[ParlTrack]

I voted in favour of the conclusion by Eurojust of the Agreement on Criminal Justice Cooperation between Eurojust and the Kingdom of Denmark. Though the role of the European Parliament in this matter is limited to consultation, this document is very important for justice and home affairs policy, as it provides for a wider participation of the Representative to Eurojust in meetings of the College of Eurojust than that provided for liaison magistrates of third States. For that reason, I supported the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this important report that was supposed to harmonise social security rules across the EU Member States. Unfortunately the text was blocked in the plenary vote, although it provided unemployment benefits, long-term care and family benefits, as well as better rules for posting and applicable legislation. These new rules would have been beneficial for millions of mobile European workers, by guaranteeing more social security for workers moving from one EU country to another. Along with other Socialists and Democrats I will continue battle to defend the rights of mobile workers.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this report setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles. This draft Regulation is part of the third ‘Europe on the Move’ package and its objective is to make European mobility safer and more accessible, European industry more competitive, European jobs more secure, and to put the sector firmly on the path towards zero emissions by mid-century and fully in line with the Paris Agreement. In order to ensure the smooth transition towards zero-emission mobility and to provide incentives for the development and deployment on the Union market of zero and low-emission heavy-duty vehicles, the Regulation should set a reference value for the proportion of zero and low-emission vehicles in all manufacturers’ fleets by 2025 and 2030. I consider it ambitious enough for the achievement of the ‘Europe on the Move’ package.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the use of digital tools and processes in company law. I appreciated the proposed measures to facilitate the registration of companies and their branches and to reduce the costs, time and administrative burdens associated with the registration process. This proposal puts in place procedures to enable registration to be completed online. In my opinion, this is particularly beneficial for the micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions. We indicated the minimum range of information to be provided in the cross-border conversion project that will be made available to anyone interested in the operation. The cross-border conversion project should thus provide information concerning, for example, the location and date of transfer of the company’s registered office to the Member State of destination, as well as information on the management body and, where applicable, on staff, equipment, premises and assets. I am glad that the text foresees that the competent authority should start processing the application within ten working days of receiving the documents and information on the company and the proposed cross-border conversion.

2016/11/22

Though I support the freedom of action of the Union and its strategic autonomy, in particular in technological and industrial terms, I could not vote in favour as the report did not set enough clear rules for the development of defence technologies. The defence sector is linked to the fabrication of products that can be used for aggressive purposes, and when delivered to third parties these products cannot be further controlled. Since the text revealed this ambiguity I voted in favour, as I stand for a totally responsible approach in matters of defence.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote the report having the general objective of establishing the InvestEU Programme. I am glad that this programme will support the policy objectives of the Union by means of financing and investment operations contributing to such areas crucial for Latvia as competitiveness, including research, innovation and digitisation.

2016/11/22

I voted for this regulation, as I agree with its purposes and methods. The main aim of this regulation is to lay down harmonised rules for the provision of cargo information required by both maritime and customs authorities and for compliance with the other reporting formalities required by Directive 2010/65/EU. I consider that such rules will help to facilitate the transmission of information between the ship data providers, the relevant authorities covering the port of call and other Member States.

2016/11/22

I supported this report drafted by my colleague Mr Tang, as it serves two very important purposes of sustainable investment. The new regulation will give us harmonised rules on transparency to be applied by financial market participants, insurance intermediaries providing advice on insurance-based investment products, investment firms providing investment advice and end-investors concerning the integration of sustainability risks and performance into investment decision-making or advisory processes, as well as the transparency of financial products or services, whether or not they have a targeted sustainability impact.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this important report on chemicals, which has direct impact on the well-being of people in Latvia. I agree with the strict methods proposed in the text. In addition, I am glad that the regulation update defines a new role for the European Chemicals Agency, which is now responsible for supporting the Commission’s work in the preparation of dossiers on substances.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this report on the clearing obligation, the suspension of the clearing obligation, the reporting requirements, the risk mitigation techniques for OTC derivatives contracts not cleared by a central counterparty, the registration and supervision of trade repositories and the requirements for trade repositories. I particularly appreciate that the amended text specifies that clearing members and clients of clearing members that provide clearing services shall provide these services on transparent terms.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of these legislative amendments that aim at lowering the administrative burden and compliance costs faced by SME Growth Market issuers and resulting from the application of the Market Abuse Regulation and the Prospectus Regulation. This initiative also seeks to promote liquidity by ensuring that any SME Growth Market issuer in the EU can enter into a liquidity provision contract. Since the text provides necessary clarifications, including of the definition of SMEs, I supported it.

2016/11/22

I supported this important report. Endocrine disruptors (‘EDCs’) represent a global threat, and are related to the high incidence and the increasing trends of many endocrine-related disorders in humans. In addition to that, endocrine-related effects have been observed in wildlife populations. The report underlines that EDCs bring adverse reproductive outcomes (infertility, cancers, malformations), and there is also mounting evidence of the effects of these chemicals on thyroid function, brain function, obesity and metabolism, and insulin and glucose homeostasis. For these reasons, I voted in favour of the text and I particularly call on the Commission to take adequate measures to address the threat to human health and the environment.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the pledge to enable Denmark to participate in the law enforcement access components of Eurodac in order to support and strengthen police cooperation between the competent authorities of the Member States and those of Denmark for the prevention, detection and investigation of terrorist offences and other serious criminal offences. For the above reason I voted in favour of the report drafted by colleague Mr Corrao.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the proposed regulation which seeks to establish the Horizon Europe – Framework Programme for Research and Innovation for the period 2021-2027. It lays down the rules for participation and dissemination of results applicable to indirect actions carried out under the programme and establishes the framework for EU support for research and innovation activities.I consider it essential to deliver scientific, technological, economic and societal impact from the European Union’s investments in research and innovation so as to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of the European Union as a whole. This is also a good perspective for research and innovation in Latvia where new technologies are needed for improved regional development.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report containing the decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing the specific programme implementing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. I believe this programme will serve for strengthening and widening Europe’s scientific and technological base, as well as reinforcing and spreading excellence, which is particularly necessary in the Baltic countries.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported the proposed regulation that aims to improve the functioning of the internal market by strengthening product surveillance of products with a view to ensuring that only compliant products that fulfil requirements providing a high level of protection of public interests such as health and safety in general, health and safety in the workplace, the protection of consumers, protection of the environment and public security, are made available on the European Union market.In this report, I particularly welcomed the introduction of the reference person, meaning that all companies wishing to sell products on the single market, including those from third countries, shall first designate a reference person in the EU for these products. This person shall be responsible for contacting the manufacturer in the event of non-compliance and taking action to remedy any case of non-compliance.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I wholeheartedly supported this report that provides the rules to ensure that business users of online intermediation services and corporate website users in relation to online search engines are granted appropriate transparency, fairness, and effective redress possibilities. I also support the rapporteur in making a distinction between business users and non-business users of online intermediation services.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report on better enforcement and modernisation of EU consumer protection rules. I am convinced that specific information on price reductions (in the case of travel, for example) should be included in the search results of online marketplaces. Online marketplaces should also, where appropriate, indicate the official classification of a product or service.Online marketplace operators must take reasonable steps to ensure that the services they provide are not subject to misuse, leaving consumers vulnerable.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote the report on the transparency and sustainability of the EU risk assessment in the food chain and amending and amending eight sectoral legislative acts in terms of transparency and confidentiality. I am convinced that risk management, risk assessment and communication actions must be based in particular on the thorough application of the precautionary principle. To regain public confidence, me and other MEPs called for a transparent, independent, continuous and inclusive process of risk communication throughout the risk analysis, involving Union and national risk assessors and risk managers.

2016/11/22

I supported this amended version of the Regulation concerning the supplementary protection certificate for medicinal products. I supported these amendments because they clarify that only exports to third countries outside the Union would be covered by the exception and define more precisely the objectives that this proposal should achieve, namely to promote the competitiveness of generics and biosimilars producers in the Union, to enhance growth and job creation in the internal market and to contribute to a wider supply of products under uniform conditions. I consider that the text is balanced and adds necessary legislative clarity to the medicinal marketing field.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this Commission’s proposal that seeks to merge in a single Programme the existing Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus and adds two new initiatives, namely support for space surveillance and tracking of space objects and debris (SST) and Govatscom, the government satellite communications initiative. It is important in my view to build up the state-of-the-art infrastructure of that sector and thereby stimulate upstream and downstream economic activities.

2016/11/22

I supported the tabled amendments to the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Digital Europe programme for the period 2021-2027.I consider that we need to accelerate the digital transformation of the European economy, industry and society and to bring its benefits to European citizens, public services and businesses. However, I give much attention to the fact that digital transformation can potentially bring to societal inequalities which should be avoided through social policy mechanisms.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the ‘Fiscalis’ programme for cooperation in the field of taxation. I consider timely and proportionate the specific objectives to support tax policy and its proper implementation, and to encourage tax cooperation, exchange of tax information, strengthening of administrative capacity building, including human skills, and the development and operation of European electronic systems, as well as the progressive modernisation of reporting, auditing and software tools to be applied uniformly across Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this regulation establishing a Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE). I support the call to contribute to the shift towards a clean, circular, energy-efficient, net-zero emission and climate-resilient economy. At the same time I am glad that this document helps to protect and improve the quality of the environment.

2016/11/22

I consider that this regulation is one of the most important legislative texts adopted in the 8th legislative term and I voted in favour. It contributes to the further development of a European area of freedom, security and justice based on the rule of law, including the independence of judges and impartiality of justice, on mutual recognition, mutual trust and cross border cooperation, thereby also contributing to the development of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights. Justice programme serves such important goals as to support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, including cooperation beyond Union borders whenever Union law has extraterritorial applications, to strengthen access to justice for natural and legal persons and to promote the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this text establishing the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme for the period 2021-2027. I am eager to see the results of the implementation of this programme in Latvia where it is essential to protect and promote democracy and the rule of law at local, regional, national and transnational level. In my opinion, it is also crucial to raise citizens’ awareness of the importance of the Union through activities aimed at keeping alive remembrance of the historic events that led to its creation, and to promote democracy, freedom of expression, pluralism, civic engagement as well as meetings of citizens and their active participation in the democratic life of the Union. In addition to that, this programme serves the implementation of the objectives of the EU Treaties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, because I find it enough balanced and proportionate. I particularly support its provisions that simultaneously pursue a number of objectives and have several components that are indissolubly linked, without one being secondary and indirect in relation to the other.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council adapting a number of legal acts providing for the use of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny to Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. I believe that the text reflects the priorities of the Inter-Institutional Agreement on Better Law-Making and is duly focusing on legislative files in the area of justice and on the remaining policy areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report drafted by JURI committee on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council adapting a number of legal acts in the area of Justice providing for the use of the regulatory procedure with scrutiny to Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It reflects three basic acts where the regulatory procedure with scrutiny applies in order to make them into delegated acts, which corresponds to better law—making objectives.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this document which represents a mere consent to the draft Council regulation on measures concerning the implementation and financing of the general budget of the Union in 2019 in relation to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report drafted in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy on the draft Council decision on the renewal of the Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation. I willingly gave my consent to the renewal of the Agreement, as the current Agreement expired on 20 February 2019. The renewed Agreement seeks to continue to facilitate cooperation with the Russian Federation in common science and technology priority areas leading to benefits for both Parties, which I consider one of the promising platforms for EU-Russia dialogue.

2016/11/22

I supported this legislative proposal related to the fact that the Board of Directors proposed to the Board of Governors an increase in the subscribed capital of the remaining Member States to maintain the total subscribed capital of the EIB following the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union. The document also sets the rules for the appointment of alternate directors for a period of five years by the Board of Governors.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote the new law to strengthen the European Border and Coast Guard to ensure better protection of EU external borders. A new standing corps will be set up to support EU countries on the ground in border control and return tasks, as well as in the fight against cross-border crime. Starting with 5 000 operational staff in 2021, the standing corps will be fully operational by 2027 with 10 000 staff. In addition, a rapid reserve pool will be created for deployment in emergencies. However, we must apply careful scrutiny to guarantee that the S&D priorities in the matter of fundamental rights are respected in the implementation process.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Regulation setting the conditions and procedures for issuing visas for intended stays on the territory of the Member States not exceeding 90 days in any 180-days period, and intended stays by Sport and Culture Professionals for up to one year without staying more than 90 days in any 180-day period in any single Member State. Among the new provisions of this Regulation is the introduction of an electronic visa application, Evisa, by 2025. I consider the text balanced and reflecting many S&D priorities as a result of difficult debates.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules facilitating the use of financial and other information for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of certain criminal offences and repealing Council Decision 2000/642/JHA. The text proposes the measures to facilitate access to and use of financial information and bank account information by competent authorities for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of serious criminal offences, which I consider a proportionate and balanced solution.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote the report of Ms. Reda on the European Centre for European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and Network of National Coordination Centres. This regulation serves overall resilience and awareness of cyber security threats in the Union, taking into account the implications for society. It also serves other objectives, among which developing European leadership in cybersecurity and ensuring the highest cybersecurity standards throughout the Union.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Connecting Europe Facility, as I believe it reflects the main objectives of the European energy union. It helps to develop and modernise the trans-European networks in the fields of transport, energy and digital and to facilitate cross-border cooperation in the field of renewable energy. In addition, the proposed provisions will help to contribute to the development of projects of common interest relating to efficient and interconnected networks and infrastructure for smart, sustainable, inclusive, accessible, safe and secure mobility and European transport area.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this report to which I also contributed with amendments. Having deal a lot with terrorist issues in LIBE committee, I firmly support the need to put down terrorist content at the earliest possible moment and to prevent its re-uploading. However in this matter we must respect the fundamental rights and prevent any use of filters. General monitoring obligation should be definitely excluded for online platforms. It also very important for me that the report makes clear that the expression of polemic or controversial views on sensitive political questions should not be considered terrorist content.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report and, like the rapporteur, I believe that the constantly changing and diverse nature of current migratory flows makes it necessary for us to develop comprehensive and comparable gender-disaggregated statistical data on the migrant population. We must better understand the reality of the situation and identify vulnerabilities and inequalities, and we ask the Commission to issue statistical reports on migration every three years.

2016/11/22

I supported this report drafted by my colleague Virginie Rozière, and I agreed to give consent to the accession of the European Union to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications. I consider that this measure is in the interest of the Union and shows due respect for its exclusive competence, which will guarantee the Unionʼs right to vote while accommodating the particular situation of Member States that are already contracting parties to the Lisbon Agreement.

2016/11/22

I supported this report containing the proposal that aims to establish a legal framework ensuring the effective participation of the European Union in the Lisbon Union of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on the day that it becomes a contracting party to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications.The Commission should use a regular mechanism to consult Member States, trade associations and Union producers in order to establish an ongoing dialogue with relevant stakeholders.In my opinion, one further necessary step is a strong regulation on non-agricultural geographical indications.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this agreement, as I consider air safety measures to be crucial in international transport connections. We must ensure that flights operated by European companies comply fully with security standards.

2016/11/22

I agreed to give consent to the conclusion by the Council on behalf of the European Union of the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives. I think that this will foster international cooperation for the integrated and sustainable development of world olive growing. I deplore the fact that other institutions did not cooperate sufficiently with Parliament, especially in information sharing. Therefore, I support the call by the rapporteur, Eleonora Forenza, for the Council and the Commission to inform Parliament as appropriate, in particular with regard to any decision that may be taken concerning Article 4 of the Councilʼs decision.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this amended directive. I support the idea to remove the current regulatory barriers to the cross-border distribution of investment funds in order to make their distribution simpler, faster and cheaper. In addition, the proposal establishes rules to modernise and specify the requirements for providing facilities to retail investors.As long as investors remain invested in the UCITS after marketing is discontinued, the UCITS shall provide investors who remain invested in the UCITS as well as the competent authorities of the home Member State of the UCITS and the competent authorities of the Member State where the marketing has been discontinued with the information required under the Directive.In addition, the competent authorities of the Member State where the marketing has been discontinued shall exercise the rights and obligations conferred on competent authorities of the UCITS host Member State, in accordance with the Directive.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported with my vote the report drafted by colleague Klinz. Indeed, there is a need to ensure better recovery of fees or charges and to increase transparency and clarity of the fees and charges structure. According to this Regulation, marketing communications shall also specify where, how and in which language investors or potential investors can obtain a summary of investor rights and shall provide a hyperlink to such a summary, which shall include, as appropriate, access to Union level and national collective redress mechanisms in the event of litigation. In order to facilitate the exchange of information between ESMA and competent authorities, ESMA shall establish a system for the regular exchange of information relevant to cross-border marketing activities of AIFMs and UCITS management companies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported with my vote this Report drafted by colleague Simon with the amended regulation on the leverage ratio, the net stable funding ratio, requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities, counterparty credit risk, market risk, exposures to central counterparties, exposures to collective investment undertakings, large exposures, reporting and disclosure requirements and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012. I supported it as it strengthens risk-sensitive capital requirements in particular in the area of market risk, counterparty credit risk, and for exposures to central counterparties. In addition, it requires for global systemically important institutions to hold minimum levels of capital and other instruments, which bear losses in resolution.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report with a directive having the same field of application as the regulation adopted at the same plenary. This directive is related to the exempted entities, financial holding companies, mixed financial holding companies, remuneration, supervisory measures and powers and capital conservation measures. In this directive, I particularly support the consistent application by credit institutions and investment firms of the principle of equal pay for equal work by demonstrating that their remuneration policies are non-discriminatory between women and men.In the context of this directive, I also would like to underline the importance of the completion of banking union for the smooth functioning of cross-border markets and for bank customers to benefit from the positive effects that result from a harmonised and integrated European banking market. Therefore, I voted for the amendments proposed by colleague Simon from S&D Group.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I vote in favour of the amendments for this regulation. I supported the texts as it is clarified that liabilities arising from debt instruments with a derivative feature, such as structured notes, shall be included in the amount of own funds and that the entity has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Board that the instrument is sufficiently loss absorbing and can be bailed-in without undue complexity, taking into account the principles of prudent valuation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this Directive with my vote, as I find the resulting text enough balanced. It contains necessary provisions on determination of the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities. The text specifies that the Board shall ensure that the level of requirement is proportionate to the specificities of the business and funding models of the resolution entity.The recapitalisation amount shall also be supplemented by an additional amount that the Board considers necessary to maintain sufficient market confidence after resolution, taking into account the business model, funding model, and risk profile of the resolution entity.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on sovereign bond-backed securities. I appreciate that the proposal aims to provide a framework for the market-led development of sovereign bond backed securities (SBBS). SBBSs might be able to help banks and other financial institutions better diversify their sovereign exposures, further weaken the bank-sovereign nexus and enhance the supply of low-risk euro denominated assets facilitating the implementation of monetary policy. I supported the text also because the amendments brought by the rapporteur, Mr Fernandez, serve well the objectives of the banking union.

2016/11/22

I am deeply convinced of the necessity of combating money laundering and terrorist financing. For this reason, I supported the proposed regulation. The proposal aims to strengthen the mandates, governance and financing of the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) by giving them greater responsibility for ensuring the convergence of financial market supervision. I believe that this is a necessary and proportionate measure.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prudential supervision of investment firms and amending Directives 2013/36/EU and 2014/65/EU. The reason for my favourable vote is that the proposed proposal for a Directive establishes effective, appropriate and proportionate prudential arrangements at Union level that help to ensure that investment firms authorised to operate within the Union operate on a sound financial basis and are managed in an orderly way, including in the best interests of their clients.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this text, as any investment firm providing services covered by this regulation shall be required to take out professional liability insurance, which I consider a reasonable measure. The competent authorities shall ensure that the transition from the current framework to the new one offers sufficient regulatory certainty for investment firms and does not deprive them of substantive rights from which they had benefited under the current framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the conservation of fishery resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures. In my opinion, the text serves the simplification of rules. We need it, to respect the consultation process of advisory councils and to ensure that all objectives on conservation and sustainability are fully respected. Before their adoption, the potential economic and social impact of technical measures should be considered.In addition, I am glad that the text prepared by our colleague Mr Mato contributes to the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy: whereas the Commission proposes to rely exclusively on technical measures to achieve the objectives of the CFP, Members considered that technical measures shall only contribute to achieving the objectives of the CFP, namely such measures as to ensure sustainable exploitation patterns to provide protection for juveniles and spawning aggregations of marine species.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this text on European business statistics, amending Regulation (EC) No 184/2005 and repealing 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics. The objective of the proposed new framework regulation is to integrate, streamline and simplify statistical requirements and legal acts for business statistics.I appreciate the broad statistical coverage, which includes harmonised statistics on climate change and resource efficiency, research and development, innovation and the information society, covering both market and non-market activities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against this report concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) as regards cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the effectiveness of OLAF investigations. I consider that the distribution of tasks and the procedures outlined do not adequately fulfil the objectives of the two establishments.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the result of the interinstitutional negotiations and I voted in favour of the proposal for a regulation of Parliament and of the Council establishing the ‘Customs’ programme for cooperation in the field of customs.The regulation seeks to establish the programme for the period 2021-2027. Members pointed out that the long-term objective of the programme should be to ensure that all EU customs administrations work together as closely as possible, to guarantee the safety and security of Member States and to protect the Union against fraud and unfair and unlawful commercial practices, while encouraging legitimate economic activities and a high level of consumer protection.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report on marketing and use of explosive precursors, for which I was the main rapporteur. I am happy to have received the support of 616 colleagues, meaning that the result of the interinstitutional negotiation was satisfactory to all political groups, as we managed to accommodate both the security objectives and the needs of the market and the chemical industry.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report on establishing a common framework for European statistics relating to persons and households, based on data at individual level collected from samples. Collecting high-quality, gender-segregated and age-segregated data is essential in order to identify issues specific to gender and age and allow for a solid factual basis to assess progress with regard to gender equality and tackling gender and age-based discrimination. In my opinion, such statistics will help us to improve many EU policies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems (borders and visa) and amending a series of Council decisions. I am glad that many of the priorities of the Socialists and Democrats Group were taken on board. The proposal provides for the objectives of the interoperability components, their technical architecture, rules regarding their use, the storing of logs and the quality of the data, as well as rules regarding data protection, supervision and the responsibilities of the various agencies and Member States. It also lays down a framework for identifying and verifying the identity of third-country nationals.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the amended proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems (police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration). The new regulation establishes four interoperability components of EU information systems (police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration): (i) the European Search Portal (ESP); (ii) the shared Biometric Matching Service (Shared BMS); (iii) the Common Identity Repository (CIR); (iv) and the Multiple Identity Detector (MID).The systems covered would include the entry/exit system (EES), the visa information system (VIS), the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), Eurodac, the Schengen Information System (SIS) and the European Criminal Records Information System for third-country nationals (ECRIS-TCN).In my opinion, the distribution of tasks and responsibilities among the systems and agencies is satisfactory.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report drafted by S&D Group colleague Ms Kyenge on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the creation of a European network of immigration liaison officers (recast). I did so because the text serves to optimise the use of the different expertise of immigration liaison officers deployed in third countries by Member States, the Commission and EU agencies to implement more effectively the Union’s priorities.I am particularly convinced that we must ensure better management of migration, gradually replace irregular migration with safe and legal migration or asylum pathways, as well as prevent and combat the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in human beings.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I place much value on the safety of vehicles and I supported this report containing the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers, and systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles, as regards their general safety and the protection of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users. Specifically, this text introduces precise definitions, like the definition of vulnerable road users. It will mean a road user using a one or multiple-wheel powered vehicle without protective bodywork or a non-motorised road user, such as a cyclist or a pedestrian.

2016/11/22

Just as I did in the LIBE Committee vote, I voted in plenary in favour of this report on listing the third countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when crossing the external borders and those whose nationals are exempt from that requirement, as regards the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union. It was a reasonable step to provide for EU-UK visa relations in the event of Brexit and to clarify the situation of UK nationals when Union law ceases to apply to them as regards visa policy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which reflects the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights proclaimed in November 2017 by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, with a view to drive reforms at national level and to serve as a compass for a renewed process of convergence across Europe. I consider that the guidelines proposed in this Report should be taken into account by Member States in their employment policies and reform programmes, the guidelines should also be implemented in partnership with all national, regional and local authorities, closely involving parliaments, as well as the social partners and representatives of civil society.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this Report with my vote. I find it sufficiently balanced and ambitious and I especially support the call on Member States and industries, as key partners in the waste management sector, to improve their engagement in promoting circular supply chains. I also agree that Considers that door-by-door separate collection of waste is an effective way to raise awareness across the population of the strategic importance of a circular economy.

