution because of the violation of fundamental rights in Belarus after the 9 August elections, huge pressure against political opponents, and severe beatings of peaceful demonstrators. I abstained on the amendment regarding the 2021 World Ice Hockey Championship in Minsk and Riga, because it would automatically punish our neighbours in Latvia.
Situation in Russia, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny
I abstained on the resolution as a whole for three reasons: 1) The poisoning of Mr Navalny is a huge tragedy, but we do not know who did it. 2) The EP asks in the text of the resolution to stop Nordstream 2. 3) I am against economic sanctions in general, because I do not see any single time when sanctions brought the desired result. Diplomacy and dialogue are the only thing that can bring more understanding between Russia and the EU. The final text of the EP resolution does not serve to advance our relations.
Reducing inequalities with a special focus on in-work poverty (A9-0006/2021 - Özlem Demirel)
. ‒ In-work poverty is a problem that has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. I am glad to see that Parliament is sending a strong message with a call for more social policies on an EU level. In this regard, I believe that the Member States must act faster to implement the Pillar of Social Rights in its entirety. And while the Commission has already made progress by proposing its directive on minimum wages, I believe more can be done. I therefore voted in favour of this report.
EU Association Agreement with Ukraine (A9-0219/2020 - Michael Gahler)
While I do support the certain calls upon Ukraine in this Report, such as to increase the fight against corruption and to ensure the linguistic right of minorities, I believe that overall, the report is unbalanced. For example, the call to halt the construction of Nord Stream 2 is not appropriate in this report, nor is it appropriate in general.I therefore abstained from the final vote.
Safety of the nuclear power plant in Ostrovets (Belarus) (B9-0109/2021)
First, I would like to state that I stand in solidarity with the people of Belarus. But the construction of the nuclear plant is not relevant for this situation and is not an effective diplomatic tool. Rather, I believe a proper strategy needs to be developed to address the issues in EU-Belarus relations.Therefore, I abstained from the final vote.
Equal treatment in employment and occupation in light of the UNCRPD (A9-0014/2021 - Katrin Langensiepen)
. ‒ Fundamental rights of people with disabilities must not be violated in the European Union. In this regard, I believe that access to the open labour market for people with disabilities should be improved, and it is in the competence of the Member States to adopt sustainable inclusive employment policies. I also find that it is necessary to ensure that victims of discrimination have access to efficient legal advice and assistance across the European Union. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report.
Activities of the European Ombudsman - annual report 2019 (A9-0013/2021 - Sylvie Guillaume)
I support the European Ombudsman’s activities to strengthen the involvement of citizens in the EU democratic process. What is more, I highlight the importance of the European Ombudsman’s decision to respond in the language of complaint to citizens seeking assistance, which contributes to a more efficient communication.
European Semester: Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021 (A9-0036/2021 - Markus Ferber)
Member States are facing enormous economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, it has a negative impact on the single market and its competitiveness, including small and medium-sized enterprises. Thus, better coordination of actions of the Member States is needed. I also stress the importance of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, which aims to decrease the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report.
Direction of EU-Russia political relations (A9-0259/2021 - Andrius Kubilius)
Little has changed since the last time we voted on such a report. I consider this a sign that the EU does not have a proper strategy.I support many points in the report, but it also contains many recommendations which I consider unacceptable, such as excluding Russia from the SWIFT system and stopping the building of Nord Stream 2.Furthermore, there should be a strategy in place when the EU deals with Russia relations: a set of criteria or conditions which are used to evaluate the effectiveness of our actions, and this simply lacking. Therefore I could not vote in favour of this report.
Identifying gender-based violence as a new area of crime listed in Article 83(1) TFEU (A9-0249/2021 - Malin Björk, Diana Riba i Giner)
Violence against women was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic: with telework and isolation, women were often forced to be alone with the aggressors. While President Ursula von der Leyen has promised the State of the Union that the Commission would make a proposal to fight gender-based violence, this is not enough. The Council remains blocked on the Istanbul Convention and not all Member States have ratified it. it is a truly shameful situation.Therefore, I have insisted in this Report that criminalizing gender-based is not enough. For the fight against violence against women to be effective, other measures are needed: prevention of such violence through the education of boys and girls, measures to protect women, including the help of a psychologist, special shelters, the legal consequences of forced marriages, the fight against online bullying and harassment, reproductive rights, access to reproductive health care. As a shadow rapporteur, I insisted on including all of this in the Report.By voting in favour, we demand action from the Commission to end gender-based violence.
Strengthening democracy, media freedom and pluralism in the EU (A9-0292/2021 - Tiemo Wölken, Roberta Metsola)
In recent years, we have seen a shrinking space for civil society and increased threats to journalists all across the EU. This is a dangerous trend, as a functioning democracy needs media freedom and pluralism, and especially so in cases where journalists report on corruption and breaches of the rule of law. It is unacceptable to allow those who hold positions of power or have great financial resources to use their power to silence those who want to speak out.Addressing this situation will require a complex set of measures and that is why I have worked for including both legislative and non-legislative measures in this report. In this report, we included provisions and rules aimed at preventing frivolous lawsuits against journalists and activists reporting on matters of public interest, but also measures that can offer support to victims of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and train judges to be better prepared to deal with these abusive practices.With this report, we send a signal that we will not stand by idly while journalists and activists are stopped from reporting on the injustice they see around them.