2016/11/22

Even though I agree that we need a review focused on road transport legislation, I did not vote in favour of this report as I find it not balanced enough. In addition, the proposed requirements for the occupation of road transport operator seem to create an imbalance between different EU countries and have a detrimental effect on the Eastern European countries.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. I am convinced that it respects the main objectives of the EU fisheries policy: fostering sustainable fisheries; fostering sustainable aquaculture; contributing to food security in the Union through competitive and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture markets and processing sectors; and enabling the growth of a sustainable blue economy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted for this report containing the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the Western Mediterranean Sea. In my opinion, the report respects the objective of securing the exploitation of marine living biological resources subject to long-term sustainable economic, environmental and social conditions. It is essential in this regard to keep in mind the restoring and maintaining of fish stocks above levels of biomass capable of producing maximum sustainable yield for the target stocks, and ensuring a fair standard of living for those who depend on fishing activities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against the report on strengthening the security of identity cards of European Union citizens and of residence documents issued to European Union citizens and their family members exercising their right of free movement. From one point of view, the report seeks to strengthen the security standards applicable to identity cards issued by Member States to their nationals and to residence documents issued by Member States to EU citizens and their family members, from the other point of view it exposes sensitive data on the EU citizens to more actors and broader computer systems, which adds vulnerability to the privacy of our citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this important report on road infrastructure safety management. This document serves to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the road networks of the European Union by improving road safety performance. Since this issue is also highly relevant for Latvia, I supported the proposed measures for making the roads in the EU safer.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This report seeks to lay down uniform rules on the authorisation, provision, distribution and supervision of personal pension products that are distributed in the European Union under the designation pan-European Personal Pension product or ‘PEPP’. PEPP could broaden the consumer choice, or offer solutions to mobile citizens; it is especially valid in view of the high number of cross-border workers and those who change their countries of residence several times.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that gives the rules for major balance in distribution of family tasks, especially in the matter of child-raising and care-giving. The Group of Socialists and Democrats contributed a lot to address the under-representation of women in employment, improving conditions for the reconciliation of professional and private responsibilities, and unequal treatment and opportunities in the labour market. In addition, the new document encourages the strengthening of the role of men as caregivers in the family.

2016/11/22

I decided to vote to approve the request to start interinstitutional negotiations on this unamended proposal for a decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on computerising the movement and surveillance of excise goods. The proposal accompanies the proposal for a Council directive establishing the general arrangements for excise duty with regard to the automation of the procedure for the movement of excise goods which have been released for consumption in the territory of a Member State and which are moved to the territory of another Member State in order to be supplied for commercial purposes in that other Member State.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the proposed Directive aims at establishing a regulatory framework governing the re-use of public sector information in order to promote the use of open data and stimulate innovation in products and services. Public sector bodies, public undertakings and private undertakings shall, through electronic means where possible and appropriate, process requests for re-use and shall make the document available for re-use to the applicant or, if a licence is needed, finalise the licence offer to the applicant within a reasonable time that is consistent with the time-frames laid down for the processing of requests for access to documents.

2016/11/22

I supported the proposed Regulation seeks to lay down general rules for the implementation by the Union of the multiannual recovery plan for Mediterranean swordfish (Xiphias gladius) adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), starting from 2017 and continuing through 2031 (‘the recovery plan’). I agree that national quotas must be distributed fairly among the various fleet segments, ensuring in particular that quotas are allocated to traditional and artisanal fishing. Member States shall provide incentives to Union fishing vessels deploying selective fishing gear or using fishing techniques with reduced environmental impact.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report and I agree that in order to foster the professional mobility of seafarers within the EU, Member States should fully recognise certificates of proficiency and documentary evidence issued to seafarers by other Member States, including for the purposes of issuing national certificates of competency. In order to foster the professional mobility of seafarers within the EU, Member States should fully recognise certificates of proficiency and documentary evidence issued to seafarers by other Member States, including for the purposes of issuing national certificates of competency.

2016/11/22

Evidence suggests that the annual pre-financing paid to Member States for a given accounting year and cleared with the acceptance of accounts is set at a particularly high level in comparison with financial management requirements stemming from the implementation of operational programmes; this is in particular the case for the budgetary years 2021 to 2023. In order to ease the pressure on payment appropriations in the Union budget for the budgetary years 2021 to 2023 and to enhance the predictability of payment requirements, I agree with the Commission proposal that for the last three years of the current implementation period 2021-2023, the annual pre-financing should be reduced to the necessary minimum.

2016/11/22

It is true that the internal market for individual retirement savings products remains highly fragmented, particularly with regard to tax relief. I am also of the opinion that fiscal incentives are needed for the uptake of the PEPPs. Therefore I agreed on the call for the Council to elaborate proposals regarding incentives for PEPP savers, and I voted in favour. I welcome the proposed provisions on analysing existing tax incentives for personal pension products and assessing their costs, effectiveness and redistributive effects and, where applicable, addressing inefficiencies and regressive effects.

2016/11/22

I supported this report on the rules on the exercise of copyright and related rights applicable to certain online transmissions of broadcasting organisations and retransmissions of television and radio programmes. This report seeks to promote the cross-border provision of online services ancillary to broadcasts and to facilitate digital retransmissions over closed networks of TV and radio programmes originating in other Member States. In my opinion it is beneficial to the EU consumers, so I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I believe that culture has an enormous potential in shaping new European agenda. We must recognise the intrinsic value of culture, preserve and promote the quality of European culture and creativity as a distinctive dimension of personal development, education, social cohesion, freedom of expression and opinion, and the arts, by strengthening democracy, critical thinking, sense of belonging and citizenship to shape a pluralistic cultural and media environment. I am a supporter of the idea to promote European cooperation on cultural, artistic and linguistic diversity and I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment. I think it is essential to set the criteria for determining the degree of environmental impact and sustainability of an economic activity for the purposes of establishing the degree of environmental sustainability of an investment made within the EU. I am convinced that with these new legal provisions we will have more environmentally sustainable investments.

2016/11/22

A budget of EUR 2 068 530 000 has been proposed by the Secretary-General for Parliament’s preliminary draft estimates for 2020, representing an overall increase of 3,58% on the 2019 budget and a share of 18.38% of heading V of the 2014-2020 MFF. I support the general framework of this report, and I am convinced that the credibility of Parliament as one arm of the budgetary authority depends to an extent on its ability to manage its own spending and on its ability to develop democracy at the Union level.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I abstained from the vote on the resolution on the situation in Venezuela. In my opinion, notwithstanding all the human rights issues that Venezuelan people suffer, it is not correct from the side of the European Parliament to try to shape the political direction of Venezuela. The sovereignty of the Venezuelan people and their free choice to choose the president is something that cannot be questioned. I support, however, the will of the international community to help Venezuela in alleviating its humanitarian crisis.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the idea that the lack of safety for journalists and narrowing space for civil society because of harassment and intimidation are undermining oversight over executive power and eroding the civic engagement of citizens. I voted in favour of this report and I call on the Commission to come forward with a proposal for a comprehensive and independent mechanism to monitor the situation as regards democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights annually in all Member States.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In my opinion, the Commission’s refusal to grant public access to all positions of the representatives of the Member States relating to environmental information constitutes maladministration. The Commission must respect the emissions limits currently in force, established in Regulation 715/2007 and must put in place the mechanisms for monitoring emissions in order to prevent cases like the Dieselgate scandal. I found the report fundamental enough and I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report on establishing a European peace facility which is supposed to give the Union the capacity to contribute directly to the financing of peace-support operations led by third countries, as well as relevant international organisations. I am glad that the current report guarantees the complementarity of the European peace facility with existing EU funds, programmes and instruments and the consistency of the European peace facility with all other aspects of the EU’s external action. I believe that the rapporteur Ms Hilde Vautmans prepared a balanced report that will serve as a basis for peacekeeping activities of the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as I believe it represents a good balance in financial allocations for the Youth Employment Initiative. Commitment appropriations for the specific allocation for the YEI should be increased by an amount of EUR 116.7 million in current prices, bringing the overall amount for 2019 up to EUR 350 million, which is a figure that should be sufficient.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as it respects the main objective of the Directive, that is to allow the free movement of goods while at the same time ensuring that the correct tax debt is ultimately collected by the Member States. I found the report sufficiently balanced.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it serves the objectives of market competitiveness. It also aims at amending Council Decision No 940/2014/EU on dock dues in the French outermost regions is to adapt the list of products eligible for a tax differential to reflect the latest changes in local economies since the adoption of the Decision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this important report on the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). This Regulation establishes the Programme ‘Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument’. It lays down the objectives of the Instrument, the budget for the period 2021 – 2027, the forms of Union funding and the rules for providing such funding. It also establishes the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (the ‘EFSD+’) and an External Action Guarantee.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this important report with a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. IPA III shall assist beneficiary countries in adopting and implementing the political, institutional, legal, legal, administrative, social and economic reforms required to ensure that they comply with the values of the Union and gradually align with the Union’s rules, standards, policies and practices for accession. I believe that this regulation will allow a more harmonious integration of accession countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report with the Regulation that lays down rules and procedures for the recovery and resolution of central counterparties (CCPs). Member States where a CCP is established shall designate one resolution authority that is empowered to apply the resolution tools and exercise the resolution powers as set out in this Regulation.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this report that seeks to establish uniform requirements for the operation, organisation, authorisation and supervision of crowdfunding service providers, as well as transparency and marketing communications in relation to the provision of crowdfunding services in the Union. I specifically support the amendments that introduce the obligation for crowdfunding service providers to undertake at least a minimum level of due diligence in respect of project owners that propose their project to be funded by the crowdfunding platform of a crowdfunding service provider.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report. I support its main objective to broaden access to finance for innovative companies, start-ups and other unlisted companies. I am convinced that we need to promote innovative entrepreneurship in the Union in order to strengthen the Capital Markets Union. Therefore, I supported the Rapporteur in the main lines.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that aims at achieving emission reduction targets. This Regulation seeks to establish CO2 emissions performance requirements for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles in order to achieve the Union’s climate targets and to comply with its climate commitments at international level, in a manner which is consistent with the proper functioning of the internal market. Considering the above, I supported this proposal.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that bans single-use plastic in the EU and that I consider revolutionary. The aim of the proposed Directive is to introduce an EU-wide ban on single-use plastic products whenever alternatives exist. Products such as plates, cutlery, cotton buds, straws or sticks to be attached to balloons shall be prohibited. Members added to the list of products banned in the EU products containing oxo-degradable plastics, such as bags and packaging, and single-use food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene.I am convinced that the introduction of responsibility schemes will make the enforcement of this Directive very efficient.

2016/11/22

I supported this report with my vote. I am convinced that we must take advantage of technical developments and unlock the potential to make more use of nutrients from animal by-products such as animal manure. We should also set up processing methods and recovery rules for animal by-products. In this question, the biggest priority for me is the protection of the health and safety of consumers and the environment. Since this report respects this priority sufficiently, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I fully supported this report on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work. This Directive will require Member States to take measures to ensure appropriate health surveillance of workers for whom the results of the risk assessment reveal a risk to their safety or health. I am also glad to see that the text respects the interests of small and medium enterprises.

2016/11/22

I supported this Report as it has the objective to create a resource-efficient multimodal transport network and reduce the negative impacts of transport in terms of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, accidents, noise pollution and congestion. I share the idea that Member States should prioritise investment in transhipment terminals to reduce bottlenecks and congestion areas, in particular near urban and sub-urban areas, in order to make it easier to cross natural barriers such as mountain areas, to improve cross-border connections, to reduce harmful airborne emissions and to improve access to and from industrial areas which lack such infrastructure.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that calls on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision concerning the products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified soybean MON 87751 (MON-87751-7). In my opinion no sufficient checks were conducted before the introduction to the market of these substances. In addition, no robustness of the post-market monitoring plan is guaranteed.

2016/11/22

I supported this Resolution. It takes enormous responsibility to take the decision on whether or not to authorise the genetically modified maize within the Union’s jurisdiction. Therefore, I agree with the rapporteur that the draft Commission implementing decision is not consistent with Union law. I believe that the Commission should not authorise any herbicide-tolerant GM plants without full assessment of the residues from spraying with complementary herbicides and their commercial formulations as applied in the countries of cultivation. Careful checks are necessary before taking any such decision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that calls on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision and to submit a new draft rejecting the application for authorisation. Here the issue pertains to granting an authorisation for certain uses of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (DEZA a.s.). The General Court clearly stated that conditions to an authorisation, within the meaning of Article 60(8) and (9), cannot be legally used to remedy the potential failures or gaps in the information provided by the applicant for authorisation; I therefore agree that these substances should not be introduced into the market.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this call on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision and to submit a new draft rejecting the application for authorisation. In relation to chromium trioxide I also call upon the Commission to carefully assess whether any authorisations can be granted in full compliance with the REACH Regulation for the specific uses covered by the application submitted by the applicants.

2016/11/22

I supported the report and I share the considerations of the rapporteur Benifei. The region that is considered in this report is the Maghreb together with the Mashreq countries, thus comprising the southern and part of the eastern shores of the Mediterranean (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria). This report provides a good assessment of the situation in these countries eight years after the Arab Spring, and in my opinion correctly identifies trends and, especially, assesses the response by the European Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report amending the Commissionʼs proposal. The directive sets out rules enabling qualified representative entities to seek representative actions aimed at the protection of the collective interests of consumers and thereby, in particular, achieve and enforce a high level of protection and access to justice, while at the same time ensuring appropriate safeguards to avoid abusive litigation. I am convinced that consumers should be granted full compensation for their losses and I agree with the relevant provisions that this directive proposes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the consent for this report, which takes account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union in the context of a Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part. This report is purely technical.

2016/11/22

I voted to support this report drafted by my S&D Group colleague Ms Ulvskog on the end of the biannual seasonal change of time. In my opinion, it is essential in this regard to guarantee the functioning of the internal market. Member States should cooperate with one another and take decisions on their envisaged time arrangements in a concerted and coordinated manner. Therefore, a coordination mechanism should be established, consisting of a designated representative from each Member State and a representative of the Commission. According to the adopted report, the time change scheduled for the last Sunday in March 2021 should be the last for EU Member States wishing to keep summer time. Member States that prefer to keep the standard time, i.e. winter time, may change their time for one last time on the last Sunday in October 2021.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the amendments to this proposal for a directive. The directive seeks to establish common rules for the generation, transmission, distribution, storage and supply of electricity, together with consumer protection provisions, with a view to creating truly integrated, consumer-centred and flexible electricity markets in the Union. In addition, the directive indicates means of cooperation among Member States, regulatory authorities and transmission system operators with a view to the creation of a fully interconnected internal market that increases the integration of renewable electricity, the mechanisms of solidarity among Member States, free competition and security of supply.

2016/11/22

I voted for the recast of the regulation on the internal market for electricity. The regulation will establish the basis for efficient achievement of the objectives of the European Energy Union by enabling market signals to be delivered for increased flexibility, efficiency, decarbonisation, innovation and a higher share of renewable energy sources. Considering that its implementation will have a major impact on the energy security of EU citizens, I hope that the Commission, together with the national authorities, sticks closely to the implementation plan.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the recast regulation establishing a European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators. The Agency is to act independently in the interest of the Union alone. It will make autonomous decisions, benefit from separate annual budget allocations, and have sufficient human and financial resources to properly carry out its obligations. The Agency may also, on its own initiative, provide the Commission with an opinion regarding a particular national regulatory authority’s independence or lack of resources and technical capabilities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour for this Regulation that lays down rules for the cooperation between Member States in view of preventing, preparing for and handling electricity crises in a spirit of solidarity and transparency, in full regard for the requirements of a competitive internal market for electricity and in line with the Union’s energy and climate objectives. I agree with the Rapporteur Zanonato in his call for Member States to be required to identify concrete electricity crisis scenarios and subsequently identify concrete measures to address such situations in their risk preparedness plans. That approach should ensure that all possible crisis situations are covered.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Although the subject covered by this Report is quite important for the well-being of Europeans, and the text aimed to promote fuel-efficient, safe and sustainable tyres with low noise levels that could help to minimise the impact on the environment and health, I could not vote in favour. The reason for that is that the regional diversity of this sector was not sufficiently considered by the Report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content. I support the creation of a separate category for ‘digital services’ to clearly distinguish digital content from digital services. This adds legal clarity in terms of liability.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this Directive which applies to any sales contract concluded between a consumer and a trader. According to this Directive, that already guarantees a high level of consumer protection, Member States may maintain or introduce in their national law more stringent provisions, compatible with the Treaty, in order to ensure a higher level of protection.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported during the vote this regulation on certain provisions for fishing in the GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean) Agreement area. These measures concern the European hake and the deep-water rose shrimp in the Strait of Sicily the turbot in the Black Sea, the blackspot seabream in the Alboran Sea and red coral in the Mediterranean Sea. The proposal also establishes a fishing restricted area in the Adriatic. In addition, the regulation sets provisions on unauthorised fishing.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this important Regulation that seeks to streamline the alignment of reporting obligations of the environment-related legislation, updating specific provisions of 10 sectoral directives and regulations. The European Parliament enriched the initial proposal of the Commission offering a more transparent access to clear environmental information for various stakeholders, including the public. In my opinion, this is an important step in making EU citizens part of environmental policy-making and scrutiny over its implementation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this Report amending the Directive on time limit for the implementation of the special rules regarding maximum length in case of cabs delivering improved aerodynamic performance, energy efficiency and safety performance. I agree that the new provisions will allow to improve the aerodynamics of motor vehicles falling within the scope of the Directive by allowing these to derogate from maximum lengths restrictions if certain conditions were respected.

2016/11/22

I supported this report drafted by S&D Group colleague Ms Gill on low carbon benchmarks and positive carbon impact benchmarks. This regulation belongs to a broader initiative to redirect capital flows towards sustainable investments. It lays the foundations for a European framework that places environmental, social and governance criteria at the heart of the financial system. For me, pursuing these objectives is essential for the completion of the EU financial architecture.

2016/11/22

I supported this report as I see increased economic and investment opportunities in European territorial cooperation and I believe that we must further encourage cooperation between Member States and their regions, as well as territorial cooperation between EU and partner countries. I believe that the four concrete strands outlined in the report (cross-border cooperation between adjacent regions, transnational cooperation and maritime cooperation, cooperation involving the outermost regions and interregional cooperation), as well as the level of financing foreseen for them, correspond to the EU Sustainable Development Objectives.Furthermore, I particularly support the introduction of small-scale projects in this report, and I am glad that greater pre-financing was achieved for them, meaning that in Latvia we will have access to more interregional cooperation activities.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this resolution that touches upon many aspects of life of Europeans of African descent. Many of them still become victims of racism and social intolerance. The engagement of Europeans in colonialism and wars in Africa poses many moral questions to politicians today, starting from the practice of apologies and compensation, to the issue of artistic heritage restitution. I think the report is quite balanced and reflects the main challenges faced by African communities in Europe.

2016/11/22

Following continued revelations over the last five years (Luxleaks, the Panama Papers, Football Leaks and the Paradise Papers), the European Parliament decided to establish a Special Committee on Financial Crimes, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance (TAX3), on 1 March 2018. The activities and findings of this Committee resulted in this report, which calls for an urgent reform of existing tax rules. During its current term, the Commission has put forward 26 legislative proposals aimed at closing some of the loopholes, improving the fight against financial crimes and aggressive tax planning, and enhancing tax collection efficiency and tax fairness. This is a very positive dynamic; however, I regret the fact that the Council has shown little political will to act on major initiatives in relation to corporate tax reform. I also support the call to help Member States in moving away from their current detrimental tax systems.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report covering comprehensive institutional agreement with Switzerland. I agree with the rapporteur that it should protect the homogeneity of the internal market and ensure legal certainty for authorities and economic operators. The Swiss Federal Council wishes to conclude an institutional agreement with the Union that guarantees legal certainty in terms of market access and preserves Switzerland’s prosperity, independence and legal system.I support the current proposal that would put together and bring coherence to the complex system of 120 existing bilateral agreements between EU and Switzerland. I consider particularly essential and beneficial the participation of Switzerland in the EU cohesion policy. In my opinion, it would give an important input and best practices that could specifically be applied in Eastern Europe.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour to grant the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2017, and also grant discharge to the Directors of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency, the European Research Council Executive Agency and the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency in respect of the implementation of their respective Agencies’ budgets for the financial year 2017.I find it reasonable that in 2017, 99.3% of the amount available for commitments was implemented, meaning that the funds were allocated and used according to the initial planning.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this resolution on the Court of Auditors’ Special Reports in the context of the 2017 Commission discharge. These Special Reports provide information on issues of concern related to the implementation of funds, which are thus useful for Parliament in exercising its role of discharge authority. This also corresponds to the scrutiny tasks of the Members of the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour for the discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds for the financial year 2017. I share the concerns of my colleagues on the adverse opinion stated by the Court on the legality and regularity of payments wherein payments underlying the accounts are materially affected by error. It is indeed regretful that in every annual activity report since 2012, DG DEVCO had to issue a reservation on the regularity of underlying transactions which points to serious internal management deficiencies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of discharge given to the President of the European Parliament in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Parliament for the financial year 2017. Ninety-nine per cent of the appropriations entered in Parliament’s budget, amounting to EUR 1 889 574 057, were committed, with a cancellation rate of 1%. As in previous years, a very high level of budget implementation was achieved in 2017.However the question of a single seat of the European Parliament stays open. The Council has not even begun a discussion on how to meet Parliament’s requests in this respect. Estimated annual savings amount to EUR 114 million. In my opinion, the European Council needs to take urgent steps to prevent any further waste of public money, that over a single parliamentary term can amount to as much as EUR 1 billion.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I joined my colleagues in the proposal to postpone the decision on granting the Secretary-General of the Council discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Council and of the Council for the financial year 2017. I am convinced that the Council’s expenditure must be scrutinised in the same way as that of other institutions. However the Council again failed to provide answers to the written questions sent by Parliament and the Secretary-General of the Council did not attend the hearing in the context of the annual discharge, which again shows a complete lack of cooperation on the Council’s side.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the decision to grant discharge to the Registrar of the Court of Justice in respect of the implementation of the Court’s budget for the financial year 2017. I am glad that the Court of Auditors observed no significant weaknesses in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the Court of Justice of the European Union. The payments as a whole for the year ending 31 December 2017 for administrative and other expenditure of the Court of Justice were free from material error.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted for the decision to give discharge to the Secretary-General of the European Court of Auditors in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Court for the financial year 2017. The overall rate of implementation for the budget was 97.73% (compared to 99% in 2016), and still represented a good result.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of granting discharge to the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Economic and Social Committee for the financial year 2017. No significant weaknesses or material errors were identified. However I regret the low participation of economic operators in the calls for tenders launched by the Committee. The Committee should increase its publication efforts and reduce the number of exceptional negotiated procedures with only one candidate.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported with my vote the report calling for discharge to be given to the Committee of the Regions in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2017. No significant weaknesses or material errors have been identified. However it is deplorable that the share of women in middle management has not seen any significant improvement in 2017 with around 38%. The share of women in senior management positions further decreased from 33% in 2016 to around 25% in 2017, which is a trend that the Committee of the Regions must address.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour to grant the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European External Action Service (EEAS) for the financial year 2017. It is positive that the EEAS respected the previous recommendations made in relation to the improvement of the monitoring system for the timely updating of the personal situation and data of members of staff, with a potential impact on the calculation of family allowances. Particular attention in this report was given to Brexit, where the initial assessment of the level of administrative expenditure is of EUR 6.7 million for staff and infrastructure expenditure over a period of nine months related to the opening of a delegation in London in view of the fact that the United Kingdom will become a third country.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported the report calling for discharge to be granted to the European Ombudsman in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Ombudsman for the financial year 2017. The Court of Auditors observed that no significant weaknesses had been identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the Ombudsman. We could also notice a positive trend that the average time for dealing with a complaint decreased from 86 days in 2013 to 64 days and the average time for dealing with inquiries decreased from 369 days in 2013 to 266 days in 2017.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this report in which the European Parliament grants discharge to the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2017.The payments were free from material error and the examined supervisory and control systems for administrative and other expenditure were effective. At the same time, the EDPS’s budget was strongly influenced by two major legislative changes (the General Data Protection Regulation and the Directive for Data Protection in the Police and Justice Sectors). Most of the additional resources were allocated to the EDPS for the establishment of the secretariat of the newly created European Data Protection Board (EDPB).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union agencies for the financial year 2017: performance, financial management and control. Indeed, I am satisfied with the level of reliability of the accounts of all agencies and their overall effective performance, and especially the progress made in enhancing their visibility to European citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) for the financial year 2017. I agreed to approve the closure of the Agency’s accounts, considering that the annual accounts of the Agency for the financial year 2017 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular.

2016/11/22

I agreed on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Office of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) for the financial year 2017. I voted also for a number of recommendations that the report suggests in relation to the budget and financial management.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report granting discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT) for the financial year 2017. Noting that the Court of Auditors stated that it had obtained reasonable assurance that the annual accounts of the Centre for the financial year 2017 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular, we in the Parliament approved the closure of the Centre’s accounts.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) for the financial year 2017. However, a number of recommendations need to be taken into account by Cedefop when the discharge is granted.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported with my vote the discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) for the financial year 2017. We agreed to close the accounts, however a number of recommendations have also been made.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of granting discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for the financial year 2017. We could approve the closure of the agency’s accounts, however Parliament has made some further recommendations on financial management.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report to postpone discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Asylum Support Office for the financial year 2017. The reason for postponement is that the payments underlying the accounts are materially affected by error.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report calling for the Executive Director of the EBA to be granted discharge in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2017. I also supported a series of observations regarding performance, staff policy, procurement and conflicts of interest. Due to the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the Union, the seat of the EBA was moved to Paris at the beginning of 2019. I support other Members in calling on the EBA to manage carefully the financial aspects of this move.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Following the recommendation of the Committee on Budgetary Control, I voted in favour of granting the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control discharge in respect of the implementation of its budget for the financial year 2017. As a result of the centre’s good performance, the Court of Auditors stated it had obtained reasonable assurance that the annual accounts of the centre for the financial year 2017 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report calling for the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency to be granted discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. Budget monitoring efforts during the financial year 2017 resulted in a budget implementation rate of 98%, up 1% compared to 2016, which demonstrates positive dynamics in budget management.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this report, drafted by Mr Sarvamaa, on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Environment Agency (EEA) for the financial year 2017. The EEA’s budget-monitoring efforts during the financial year resulted in a budget implementation rate of 99.97%, representing the same high rate as in 2016.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Committee on Budgetary Control called on Parliament to grant the Executive Director of the European Fisheries Control Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. After analysis of the agency’s financial statements and considering the reasonable assurance obtained by the Court of Auditors, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Following the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control recommending that the Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority be granted discharge in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2017, I voted in favour. The Court of Auditors had earlier underlined positive results in the EFSA’s financial management.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I agreed to approve the closure of the accounts of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), considering that Court of Auditors stated it had obtained reasonable assurance that the annual accounts of the institute for the financial year 2017 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular. Therefore I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the discharge and I also supported the recommendations that need to be taken into account when the discharge is granted, in addition to the general recommendations that appear in the draft resolution on performance, financial management and control of EU agencies. I believe that also in the context of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority, sufficient resources need to be allocated to address existing anti money laundering competences and to ensure a swift exchange with the European Banking Authority regarding money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report. The overall contribution of the Union to the Institute’s budget for 2017 amounted to EUR 315 147 801.58, whereas budget implementation rate is of 91.23%. I see a room for improvement in that and I believe that EIT will be able to implement the finances more efficiently also because the Commission granted the Institute full financial autonomy in December 2017, since it achieved compliance with the internal control standards.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting discharge for the European Medicines Agency. The Agency is a fee-funded agency, with 86% of its 2017 revenue stemming from fees paid by the pharmaceutical industry for services provided, and 12% stemming from the Union budget. Due to Brexit arrangements, the seat of the Agency moved to Amsterdam at the beginning of 2019 and the Agency’s accounts include provisions for related costs amounting to EUR 18 600 000. In my opinion it is quite regretful that the lease agreement for the London based premises sets a rental period until 2039 with no exit clause. It is necessary to minimise the financial, administrative and operational impact of such unfavourable lease agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant the discharge to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction for the financial year 2017. The annual accounts of the Centre for the financial year 2017 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular. I also support the consideration that there is a need to strengthen the accounting officer’s independence by making him directly responsible to the Centre’s Director and management board.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant discharge for the European Maritime Safety Agency. The final budget of the Agency for the financial year 2017 was EUR 86 276 654.33 representing an increase of 22.87% compared to 2016. This increase was mainly related to the enhanced mandate of the Agency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the discharge for European Training Foundation that is based in Turin in Italy. The final budget of the Foundation for the financial year 2017 was EUR 20 144 089, representing a decrease of 3.62% compared to 2016. I was glad to discover that budget monitoring efforts during the financial year 2017 resulted in a high budget implementation rate of 99.93%.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The final budget of the Agency for the financial year 2017 was EUR 155 801 818, representing a significant increase of 89.38% compared with 2016. This increase was related to the additional tasks of the Agency. It also underlined in the report that relocation to new premises in Strasbourg suffered considerable delays and that there have been several failings on the part of the contractor responsible.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this report with my vote. In the European Union, cross-border regions make up approximately 40% of the Union’s territory, while harbouring almost a third of its 512 million citizens. This proposal aims to add a voluntary tool to the toolbox that Member States have at their disposal to boost cross-border cooperation. Member States should always have the final say on whether or not to use the mechanism. In addition, I think that this proposal will help to fully unleash the potential of the European border regions.

2016/11/22

I supported this report with my vote. The Eurojust-Georgia Cooperation agreement follows the model of similar agreements concluded by Eurojust in the past. Organised crime groups originating in Georgia are operating in EU Member States and Georgia is a post-conflict nation with a large stock of weapons remaining in the country with the potential for trafficking of weapons. Such cooperation will aid Georgian authorities to ensure continuous fulfilment of their obligations, and their serious commitment, to preventing and fighting organised crime. As the standing reporter on Georgian in the European Parliament, I welcome the efforts by Georgian colleagues in strengthening justice and police cooperation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report and I particularly appreciate its legal clarifications. ‘Foreign direct investment’ covered investments of all kinds, regardless of their volume or participation threshold by a foreign investor, whether or not such an investor is the ultimate investor. The definition of ‘foreign investor’ shall include natural or legal persons, undertakings from third countries or public or national institutions. The term ‘foreign government-controlled direct investment’ has also been clarified.In addition, I welcome the fact that Member States shall provide the Commission with an annual report covering foreign direct investments which have taken place in their territory.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report because I am convinced that commercial and environmental aspects of the fisheries industry must be better overseen on the EU level. In addition, fisheries is a considerable employment sector, and we need to ensure that jobs related to fisheries do not get jeopardised by globalisation factors.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report done with the objective of extending the Excise Movement and Control System to intra—EU movements of excise goods that are released for consumption. In the absence of this proposal, the coordinated planning of the automation of the intra—EU movement of excise goods that are released for consumption will not be possible.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this report on removing barriers to cross-border investment and lowering the costs of funding. I believe that the law of the habitual residence of the assignor will give a high degree of transparency and predictability for the third parties possibly concerned. In addition, I welcome the proposal of the Commission that the assignor and assignee would be able to choose the law applicable to third-party consequences of an assignment. It will leave the parties to the assignment agreement full discretion in this respect.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. However, I believe that although the mid-term evaluation contains much relevant information, it cannot replace a proper impact assessment of the Pericles 2020 programme.

2016/11/22

I see many advantages in the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Singapore. However, I believe that non-tariff barriers need to be further addressed. Also, further measures should be put in place to guarantee that Singapore will protect EU geographic indications to the benefit of EU food and drink producers.

2016/11/22

I agree that Singapore is a global player in financial and insurance services, and the EU needs to guarantee that investments and banking operations with Singapore occur in full transparency and interests of the EU investors. EU’s right to maintain and apply its own standards to all goods and services sold in the EU should be maintained and therefore all imports from Singapore must respect EU standards. This is also the principle we must upheld in partnerships with other third countries.

2016/11/22

I abstained from the vote on this Report, because I believe that there is not yet enough evidence on whether Singapore has put all the measures in place to comply with the EU’s new approach on investment protection and enforcement mechanism. Singapore agreed to review the investment protection provisions negotiated in 2014 and therefore to re-open a closed agreement; however, the fact that Singapore still proposes bank secrecy and off-shore taxation creates a condition for money-laundering, the practice is deemed unacceptable in the EU.

2016/11/22

I supported this report on a transport communication treaty with the Western Balkans countries.The standards and technical specifications applied by the Western Balkans partners are compatible with those of the Union, given the positive experience with the implementation of the Energy Community Treaty. The Transport Community will contribute to the progressive integration of transport markets of the South-Western Balkans into the European Union transport market. I believe that major connectivity will lead to economic advantages for both partners.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report and I agree with many of that provisions that it suggests in relation to Bosnia and Herzegovina. This report deplores any kind of glorification of persons convicted of the gravest crimes against humanity and calls for respect for victims of war crimes and for reconciliation to be promoted. I am glad that the text reminds all political leaders and institutions in BiH that they have a responsibility to assess wartime events objectively, in the interests of truth, reconciliation and a peaceful future. In addition, I believe that local politicians need to avoid misuse of the judiciary for political purposes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report as I am convinced that the EU needs strong measures to make the functioning of the area of freedom, security and justice more efficient and even in all the Member States. I also supported the amendments to the Commission’s proposal, especially on a values support mechanism. In exceptional cases, where there is a serious and rapid deterioration in a Member State as regards compliance with Union values, and those values are at risk of not being sufficiently protected and promoted, the Commission may open a call for proposals in the form of a fast-track procedure for grant applications for civil society organisations, with a view to supporting the democratic dialogue in the Member State in question.

2016/11/22

I fully support the own-initiative report by my colleague from the S&D Group, Jauregui Atondo, on the state of debate on the future of Europe. Certainly, it is not easy to make a clear divide between differentiated integration and the idea of a Europe à la carte . It has been proved that the EU legislation is much more efficient when the ordinary legislative procedure is followed. I firmly believe that the Community method must be gradually diffused to all the spheres of public life, including in EU foreign policy.

2016/11/22

I supported this report with my vote since I believe that it is crucial to develop a European area of justice in civil matters based on the principles of mutual trust and the mutual recognition of judgments. Smooth cooperation between courts is also necessary for the proper functioning of the internal market. In 2018, approximately 3.4 million civil and commercial court proceedings in the EU had cross-border implications. I am glad that with the new Regulation access to evidence will be facilitated.

2016/11/22

I welcome the report drafted by colleague Cofferati based on the proposal of the European Commission on improving the efficiency and speed of judicial procedures with cross-border implications in commercial and civil matters. I believe that the rapporteur managed to ensure the protection of the rights of the parties as well as high security standards, accessibility and protection of privacy and of personal data. I fully agree that electronic procedures should play an important role in this regard.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects of aviation safety with regard to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the Union. This regulation would bring necessary legal clarity in case of Brexit, and prevent aviation disruption in its aftermath.

2016/11/22

The schedule of commitments of the EU and its Member States in the GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services) dates back to 1994 and covers only those 12 Member States who were Members of the EU at that time. The 13 Member States that have joined the EU since, i.e. in 1995 and in 2004, continued to maintain their own individual GATS commitments, which were adopted prior to their accession to the EU. In order to harmonise these provisions and bring clarity, this report presents a recommendation of a purely technical nature. I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

As the EU strives to become a world leader in innovation, digitisation and decarbonisation, the European Commission, has adopted three legislative ‘mobility packages’ with the main aim of making transport safer, more accessible and cleaner, while ensuring the competitiveness of the European industry and securing jobs. The proposed regulation on streamlining measures for advancing the realisation of the trans-European Network (TEN-T) comes within the third ‘Europe on the Move’ mobility package. I strongly support increased coordination of public procurement procedures for cross-border projects, simplification of documents and administrative procedures across all transport modes and reduction of delays encountered in infrastructure projects. I voted in favour of the report since all these criteria are satisfied.

2016/11/22

I think that in general the Motor Insurance Directive remains fit for purpose, while in certain areas there is room for improvement. Since this report provides for clear and proportionate measures for the insurance of motor vehicles, I voted in favour. However, vehicles like e-bikes, segways or electric scooters, as well as vehicles used in motor sports, for instance, are not covered by this Directive and therefore would require special EU legislation.

2016/11/22

I agree that the progress in gender equality and in advancing women’s rights is not automatic or linear, and that protecting and advancing gender equality requires constant efforts. Women are particularly affected by precarious work and various forms of atypical work and certainly need more protection and employment opportunities. However, I believe that the resolution is not balanced enough in addressing these issues; therefore, I abstained during the vote.

2016/11/22

I abstained from the vote as I believe that the report does not suggest necessary measures to close the divide between Western and Eastern European countries in the matter of cancer-treatment efficiency. However, I agree that greater attention and resources need to be dedicated to early detection and basic research for ovarian cancer.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because I agree that petitions are crucial in defending and promoting the rights of citizens and residents of the Union. They allow the EU law-makers to have a true picture on how the legislation is implemented and take timely measures in case national authorities do not guarantee necessary level of protection of the fundamental rights. As a Member of the European Parliament, it is essential that me and my colleagues exercise Parliament’s political scrutiny powers. I regret, however, that the European Commission often does not provide an adequate reply to the needs of petitioners, leading to the fact that petitions are still an underdeveloped instrument.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between Côte d’Ivoire and the EU. Even though fisheries represent as little as 1% of local GDP, I believe that this is the sector from which the economic recovery of this country, so much torn by recent civil war, could start. Considering that 90% of the work is done informally, I believe that the EU should help Côte d’Ivoire in creating strong employment conditions in the fisheries sector.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution, as I believe that it is an important step in strengthening the sustainability of marine resources. In addition, I welcome the proposal to enhance scientific research capabilities and the ability to monitor fishery resources. It is of crucial importance that we strengthen measures to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, including in inland waters.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. Fisheries and fish processing are the most important industries in the territory of Morocco in terms of employment and exports. Most jobs, however, are still in fishing, rather than processing, because there are not enough processing plants to optimise the value of the catch. Fisheries processing is thus one of the industries with the greatest potential for growth and job creation in Western Sahara. The EU has contributed to the development of fisheries processing in the territory, and I believe that this report is another step towards the clarification of EU-Morocco relations in the field of fisheries.

2016/11/22

Like the vast majority of MEPs (629), I voted in favour of this report. The objective of the agreement is to prevent unregulated fishing in the high seas portion of the Central Arctic Ocean. In addition, we need to increase knowledge of the living marine resources of the Central Arctic Ocean and its ecosystems. I am glad that the Commission took into consideration most the opinions expressed in the resolution.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which has the purely legal and technical objective of confirming Croatiaʼs accession to the existing agreements by means of protocols that the Council, acting unanimously on behalf of the Member States, concludes with the third countries concerned. In this concrete case, we approved the Third Additional Protocol to the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part, in view of Croatiaʼs accession.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this Report that examines the proposed multiannual plan for Western Waters and proposes a number of modifications. Together with the rapporteur, I welcome the multiannual plans for a regionalised approach to fisheries management and conservation that have been formulated by the Commission and co-legislators. I also consider that the plans for the Baltic Sea and the North Sea provide a good starting point for the multiannual Western Waters management plan.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I agree with the Rapporteur that the role of regional and local authorities in disaster prevention and management is of great importance and their response capacities need to be appropriately involved in any coordination. I also support the idea that training, research and innovation are essential aspects of cooperation in the civil protection field. Finding this Report as comprehensive and balanced, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I strongly support the Report drafted by colleague Bonafe from the S&D Group. Water indeed is seen more and more as a precious and scarce resource. And even if Europe is not an arid continent, water supplies are now a concern for almost half of the EU population. This is why the technology to reuse water is of utmost importance.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported the Report drafted by colleague Nicola Danti. I support the idea that an accurate definition of the different features of agricultural tractors based on the analysis of their technical characteristics is of utmost importance for the correct and complete implementation of Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 on the approval and market surveillance of agricultural and forestry vehicles and of the delegated and implementing acts adopted under it.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this regulation establishing the programme for the single market, competitiveness of enterprises, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and European statistics. This programme should aim to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of businesses, especially micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including those in the tourism sector, but also supporting the enforcement of consumer protection and safety rules as well as environmental and social standards, and by raising the awareness of businesses and individuals by providing them with the right tools, appropriate information and assistance, knowledge and competence to make informed decisions and strengthen their participation in the Union’s policy-making.

2016/11/22

I supported this report on the proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards the introduction of the detailed technical measures for the operation of the definitive VAT system for the taxation of trade between Member States. The recent VAT gap studies demonstrate that the figures of non-collected VAT are still enormous, and I am convinced that we must tackle this phenomenon.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution. European citizenship is a construction that has no equivalent anywhere in the world. Its introduction is an achievement of the European project, but it is undeniable that it has not reached its full potential. I believe that this report fulfils the objective to make recommendations to the European institutions with a view to the improvement of their implementation and their scope and effectiveness, in order to reduce the gap between the European integration process and the potential offered by European citizenship.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I strongly support the report drafted by my colleague Ms Bresso. In this regard, I would like to highlight one important point. In addition to legislative agenda setting, the Treaty gives Parliament a right to quasi-legislative initiative. Under Article 225 TFEU, Parliament may request the Commission to submit a proposal on matters on which it considers that a Union act is required for the purpose of implementation of the Treaties. The Commission is not obliged to pursue such a proposal, but if it does not follow up on Parliament’s initiative it has to inform Parliament of its reasons.I am convinced that Parliament should resort more often to this provision, since it enables the needs of citizens and residents of Europe to be met.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. In the last decade we have witnessed the growing prestige, as well as the moral and social recognition, of the Ombudsman body’s role. The full development of the role of the Ombudsman in the constitutional architecture of the Union lies in its independence and in the exercise of soft powers. Therefore I agree that we need to further clarify the provisions on access to information and confidentiality, as well as own-initiative and follow-up inquiries by the Ombudsman.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this report as it encourages Member States to develop multi-stakeholder partnerships across industry and research institutes, as well as joint AI centres of excellence. I believe it is important to support excellent research, including fundamental science and high-risk, high-reward projects, and to foster a European research area with attractive conditions for funding, mobility and access to infrastructure and technology across the Union

2016/11/22

The present dependence on pesticides as the dominant means of controlling pests clearly is not compatible with sustainable agriculture, as the prolonged use of pesticides frequently leads to pests becoming resistant. Recently the use of pesticides in Europe has steadily increased and despite much debate on the sustainability of agriculture and despite the entering on the market of pesticides that can be used at low dose, the use on average did not decrease in recent years. I believe that this report provides good and clear measures to tackle this phenomenon and drastically reduce the use of pesticides.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported this report as it addresses four areas the Commission has identified which have the greatest potential to act as barriers to patients if left unaddressed: systems of reimbursement, use of prior authorisation, administrative requirements and charging of incoming patients. A recent Eurobarometer survey indicates that fewer than 20% of citizens feel well informed about their cross-border healthcare rights. I believe in today’s Europe this is not enough, and I welcome more awareness-raising initiatives. This is even more true considering that cross-border regions represent 40% of the territory of the EU and more than one in three Europeans live in a border region.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Report by colleague Selimovic. Inclusion of the municipality of Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano in the customs territory of the Union is an appropriate measure to consolidate the Union Customs Code and strengthen customs cooperation in the EU. This report has a purely technical character and did not raise any political controversy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on direct payments and support for rural development in respect of the years 2019 and 2020. This report only extends the application of two regulations from 2013 that regulate this field and it was therefore appropriate to apply an urgent voting procedure before the expiry of the regulations in force.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a vitally important instrument, that has been ratified by all EU Member States. It is extremely important to foster cooperation on international child abduction. And I supported this Report on the accession of the Dominican Republic to the Convention.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Hague Convention of 25 October 1980 on Child Abduction is one of the crucial international documents that protect our children and create a binding obligation on participating countries to cooperate. I welcome the accession of Ecuador and Ukraine to this Convention, therefore I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I support the accession of Honduras to the Hague Convention of 25 October 1980. Abduction often occurs in the context of separation and divorce, and the biggest problem in such cases is the national bias of the legal systems of individual states. This Convention helps to create a harmonised legal framework to regulate this field, and its legislative impact becomes ever more efficient with every new state joining the Convention.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The Hague Convention of 1980 is an important instrument for returning abducted children. The EU now has exclusive external competence in this field as confirmed by the Court of Justice in Opinion 1/13. The Member States therefore no longer act on their own account. The problem is that the Convention does not provide for autonomous action by international organisations. This creates a limitation to EU’s actions. Notwithstanding that, I welcome the accession of Belarus and Uzbekistan to the Convention as a step towards further consolidation of this framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, as I believe that the Commission’s proposal, which creates a dedicated instrument for the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), will take better account of their specific characteristics. I firmly believe that the political dimension of the association between the EU and the OCTs has to be strengthened. I see big potential for cooperation and regional integration issues between the EU and OCTs.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this Report prepared by colleague Gualtieri as I believe that it adds further legal clarity to the framework. I share the idea of the Rapporteur that GNI data need to be exhaustive and should also take into account informal, unregistered and other activities and transactions that are not reported in statistical surveys or to fiscal, social and other administrative authorities.

2016/11/22

I have supported this Report, as it creates a good framework for the regulation of the authorisation to place on the market feed containing or consisting of genetically modified oilseed rapes Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8 × Rf3. I agree with the Rapporteur that Commission’s implementing decision is not consistent with Union law, it is not compatible with the general principles to provide the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, and environmental and consumer interests, in relation to GM food and feed, while ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market. For my as MEP, the well-being and health of the EU citizens and residents is one of the highest priorities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report restricting the genetically modified elements. These have received many critical comments from the national authorities and generally are not considered safe in the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection to genetically modified maize MON 87403, as I believe that the agricultural and health sectors of the EU must be free of substances that might potentially have a negative impact of well-being.

2016/11/22

I abstained from the vote on the Venezuela Resolution as I am convinced that now Venezuela has to take independent steps toward normalisation of the situation and bringing stability to society. Recognition of one of the contenders as president risks distorting the international context in which Venezuela operates. A similar attitude was taken by the USA. I believe that the EU must respect the sovereignty of third countries and refrain from trying to influence the outcome.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, and I particularly support the rapporteur in the proposal for the establishment of a European framework for foreign direct investment screening. I believe it would be a useful instrument for protecting European business of strategic interest from unfair trade practices that may harm security and public order, and for safeguarding respect for fair competition principles in the EU. I also support the importance of the anti-subsidy instrument in tackling unfair global competition and establishing a level playing field with EU state aid rules.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this Report as it allows to get the evaluation of the circumstances related to the Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania. Closing the Ignalina nuclear power plant is a unique challenge for the European nuclear safety, both due to the size of the plant and the technical characteristics of the reactors. Together with the Rapporteur I welcome the proposed Regulation as the manifestation of the Union’s continued commitment to the endeavour. However, some important adjustments need to be made, particularly as regards ensuring the adequate funding for the programme.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report drafted by colleague Pirinski, as it represents a clear picture of the progress made in previous years, as well as of the challenges the Bank currently faces. However, I believe that with the change of the statute of the Bank, major improvements can be achieved. I would like to underline that these types of reports are adopted quite long after the referent period. For this reason, I wish for the report drafting procedure to be revisited.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, as I find the fight against looting of cultural goods one of the top priorities of the EU’s fight with terrorism. The illicit art market is in third place as a source of terrorism financing, after arms and drugs trafficking. I believe that the EU must strengthen its measures to prevent this crime, inter alia, by promoting customs cooperation.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this report as the provisions it contains allow for more harmonious and regulated context in the field of cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions. However, I believe that further engagement is needed in this field to consolidate current developments.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report on the start on interinstitutional negotiations, as I believe that the Rapporteur has done good work on different aspects of the fisheries industry in the western Mediterranean Sea. In my opinion, such an important sector for southern Europe must be regulated with more precision.

2016/11/22

. – I strongly support this report as it created an effective causal mechanism between the rule-of-law record of a country and its use of the Union’s budget. In the time of democratic backsliding, it is an urgent measure to stop financial flow to the countries that systematically introduce anti-democratic measures. I believe that in the eyes of the European citizens it will create a major incentive to demand democratic accountability for the decisions of their national leaders.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report and I really hope that this programme is going to bring benefits to the EU citizens by means of incentives to their leaders to adopt a more principled approach. The EU is based on values, and it should continue to implement them in various ways. Major monitoring of the ongoing processes in the EU can help to achieve more concrete results.

2016/11/22

. – Nuclear safety is one of the priorities of the EU’s engagement with its partners, it belongs to collective security, and therefore requires major coordination among actors. I voted in favour of this report, as it uncovers huge potential for security cooperation and provides concrete recommendations for it.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, as I am convinced that late payments can have a negative impact on commerce and especially put small companies with a small financial turnaround at a comparative disadvantage. It is our duty to guarantee that transactions take place under the most secure and efficient terms.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report. Differentiated integration is the way for a group of EU countries to go forward in areas where not all Member States want to participate. However, this leads to the phenomenon of ‘Europe a la carte’ and ‘variable geometry’. We should reduce the need for differentiated integration and remove the unanimity rule in all possible areas. In this report, I particularly support the call to have European Pillars of Civic, Economic, Social and Environmental rights from which it would not be possible to derogate.

2016/11/22

. – I strongly support the report drafted by colleague Yana Toom. I believe it touches upon a very sensible issue of transparency and for this reason it has to be taken into consideration for further interinstitutional work. While the European Parliament is open for all the citizens to see how the legislation is adopted, this process in the Council is very opaque and as a principle goes against democratic accountability.