Combating gender-based violence: cyberviolence (A9-0338/2021 - Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Sylwia Spurek)
We are spending more and more of our time in the digital world, and an increasingly bigger part of our lives is accessible online. These trends leave many women and girls vulnerable to cyber violence. The situation of gender-based violence is already dire in the real world but the ability of perpetrators to go beyond that means that victims do not have any moment where they can feel safe. In this Parliament, we are working on taking steps to address violence against women and girls and we have to make sure that our actions will not be undermined by failing to tackle the real harm that can be done with the use of digital tools.As a shadow rapporteur for this report, I have worked together with my colleagues to ensure that we properly address gender-based cyber violence through criminalising gender-based acts of cyber violence but also through measures aimed at preventing crimes, educating young generations and supporting victims. By voting for this report, we continue the fight against gender-based violence.
Deliberations of the Committee on Petitions in 2020 (A9-0323/2021 - Gheorghe Falcă)
Every year we work with hundreds of petitions in the Committee of Petitions, and I am happy to be one of the Members that get to engage directly with the petitioners who choose to direct their concerns to us in the European Parliament. After more than 7 years in this Committee, I can see that there are ways to improve the way we resolve petitions. We need to improve cooperation with other committees in the European Parliament, we need to increase collaboration with the Commission and we need the Commission to make better use of the tools it has at its disposal, including the European Citizen’s Initiative. All of these are included in the report, and I will gladly support it.
Situation at the Ukrainian border and in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine (B9-0593/2021, B9-0594/2021, B9-0595/2021, B9-0596/2021, B9-0597/2021, B9-0598/2021)
Only a few months have passed since we voted on the report on EU-Russia relations. I voted against that one because of the lack of clearly defined strategy as regards to Russia. Now we see that tensions are running high at the border with Ukraine and we are still voting on a report without having a proper strategy on our relationship with Russia. What is even worse is that once again the report mentions the exclusion of Russia from the SWIFT system and stopping the operationalisation of Nordstream 2. These would be counterproductive in our current situation and I cannot support them.
Non-recognition of Russian travel documents issued in occupied foreign regions (C9-0302/2022 - Juan Fernando López Aguilar)
The non-recognition of travel documents issued in occupied regions will have detrimental consequences for the people.While exceptions are included, these are very limited in scope and it is doubtful whether they will be properly implemented in practice.The unintended consequences of this legislation could become a great obstacle for people wanting to leave the regions.Therefore, I voted against the proposal.
Implementation of the common foreign and security policy - annual report 2022 (A9-0292/2022 - David McAllister)
The annual report on the implementation of the common foreign and security policy in 2022 is a special report.Much of the report is devoted to the Russian aggression in Ukraine and its consequence for the rest of Europe in terms of security.I strongly condemn the Russian aggression and the use of force against Ukraine. I think it is important that the European Union does everything to help, including engaging in diplomacy, a skill that the EU and European Member States have years of experience with.In the future, there will also be a need for dialogue and a reparation of relations when the Russian forces leave the occupied territories. And the conditions for this need to be realistic and pragmatic.I am glad that other members of this House believe the same and have voted against the amendment that states that ‘only a defeated, deimperialised and decolonised Russia may be a partner for any future cooperation’.As the EU, we can decide what kind of Russia we cooperate with, but it is crucial to be reasonable.
European Media Freedom Act (A9-0264/2023 - Sabine Verheyen)
The EMFA is a step towards free and transparent media. I strongly support the main goals such as transparency of ownership, ban of spyware use on journalists and independent and adequately funded public service media.However, I could not support the wording of Article 17.The essence of Article 17 is that it gives media service providers a privileged protection from content removal, as its content is not allowed to be removed for 24 hours after publishing. Very Large Online Platforms will not have the right to hide or delete a published post for 24 hours, regardless of the content (disinformation, nudity or other information that violates rules).I believe that such immunity is not acceptable in this day and because the first 24 hours of publication are the most important. It is in the first hours of publication that the main views, comments, and shares are made.
Situation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2022 and 2023 (A9-0376/2023 - Katarina Barley)
As a shadow, I strongly support this report.As it has been adopted on the day Latvian media has reported on the start of deportations for Russian citizens who failed the Latvian language exam, I am especially happy to see that the amendments I introduced addressing Latvia’s recent actions have been broadly supported.Parliament emphasized that Member States using national security in domestic policy, especially in migration, must ensure measures are necessary and proportionate, respecting rights outlined in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.In addition, Parliament also urged the Commission to develop a strategy for statelessness in the EU, a call that sends a strong signal to the Commission to act. Furthermore, the importance of education in minority languages has also been stressed.
Russiagate: allegations of Russian interference in the democratic processes of the European Union (RC-B9-0124/2024)