2016/11/22

. – I voted against this report as the proposed provisions could negatively impact on the legal framework that the EU has in relation to Morocco.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, as it allows both the EU and Morocco to advance the priorities in their bilateral relations. Considering the close economic ties we have with Morocco, I believe that further legal clarification would be beneficial.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report as it provides the necessary conditions for advancing the priorities of the EU and Morocco in bilateral relations. In addition, it serves the objectives of EU international trade relations.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report, as it provides necessary legal clarification for the EU’s further engagement with China. I believe that it strikes a good balance between trade benefits and EU safety conditions.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this Report on specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments. I believe that the initial proposal by the Commission has been considerably improved with amendments, calling, inter alia, for major financial discipline and cross-border cooperation on maritime borders. In addition, I agree with the rapporteur that more flexibility in submission of programme documents should be allowed for when partner countries are involved.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report and I agree with the general spirit and objectives of the proposal, as the EU should be equipped with all necessary tools not to have trade with third countries disrupted after the departure of the UK from the EU. This proposal lists how tariff rate quotas figuring in the EU’s WTO schedule of concessions and commitments will be apportioned between the EU and the UK, paving the way to more flawless relations between the EU and the UK in future.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this Report as it provides conditions for balancing industry development and safety interests. The EU has since long been engaged in regulating the use of pesticides to guarantee major well-being and safety to its citizens, and this Report is the result of further efforts in promoting sustainable growth.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this Report drafted by colleague Kouroumbashev as I believe it is enough comprehensive and ambitious in its scope. Nuclear waste is a matter of safety of the EU citizens and I am convinced that the management of radioactive waste should occur under close supervision and evaluation of the experts on the EU and on the national levels.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this Report as it has the potential to reinvigorate trade relations we currently have with Central America counties. In addition, I believe that this process can harmonise other sphere of the EU engagement in the region, as development policy and human rights.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this Report as it represents an important element of the EU’s engagement in growth and competitiveness issues. Establishment of a dedicated investment platform would allow to harmonise the flow of resources to the projects and regions where financial input is specifically needed.

2016/11/22

. – I supported with my vote the report on the EU emergency travel document. Considering that almost seven million EU citizens travel to or live in places outside the EU where their own country does not have an embassy or consulate, it is important to provide a safe way for them to get home. This proposal is a step forward in that direction since it establishes the measures needed to facilitate consular protection for the most frequent type of consular assistance provided to unrepresented citizens, namely the issuance of emergency travel documents.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report as it provides for stronger training mechanisms in the area of Euratom engagement. I believe that higher standards of expertise can guarantee major security and efficiency. I also support the idea that adequate funding must be guaranteed for these purposes.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report by my colleague Gabriel Mato. In my opinion, it offers a clear picture of the current priorities and needs that determine the further development of the European Central Bank. In addition, this report comprises a number of practical recommendations for the optimisation of work for the ECB.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report as, in my opinion, it represents an adequate image of the ongoing state of the Banking Union. However, in my opinion, with regard to the completion of the Banking Union, we still lack the real harmonisation of rules in financial and taxation spheres. Having a common currency is not enough to reinvigorate this process. We need to adopt more ambitious structural changes to have a real banking union.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this Report as it provides a good evaluation of the current state of EU-Colombia and Peru trade relations. I believe that this is a solid basis on which we can build further our relations and achieve major objectives in standard approximation with these countries.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report, as I firmly believe that border management represents one of the security priorities of the EU. This issue belongs to the area of freedom, security and justice, the policy field in which I am heavily involved as an MEP, and therefore I welcome this proposal, which will strengthen operational capabilities on the EU external borders.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this report drafted by Bodil Valero, as it helps to clarify the applicability of Regulation (EU) 2016/1624 on the European Border and Coast Guard in relation to Albania. I agree with the rapporteurʼs opinion that the conclusion of formal, legally binding agreements within the framework of cooperation with third countries, as opposed to the conclusion of informal working arrangements, is of crucial importance for ensuring transparency, public scrutiny and democratic oversight of such cooperation.In addition, I firmly believe that the cooperation of EU agencies with third countries is of the utmost importance, especially in matters of security.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the Union and of the Member States, of the Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kyrgyz Republic, of the other part, to take account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union. This Council decision has a merely technical character and serves further legislative harmonisation.

2016/11/22

. – I supported the adoption of this report with my vote. In 2017 the EU and Kyrgyzstan launched negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, which would replace the current EU-Kyrgyzstan PCA, with the aim of enhancing and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, based on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, within a new legal framework. I am convinced that this is an essential step for cooperation between the two actors and is consistent with the reworking of the general EU strategy on Central Asia.

2016/11/22

. – I voted for this Report as I believe that the Rapporteur managed to strike the right balance between the needs of drivers, technological progress and safety cautions. I also acknowledge the significant potential of automated mobility for many sectors, offering new business opportunities for start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the industry and enterprises as a whole, in particular in terms of the creation of new mobility services and employment possibilities. I am convinced that this technological development has the potential to reinvigorate business environment in Latvia.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2006/1/EC on the use of vehicles hired without drivers for the carriage of goods by road. I believe that this Directive would give EU Member States enough flexibility to implement its provisions, at the same time benefiting business and trade environment.

2016/11/22

. – This Report has received an extremely vast support of 544 votes in plenary, and I also voted in favour for the reason that the conditionality should remain a grounded and effective principle of EU agreement policy. In this regard, I believe that close monitoring should take place on the compliance of third countries with the agreements. This is even more important in view of avoiding EU being contractually involved in relations with countries with serious human rights violations.

2016/11/22

. – I supported the report drafted by my colleague from the S&D Group, Maria Grapini. Since its establishment, the customs union of the EU has continuously improved. However, major efforts still need to be taken to guarantee the tackling of illicit trafficking of arms, drugs and cultural goods, as well as the eradication of human trafficking.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the Report, as it allows for the statute of the Bank to be adapted to the new situation created by the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. I believe that the amendment of Articles 4, 7, 9 and 11 of its Statute will make it possible to adjust the governance of the EIB to the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the Union and enhance both its efficiency and its effectiveness.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this report with my vote, as I acknowledge that the legitimacy of women in the political sphere is still sometimes challenged, and women often become victims of stereotypes which discourage them from engaging in politics. I am also convinced that achieving gender equality is not a women’s issue and that men should actively engage in gender equality issues.

2016/11/22

. – I supported this report, as it represents a further contribution to the development of the energy union and serves the objectives of economy growth.

2016/11/22

. – I am convinced that high-quality public administration is an essential pre-condition for achieving EU policy objectives, therefore I voted in favour of this report. I particularly appreciate the proposal for setting aside time in the parliamentary calendar for a structured dialogue with national parliaments on the issues associated with improving public administration across the EU. In addition, I support the call for the EU to improve the monitoring and assessment of the European Structural and Investment Funds. I believe such assessment and evaluation is needed in Latvia and would help a better EU budget spending supervision.

2016/11/22

. – I welcome this report drafted by colleague Andrzej Grzyb. I believe that the EU is both politically and normatively equipped to promote freedom of religion or belief in the world. High legitimacy and expertise of the EU is recognised widely. And more than that it is in the interests of the EU to promote such freedoms for the sake of tackling the terrorist threat and radicalisation.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of this resolution, as I believe that the engagement in gender equality must have a horizontal character and be respected in all the spheres of women’s life. Gender equality is strongly upheld by the EU in its external relations, but inside the EU further progress still has to be made.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, providing for a specific set of rights that will make it possible to improve the predictability and security of working conditions, particularly for people in non-traditional jobs. This new directive comes as a result of REFIT evaluation and of two rounds of consultation with management and labour (the social partners) in Europe. The directive establishes a number of minimum universal rights for EU citizens and workers in response to pressing public demand and a desire to bring citizens closer to the EU. However, I must underline that the practical implementation of those rights can be carried out only at the level of the individual Member States. Therefore, major coordination between national and European levels of governance will be needed.

2016/11/22

I support this report that provides for the guarantee that rail passengers’ rights will be ensured equally in all EU Member States. This regulation sets a clearer framework for the relationship between the carriers and the customers. It also contains provision of assistance to persons with reduced mobility or disabilities and compensation in case of travel disruptions, which clearly corresponds to the objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It is also underlined in the report that resources for staff training need to be dedicated to employees who are in direct contact with PRMs, and I fully share this idea.

2016/11/22

This report ensures that the recast of the existing regulation on persistent organic pollutants is aligned with the REACH Regulation in order to ensure clarity and consistency for all actors. The rapporteur dedicated much attention not only to technical and scientific aspects of pollutants, but also to their socio-economic aspects. I consider the proposal to be balanced and enough ambitious, and therefore I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The unequal involvement of women and men in domestic activities remains a challenge. The proportion of time by women spent on care, domestic work and social activities grew in comparison to men. The fact that women spend a disproportionate amount of time carrying out unpaid work compared to men has serious economic and social consequences. 80% of all care provided across the EU is provided by (unpaid) informal carers, 75% of whom are women. Worryingly, this includes young carers under the age of 17, for whom the overlapping responsibilities have a negative impact on their education, health and livelihoods. As rightly suggested in the report, the care services need to be developed in consultation with the intended users and clients. I believe that the institutionalisation of care work would allow to guarantee its better quality and safety, as well as to guarantee more gender balance in care giving.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the MFF Interim Report as it is fully in line with S&D budgetary priorities. The multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027 respects important long-standing EU policies, like strengthening solidarity, research and innovation, and investment in development. Colleagues from S&D among other achievements managed to introduce a clear statement on the necessity to deliver on the European Pillar of Social Rights and corresponding financial increases (tripling of Erasmus+, doubling of YEI, increase of ESF+, integration of the European Child Guarantee with a concrete amount of at least EUR 5.9 billion).I believe that this is a sound report, ready for the negotiation cycle with the Council. Even if the MFF falls under the consent procedure, Parliament decided to play its full role as budgetary authority and for the first time is using a co-decision mode. Therefore I hope that as a result of negotiations many of our priorities will be respected.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that adopts the proposal of the European Commission without amendments and by means of simplified procedure. The Commission’s proposal to include two new categories in the Enabling Regulation (national funds combined with EU centrally managed funds; and projects by EU European Territorial Cooperation programmes) with a view to amend the General Block Exemption Regulation will contribute to administrative simplification. This Regulation contributes a lot to the clarification of the fact that EU money is not automatically excluded from state aid rules nor automatically qualifies as state aid.

2016/11/22

Arms exports and transfers have an undeniable impact on human rights and human security.EU tries to act as a responsible international actor and therefore gives ever major importance to the arms control. The recent developments in the Middle East and in Africa have shown the need to improve methodologies with regard to producing information for export licensing risk assessments. In some cases, the arms exported to certain EU countries were sold for example to Saudi Arabia, UAE and members of the Saudi-led coalition, and have been used in conflicts such as that in Yemen. This clearly violated the common position of the EU. The report reiterates the call to stop selling the arms to Saudi Arabia, and I believe that the Member States must agree with this call and put the principles of peace and conflict-prevention higher that the economic interests. For the abovementioned reasons, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I votes in favour of the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council to empower the competition authorities of the Member States to be more effective enforcers and to ensure the proper functioning of the internal market. I agree with the finding of the rapporteur that due to the lack of sufficient financial resources in some national competition authorities (NCAs), the prioritising of proceedings and therefore the enforcement capabilities of the NCAs in question could be adversely affected. I also share the opinion that NCAs should be provided with greater budgetary autonomy in the implementation of their allocated budgets to guarantee major efficiency.

2016/11/22

I supported the proposal for a directive establishing the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). This also related to one of the pilot projects I proposed for the Budget 2019 and that received a positive rating from the European Commission. I see the proposal of the Commission as an important step in the right direction related to the increased connectivity and the necessity to raise investments in communication technologies in Europe.

2016/11/22

I believe it is crucial to strengthen the electronic communication sector and provide innovation and high-quality connectivity across all sectors of the European economy. Therefore, I voted in favour of this proposal seeking to enhance regulatory harmonisation. In addition, I think this Report represents the best way of ensuring the continued effective work of BEREC and of maintaining a balance between the Commission, the NRAs and BEREC.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for the proposal of this Regulation that complements the efforts of the EU in reducing CO2 emissions. Setting emission performance requirements for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, thus contributing towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation of climate change, while at the same time delivering significant fuel savings to transport operators, maintaining a high level of innovation and technological leadership for EU HDV manufacturers, and bringing about substantial air quality improvements.In fact, some important measures have already been taken, for example increasing number of public authorities and public transport operators are turning to zero-emission buses. This is also beneficial to tackling growing pollution in many European cities.

2016/11/22

This report calls for mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund in relation to the flood disaster in Latvia in 2017. This Fund aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations in order to show solidarity with the populations of regions affected by natural disasters. The amount of EUR 17 730 519 will be provided to Latvia, in commitment and payment appropriations. The Latgale region and surrounding territories were particularly hard hit by the flood, and agricultural activities and infrastructure have been severely compromised.I believe that the decision to mobilise this fund in favour of Latvia is a good example of solidarity and burden-sharing in the EU. And I am also glad to see that the Latvian colleagues from the EPP Group showed sensibility towards this issue and this time unexpectedly shifted attention away from the ʻbusiness as usualʼ and arms trade way of thinking.

2016/11/22

Unfortunately, the field of education still struggles to attract international donors. This is a big obstacle that the EU tries to circumvent, and this report provides concrete measures for that purpose. Therefore I voted in favour.Our efforts in security and democratisation can be sustainable only if we link them to the development dimension. And development is not possible without sound education and technology transfer. Failure in education leads to failures in all other spheres of public life, and I therefore believe that the EU is right to put education at the centre of development policy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this directive on energy efficiency, because it provides another building block in our energy union and allows more harmonised use and distribution of energy resources. We must increase our energy efficiency by introducing technological, behavioural and economic changes. This is crucial for the economic growth and for energy security in Europe.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I supported with my vote this Regulation that aims to support a just transition for citizens and regions which could be adversely impacted by the transition to a low-carbon economy. This Regulation contains measures that are particularly relevant for Poland where the economy still heavily depends on coal. New governance on energy is vital for the EU’s efforts in climate change mitigation and fostering innovation, investments and growth.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this recast directive, which sets for all the EU Member States a binding target of a 35% or more share of renewable energy to be accompanied by national targets. Certainly, the introduction of renewables must go hand—in—hand with the efficiency measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Union and reducing the EU’s energy dependence.In addition, I support the claim that the reduction of energy consumption is a high priority, and in this matter, the EU needs the help of all individual citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this resolution, which points out issues to be addressed in Romania. Notwithstanding the generally positive record of the current Government in the matter of rule of law, some challenges are still pressing, including political influence on the media and the involvement of the Romanian Intelligence Service in the activities of the judiciary. On the latter question, I firmly believe that the Romanian authorities will stick to the opinion of the Venice Commission of 20 October 2018.The report also highlighted issues such as corruption and minorities’ rights which, in my opinion, represent priorities in many EU countries and should be addressed urgently, with the help of the relevant EU mechanisms, everywhere including in Latvia.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Digitalisation is a powerful tool for sustainable development, it can bring important comparative advantages to EU countries in many spheres, like governance, education, health, gender equality, economic growth and agriculture. Digital technologies can also be part of the answer in all EU development policy sectors, including the external dimension of EU policies. I voted in favour of this report, because it provides a good basis for technological solutions to the problems that are social.However, at the same time digital technologies can represent a divisive factor if they are not distributed equally across the EU. In lagging regions, it is particularly crucial to guarantee the harmonious introduction of technologies, in order not to put them at a disadvantage to other more progressive regions. In addition, it is important to guarantee new employment opportunities which get out of the labour market because of technological advance.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report requesting fast-track adoption of codification instruments in accordance with the interinstitutional agreement of 20 December 1994 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. The proposed regulation establishes visa requirements and visa exemptions for third-country nationals entering the EU for a short stay (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). In addition, the report determines the third countries whose nationals are subject to or exempt from the visa requirement on the basis of a case-by-case assessment of various criteria. The reciprocity and suspension mechanisms introduced make for an exhaustive report dealing with the visa question. The need for periodic assessment is likewise laid down.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report giving consent to the agreement on scientific and technological cooperation with Morocco. Morocco is our special partner in Africa, and the agreements that we conclude with it are examples of what the EU, as a diplomatic and political actor, can offer to all other African countries.It is crucial that the technological cooperation on food and water management with Morocco is regularly assessed to find out how we can improve our engagement. Climate change brings new challenges all the time, and the desert regions are very vulnerable in this regard. New technology to get drinking water is the way to save lives, to prevent pandemics, and also to manage the migration flow to Europe.If the EU manages to give not a populist response, but a scientific response to the problems of its neighbours, as it is doing with the EU-Morocco Agreement, then its diplomatic power will enjoy more legitimacy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the conclusion of the Air Transport Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Canada, of the other part.It represents a big potential for European industries in terms of traffic rights and investment opportunities. In addition, I welcome the cooperation achieved on a number of topical issues including safety, security, social matters, consumer interests, environment, air traffic management, state aid and competition.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report that adopts without amendments the Commission’s proposal on the inclusion of the Italian municipality of Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano in the customs territory of the Union. This proposal only requires a formal amendment of the VAT Directive, therefore does not represent any political concern.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report adopted with the budgetary procedure that concerns an important employment issue in the Netherlands. The application relates to 1 324 bank workers made redundant; the majority of workers are aged between 30 and 54. The redundancies are expected to have a significant adverse effect on the local economy.The financial and economic crisis had a serious impact on the services and functioning of the Dutch banks, and as a result, on their employees. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund will assist the Netherlands, which are faced with redundancies in the financial services industry, by dedicating a special budget line. This procedure has been launched at the request of the Netherlands because at least 500 workers were made redundant over a reference period of nine months in enterprises operating in the banking sector.

2016/11/22

I voted against this Report, as it does not create the conditions for a genuine level playing field for all audiovisual platforms. I found it important to strengthen the measures to tackle the incitement to violence and hatred. Protection of minors from harmful content is also of utmost importance.The provisions of this Report do not suggest further steps to be taken to tackle misleading advertisement. I believe we could go much further in strengthening audiovisual industry in the EU. I sincerely hope that soon we’ll create a true pan-European TV channel, a channel for all the citizens and residents of the EU. This would foster democratic participation and accountability and, in addition, the lack of information on the EU’s achievements will finally be addressed.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this Report adopted with the budgetary procedure that concerns Commission’s proposal to amend the general budget for 2018 regarding the cancellation of the reserve related to the support to Turkey from the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA II).I support the decision to reinforce the budget line ‘Mediterranean countries - Confidence building, security and the prevention and settlement of conflicts’ with EUR 70 million in commitments appropriations, and the line ‘Delivery of rapid, effective and needs-based humanitarian aid and food assistance’ with EUR 35 million in payment appropriations.

2016/11/22

Evolution of digital technologies has reinforced the role of the Internet as the main marketplace for the distribution and access to copyright-protected content. Here I would like to stress, that the objectives and the principles laid down by the Union copyright framework still remain sound and robust.I don’t support current proposal. In my opinion, the single digital market can’t be censored. Internet – this is area of total freedom of all aspects of our life – freedom of speech, religion, expression of feelings and emotions.I voted against the mandate for trilogue as I think that in its current state the Directive represents a threat to the users´ rights and to the fundamental rights of the EU citizens.

2016/11/22

The crucial objective of the European Union is to make the European Citizens’ Initiative more accessible as a public participation tool for civic engagement in the Union.I fully support the Commission’s effort to increase the provision of guidance, support and awareness-raising activities relating to the ECI to all Union citizens in order to fully realise the potential of the ECI instrument in fostering public debate and citizen participation at Union level.Moreover, I would like to stress the importance of the ECI public hearings at the European Parliament as a mechanism for dialogue and exchange of views between Union institutions and organisers of successful ECIs as a way of bringing the Union closer to its citizens. In this regard, it is particularly important to ensure a balanced and inclusive organisation of ECI public hearings.Therefore, the European Parliament should foster an appropriate level of public debate on successful initiatives, including the possibility of a plenary debate on the initiative.I also highlight the importance of establishing not only online support to citizens and ECI organisers, but also offline support and physical contact points for ECI information dissemination and citizen advisory services.Thus, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

In my opinion, the Implementing Decision on the launch of automated data exchange with regard to DNA data in Croatia should be adopted in order to allow that Member State to safely and reliably receive and supply personal data.Considering that Croatia has completed the questionnaire on data protection and the questionnaire on DNA data exchange and it conducted a successful pilot run with EU Member States Lithuania and Poland, we can trust and rely on this experience.Thus, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I suggest integrating performance more into spending decisions. Performance should be described on the basis of the achievement of objectives and the direct application of the principle of sound financial management. There should be a link between objectives set and performance, indicators, results, additionality and economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of appropriations.Furthermore, communication should be more targeted at recipients, aimed at increasing visibility for citizens, while ensuring through defined-measures that the messages are received by beneficiaries. The utmost transparency regarding data on beneficiaries should be achieved, without prejudice to the rules on the protection of personal data.Horizontal principles, stressed in the report, i.e. partnership involvement, sustainable development, gender equality and non-discrimination, are crucial to be observed. They have generated important contributions to effective implementation of ESI Funds and should be upheld as forerunners for any kind of investment involving the Union budget, including financial instruments and EFSI.I also support a number of changes, which aim to streamline reporting requirements, reduce the number of reports and ensure, that budget authorities have sufficient time to prepare the discharge.Thus, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I would like to point out, that the Agency shall ensure:- effective, secure and continuous operation of large-scale IT systems in order to ensure continuous improvement of data quality;- a high level of data protection, in line with relevant Union legislation;- an appropriate level of security, including the implementation of a proper information security risk management process;- the provision of adequate statistics to the Commission and to the relevant Union decentralised agencies.The Agency must cooperate with the Commission, with other European Union institutions and with other EU bodies, offices and agencies in particular those established in the area of freedom, security and justice in order to achieve coordination and financial savings, to avoid duplication and to promote synergy and complementarity as regards their activities.Moreover, the Agency shall be open to the participation of third countries that have entered into any type of association agreement with the Union concerning the implementation, application and development of the Schengen acquis.I support the provision of a sufficient legal basis for the Agency to establish and maintain relations with international organisations and other relevant entities of bodies and thus voted in favour.

2016/11/22

In my opinion, one of the main advantages of the ETIAS is that will allow the possibility to assess whether a visa-exempt third country national, who intends to travel to the Schengen area, potentially forms an irregular migration, security or public health risk before the person arrives at the external border at a border crossing point. So the ETIAS will contribute to the better security of the Schengen area as a whole.I also would like to specify, that processing of personal data within the ETIAS Information System by any user shall not result in discrimination against third country nationals on the grounds of sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation. The best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration.In addition, I would like stress, that travellers should receive more information about ETIAS in general and regarding their specific situation in particular.I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The 2019 budget should contribute towards achieving the Europe 2020 targets in the social and employment area, which are far from being reached, and a successful implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, particularly when it comes to combating youth and long-term unemployment, rising inequalities, social exclusion and poverty.I would like to point out that the lack of future opportunities for young people is a very real social emergency in some regions, which requires innovative and focused solutions to be implemented quickly, in order to bring concrete improvements in the short term. Therefore, I expect the 2019 budget to continue demonstrating great ambition to fight youth unemployment.In my opinion the European structural and investment funds should be directed more effectively towards creating employment, promoting inclusive growth, fostering social and territorial cohesion, supporting structural reforms, reducing inequalities, and promoting upskilling measures and life-long learning.

2016/11/22

The EU and its Member States remain fully committed to multilateralism, global governance, the promotion of UN core values as an integral part of the EU’s external policy, and the three pillars of the UN system: human rights, peace and security, and development.The EU’s global strategy reflects the level of today’s global challenges, which require a strong and more efficient UN and a deepening of cooperation at Member State level both within the EU and the UN.According to this background, I call for the following actions to be implemented: make the UN system truly coordinated, efficient, effective, integrated, transparent and accountable; reduce bureaucracy, simplify procedures and decentralise decision-making, with greater transparency and accountability on the missions and work of UN staff; support the implementation of the UN strategy on gender parity to ensure the equal representation of women in the UN system; and promote stronger commitments from Member States to peace and security both at international and internal level.To sum up, although I do not support some of the amendments mentioned in this report, in general I endorse the main objectives and ideas emphasised here and thus I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

A destructive humanitarian situation is taking shape in Venezuela, which has resulted in many deaths and an unprecedented flow of refugees and migrants to neighbouring countries and beyond. I express my solidarity with all Venezuelans forced to flee the country because of the lack of very basic living conditions, such as access to food, drinking water, health services and medicine.Given the current situation in Venezuela, I would like to stress the necessity for the international community to establish a coordinated, comprehensive and regional response to the crisis and to step up their financial and material assistance to recipient countries by fulfilling their commitments. Thus, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The social and solidarity-based economy makes a major contribution to the EU economy. As highlighted in the EP resolutions, it provides employment for more than 14 million people.This sector has proved particularly resilient to the economic and financial crisis and has potential for social and technological innovation, inclusive, local and sustainable job creation, fostering economic growth, environmental protection and strengthening social, economic and regional cohesion.However, there are substantial differences among Member States in the way they regulate social and solidarity-based enterprises and the organisational forms available to social entrepreneurs under their legal systems. This diversity could make it difficult to find consensus in Europe in this field.This is why I suggest adopting a more cautious approach, that could help build more political consensus and, more importantly, that can have substantial benefits for social enterprises. To sum up, I support a proposal for a legislative act on the creation of a European social economy label for enterprises based on the social economy and solidarity, regardless of the legal form they decide to adopt in accordance with national legislation, because it would foster the cohesion EU Member States and simplify the process of coordinating the activities of European social enterprises.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Member States should not restrict the use on their territories of a vehicle hired by an undertaking duly established on the territory of another Member State, provided the vehicle complies with current operating standards and safety requirements. It is necessary to establish a uniform regulatory framework across the EU to ensure equal access for transport operators to the market for hired vehicles.Generally, I support the legislative package ‘Europe on the Move’ and this proposal, as it is an opportunity to foster a level playing field and fair competition for rental and leasing companies in the EU while lessening unnecessary administrative burdens and boosting enforcement.I voted in favour of this report. But I deeply believe that further provisions should be taken to guarantee that the insurance question is solved. It should be very clear who bears the responsibility in the event of an accident.

2016/11/22

Road transport requires sector-specific rules to make the Single Market stronger and more competitive. These rules should be simple, uniform, clear and easily enforceable to facilitate transport operations while protecting the workers employed in this industry.As the existing posting provisions requirements do not fully suit the highly mobile nature of the work of drivers, the current draft seeks to simplify the rules on posting that apply to the road transport sector and to reduce the administrative burden for companies and for their drivers in the following way:- to exclude transit and international transport from the scope of the Posting of Workers Directive;- to abolish the methodology put forward by the Commission to calculate daily working periods for the purpose of identifying posting situations;- to determine the date of application and the entry into force of the specific rules for posting drivers in the road transport sector.However, I think, that these propositions will not reach the aim to make existing road transport legislation fairer and more efficient and to increase social responsibility in the field, as well to lighten excessive regulatory burden for operators and to prevent distortions of competition. Thereby, I vote against.

2016/11/22

The transport sector is a highly competitive and facing great challenges. The lack of qualified drivers is one of the main difficulties. The sector will only be able to attract workers, if the working conditions improve. Nomadic driving, sleeping in a cabin for several weeks, working under pressure and stress are the leading causes of the often negative image workers have of the international transport sector.Therefore, it is necessary to improve both working conditions for drivers and general road safety.The current report proposes several changes in the current rules on driving and rest times, such as:- introduction of the digital tachograph in 2019 to simplify the control;- enlarging the scope of to the carriage of goods by light commercial vehicles;- prohibiting drivers to sleep in the cabin during the regular weekly rest of 45 hours or more.However, I’m not of the opinion that these measures would improve the working conditions of the drivers as well as road safety and would thus increase the attractiveness of the sector. I believe, that, when applied and enforced correctly, the current rules on driving and rest times still work effectively. Therefore, I vote against.

2016/11/22

The road transport sector is a very important sector and crucial to make our society function. The sector employs over 11 million people and carries almost half of all the freight volume in the EU.Thence, I support the Mobility Package, since there is a strong need to review legislation in order to improve current rules. The package includes several important legislations, which needs to be interlinked in order to ensure clear rules. It is important to have coherent regulation to avoid unfair competition for companies.I also underline the need clarify the rules to improve the level playing field and fair competition in the sector, while at the same time not creating unnecessary administrative burden. Especially for small and medium enterprises. The update of legislation is also needed keeping in mind the technological improvement and the digitalisation of transport. Something that is key to ensure effective enforcement of the rules.Finally, I believe, that strengthening enforcement is the key in order to achieve any of the objectives of the proposal. Currently, enforcement is rather weak with divergence between Member States. Thus, I support the intention to strengthen the provisions regarding administrative cooperation and enforcement and vote in favour.

2016/11/22

I would like to emphasise that the EU was set up as a Union based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. Effective implementation of EU law is essential in order to ensure the proper functioning of the Union, as well as to enhance citizens’ trust in EU policies and institutions. I maintain that the citizens of the Union will feel confident about Union law only when it is implemented in the Member States in an effective manner.Unfortunately, the major decisions for the EU, the Member States and its people, such as decisions on national budgets and reforms, are usually prepared in almost complete opacity and taken by ministers without adherence to basic transparency principles, often after very limited discussions and with no formal rules. This problem is especially concerning for my mother country – Latvia.Thus I underline that EU citizens must be the first to be made aware in a clear, effectively accessible, transparent and timely manner of whether and which national laws have been adopted in transposition of EU laws, and which national authorities are responsible for ensuring they are correctly implemented. Therefore, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

In the course of the discussion of this proposal, which initially concerned Croatia, the European Commission received further notifications from Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia and Portugal relating to recent changes in their domestic laws, introducing new types of insolvency proceedings and/or insolvency practitioners. Furthermore, Belgium notified the Commission about a change in its domestic insolvency law, which would enter into force on 1 May 2018. These new types of insolvency proceedings and/or insolvency practitioners also entirely comply with the requirements set out in the current Regulation. The United Kingdom also gave notice on 15 November 2017 of its wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Regulation. However, Ireland will not participate in the adoption of this Regulation and will not be bound by it or be subject to its application. Considering the importance of reducing the insolvency rate in the EU Member States, I support the current updated annexes to the Regulation and vote in favour.

2016/11/22

The ISF Borders and Visas establishes a solidarity mechanism, binding the participating states by the same European rules on the control of external borders in each other’s interests and on each other’s behalf.This proposal is to establish exactly those arrangements, namely to enable the European Union to assume responsibility for the implementation of the budget of the instrument in this associated country and to determine Iceland’s contribution to the Union budget in respect of this instrument (around EUR 563 999 per year for 2016, 2017 and 2018, while Iceland’s contribution for 2019 and 2020 will be determined in 2019).I believe that the current proposal will serve to accomplish a key objective of the Schengen acquis: to share responsibility for an efficient, high and uniform level of control at the external borders in order to ensure, on one hand, a uniform and high level of control and protection of the external borders, including by the tackling of illegal immigration and, on the other hand, the smooth crossing of the external borders, in compliance with the Union’s commitment to fundamental freedoms and human rights.Thus I support current proposal and I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

Eiropas Parlaments 2011. gada jūnijā deva savu piekrišanu Bulgārijai un Rumānijai pievienoties Šengenas zonai, norādot normatīvajā rezolūcijā, ka Bulgārija un Rumānija ir gatavas pievienoties Šengenas zonai, kurā nav robežkontroles.Kopš 2011. gada Eiropas Parlaments ir atkārtoti aicinājis paplašināt Šengenas zonu, iekļaujot tajā šīs divas valstis, un ir rēķinājies ar Eiropas Komisijas atbalstu, lūdzot Padomi pieņemt galīgo lēmumu, kas ļauj Bulgārijai un Rumānijai atcelt kontroli pie iekšējām robežām.Gribu vērst uzmanību, ka Bulgārijai un Rumānijai ir izšķiroša loma ar uzraudzību saistītām darbībām Melnās jūras reģionā, kā arī saistībā ar Donavas upi — šie abi stratēģiskie koridori ir atvērti starptautiskai navigācijai un ir robežu vājās vietas.Bulgārijai un Rumānijai ir robežas ar Turciju, Moldovu, Ukrainu, Serbiju un bijušo Dienvidslāvijas Maķedonijas Republiku, un tās nodrošina nozīmīgas buferzonas ieceļošanai Šengenas zonā.Ņemot vērā visus iepriekš minētos apstākļus, pašreizējais Padomes lēmums, kura mērķis ir atcelt atlikušos ierobežojumus attiecībā uz SIS izmantošanu no Bulgārijas un Rumānijas puses, ir atzinīgi vērtējama norise šo divu valstu dalībai Šengenas acquis . Tas uzlabos drošības līmeni Šengenas zonā un palielinās cīņas pret smagiem noziegumiem un terorismu efektivitāti.Esmu pārliecināts, ka Rumānija un Bulgārija spēs nodrošināt tādu pat Savienības ārējo robežu aizsardzības līmeni kā pārējās Šengenas zonas dalībvalstis.Līdz ar to es balsoju par.

2016/11/22

The shift towards a more circular economy offers opportunities for all European regions and local authorities, which are the tier of government closest to local communities.The EU should make an effort to support the circular economy through cohesion policy, because the current policy framework does not allow the full contribution of cohesion policy to the circular economy to be captured. Thus, it is necessary to implement the planned circular economy measures, including measures to monitor implementation, while reducing the administrative burden.What’s important to mention, that the circular economy is a broad concept – it goes beyond waste management and includes areas such as green jobs, renewable energy, resource efficiency, the bio-economy, agricultural and fisheries policy, with their bio-industries aiming to replace fossil fuels; water management, energy efficiency, food waste, marine waste, improved air quality, research and development and innovation in related areas. It is as a strong driving force for sustainable and regional development.Thereby it is our crucial task to develop a relevant tracking methodology with appropriate indicators to allow for a better monitoring of the contribution of cohesion policy to the achievement of circular economy. So, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The EU’s macro-financial assistance (MFA) is an exceptional emergency instrument aimed at addressing severe balance-of-payment difficulties in third countries. This is the fourth time that the Commission proposes an MFA operation since the onset of the crisis in Ukraine in 2014. This time, the Commission proposes EUR 1 billion to be disbursed as medium- to long-term loans, to help the country to cover part of its external financing needs, namely in reducing the economy’s short-term balance-of-payment and fiscal vulnerabilities.However, I would like to stress, that the number of conditions set in MFA are not met by the Ukraine. For example, 4 of the 21 policy measures, including two anti-corruption measures, agreed under the previous MFA programme, were not implemented in time.Since there’s no guarantee being observed, that Ukraine will implement further MFA effectively and profitably to raise the economy and solve state’s internal problems such as high dependency on commodity exports, the slow replenishment of its international reserves, elevated external indebtedness, high rate of corruption and violation of human rights, I vote against.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The existing EU-Chile Association Agreement has been instrumental in deepening EU-Chile political relations and substantially increasing trade and investment flows. Continued respect for the rule of law and a stable legal and political framework enables both Chile and the EU to exercise free enterprise and fosters an adequate investment environment that includes safeguards on the principle of legal certainty.I voted in favour as I believe that modernisation of the EU-Chile Association Agreement has the potential significantly to deepen the existing relationship, including relations in the areas of foreign affairs and security. Moreover, it will contribute to the consolidation of multilateralism and international cooperation with a view to promoting international security and tackling the global challenges of organised crime, drug trafficking, rising inequality, migration, terrorism and climate change.I recommend considerably strengthening cooperation between Chile and the EU on the basis of shared values and the principles of democracy, combating climate change, ensuring gender equality, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

2016/11/22

Ziņojumā tiek turpināta ES nostāja par ES un NATO partnerības stiprināšanu. Tajā tiek turpināta ES militārā un agresīvā politika, ar kuru tiek palielinātas un pastiprinātas ES militārās spējas drošības un aizsardzības jomā, atbalstot arī finansējuma palielināšanu, nepārtrauktā sadarbībā ar NATO.Es iebilstu pret šo ziņojumu, jo tas:- uzskata, ka ES un NATO partnerībai ir būtiska nozīme ES KDAP attīstībā;- atbalsta pastāvīgo strukturēto sadarbību (PESCO ) kā turpmākas ES un NATO sadarbības dzinējspēku attiecībā uz spēju attīstību un stiprāka ES pīlāra izveidošanai NATO;- atbalsta pasākumus, kas paredzēti saskaņā ar Eiropas Aizsardzības fondu (EAF);- uzskata, ka abām organizācijām ir svarīgi par stratēģisku prioritāti noteikt efektīvu transatlantisku aizsardzības sadarbību rūpniecības jomā;- aizstāv politiku attiecībā uz militarizāciju Vidusjūras reģionā, proti, operāciju “Sea Guardian” un EUNAVFOR MED operāciju “Sophia”.Tātad es piedāvāju:- nepiešķirt no ES budžeta finansējumu militāriem mērķiem;- labāk kontrolēt ES militārās politikas elementus: pastāvīgo strukturēto sadarbību (PESCO ), Eiropas Aizsardzības fondu (EAF), Eiropas aizsardzības rūpniecības attīstības programmu (EDIDP ).- piešķirt publiskos līdzekļus, lai atbalstītu kvalitatīvu nodarbinātību, reindustrializāciju un MVU;- panākt visu pasākumu nepārprotamu atbilstību ANO Statūtiem un starptautiskajām tiesībām.Līdz ar to es balsoju pret.

2016/11/22

Ziņojumā tiek pausta ES nostāja par ES spēju stiprināšanu kiberdrošības jomā. Tas ir tikai vēl viens ES militārās un agresīvās politikas piemērs, ar kuru tiek palielinātas un pastiprinātas ES militārās spējas drošības un aizsardzības jomā, atbalstot arī finansējuma palielināšanu, nepārtrauktā sadarbībā ar NATO.Es iebilstu pret šo ziņojumu, jo tas:- atbalsta vienoto kiberdrošības tirgu, veicinot civilo un militāro tirgu sinerģiju un sasaisti;- mudina dalībvalstis izmantot pastāvīgās strukturētās sadarbības (PESCO ) un Eiropas Aizsardzības fonda (EAF) piedāvāto satvaru, lai ierosinātu sadarbības projektus kiberaizsardzības jomā;- atbalsta ES un NATO sadarbību kiberaizsardzības jautājumos;- atbalsta ES politiku, kas izpaužas apsēstībā ar drošību un ierobežo ES dalībvalstu iedzīvotāju tiesības un brīvības;- atbalsta dažu daudzgadu finanšu shēmā (DFS) iekļauto instrumentu izmantošanu kiberdrošības nolūkos.Līdz ar to es piedāvāju:- nepiešķirt no ES budžeta finansējumu militāriem mērķiem;- labāk kontrolēt ES militārās politikas elementus: PESCO , EAF un Eiropas aizsardzības rūpniecības attīstības programmu (EDIDP );- piešķirt publiskos līdzekļus, lai atbalstītu kvalitatīvu nodarbinātību, reindustrializāciju un MVU;- nodrošināt visu ES dalībvalstu iedzīvotāju pilsonisko tiesību un brīvību stingru aizsardzību;- īstenot visas darbības stingrā ANO vadībā un saskaņā ar ANO Statūtiem un starptautiskajām tiesībām.Es balsoju pret šo ziņojumu.

2016/11/22

Clearing members and their clearing clients should provide clearing services on transparent terms. They should also take all reasonable steps designed to identify, prevent, manage and monitor conflicts of interest within a group of affiliated entities, in particular between the trading unit and the clearing unit. Clearing members or clients should be permitted to control the risks connected with the clearing services offered.The European Securities and Markets Authority is to develop draft technical regulatory standards specifying the conditions under which commercial terms for clearing services are considered to be fair, reasonable, non-discriminatory and transparent.Regarding non-financial counterparties: since financial counterparties and non-financial counterparties present different risks, two distinct clearing thresholds have been developed. In order to take into account any development of financial markets, those thresholds should be updated regularly.To reduce the burden of reporting for small non-financial counterparties not subject to the clearing obligation, the financial counterparty should be solely responsible, and legally liable, for reporting a single data set with regard to OTC derivative contracts.I support this regulation and voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Each EU Member State shall, in cooperation with relevant industry stakeholders, establish and maintain a State safety programme for the management of civil aviation safety in relation to the aviation activities under its responsibility. That programme shall be commensurate with the size and the complexity of those activities and shall be consistent with the European Aviation Safety Programme.In order to foster the international role of the European Union Aviation Agency, it is necessary to enhance international cooperation, promote of EU standards, implement less stringent obligations as regards working arrangements between the Agency and national aviation authorities of third countries to establish local offices there in case of need.I support the principal objective of the Regulation which is to establish, maintain and enforce a high, uniform level of civil aviation safety in the Union and therefore I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The transport sector is one of those, that make a significant contribution to the achievement of EU set target for 2030 year – reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40%, given that, in 2014, heavy-duty vehicles accounted for 25% of carbon dioxide emissions from the road transport sector, amounting to 5% of total carbon dioxide emissions in the European Union.That’s why the recent Resolution is highly relevant.The results of the production compliance testing of the Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (VECTO) input files should be monitored and reported to the EU.The European Commission also should carry out its own verification of the accuracy and quality of the data reported. That process may be undertaken in dialogue with competent authorities and manufacturers and may also be supplemented by additional support from third parties.Moreover, the Commission’s analysis of the data transmitted by Member States and manufacturers should be presented to the public in a way to show clearly the performance of the heavy-duty vehicle fleet of the Union and of each Member state, taking into account any differences in the manufacturers’ product portfolio and the declared mission profile.I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I would like to stress the crucial role of education in shaping the future of Europe both economically and socially, while providing for the needs of Europe’s citizens and building a community of diverse citizens united by their common core values. I believe that an all-encompassing approach to education policy, with strong political and public support, is vital to the educational reform process. To achieve set objectives it is essential to involve both society and all relevant and interested actors, including parents.To modernise EU education, the following actions should be implemented: promotion of new information and communication technologies (ICT) and innovation, as instruments for offering new opportunities in education; creation of a European education area which should focus on achieving common objectives, including ensuring quality education for all, and to strengthen cooperation in the development and implementation of its objectives; provision of free and fair access to high-quality Early childhood education and care (ECEC); increase of social inclusion, accessibility, democratic governance, quality and diversity in education; fostering the cooperation between higher education, the world of work, industry, research communities and society; strengthening digital skills of teachers.I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

Odometer tampering is a serious and widespread problem throughout the whole European Union especially in cross-border trade and harms third countries, which import second—hand cars from the European Union.Tackling odometer fraud by establishing uniform rules to prevent manipulation will fundamentally enhance security and certainty in the cross-border purchases of vehicles, reduces the scale of unfair practices and bringing substantial benefits to millions of Europeans consumers.Concerning this background, I wish the European Commission to concentrate its efforts on following points:– legislative framework that requires EU Member States to create legal, technical and operational barriers in order to make odometer manipulations impossible;– ensure that the same legal and technical barriers are also applied to imports from non—EU countries;– strengthen the type approval for in—car security;– establish clear criteria for effectively checking the safety of odometers;– set up comparable and mutually compatible national data collection mechanisms, that will provide mileage data collection;– proactively inform consumers and stakeholders about existing measures against odometer fraud and about ways to detect and prevent odometer manipulation.

2016/11/22

Eiropā un pasaulē ievērojami pieaug dabas katastrofu biežums un intensitāte, un tās nopietni apdraud mūsu sabiedrību, ekonomiku un ekosistēmu.Šīs problēmas apmēru var saprast, paraugoties kaut vai uz 2017. gadā notikušajām dabas katastrofām. Eiropā vien tajās gāja bojā divsimt iedzīvotāju.Zinātniskajos pētījumos aprakstītais nākotnes scenārijs ir vēl satraucošāks, jo tiek prognozēta šo parādību intensifikācija. Var pilnīgi nešaubīgi teikt, ka galvenais cēlonis ir meklējams klimata pārmaiņās, kas ir pastiprinājušas ārkārtēju laika apstākļu radīto notikumu negatīvo ietekmi.Eiropas Savienība gadu gaitā ir izveidojusi spēcīgu tīklu reaģēšanai uz katastrofām; šīs sistēmas galvenā sastāvdaļa ir Eiropas civilās aizsardzības mehānisms — UCPM . Pildot savus atbalsta sniegšanas pienākumus, mehānisms ir palīdzējis dalībvalstīm optimizēt centienus katastrofu novēršanā un risku mazināšanā. Mehānisma spējas ir izmantotas gan ES, gan ārpus tās.Tomēr nesen gūtā operatīvā pieredze norādīja uz mehānisma trūkumiem tā efektivitātes un lietderības ziņā. Lai panāktu, ka ES nodrošina iedzīvotāju drošību katastrofu gadījumos, mehānismam ir jābūt spēcīgākam, tādam, kura reakcija ir stabila un uzticama. Tam jābalstās uz šādiem trijiem galvenajiem elementiem:1) patiesa Eiropas civilās aizsardzības spēja;2) spēju saskaņotība ar citiem spēkā esošajiem instrumentiem;3) pareiza finanšu resursu sadale.Ņemot vērā minētos grozījumus, es balsoju par civilās aizsardzības projekta īstenošanu.

2016/11/22

To upgrade and empower a future communication on gender equality it is necessary to apply comprehensive EU foreign policy agenda, which based on three main pillars: ensuring girls’ and women’s physical and psychological integrity; promoting the economic and social rights and the empowerment of girls and women; and strengthening girls’ and women’s voice and participation.These pillars are intended to tackle the main factors and causes involved in discrimination and marginalisation, including sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, and harmful traditions such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.I call on all EU Member States and external services to implement the expansion of the gender action plan by taking the following steps: exchange of best practice in improving gender equality and gender mainstreaming between delegations and units; strengthening the human resource capacity dedicated to gender mainstreaming within the Commission’s services, through training, reorganisation of existing structures and by taking on additional staff; strengthening EU Member State and international actions through the United Nations; implementing targeted policies to facilitate women’s access to leadership and managerial posts.

2016/11/22

Unfortunately, nowadays young people are one of the most vulnerable social groups: high risk of poverty, increased level of the EU youth unemployment, unstable working conditions, social alienation – these are severe problems, which youth faces every day.Representing the European Union, it is our crucial task to solve these issues by giving young people the opportunity to express their opinions, participate in policy-making decisions, find themselves on labour market, have quality jobs, live in a healthy environment and have access to education and culture, with quality education and training.To achieve its set aims the future European Youth Strategy should be centred around youth participation, reflecting the needs, well-being, ambitions and diversity of all young people in Europe. The EU should express solidarity with young people and continue to empower them to participate in society, primarily by mainstreaming volunteering, drafting legislation for youth and developing new tools such as forging closer bonds between EYS and the policy initiatives aimed at supporting the EU’s youth, in particular ‘Investing in Europe’s Youth’, the European Solidarity Corps and the Youth Employment Initiative.

2016/11/22

The European Union now is following the trend of sustainable and low-carbon economy. And here is the sense, because Ecodesign has proved its worth by generating real added value, as acknowledged both by the industrial sectors concerned and NGOs and experts from the EU Member States.Environment-friendly innovation is a successful instrument for the improvement of energy efficiency. They have resulted in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and has led to economic benefits for consumers.It is interesting to note that the adoption of the ecodesign concept has led to the emergence of a number of new professions: materials engineers, environmental management, sustainable development engineers are now being recruited. Regional and local authorities, for example those responsible for dealing with household waste, have also been getting involved. There is every reason, therefore, for the European legislator to create a system for the development of ecodesign and energy labelling policy in the European economy.I support this directive and I find its provisions ambitious enough for the EU’s objectives in the green economy. I voted in favour of the report on its implementation.

2016/11/22

Šengenas zona ir viens no ievērojamākajiem Eiropas Savienības sasniegumiem. Tā ir būtiska Eiropas projekta daļa, un to visaugstāk novērtē un atzīst Eiropas iedzīvotāji.Tomēr trīs pēdējie gadi bijuši diezgan smagi, jo uz Šengenas zonu izdarīts milzīgs spiediens saistībā ar trūkumiem ārējās robežās un ar tām cieši saistītās jomās.Izveidojot ES brīvas pārvietošanās telpu, drošības problēmas vienā dalībvalstī vai uz tās ārējām robežām var ietekmēt visas citas dalībvalstis. Tieši tāpēc Šengenas ietvaros izveidots kompensējošu pasākumu kopums jeb acquis , uz kura balstās savstarpējā uzticēšanās un veidojas brīvības, drošības un tiesiskuma telpa.Ir jāatzīst, ka pēdējos gados reālā situācija ir mainījusies. Ir parādījušās jaunas problēmas, dažādi apdraudējumi un neparedzēti notikumi, kuru dēļ vajadzīga lielāka sadarbība, labāka informācija un Eiropas solidaritāte. Diemžēl īstenošana dalībvalstīs neatbilst vēlamajam, jo tā bieži vien ir lēnāka, nekā gaidīts. Tieši tāpēc neskaidrību un apdraudējumu laikā Eiropas Savienībai ir vēl aktīvāk jāaizsargā Šengenas zona un iedzīvotāju tiesības.Parlaments joprojām ir stingri apņēmies meklēt visus iespējamos risinājumus, kas nodrošinās ātru un saprātīgu situācijas risinājumu visu ES iedzīvotāju labā. Ir ļoti svarīgi, ka Eiropas Savienība īsteno šos noteikumus tādā veidā, kas garantē Šengenas zonas darbību.Līdz ar to es balsoju par turpmāku Šengenas zonas darbības attīstību.

2016/11/22

Eiropas Savienībā ik gadu daudzi cilvēki cieš noziegumos — policijai tiek ziņots par aptuveni 30 miljoniem noziegumu, neskaitot maznozīmīgus noziedzīgus nodarījumus. Aizvien vairāk cilvēku ceļo, dzīvo vai mācās ārvalstīs, tāpēc var ciest noziegumos svešā valstī. ES ir pilnvarota aizsargāt savus iedzīvotājus un ārvalstniekus, kas pārvietojas tās teritorijā.Cietušajiem ir jābūt tiesībām:- saprast un tikt saprastiem saziņā ar iestādi (piemēram, skaidras un vienkāršas valodas lietojums);- saņemt informāciju pirmajā reizē, kad notiek saziņa ar iestādi;- iesniegt oficiālu sūdzību un saņemt rakstisku atbildi;- uz mutisko un rakstisko tulkošanu (vismaz cietušā iztaujāšanas/nopratināšanas laikā);- saņemt informāciju par lietas virzību;- izmantot cietušo aizsardzības dienestu pakalpojumus.ES sistemātiski sniedz atbalstu noziegumos cietušajiem un veic to tiesību aizsardzību. Tomēr ir apzināti vairāki faktori, kas var apdraudēt šī atbalsta praktiskās īstenošanas efektivitāti, tostarp šādi:- trūkst informētības veicināšanas pasākumu;- trūkst informācijas valodā, kuru cietušie varētu saprast;- trūkst finansiāla atbalsta pakalpojumu sniegšanai, un nav saskaņotas atbalsta dienestu, policijas, prokuratūras un citu attiecīgo dalībnieku darbības;- trūkst ieinteresēto pušu līdzdalības un speciālistu apmācības.Ņemot vērā apspriestā jautājuma aktualitāti, es balsoju par direktīvas, ar ko nosaka noziegumos cietušo tiesību, atbalsta un aizsardzības minimālos standartus, īstenošanu.

2016/11/22

One of the central objectives of the reform of the current Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is to reach the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) exploitation rate for all fish stocks in order to restore their populations and maintain them at sustainable levels. The sustainable exploitation of marine biological resources can be better achieved through a multiannual approach to fisheries management by adopting the multiannual fisheries management plans. Those plans should reflect the specificities of the different fisheries and of the stocks, provide the framework for the sustainable exploitation of stocks defining clearly the time frame and safeguard mechanisms for unforeseen developments with regard to fish stocks.Firstly, this plan was adopted for the Baltic Sea region to ensure that the exploitation of the stocks concerned restores and maintains populations of those stocks above levels which can result in MSY. Additionally, in the light of the most recent and the best scientific advice, the Commission has proposed some amendments to EU Regulation (EU) 2016/1139.I support the changes to the existing regulation because they are essential when it comes to setting and revising the annual fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea and the proper functioning of the new CFP.

2016/11/22

The present Agreement between the EU and Switzerland was negotiated in order to implement the changes of the reform GSP of rules of origin. The reform introduced a new system of cumulation of origin by registered exporters and provided for inclusion of Turkey in the system of cumulation, which so far worked between the Union, Switzerland and Norway.The new legislation provides the following.1. The new system of cumulation. It entails. that the EU, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey will allow GSP beneficiary countries to incorporate materials from any of the countries in the system (EU, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey) in their production processes, and export the final product to the EU, Switzerland, Norway or Turkey.2. Registered Exporter system (REX) - the new system of establishment of proofs of origin by registered exporters.In my opinion, the present Agreement will significantly develop connections between EU and Switzerland, because it ensures smooth running of trade between the European Union and Switzerland and will enable the EU and Switzerland to use the new replacement proofs of origin. For the above reasons I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

Experience of the European Union has shown, that it is necessary to prevent and fight against fraud, recover claims in the field of VAT not only in EU Member States, but also to control the transactions involving companies located in third countries.VAT fraud involving third-country operators is particularly a risk in the telecoms and e-services sectors. To protect public budgets from such fraud more effective tools are essential. The main goal should be to establish a framework of mutual assistance in combatting cross-border VAT fraud and in helping each country recover the VAT.Therefore, cooperation with third countries is essential to fight VAT fraud. In particular, Norway is a Member of the European Economic Area with a VAT system similar to that applied in the EU, which enjoys a good tradition of cooperation in the field of VAT with the EU Member States.This evidences the advantages for EU Member States to cooperate with Norway. However, I also would like to encourage Member States to mandate the Commission to negotiate similar agreements on VAT cooperation also with other EEA / EFTA countries.

2016/11/22

The EU is the largest marketer of fishery and aquaculture products in the world in terms of value. In 2015, EU consumers spent EUR 54 billion on fishery and aquaculture products, the highest figure ever recorded. This fact proves the importance of keeping on the high level and developing the fishing sector in the EU.The definition of the value chain covers a wide range of activities that are carried out in order to bring a product or service from its starting point to the end consumer. In the case of fisheries products, this process involves the extraction of fish, transport, arrival at port, processing and sale.The main objective of the report is to find out what can be improved so that processors and local fishermen can retain most of the value generated by their activities. An optimisation of these processes can contribute to local communities by providing a dynamic, profitable and sustainable economic activity. It could also be important in terms of employment, in particular, by helping to maintain the population in these communities, attracting young, educated people and making the sector attractive for this segment of the population. At the same time, the sector would benefit from professionals with appropriate training to improve innovation.

2016/11/22

I would like to stress that it is crucial to subject all new psychoactive substances to control measures on time in order to make sure of their security and safeness. The uncontrolled trading and use of untested, certified and approved drugs may cause irreparable consequences for people’s health, sometimes even death. This point especially appeals to the topic of the discussed report, because psychotropic substances in particular have the strongest influence on not only the physical state of people, but also on their mental state. So the higher the level of drug control and testing system, the more people’s health is saved and not at risk. That is why it is necessary to support and develop the drug control system, implemented by the European Commission. It is the key in the fight against the use and supply of illegal narcotic drugs and in reducing the amount of available chemicals necessary to make the drugs, which is the real step towards saving peoples life. The report approaches this topic comprehensively, therefore I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the resolution drafted by my colleague Mr Novakov. However I would like to underline the shortcomings of the EU’s cohesion policy. This policy accounts for around 30% of the EU budget and is supposed to counterbalance the negative effects of globalisation. However, nearly empty airports and roads are frequently seen in the EU. While the big cities are overwhelmed by transport flows, the periphery becomes even more peripheral. That means that the rural areas are de facto cut out from development.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report as I believe that urgent measures should be taken for the implementation of the rules governing the asylum status of migrant children. Currently, severe irregularities occur on the ground. And the children in detention suffer from negative psychological impact. Not only their traumas are not treated correctly, but they are often kept in humiliating conditions and do not have access to education, although the governments are obliged to guarantee it within 3 months since the arrival. This shameful practice should stop if the EU wants to be credible in negotiating the Global compacts on asylum and migration.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which represented a consent on the Framework Agreement between the European Union and Australia. The three pillars of cooperation identified in the agreement will help us to establish a strengthened partnership between the parties, to provide a framework to facilitate and promote cooperation across a broad range of areas of mutual interest, and to enhance cooperation to develop solutions to regional and global challenges.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this approbation report on the Council decision about the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. On the recommendation of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, consent has been given to the draft Council decision. I support this tool as it helps to create a stable balance between the fight against terrorism and respect for human rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report drafted by my colleague from the S&D Group, Simona Bonafe. The aim of this report is to minimise the environmental impact of packaging. To achieve this, we need extended producer responsibility and incentives for the take-up of reusable packaging. An ambitious goal has been set for a minimum of 70% by weight of all packaging waste generated to be recycled by the end of 2025. In addition, I welcome the plan to carry out a regular evaluation of the implementation of the Directive.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report on packaging and packaging waste. An effective and sustainable circular economy requires the removal of hazardous substances from products at the design stage. The report proposes sound and reliable measures. The amendments aim to improve the quality of the data by providing that the data communicated by the Member States to the Commission on batteries and accumulators be accompanied by a quality check report.I particularly support the call for a concerted effort by all main stakeholders, industry, customers and regulatory authorities to get rid of the phenomenon of planned obsolescence.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report which amends the Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.The amendments are intended to prevent and reduce the adverse impacts on the environment and human health of generating and mismanaging waste. This issue is also of crucial importance for Latvia, where the question of waste has yet to be solved. I believe that further development of the circular economy is needed in order to fight the averse effects of the waste. In addition, major awareness among EU citizens about the need to reduced waste is needed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report which clarifies the interinstitutional arrangements on the environmental reporting. We requested that the power to adopt delegated acts should be conferred on the Commission for a period of five years with the possibility of tacitly extending the delegation of power for periods of identical duration with regard to Directive 2009/31/EC on the geological storage of carbon dioxide and Directive 86/278/EEC on the protection of the environment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution claiming that the EU approach to migration should be people-centred and human rights-based, and should provide for long-term, sustainable and comprehensive measures. I believe that both migrants and host communities should benefit from a strong and comprehensive migration framework contributing to inclusive growth. Furthermore, I strongly support the idea to prevent the abuse of human rights and the exploitation of migrants on their own territories, including by employers. The EU should develop more instruments in this matter.

2016/11/22

More than the half of the EU’s financial resources are disbursed through so-called external financial instruments. However, a more efficient use of these instruments is needed for the EU to become a genuinely global player. We also need more flexible instruments, adaptable to the local context, as well as the ability to respond to new and unforeseen challenges quickly and effectively.The report calls for the establishment of solid, consistent and transparent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in the next two years. There is a need for enhanced parliamentary control and scrutiny procedures and systems that are consistent for all instruments.I voted in favour of this report and I particularly appreciated the call for the setting up of a one-stop-shop for organisations applying for EU funding so as to reduce the bureaucratic burdens.

2016/11/22

Subsidiarity, proportionality and the principle of conferral, are the cornerstones of a functioning EU. Our S&D Group has contributed enormously to the Better Regulation framework. In this regards, I believe that the establishment of the REFIT platform is of crucial importance, as it will allow EU policymakers to get direct feedback on the legislation from the citizens.In addition, the Report on the cost of non-Europe prepared by the European Parliament shows that further development of common policies is needed in many sectors. I welcome the work done by the S&D colleague Mady Delvaux in drafting this Report, and I have supported it with my vote.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report drafted in the context of the discharge procedure. I particularly support the call to establish an independent disclosure, advice and referral body in order to help whistle-blowers use the right channels to disclose information on possible irregularities. This Report addresses the issues that are currently of crucial importance to the EU, such as cohesion policy, migration, agriculture. However, I have to admit that the lack of unity on the common budget among the MEPs made the scope of the report less ambitious than it could be.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the parliamentary Report on the Court of Auditors’ special reports in the context of the 2016 Commission discharge. Specific recommendations have been made to improve the use of EU funds in different policy areas, such as pre-accession assistance, food waste, certification bodies, youth employment, etc. In the framework of the discharge procedure it was possible to identify the improvement perspectives for the EU spending in numerous spheres.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report that shows a high level of budget implementation by the European Parliament in 2016. It is noted that for one payment to a political group, the Court found weaknesses in checks on the authorisation and settlement of expenditure made in 2015 but cleared in 2016.The report noted that, according to the Court, the costs of the geographic dispersion of Parliament amount to EUR 114 million per year. Members recalled that the estimate of the environmental impact of that dispersal is between 11 000 to 19 000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and called on the Council to find a solution for this waste of taxpayers’ money.I fully support the idea that the geographical dispersion negatively affects the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report and I support the suggestions it bears. It is in fact regretful that the Council has still not joined the Union transparency register despite being one of the most important institutions involved in the Union’s decision-making process. In addition, the current practice of the Council which inhibits the scrutiny of draft Union legislation constitutes maladministration. I welcome the call of the Ombudsman to the Council to comply with the recommendations and suggestions for improvement to facilitate the public’s access to documents. Transparency is essential for the EU institutions to keep the trust of the EU citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report recommending the European Parliament to give discharge to the Court of Justice in respect of the implementation of the Court’s budget for the financial year 2016. Due to reform of the CJEU, the average time taken to decide a case in 2017 was 16 months. This period is shorter compared to previous years, but still needs to be shortened. The duration of the proceeding should not discourage the citizens from filing the cases in the ECJ.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report calling on the European Parliament to give discharge to the Secretary-General of the European Court of Auditors in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Court for the financial year 2016. In 2016, in the Court of Auditors the overall rate of implementation for the budget was 99%. The Report also underlines some positive developments: the Court reformed its chambers and committees in 2016 with significant impact on the preparation of its work; introduced a task-based organisation and the establishment of an institution-wide network to strengthen knowledge management, etc.

2016/11/22

With this Report, the European Parliament took the decision to grant discharge to the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee a discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Economic and Social Committee for the financial year 2016. I supported this Report with my vote and was glad to discover that the payments were free from material error.I agree that we need to further strengthen the contacts between the Committee and the chairs and the rapporteurs of Parliament’s committees in order to ensure better follow-up of the Committee’s contribution to the Union legislative process.

2016/11/22

It has been observed that in 2016 no significant weaknesses had been identified in respect of the audited topics relating to human resources and procurement for the Committee of the Regions. I voted in favour of the Report on discharge, as it stresses the need to strengthen the connections between the Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament. In fact, further deepening of the cooperation with Parliament based on the cooperation agreement between the Committee and Parliament is needed. The ongoing political strategic dialogue is necessary and should be further supported.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Report calling on the European Parliament to grant the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European External Action Service (EEAS) for the financial year 2016. It is necessary although to improve in efficiency the execution of the EEAS administrative budget, particularly for the delegations. The Parliament called for more scrutiny in the implementation of procurement rules as well for more transparency in the matter of lobbying.In addition, in order to guarantee more fair recruitment, major geographical balance needs to be implemented.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report. No significant weaknesses or material errors have been identified in the work of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is further encouraged to apply that method to its own budget-planning procedure. In the report drafted by colleague Gräßle, I particularly appreciated the calls to strive for geographical balance in management positions in the long-term and to continue to improve transparency in Union decision-making.

2016/11/22

In 2016, the administrative and other expenditures of the European Data Protection Supervisor were efficient and free of error. I supported this Report calling for efficient budgetary performance in the upcoming years. Unfortunately, at this point no predictions can be made about the financial, administrative, human and other consequences related to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU, however the European Data Protection Supervisor will have to calculate the possible financial expenditure related to this in the nearest future.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report and supported the proposal of a number of recommendations that need to be taken into account when the discharge is granted, in addition to the general recommendations that appear in the draft resolution on performance, financial management and control of EU agencies. I believe that we need to pay major attention to transfers, procurement, staff policy, the prevention and management of conflicts of interests and internal audits.In addition, I believe that major attention should be given to the allocation of the EU agencies in different countries, this is well exemplified by the case of the European medicines Agency.

2016/11/22

I supported the Reports call to grant the Director of the Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2016. In the framework of the completion of the internal energy market, the mandate of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators has been expanded, and this led to 40.89 % increase in budgetary expenses compared to the year 2015. This is a clear sign that the internal energy market is being given a very high priority.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Report. It was regretful to discover the lack of rigour in the Office’s procurement procedures. The procurement procedure did not always comply with the principle of equal treatment. The European Anti-Fraud Office had therefore to open investigation related to the budget and financial management and carry-overs of committed appropriations. In 2016, the Commission presented a proposal for a new Regulation that proposed transforming the Office into a fully-fledged agency, the idea which I fully support. This would help to manage better the challenges of the asylum policy.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I have voted in favour of this Report that fosters the participation of Lebanon in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area. I believe such cooperation can bring enormous potential to both partners. I find the issue with the waste landfills in Lebanon particularly pressing, and I hope that scientific and technical cooperation in the waste management will bring positive results to Lebanon. In addition, scientific cooperation fosters people-to-people contacts, which is very relevant to the strengthening of our bilateral ties.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Mauritius has had a long history of relations with Europe. Unfortunately, these relations were of colonial stamp, it has been a Dutch, a French and a British colony. Now that Mauritius is treated as a trade partner on an equal footing, I am happy to see that the EU employs good will for the development of this small country. I voted in favour of this recommendation as I believe that the EU is able to ensure that the fishing is done in a sustainable way and that the benefits of it will be equally shared in the society.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Own Initiative Report that calls for a European strategy for the promotion of protein crops. The recent rise of vegetarian food creates a demand for certain products. In order to guarantee an equal access and fair price-policy for the people who have specific nutritional needs, we need to dedicate special attention to the production of protein and leguminous plants.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The scope of this Report is to amend the Regulation No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on a mechanism for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and other information relevant to climate change. I voted in favour of it as it brings a long-awaited clarification into this Regulation. The policies on greenhouse gas are subject to correction as the research in this field never stops. Therefore I believe that the mentioned Regulations will have to be amended again in the near future.

2016/11/22

I abstained during the vote on this Report amending Regulation No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on a mechanism for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and other information relevant to climate change. Like many of my colleagues in the S&D Group, I believe that provision of the amendment were not ambitious enough for the goals the EU has set to itself in fighting climate change.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report drafted jointly by Ms Bresso, of the S&D Group, and Mr Wieland. This report underlines the importance of safeguarding European values through European political parties and European political foundations, values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. In addition, it creates a good framework regulating the funding for, and the penalties applied to, European parties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report drafted by my colleague from the S&D Group, Ms Sarbu. The seventh environment action programme is quite visionary and sets legally binding targets in the areas of environment and climate change to be achieved by 2020. It also presents a long-term vision for 2050. In this report, I particularly welcome the call to end environmentally harmful subsidies, improve the pesticide authorisation system in the EU and significantly improve the volume, use and administration of EU funds for the EAP’s objectives.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which calls on the Member States to promote content on gender equality in public media. Today, violent and sexist media content is negatively affecting women and their participation in society. I believe that we must take all the measures necessary to free the media space from any incitement to violence or hatred directed against any person or group of persons. Media have a strong impact on the population, and it is therefore of paramount importance to channel gender equality through them.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this resolution, as I believe that we must create networks among civil society and professional media organisations in order to empower women to play an active part in the media sector. The resolution calls on the Commission to use information and awareness-raising campaigns to raise the participation of women in business sectors. Women must have equal access both to information and to channels in order to create content. Only in that way shall we be able to guarantee a balanced informational habitat.

2016/11/22

The evaluation of the European Development Fund (EDF), the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) and the Humanitarian Aid Instrument (HAI) has shown that they are generally fit for purpose and aligned with the values and objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, while some countries have experienced progress in poverty reduction and human and economic development over the last 10 years, in others the situation remains critical. There is an absolute need to maintain separate development and humanitarian aid instruments, respecting key development principles. Our humanitarian objectives should by no means be jeopardised by development strategies, which themselves need more transparency and accountability. I welcome the call to increase the next MFF, considering the scope of these instruments, and therefore I supported this report.

2016/11/22

I supported with my vote this report calling for the enhancing of developing countries’ debt sustainability. The debt burden of some African countries is really high – in Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia it reaches or surpasses 50% of GDP. The report calls on the EU and its Member States to actively combat tax havens, tax avoidance and illicit financial flows. I particularly support the call to prevent the granting of loans to manifestly corrupt governments. I believe that, in its partnership relations, the EU should pay more attention to evaluating the debt sustainability.

2016/11/22

European cohesion policy is the main public investment instrument based on long-term strategy and perspectives. To bring the Union closer to its citizens, we must align national development needs along with the needs and specificities of different regions and territories. Every European citizen must feel the asset value of European cohesion policy. The EU should provide a framework which guarantees legal stability through simple, clear and predictable rules, particularly as regards management and auditing, in order to ensure a proper balance between performance and simplification objectives. I believe also that further legislative simplification is needed in this field. The report is quite comprehensive and addresses the current challenges of cohesion; for this reason, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as it comprises the provisions necessary for employment policy and productivity growth. Europass is an efficient tool both for employees and employers, but its visibility and practical use are still limited. The report calls for qualifications and competences to be made transparent and interoperable within and between the Member States. This will also help to promote cross-border mobility in the EU.In general, Europass makes it possible to achieve a common definition and understanding of skills across the EU and hence facilitate the recognition of competences of EU citizens and third-country nationals in all the EU Member States. Such a tool has good potential for boosting innovation and research, and is also in line with the priorities of Latvian citizens.

2016/11/22

I gave my support to the report drafted by Mrs Costa. The report highlighted the programme of the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) and its role in developing the talents of young Europeans. I agree with J.-C. Juncker, who has called EUYO ‘the best possible ambassador for the European Union’. EUYO allows young musicians selected from all Member States to work together under the auspices of the EU. This example shows that our youth is able to achieve much more when the project is organised at EU level. Jāzepa Vītola Latvijas Mūzikas akadēmija is one of the national associate partners of the programme and I hope that this initiative will soon involve more and more local actors in Latvia.I am convinced that cultural initiatives of this kind will soon become more numerous. That will help European citizens to understand the personal benefits which they get from EU-wide cooperation schemes.

2016/11/22

It is surprising that the European Parliament, as the co-legislator together with the Council, had no say on the new seat of the European Medicines Agency and its transfer from the UK to the Netherlands. The procedure adopted de facto deprived the European Parliament of its prerogatives and reduced its role to consent only.For this reason, I support the revision of the procedure for the selection of new locations for agencies in the EU. If we look at the numbers, only 9 out of 37 EU decentralised agencies are located in new Member States. This lack of balance is detrimental to the image of the EU institutions in the eyes of Europeans. Therefore, I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

The recent scandals related to tax avoidance and tax evasion have led to the creation of the Special Committee on Financial Crimes, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance in the European Parliament. We try to improve the current framework significantly and guarantee that the taxes are paid where the profits are made, and this concerns also permanent digital establishment. The simultaneous entry into force of the Directive on a Common Corporate Tax Base and the Directive on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base will produce a change of regime and make a significant step towards the completion of the internal market.I see the introduction of the European tax identification number as a long-awaited measure to make the automatic exchange of tax information more efficient and reliable within the Union. The reinforcement of cross-border tax cooperation is also necessary to fight against fraud. Out of these considerations, I voted in favour of the report drafted by colleague Tang.

2016/11/22

The Resolution on the guidelines on the framework of future EU-UK relations was adopted with a huge majority during the vote, and personally I voted in favour. During the preceding debate it was stated the Brexit transition period should be perfectly in line with acquis communautaire and this implies the full respect of the EU citizen´s rights. According to the 2106 data, around 160 000 Latvians were registered as workers in the UK and the new association agreement should guarantee that these people maintain their rights.First we need to agree on the rights of individuals, and only in the second place shall we speak about the goods and services. The EU negotiators have a difficult task in insuring that the rules are mutually recognised in the absence of the customs union and of the single market with the UK, as claimed by Theresa May. The EU must avoid the social dumping of its citizens. And considering that the proposal from the UK on the future of bilateral relations is still lacking, it is important that the EU sets clear red lines in the matter of social policy and the protection of our citizens.

2016/11/22

As the Rapporteur for opinion on behalf of the S&D Group on this report, I have followed closely all the steps of its developments. The report reflects the Commission’s view on further financial assistance to Georgia, which I support. Therefore, I voted in favour.Georgia is progressing quickly in its reforms, as I could notice during my recent visits, and the new financial support will facilitate even more the implementation of the bilateral Association Agreement. Further assistance will contribute to reducing the economy’s short-term balance of payments and fiscal vulnerabilities. This assistance becomes less grant-oriented and more loan-oriented, which is a sign of major independence and a more solid economy in Georgia.Further macro-financial assistance will be disbursed according to the pre-condition principles of democracy and human rights. This powerful provision protects further EU-Georgia relations from possible democratic back-sliding and reinforces Georgia in its European pathway.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report that reflects Parliament’s position on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) post-2020. The reflection on the previous MFF (2014-2020) brought us to think of a new framework that would be more flexible and more adequate in addressing financial, employment, security and migration challenges.Parliament has set a series of priorities that the Commission will take into account in its package of proposals due in May 2018. The increase in expenditure ceilings to 1.3% (from 1% currently) of the GNI will give the EU more margin in dealing with unforeseen circumstances. The new framework will particularly benefit the policies under shared management, such as agriculture and cohesion.Latvia’s growth and development is strongly linked to these policies, therefore I am a strong supporter of the MFF increase. It will also help to protect our citizens, organisations and regions from negative impacts of international infrastructure and mitigate the internal shocks. I also view positively the future adoption of a 5+5 period with a mandatory mid-term revision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report drafted by our S&D Group colleague, Mr Bayet. In view of the forecast of slow economic growth in the EU, coming down to 2.0% in 2019, it is important to boost both public and private investment in the EU. The report stresses the role of the European Semester in the development of Pillar of Social Rights. The planning of the Semester should be focused on productivity growth and jobs creation. In addition, I believe that national budgets should be better coordinated with the EU budget in order to achieve optimisation of resources. I also welcome the call for major democratic control and transparency of the European Monetary Union and of the Capital Market Union. We need to make sure that our move towards convergence and integration in financial matters occurs in the best interest of our citizens and in conditions of accountability.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report drafted by my S&D Group colleague Mr Ujhelyi. Once, again the European Parliament took the initiative on cutting-edge technological innovation.Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) are going to improve fuel efficiency, lower the cost of individual transport and reduce the negative impact of traffic on the environment. C-ITS services are also going to contribute to the safety on the roads.According to the statistics, in Latvia in 2016, 3792 road incidents with casualties took place, which brought about 158 deaths and 4648 injuries. The total number of traffic accidents, including those without casualties, amounted to 39 556. Considering the total number of registered motor vehicles (599 165 in 2016), this is a very high proportion. Therefore, I welcome this call to the European Commission to apply a common European approach and implement C-ITS by 2019. The Member States, local authorities, vehicle manufacturers, road operators and the ITS industry should contribute to this policy in order to make our roads safer.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this Report as I am convinced that it is crucial to improve competitiveness and enhance innovation across the Union defence industry in order to be independent in setting defence and foreign policy priorities. I support the idea of a European Defence Fund which would support investment in joint research and the joint development of defence equipment and technologies.In addition, such development programme would permit to develop excellence serving the security and defence interests of our Member States and of the Union as a whole.In the context of the increased hybrid threats and non-conventional attacks, it is important that the EU takes the lead in guaranteeing security of its citizens. The trans-border nature of the current threats makes it impossible for the Members States to cope with them individually. This is why establishing a European defence industrial development programme is a necessary measure and a good symbolic gesture, showing the EU’s will to have truly European defence capacities.

2016/11/22

It is regretful that women still face considerable structural inequalities in the matter of trade. The Group of Socialists and Democrats has always been active in promoting gender equality within and outside of the EU, although many issues still have to be addressed. Setting international standards and legally—binding arrangements is crucial to guarantee that the women and men enjoy equal rights everywhere.The European Trade for All strategy comprises provisions on gender equality, meaning that all kinds of trade relations of the EU should be led in respect of gender equality. We need to guarantee that women across the world fully enjoy the benefits of trade, investment programmes and development cooperation with the EU. Only through promoting women’s economic empowerment and women’s active participation in trade negotiations can we ensure a truly inclusive approach.In this regard, I would like to particularly stress the importance of protecting indigenous women who become victims of contradictory globalisation effects, especially in the countries of Latin America.The report covers a broad spectrum of trade issues and creates a good reference for further trade and development cooperation action; therefore I have voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I have voted in favour of the Resolution on the role of EU regions and cities in implementing the COP21 Paris Agreement on climate change, which has been adopted with a very vast majority. The EU is the international leader in promoting environment-friendly practices, but we must strengthen our commitment also inside the EU. Member States need to act on urban planning, mobility, public transport and infrastructure, the energy performance of buildings, education campaigns, smart cities, smart grids and regional subsidies in order to implement the Paris Agreement.Latvia is one of the greenest countries in the world and is therefore interested that all other countries respect their commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change does not know boundaries, nor national limits. This brings to the fact that negative effects of climate change most often do not target the countries where they are produced, but paradoxically target those who have the ‘greenest’ economies and are often vulnerable to natural disasters.Cities account for 70% of global CO2 emissions, it is therefore crucial to promote electrification of the private and public transport.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I welcome the establishment of a special committee on financial crimes, tax evasion and tax avoidance. I believe that such a body will particularly benefit the consistency of application of taxation rules in the context of digital economy.It will complement the work carried out by the PANA inquiry committee and enhance the work of the Parliament in tackling VAT fraud and the crimes relation to taxation. The EU should pay full attention to the relations with non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. Fighting tax heavens became one of the priorities of the competition policy of the EU and it will help the Union to become stronger and to protect the interests of our businesses.In addition, thanks to this committee, the Members will be able to better assess the bilateral tax treaties concluded by Member States and to elaborate recommendations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this Report drafted by French socialist Emmanuel Maurel that requires that the information on taxation should be communicated and exchanged between national authorities. Thanks to the efforts of the S&G Group in the European Parliament, the scope of the initial proposal has been significantly broadened. It tackles the whole industry of aggressive tax planning that endangers the businesses in Europe.Tax justice is an undeniable part of the democratic order. Recent scandals related to the massive tax fraud created a situation of emergency where the EU taxation authorities have to come closer and share the information more efficiently.I believe that this Report creates a solid basis for combatting tax crime. The newly established special committee on financial crimes will also contribute to this task.

2016/11/22

In Latvia the beekeeping sector occupies an important place in the agricultural sector. My country develops pioneering strategies to advance the efficiency of honey production, improve the product quality and increase safety measures. Therefore for us the conservation of high standards in this field is crucial, as well as the prevention of environmental crisis that can damage this sector.In the framework of its civil dialogue group on animal products, the European Commission promotes, inter alia, beekeeping needs in EU agricultural policymaking. The counterfeiting of honey not only brings serious health threats, but it can also severely distort market competition in the field of honey production. Various illicit practices (e.g. adulteration of honey with sugar) and non-compliance with EU rules on production standards impede the European honey-makers from developing their businesses. The EU quality labels in this regard is an efficient response.The report addresses a number of issues on origin indication, utilisation of urban areas, awareness-raising on honey quality, apitherapy, bee-friendly practices in agricultural sector, etc. It creates a comprehensive picture of apiculture sector and gives a number of reasons to amend the Honey Directive currently in place. For these reasons, I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The European Banking Union must guarantee order in the EU to avoid our banking systems being managed at a distance by foreign actors.Two weeks ago the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network imposed sanctions on ABLV Bank, the third largest bank in Latvia, prohibiting it from opening a correspondent account in the United States. ABLV was under European Central Bank supervision. Neither the Latvian regulator nor the European Central Bank tried to check the accuracy of the charges. Moreover, after the bank had these difficulties it was pushed into the abyss. The bank was forced to announce liquidation, and as a result, hundreds of Latvians lost their jobs.It is unacceptable that the authorities of another country can destroy large EU banks by a mere statement of suspicion. The European Union must protect its interests and the interests of European business, therefore we need a real functioning Banking Union. For this reason, I voted in favour of the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report and I agree that financing of terrorism is the highest form of hypocrisy in today’s policy-making. It is one of the biggest failures of the multilateral system, where one side fights Jihadism and the other side supports it. We are playing a zero-sum game at the expense of peoples’ lives and at the expense of the legitimacy of our common foreign policy.We cannot allow the financing for terrorism to come from Europe. Therefore, I welcome the recent policy developments in the field of money laundering and suspicious financial activities.Our S&D Group is on the frontline of this battle and we support the establishing of a monitoring and clearing system that would control the funding of activities that may be related to Jihadism.It is very important to pay attention not only to some marginal sources of financing for Jihadism, but also to its financing by some rich countries. Very often, we prefer not to notice this because our countries sell weapons there and have rich investors from these countries. We should understand that if we do not block the main flow of funding, then fighting small financial streams will not matter.

2016/11/22

I welcome this report and voted in favour as it addresses the problem of women suffering from different forms of discrimination. Women more often become victims of international conflicts and tend to have less access to international protection. This report dedicated special attention to the rural women, it puts an emphasis on the need of such women to get education, participate in political and civil life, fully enjoy their fundamental rights. I agree that information and communication technologies, as well as media, have a role to play in this matter. It is important for women in remote areas to enjoy individual rights, including, maternity leave, social insurance against accidents at work, access to training and retirement pension rights. These principles should be mainstreamed across the whole spectrum of the EU’s external relations.

2016/11/22

È stata approvata con una larga maggioranza la relazione sull'istituzione del fondo di garanzia per le azioni esterne. Questo fondo ha una importanza primordiale perché permette agli investitori europei di parare i rischi finanziari e rimborsare i creditori dell'UE in caso di inadempienze del beneficiario. Questo strumento permette agli europei di investire nei progetti nei paesi terzi nell'ambito del mandato per i prestiti esterni, ELM con maggiore sicurezza. Trovo di grande valore il chiarimento nella relazione degli obblighi concernenti la responsabilità sociale delle imprese, la trasparenza della gestione e il dovere di diligenza. La presente relazione è il risultato dei negoziati interistituzionali che si sono svolti a partire dall'anno 2016 e rappresenta uno strumento equilibrato e sostenibile del finanziamento esterno. Ho votato a favore per i motivi sopraindicati.

2016/11/22

Il Parlamento europeo ha ribadito numerose volte la necessità per il Venezuela di allineare la sua politica di diritti dell'uomo con le sue norme costituzionali e con le norme del diritto internazionale. Il governo venezuelano non ha mostrato però la volontà di sostenere i principi democratici e continua a negare le esigenze socio-economiche del popolo. Nel contesto delle continue violazioni dell'ordine democratico in Venezuela, il Parlamento europeo ha assegnato il premio Sacharov 2017 all'opposizione democratica del Venezuela per sottolineare il sostegno alla partecipazione politica egalitaria. La Mesa de la Unidad Democrática (MUD) che ha ricevuto questo premio è stata purtroppo esclusa dalle prossime elezioni presidenziali anticipate entro la fine di aprile 2018 che tra l'altro sono state indette alla decisione unilaterale dell'Assemblea nazionale costituente illegittima, che non è riconosciuta né a livello internazionale né dall'UE.Ho votato a favore di queste relazione che richiama alle elezioni basate su un calendario accettabile, concordate nell'ambito del dialogo nazionale tra tutti gli attori e i partiti politici pertinenti, e nel rispetto delle condizioni di partecipazione eque, giuste e trasparenti. Particolarmente concordo con la ribadita necessità per il governo di autorizzare l'accesso di aiuti umanitari nel paese che si trascina in grave crisi umanitaria.

2016/11/22

L'UNRWA, agenzia che è stata istituita in uno spirito di solidarietà nei confronti dei profughi palestinesi al fine di alleviare le loro sofferenze, attualmente subisce la crisi di finanziamento. Purtroppo non tutti i donatori sono là ad onorare le promesse, e la decisione degli Stati Uniti di tagliare il supporto finanziario rischia di compromettere gli sforzi comuni.Nella relazione ho apprezzato il richiamo all'Unione europea a svolgere un ruolo guida in seno alla comunità internazionale per creare un meccanismo sostenibile e multilaterale del finanziamento a favore dei profughi palestinesi, tra i quali 3 milioni di persone hanno l'esigenza dell'assistenza sanitaria di base. Sostengo che il contenuto della presente relazione contribuisce alla soluzione del conflitto israelo-palestinese, per quanto propone le misure di carattere stabilizzante per la regione. Il ruolo dell'UE in questa questione è cruciale. Per questi motivi ho votato a favore.

2016/11/22

La création d’une liste transnationale pourrait sans doute symboliser une Europe plus unie et forte, pourtant nous ne devons pas nous attacher aux apparences. Nous avons besoin d’abord d’une politique sociale paneuropéenne. Si nous voulons montrer aux citoyens européens que le Parlement possède une vraie dimension européenne, alors nous devons avant tout transmettre cette dimension européenne dans leur vie quotidienne. Le taux de participation aux élections européennes est en baisse continue et cela représente une sonnette d’alarme pour nous. Il est nécessaire de gagner une crédibilité auprès de nos citoyens avant de procéder à des innovations institutionnelles. Même si je soutiens l’idée de la création d’une liste paneuropéenne, cette proposition a été déclinée cette fois. Le rapport a quand même été adopté car il crée la base nécessaire pour les prochaines élections en vue de la sortie du Royaume-Uni.

2016/11/22

Every document we vote in the Parliament bears the motto ‘United in Diversity’. This is to remind us every time that our richness lies in our differences and in our capacity to appreciate the ‘otherness’ of one another. Unfortunately, as underlined in the Report, the minorities in Europe face more and more difficulties. I can personally testify on the example of Latvia that inequalities are reproduced from year to year, especially in the educational system and especially in the linguistic policy.Stronger minorities means stronger public confidence in local and national governments and as a consequence stronger trust in Europe. However, the European Union lacks ambition in becoming the real defender of minorities. This can be noted in the number of minority initiatives that have been silenced in the European Parliament. We must admit that cultural insecurity, equally as political and economic insecurity, has a heavy cost to Europe. And I particularly agree with the mentioning in the Report of the colleague Mrs. Wikström of the sustainable respect for Copenhagen criteria. The EU must protect its minorities from the moral hazard of the governments who show a minority-friendly face, but who sustain cultural inequalities in practice.

2016/11/22

I have voted in favour of the EU-Brazil Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, as I believe that this will put both partners in win-win situation. The general engagement in cooperation with the BRICS countries has a high potential for the EU to boost its competitiveness. In addition, this Agreement represents an efficient tool in people-to-people contacts in the area of science and technology and gives and additional way for the development efforts of the EU in Brazil. Such cooperation is especially necessary considering the slowing-down of the productivity in Europe as reported by the ECB President M. Draghi.

2016/11/22

Mit diesem Bericht ist ein neuer Ausschuss im Europäischen Parlament vorgeschlagen – Sonderausschuss für Genehmigungsverfahren der Union für Pestizide (PEST). Dieser Ausschuss wird sich mit den „Monsanto Papers“ beschäftigen und den Einfluss von Monsanto auf den Kommissionsbericht über Glyphosat untersuchen.Glyphosat wurde seit der zweiten Hälfte der 1970er Jahre von Monsanto als Wirkstoff unter dem Namen Roundup zur Unkrautbekämpfung auf den Markt gebracht. Doch sind seine krebserregende Wirkung und seine Wirkung auf die Biodiversität noch nicht genug untersucht. Deshalb begrüße ich diese Initiative und hoffe, dass der PEST-Ausschuss ein umfassendes Zulassungssystem für Pestizide erarbeiten wird.Ich finde, dass die Nachhaltigkeit von sehr großem Belang für Europa ist, deswegen habe ich während der Oktoberplenarsitzung 2017 gegen die Erneuerung der Genehmigung des Wirkstoffs Glyphosat gestimmt (Bericht B8-0567/2017). Der Text wurde jedoch von der Mehrheit angenommen. Ich bin jetzt zufrieden, dass das Europäische Parlament sich mit diesem Thema grundsätzlich während mindestens 9 Monaten beschäftigen wird. Das wird uns und unseren Kinder erlauben, in einer gesünderen und sicheren Umwelt zu leben.

2016/11/22

I support the Report on Accelerating clean energy innovation as this is one of the necessary steps towards the energy transition of the EU. The introduction of clean energy to different industrial, agricultural and urban structures demands investment and time. The results of such innovations are not immediately visible, but they bring our environmental standards to the agreed levels in the long run. Clean energy innovation is particularly necessary in the transport sector which is the slowest at adopting new mechanisms.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which provides the criteria for balance in the matter of security and human rights in relation to the EU’s trade in dual-use items. The right to privacy and data protection, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association should not be jeopardised through the EU’s export of cyber surveillance technologies.Preventing acts of terrorism remains one of the goals of the EU’s security efforts. Therefore this report, which also gives a concrete list of items that can be used for activities violating human rights, represents important guidance for the EU companies and Member States. I find particularly important that the report provides for a specific enforcement coordination mechanism to promote uniform criteria for licensing decisions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Renewable energy plays a crucial role in supporting a sustainable economic and social model for the EU. Due to the efforts of the S&D Group the Parliament managed to achieve an ambitious 35% binding target for renewables in the energy mix by 2030. However, I regret that the proposed provisions for the professional transition of workers currently involved in energy-heavy industry did not secure enough support among the conservative section of the Parliament.Fossil imports are gradually becoming less and less advantageous for European businesses. Therefore I am glad that Parliament has taken a visionary stance on renewables and managed to go further than the initial proposal by the Commission for only 27% of renewable energy by 2030. This report, which went through long and intense negotiation, creates a basis for more reasonable resource allocation for the next decade.

2016/11/22

Like the report on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, the report on the promotion of energy efficiency is of paramount importance for fighting energy poverty in Europe. Almost every 2 houses out of 3 in Europe are not energy efficient. This represents not only the loss of financial resources and dependence on external providers, but also puts human health at risk. I supported this report as the energy efficiency measures proposed therein will definitely contribute to the wellbeing of the European citizens and will improve the competitiveness of our businesses. The report urges Member States to replace those measures that do not deliver savings, and this is especially relevant to the transport sector. The measures proposed by the report also correspond to the aspirations of the Latvian citizens who will be able to get rid of the burden created by the energy inefficient production and housing.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which foresees a permanent multilevel climate and energy dialogue platform to support active engagement of local authorities, civil society organisations, business community, investors, any other relevant stakeholders. The completion of the Energy Union is one of the main goals of the current legislature, and I believe that the provisions suggested in this report really contribute to a major engagement of the Member States in this task. I find that introducing national energy and climate plans is a good way to make binding commitments from the part of the EU members to achieve Paris agreement goals and the energy transition of the EU. I particularly support the proposal of a Just Transition Initiative for workers and communities which will guarantee a smooth and sustainable energy transition. Specific e-platforms will play an important role in this regard.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, as I strongly support the measures proposed to reduce environmental impact during fishing. The report puts forward transparent and objective criteria enabling Member States to use their fishing opportunities while respecting sustainability and nature conservation. I support the management, conservation and control measures applicable in the Convention area of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation and I hope that these measures will be consistently applied by all the Member States. For Latvia, a State belonging to the Baltic Sea region, this is of particular importance, as sustainable use of the sea should be one of our main concerns.

2016/11/22

I strongly support the reported drafted by our colleague, Mr Cozzolino, as it creates a basis for the revision of macro-regional strategies (MRS), taking account of recent developments. It is obvious that simplifying the funds and the procedures for their use within the framework of MRS would increase their effectiveness. Countries should make clear commitments in terms of funding and human resources for the implementation of MRS from the outset.The report also addresses the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR): this is a stable cooperation framework with more than 100 flagship initiatives and new networks. As the Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world, we need to make efforts to tackle that pollution and consistently protect its sea flora and fauna. I particularly support the idea of connecting the Baltic region to energy networks, as highlighted in the report.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report with the modified proposal, as I find the presented provisions not enough ambitious for the conservation of the marine ecosystems. In fact, the pulse fishing should be completely banned, as a practice going against the principles of ethical fishing. In addition, the report foresees a number of derogations that make the current legislative norms less efficient.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the own—initiative report on International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans in the context of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I particularly support the focus on elimination of plastic waste from ocean waters and the banning of microplastic ingredients. We still need major cooperation among the EU Member States on the research of the ocean and management of marine litter. In addition, the issue of human trafficking by maritime routes still remains unresolved and I am glad to see that this report dedicated special attention to this topic. I find that the scope of this report is ambitious enough to guarantee that the EU plays a crucial role in the conservation of the oceans and promotes its standard in international environments.

2016/11/22

In situations of international conflict and humanitarian crisis, women become victims of violence, disease, malnutrition and psychological problems much more often than men. Climate change places women in a particularly precarious situation, where they do not have access to primary goods. More than that, women are kept out of the decision—making mechanisms aimed at tackling climate change. Women should be equal participants in, and beneficiaries of, all climate—change consultations, programmes and funding organised with EU support at national and local levels.Climate-induced displacement particularly affect women and reduces their participation in decision—making. As an issue of human rights, this topic should be forwarded in the EU’s human rights dialogues with its international partners. So far, the EU has been the most efficient actor in promoting climate justice and it should use its partnership instruments to mainstream gender equality and women’s rights.

2016/11/22

I supported the Joint Motion for a Resolution on the situation of the Rohingya people in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Apart from the fact their citizenship rights are continuously denied by the Myanmar’s Government and they have practically no civil rights, the actions of the Myanmar’s militias against this minority amount to genocide, as reported by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein. Unfortunately Rohingya refugees have difficulties in finding asylum in the neighbouring countries and the Government of Myanmar does not take steps to improve their conditions. I support the claim that the repatriations of Rohingya should take place in a voluntary, safe and informed manner. Myanmar must grant domestic and international media organisations a full access to Rakhine State, as well as immediately cease its use of landmines and to remove all mines it has already laid along the border with Bangladesh. I sincerely hope that under international pressure the Myanmar authorities will stop the violence and discrimination perpetrated against the Rohingya people.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this important Resolution that highlights the challenges the EU Member States face in tackling children sexual abuse and exploitation. Considering the fact that nearly 20% of children in Europe face a certain form of sexual abuse, and the repeated abuse takes place particularly often, we need to create a sound legislative framework to protect these children. First of all, it is necessary to put in place prevention mechanisms and address socioeconomic issues, as well as mental health issues to fight against child abuse. We need to take the problem of child victimhood very seriously as the reporting rate is low compared to the real number of abuses. The work of the European Parliament in this regard is crucial to help Member States cooperate and exchange best practices.

2016/11/22

This Report was subject to numerous discussions in the European Parliament, as it covers the whole work of the Committee on Petitions during the year 2016.I voted in favour of this Report as a whole, although I felt the need to vote against numerous amendments presented for the splits and separates vote in the final document. I would like to particularly highlight that Amendment 17 proposed by EPP Group claiming the deletion of paragraph 29 presented a great risk for the petition 0747/2016 about the possibility of non-citizens in Latvia and Estonia to vote in European parliament election. This petition has been supported by the S&D Group since the beginning and it is high time the European Parliament moves forward the arguments declared therein. I am glad to say that the majority of the Parliament has shown solidarity to this issue and has voted against this particular amendment that otherwise would bring negative implications for the rule of law in Latvia and Estonia.

2016/11/22

Although the development of energy efficiency is bringing positive results, in the transport sector it still remains a major challenge.The Report calls for the improving of efficiency of the transport system, scaling up the use of alternative energy and moving towards zero-emission vehicles. As a member of the S&D Group, I strongly support the modernisation and optimisation of public transport in order to guarantee an efficient and affordable service to the citizens and to guarantee that low-emission technologies are prioritised in all corners of the EU. Shift towards rail and inland waterways in this regard is a very reasonable step. I strongly support the principle ‘polluter pays’ and other environmental objectives listed in the Report, therefore I have voted in favour. These objectives correspond also to the needs of the Latvian society and I hope that the Latvian Government will take into considerations the proposals presented in this Report and will make sure that our citizens can also benefit from digitalisation in sustainable mobility and intelligent transport systems.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report that describes the progress being done towards a balanced withdrawal agreement and highlights the principles for the new special relationship between the EU and the UK. Indeed, I believe that sufficient progress has been made to move to the second round of talks. In this second round, particular attention should be given to the future partner’s and family members’ rights and free movement for UK citizens in the EU27. In addition, it is of paramount importance to clarify the role of the ECJ jurisdiction in the negotiation process and in the future EU-UK relations. The recent reinforcement of the social pillar gives a clear sign that the EU will not agree to any deal that would jeopardise its social model. As a member of the S&D Group, I consider that this priority should be the guideline of further EU-UK talks.

2016/11/22

I have voted in favour of the recommendation following the inquiry on money laundering, tax avoidance and tax evasion. This recommendation gives a valuable contribution to the work of the Council and the Commission in this field. We need to admit that tax heavens exist also within the EU and put at risk the competitiveness and growth of many European enterprises. In this recommendation, Parliament calls on the Council to apply major rigour in blacklisting tax heavens. This is important to guarantee an efficient cooperation among Member States in fighting tax avoidance and tax evasion. The insufficient level of law enforcement and lacking implementation of the EU directives and regulations result in illicit tax practices that deepen inequalities among the European citizens. This issue certainly needs a more consistent and transparent approach from the part of all EU institutions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against this report for several reasons. It demands increased funding for defence capabilities in the EU Member States, however it does not specify how major military spending will bring them more security and well-being. In the current situation, shifting financial resources from economic and social policies to the military sector can hardly be justified. Furthermore, the report demands the abolition of the unanimity principle in Council in relation to Common Foreign and Security Policy decisions. While this would result in simpler and quicker decision making, it would often create situations in which external action was taken without a common vision, and reflecting the interests of a group of Member States rather than the EU as a whole.In addition, the report demands the continuation of the sanctions policy against Russia, on the basis of its violations of international law. These sanctions have already had severe negative implications for EU businesses and, at the same time, they have appeared to be inefficient in resolving the crisis in Eastern Ukraine.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report covering the work of the European Parliament in the matter of democracy and human rights in 2016. This report gives an overview of the EU’s engagement in human rights questions all over the world and allows an assessment of the effectiveness of the EU’s action. Parliament’s work in human rights issues enjoys high legitimacy and credibility among the international community, however I would welcome a more active monitoring and assessment by Parliament of the human rights issues inside the EU. In order to maintain credibility in its external action, the EU needs to apply the same instruments and criteria also within the Member States. This would enable the EU to promote democracy and share best practices with third countries in a more efficient way by showing that the Member States are subject to democratic scrutiny to the same extent as non-EU countries. I would also wish that this annual report appeared much earlier. A distance of almost one year in time between the period covered and publication of the report affects the relevance of the information reported for the reader.

2016/11/22

The Report on the extension of the duration of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) has been jointly prepared by the Committee on Budgets and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Our S&D Group was fighting for a comprehensive EU investment plan since the beginning of the economic crisis, and in 2015 EFSI was created as a response to tackle the investment gap. The usefulness of this mechanism led to the fact that EFSI has been extended until 2020 and foresees 500 billion euros of investments. This is going to play an important role in boosting Europe’s economy. In the coming two years EFSI will be focused on supporting social and environmental sustainability, the development of new technologies and a better geographical allocation.I have voted in favour of this report as I believe that the new EFSI will efficiently complement existing investment structures. This way, investments will go to the regions where they are most needed and will support strategically important sectors like environment and climate change.

2016/11/22

The increasing digitalisation of trade presents huge opportunities for European businesses, but it can also become a challenge if we do not adopt a more comprehensive legislative framework to regulate digital trade policy. The competitiveness of our businesses and safeguarding our citizens’ rights to privacy and data protection is the top priority in this regard. I welcome the ideas brought by this report and therefore have voted in favour. Further legislative process in this field should address provisions on forced data localisation, net neutrality, roaming, and intellectual property. As a member of the S&D Group, I closely follow these developments to make sure that the digital rights of European consumers are safeguarded.

2016/11/22

This report calls for the mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument to finance immediate budgetary measures to address the on-going challenges related to migration and security threats in the EU. These issues represent major priorities for the EU citizens and require flexible and rapid mechanisms coordinated on the EU level to prevent emergency situations. In Latvia, internal security, border management and migration represent top priorities for the European Union’s agenda for the current year and are likely to stay so for the years to come. Therefore, I have voted in favour of the report. The adopted Decision on mobilisation of the Flexibility Instrument will be applied from the beginning of the financial year 2018 and covers the period from 2018 till 2021.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report which proposes a series of technical modifications to the figures in the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR – Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013) in order to reflect various decisions already taken to update or adjust cohesion programme funding in the context of the MFF revision. The report proposes a EUR 4 billion increase of the cohesion envelopes and particularly stresses the need to maintain and increase the funding for the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) for the 2017-2020 period. I find that the proposed measures would help fight youth unemployment and reinvigorate the implementation of the existing territorial cohesion programmes in Latvia and in the whole EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the recommendation proposed by the Commission. Although Latvia is not a participant in the PRIMA Partnership, I consider it in the interests of the EU as a whole to promote sustainable management of water and agro-food systems in Egypt and to raise its resilience to humanitarian challenges. In conformity with the views of the S&D political group, I believe that this is an important step that would empower the local actors in Egypt to develop and strengthen agricultural and environmental sectors, prevent water and food shortages and consequently reduce the migration flow from Egypt.

2016/11/22

PRIMA Partnership which is supposed to be launched from 1 January 2018 is an important tool of the EU scientific diplomacy allowing the adoption of innovative and integrated solutions for improving the efficiency, safety, security and sustainability of agro-food and water provision and management systems in the Mediterranean area. Algeria is a strategically important neighbour country of the EU, and therefore its participation in PRIMA Partnership is crucial for ensuring food and water security in the country, as a part of the EU’s efforts in building security and resilience in the Mediterranean region. For this reason, I together with the colleagues from S&D Group completely support the recommendation.

2016/11/22

The PRIMA Partnership which is supposed to be launched from 1 January 2018 is an important tool of EU scientific diplomacy allowing the adoption of innovative and integrated solutions for improving the efficiency, safety, security and sustainability of agro-food and water provision and management systems in the Mediterranean area. Participation of Jordan in the PRIMA Partnership is crucial for ensuring food and water security in the country, as a part of the EU’s efforts in building security and resilience in the Mediterranean region. I completely support this recommendation and therefore have voted in favour.

2016/11/22

I welcome the authorisation by Romania of the accession of Chile, Iceland and Bahamas to the Convention. This authorisation will fill the existing legislative gap between Chile, Iceland and Bahamas and the EU Member States in the matter of child abduction, stronger prevent such crimes in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. This action authorisation will facilitate the relevant judicial proceedings by establishing the courts competences and applicable laws in each individual case. Albeit the Convention does not provide for autonomous action by international organisations, the opinion of the Court of Justice of 14 October 2014 (Case Opinion 1/13) confirmed the EU’s exclusive external competence in this field and provided the legal basis for the EU to request such authorisation in the interests of the EU.I find that without such authorisation not only the uniform and consistent application of EU rules would be undermined, but it would perpetrate the state of legislative vacuum in international child abduction, which could result in children victims. For these reasons I strongly support the authorisation request proposed in the Report.

2016/11/22

I welcome the authorisation by Austria and Romania of the accession of Panama, Uruguay, Colombia and El Salvador to the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. This authorisation will fill the existing legislative gap between Panama, Uruguay, Colombia and El Salvador and the EU in the matter of child abduction, stronger prevent such crimes in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. This action authorisation will facilitate the relevant judicial proceedings by establishing the courts competences and applicable laws in each individual case. Although the Convention does not provide for autonomous action by international organisations, the opinion of the Court of Justice of 14 October 2014 (Case Opinion 1/13) confirmed the EU’s exclusive external competence in this field and provided the legal basis for the EU to request such authorisation in the interests of the EU.I find that without such authorisation not only the uniform and consistent application of EU rules would be undermined, but it would perpetrate the state of legislative vacuum in international child abduction, which could result in children victims. For the above-mentioned reasons I strongly support the proposed authorisation and have voted in favour of the Report.

2016/11/22

I welcome the authorisation by Croatia, the Netherlands, Portugal and Romania of the accession of San Marino to the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. This authorisation will fill the existing legislative gap between San Marino and the EU in the matter of child abduction, stronger prevent such crimes in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. This action authorisation will facilitate the relevant judicial proceedings by establishing the courts competences and applicable laws in each individual case. Although the Convention does not provide for autonomous action by international organisations, the opinion of the Court of Justice of 14 October 2014 (Case Opinion 1/13) confirmed the EU’s exclusive external competence in this field and provided the legal basis for the EU to request such authorisation in the interests of the EU.I find that without such authorisation not only the uniform and consistent application of EU rules would be undermined, but it would perpetrate the state of legislative vacuum in international child abduction, which could result in children victims. For the above-mentioned reasons I strongly support the authorisation request proposed in the Report.

2016/11/22

I welcome – for this is a long-awaited measure – the authorisation by Luxembourg and Romania of the accession of Georgia and South Africa to the Convention. This authorisation will fill the existing legislative gap between Georgia and the EU Member States, except Denmark, and between South Africa and all 28 EU Member States in the matter of child abduction, and help to prevent such crimes in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. It will facilitate the relevant judicial proceedings by establishing the courts’ competences and applicable laws in each individual case. Although the Convention does not provide for autonomous action by international organisations, the opinion of the Court of Justice of 14 October 2014 (Case Opinion 1/13) confirmed the EU’s exclusive external competence in this field and provided the legal basis for the EU to request such authorisation in the interests of the EU.Without such authorisation not only would the uniform and consistent application of EU rules be undermined, but the state of legislative vacuum in international child abduction would be perpetuated, which could result in child victims. For the above-mentioned reasons I strongly support the authorisation request proposed in the report.

2016/11/22

The Report drafted by my colleague from S&D Group Cătălin Sorin Ivan calls for a definitive VAT regime based on the destination principle that would allow to combat the VAT gap and cross-border fraud. These new VAT rules will allow a better and more transparent e-commerce regulation leading to the reduction of compliance costs, trade boost and facilitation of small businesses’ operation. I strongly support the measures suggested in the Report and I have voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The report highlights the findings of the European Commission in light of the revelations of the Paradise Papers which estimate that the EU countries lost approximately EUR 152 billion in Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenues in 2015. I consider that VAT fraud should become easier to tackle and VAT collection should be made more efficient if we are to prevent such losses of VAT revenues. I support the proposal for a comprehensive reform of the current EU VAT system and its adjustment to the e-commerce realities and I particularly welcome a closer administrative cooperation between tax authorities and law enforcement bodies. Such cooperation should specifically address new cross-border and digital factors of taxation. For the above-mentioned reasons, I voted in favour of this Report.

2016/11/22

The 2010-2020 European Disability Strategy (EDS) enables the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) at EU level, which should guarantee a rights-based and inclusive approach to disability at each political level.This report has been drafted in close consultation with disability organisations and analyses the EU’s progress in the implementation of the EDS in the period 2010-2016 in eight priority areas: accessibility to public spaces, goods and services; participation in public life; equal opportunities; better employment rate; equal access to education and training; social protection; health; and external promotion of the rights of people with disabilities.The report highlights the delay in the implementation of obligations deriving from the UNCRPD at both EU and Member State level. The rapporteur regrets that people with disabilities are still not fully participating in society and are still facing inequality and discrimination in the labour market and other spheres.Considering that people with disabilities represent nearly 9% of the population in Latvia and their key necessities need to be better satisfied, I welcomed the recommendations presented in this report to cope with the challenges and gaps in EDS implementation and voted in favour.

2016/11/22

The aim of this proposal is to conclude the Framework Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and New Zealand, of the other part. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament has voted on a new anti-dumping methodology, under the leadership of the Socialists and Democrats. The new anti-dumping calculation methodology will be able to capture market distortion linked to State intervention in third countries and help fight unfair trade practices, thus protecting European industries and workers. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament urges all WTO members to recognising that new approaches are necessary in order to face the current challenges; acknowledges that flexibility, openness, inclusiveness and political engagement will be key to advancing in a global, balanced international trade. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

I think that the Eastern Partnership programme is an ideological challenge. We understand that something does not work, but do not really understand what. In Ukraine we have a lot of problems with mass media freedom, the fight against corruption, economic reforms. The new education act that eliminates education on national minority languages is an example of nationalistic policy that is not compatible with European values and respect for national minorities.The positive example is Georgia. Georgians have made big progress. They have a lot to do in the future, but we can see the real progress. I think that the European Union should support Georgia more actively and should not bind Georgia in with Ukraine and Moldova which, let us be frank, do not show progress. That is why I abstained.

2016/11/22

Parliaments welcomed the Action Plan for nature, people and the economy as a step in the right direction with regard to delivering the objectives of the Nature Directives, but concern that the targets of the EU’s 2020 Biodiversity Strategy will not be met without immediate, substantial and additional efforts. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The Parliament urges the Polish government to fully implement the recommendations put forward by the European Commission and the Venice Commission in order to resolve the ongoing constitutional crisis. If they fail to do so, the Parliament will have no choice but to call for the launch of the Article 7 procedure against the Polish government. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Katru gadu uz Eiropas ceļiem tiek nogalināti vairāk nekā 25 tūkstoši cilvēku. Aptuveni 90 % nelaimes gadījumu izraisa cilvēku pieļautas kļūdas. Daudzus no tiem varētu novērst, izmantojot sistēmas, kas bīstamās situācijās sniedz atbalstu autovadītājam. Šodien ar tām tiek aprīkoti augstākā segmenta auto modeļi. EP deputāti vēlas panākt to obligātu uzstādīšanu visos jaunajos auto. Es balsoju par šo ziņojumu.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to complement the regulation on the establishment of a common classification of territorial units for statistics with the necessary elements to take into account recent developments in territorial classifications for statistical purposes. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to facilitate labour mobility in the inland waterway transport sector by ensuring that skilled workers’ qualifications are recognised throughout the Union. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament adopted a report led by the Social Democrats report that will strengthen national authorities’ powers to enforce consumer rights. The Consumer Protection Cooperation Regulation established in 2004 set up effective methods of cooperation between public authorities responsible for enforcing consumers’ rights, but the growth in cross-border trade and e-commerce made a reform of the rules necessary. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Parliament stated that one of the main objectives of an EU demographic policy should be to take into account all territories having to contend with demographic imbalances and the specificities of those territories, factors which cohesion policy has long been seeking to adapt to, and will have to do much more to adapt to after 2020. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this report is to presenting an action plan that sets out ways to provide European consumers with greater choice and better access to financial services across the EU. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to establish a revised regulatory framework on capital charges for exposures to securitisations, with the objective of reviving EU securitisation markets. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The ePrivacy Regulation aims to put users back in control of their communication data and wants to ensure that they are able to decide how this information is being used. I voted for starting the negotiations.

2016/11/22

I strongly condemn any form of sexual violence and deplore the fact that these acts are too easily tolerated. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

In the European Parliament vote on recommendations for the trade agreements with Australia, the Socialists and Democrats are especially pushing for transparent negotiations and enforceable environmental and labour standards. I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

In the European Parliament vote on recommendations for trade agreements with New Zealand, the Socialists and Democrats are especially pushing for transparent negotiations and enforceable environmental and labour standards. I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

We voted on the Parliament’s EU budget for 2018, which calls for more funding to boost growth, enhance cohesion and tackle the many challenges the EU is facing. I voted for this budget.

2016/11/22

We have voted in favour of a very important EU law which will protect the health of millions of workers. The law sets out new and stricter limits for substances which can cause cancer. We are talking here about substances such as crystalline silica, chromium or even hardwood dust. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

We fully support efforts to enhance the EU’s external border management. This new system is part of a range of measures to help achieve more modernised border control. This can facilitate travel while at the same time also increase security – essential if we want the Schengen area to function effectively. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament adopted the report on protecting fundamental rights of Roma people in the EU. The report recognises anti-Gypsyism as a horizontal issue and demands a range of policies from desegregation measures in public services to monitoring of anti-discrimination programmes. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to amend the Council Regulation establishing the Bio-base Industries Joint Undertaking, in order to enable members of the Bio-based Industries Consortium to fulfil their obligation to contribute financially. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament voted on a report to update rules on fertiliser products. In line with our commitment to bring about a circular economy through ambitious policy proposals, the Socialists and Democrats pushed for new rules on fertilisers which will decrease waste, encourage reuse of raw materials and level the playing field for organic fertilisers compared to traditional mineral ones. The new harmonised rules will ensure the correct and proper functioning of the European market for fertilisers. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

New psychoactive substances should be banned from the EU faster. Producing and selling them will be punished with similar penalties to other illicit drugs. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to amend the regulation on the common fisheries policy with a view to temporarily extending the Commission’s empowerment to adopt discard plans. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament calls for an immediate ban for non-professional use and use in public parks, gardens and playgrounds, and a five-year phasing-out period for all agricultural use. After the five-year transition period, no product containing glyphosate should be on the EU market. I voted for the objection.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament backed a proposal to create a horizontal framework for EU-wide protection for whistle-blowers who expose misconduct. Whistle-blowers and investigative journalists play a vital role in our societies. As the LuxLeaks and Panama Papers show, they can help expose corruption and the dodgy dealings of multinational companies and the global elite. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The report calls on all Member States to introduce adequate minimum income schemes, accompanied by back-to-work support measures for those who can work and education and training programmes adapted to the personal and family situation of the beneficiary, in order to support households with inadequate income and enable them to have a decent standard of living. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this agreement is to conclude the Agreement establishing the European Union – Latin, American and Caribbean International Foundation. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to put into effect of certain provisions of the Schengen legislation relating to the Visa Information System in Bulgaria and Romania. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to authorise the Czech Republic to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of vehicle registration data. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal to authorise Portugal to receive and supply personal data in respect of dactyloscopic data in Portugal. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to authorise Greece to receive and supply personal data in respect of fingerprint data. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The purpose of this legislative proposal is to simplify and streamline the existing EU passenger ship safety regulatory framework. I voted for the proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The purpose of this legislative proposal is to simplify and streamline the existing EU passenger ship safety regulatory framework. I voted for the proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to simplify and streamline the existing EU passenger ship safety regulatory framework inspections for the safe operation of ro-ro ferry and high-speed passenger craft in regular service. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The European Parliament has stood up for people’s health and the environment. The Commission’s proposal failed to guarantee sufficient protection from these chemicals and was not legally sound. I voted for this objection.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This report calls for the EU and the Member States to combat harmful practices more effectively; to hold those responsible to account; and to work together with UN Women, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other partners by focusing on women’s empowerment, including through education, economic empowerment and enhanced participation in decision-making, as well as on protecting and promoting the human rights of all women and girls. I voted for the resolution.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In this resolution, Parliament calls for long-term targets to be ensured, in line with the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement, and stresses that account should be taken of work in the context of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on the 1.5ºC impact and pathways, as well as the conclusions of the 2018 Facilitative Dialogue. I voted for the resolution.

2016/11/22

3.2 million citizens of the remaining 27 Member States are resident in the United Kingdom and 1.2 million citizens of the United Kingdom are resident in the EU-27. First of all we have to ensure that these people have to keep their rights in the places where they are living now. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to contribute to the protection of human health and the environmentally sound recovery and disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment by restricting the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to transpose into EU law the conservation, control and enforcement measures adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament approved a very strong progressive Social Democrats’ report calling on the Commission and Member States to strengthen the economic empowerment of women to enable them to participate equally in the labour market and in society. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament invited to: develop guidelines on the freedom of peaceful assembly and association; put in place monitoring tools for the effective joint implementation of EU guidelines on human rights defenders; ensure the protection and application of sanctions in the event of serious violations human rights; implement EU guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Parliament called for closer cooperation between competent authorities and service providers to accelerate mutual legal assistance and mutual recognition procedures in the areas of competence provided for in the European legal framework. Providers of electronic communications services established in a third country should designate in writing representatives in the Union. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Parliament recommended upgrading relations between the EU and ASEAN to a strategic partnership. They suggested strengthening economic and political relations while underlining the opportunities for cooperation in implementing the sustainable development goals. I voted for this reform.

2016/11/22

The Directive aims to eliminate and prevent barriers arising from divergent requirements for accessibility to the free movement of products and services covered by this Directive in the Member States, and to contribute to the proper functioning of the internal market. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The aim of this proposal is to conclude the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Chile on trade in organic products. I voted for the proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The aim of this proposal is to conclude the Third Additional Protocol to the Agreement establishing an association between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Chile, of the other part, to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Members have called on the Council, the Commission and the European External Action Service to ensure that the European Parliament receives full, immediate and accurate information throughout the negotiations for the purposes of its role of deciding whether or not to grant consent to the conclusion of the modernised Association Agreement with Chile, including the agreement’s trade pillar. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to extend the European statistical programme 2013-17, for the period 2018-2020. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The aim of this proposal is to strengthen the internal market for venture capital and social entrepreneurship funds by developing the use of the EuVECA and EuSEF labels. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to establish a multiannual plan for demersal stocks in the North Sea and the fisheries exploiting those stocks. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

As S&D shadow rapporteur for this report, I voted for starting the trilogue on the Commission’s proposal to reform the Instrument contributing to stability and peace (IcSP). The mandate voted in the Committee on Foreign Affairs included exactly the two amendments proposed and supported by the S&D Group. (no DCI funds and transparency in spending).

2016/11/22

Members proposed backing up the EU Transparency Register with a legislative act and to achieve a fully mandatory register for all interest representatives with an interinstitutional agreement. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Erasmus is one of the most successful EU programmes and an essential tool to support activities in the fields of education, training, youth and sport, and in bringing Europe closer to its citizens. The resolution acknowledges the extremely positive impact it has had on the personal and professional lives of more than 9 000 000 participants in and outside Europe, including in neighbouring and candidate countries, over the last 30 years. This programme should be continued and expanded. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

The aim of this report is to present a new skills agenda for Europe to strengthen employability and competitiveness. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to sign and conclude a Multilateral Agreement between the EU and eight Balkan countries plus Iceland and Norway on the Establishment of a European Common Aviation Area (ECAA). I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

47 deaths associated with acryloylfentanyl have been reported by 3 Member States. In at least 40 deaths acryloylfentanyl was the cause of death or is likely to have contributed to death. I voted for the prohibition of this substance.

2016/11/22

Parliament supported for the conclusion of a comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and India. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this document is to mobilise the Solidarity Fund to assist Italy, following a series of earthquakes that hit the country in 2016 and 2017. I fully support this initiative.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this document is to mobilise the Solidarity Fund to assist Italy, following a series of earthquakes that hit the country in 2016 and 2017. I support this initiative.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this document is to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to assist Finland in respect of redundancies in the mobile phone sector using Microsoft technology. I voted for this support.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The purpose of this proposal is to amend the Directive establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emissions allowance trading within the EU to continue current limitations of scope for aviation activities and to prepare to implement a global market-based measure from 2021. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to determine how to include land use, land use change and forestry in the EU’s climate and energy framework, from 2021. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The current design of the residence permit was adopted in 1997. Member States considered that more sophisticated forgeries meant it was necessary to work on a new design for residence permits and decided to introduce more modern security features to improve the security features of residence permits. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament backed an S&D Group initiative to make an extra EUR 500 million available to tackle youth unemployment across Europe. The money comes as part of an amendment to the EU’s budget for 2017, increasing funding for the Youth Employment Initiative. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The report stresses the importance of implementation of the Common Position criteria: in the light of the eight criteria listed in the Common Position, the report suggested in particular: launching an initiative aimed at imposing an EU arms embargo on countries that are accused of serious breaches of international humanitarian law, notably with regard to the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and imposing an arms embargo on Saudi Arabia. I supported this report.

2016/11/22

The goal of this report is to reorient the relations of the EU with a key actor with whom we share values, cultural ties and political and economic challenges. It calls for strengthening the relations between both continents within a new global scenario marked by the radical change in US foreign policy. Both regions constitute a community of interests, defending open societies, norms and dialogue to command international relations and the common agenda with Latin America. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

I am not sure that this special committee is vitally necessary. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) had all rights to work on the issue of combating terrorism. I supported the idea of the creation of such committee only because of the hope that this new committee will create some additional value.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to conclude an agreement between the European Union and Iceland on the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products and foodstuffs. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

As a result of the negotiations almost 90% of EU agricultural products will have duty-free access to the Icelandic market. Overall, almost all trade on processed agricultural products will be duty free, with some exceptions. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Members called on the Member States to encourage the use of mediation in civil and commercial disputes, in particular through information campaigns. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Members called on the Member States to apply effective measures against any unfair trading practices in the field of franchising. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Members endorsed the Commission’s commitment to maximising the economic and societal benefits of space, increasing the use of space technologies by fostering a competitive and innovative European space sector and strengthening the EU’s autonomy, Europe in the space sector and its role as a global player. I voted in favour of this report.

2016/11/22

Parliament is invited to integrate academic further education and distance education into the European lifelong learning strategy. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to repeal obsolete regulations in the area of transport. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The main aim of the proposal is to promote the provision of high-quality local wireless connectivity that is free of charge and free from restrictions in local communities. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. I am sure that EU Member States have to support each other if problems occur in the energy sector, and it is necessary to create infrastructure for that purpose. But I have a suspicion that this idea is now too politicised, making it impossible to be pragmatic. In my view taxpayers should not pay for solutions to imaginary problems.

2016/11/22

The main aim of this resolution is to call on Norway to cease all its commercial whaling operations. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

The report called on the Commission and the Member States to adopt reinforced trade defence instruments to combat unfair commercial practices, taking into account social and environmental dumping. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The merging of the funds is important to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD). It will help avoid duplication while reducing the administrative burden. At the same time, the fund is vital for achieving our objectives together with our African partners, namely creating decent jobs, boosting growth and ensuring stability in Africa and the EU’s neighbourhood. To support this, the EFSD will include a Guarantee Fund of EUR 1.5 billion aimed at mobilising up to EUR 44 billion for investments. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The new rules provide several things. Firstly copyright exceptions: blind people and their organisations will no longer need to ask permission from the holder of copyright to make accessible-format books and other print material. Secondly, improved cross-border circulation: blind people will have access to more special-format books from EU and non-EU countries that have signed the Marrakesh Treaty. Thirdly, optional compensation: Member States will have the option of setting up limited compensation schemes for publishers when their books are adapted into accessible-format copies. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this document is to present a strategic approach to achieving sustainable development in Europe and the world.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to conclude the agreement to amend the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer adopted in Kigali. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to accept, on behalf of the European Union, an Amendment to the 1999 Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-Level Ozone.

2016/11/22

With this agreement both sides win. We, the Socialists and Democrats, have always been interested in opening up our relationship with Cuba. Practically all the EU Member States had bilateral agreements signed despite the common position; in fact the EU has been the main customer and supplier for the island in recent years. I voted for.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to authorise EUROJUST to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the eu-LISA Agency and Eurojust. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to lay down measures to prevent and fight fraud and other illegal activities in relation to the Union’s financial interests by providing for sanctions and for common definitions of offences. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to establish a framework for breaches of the Union’s customs legislation and provide for penalties applicable where there are infringements. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis are the three major cross-border threats to public health in the European region. In 2015, almost 30 000 new HIV infections were reported. Around 400 people die every day from viral hepatitis and related causes. Tuberculosis is re-emerging as one of the gravest threats to global health but remains seriously underestimated. As the EU Action Plan on HIV/AIDS expired at the end of 2016 we call on the Commission to put forward a new comprehensive EU strategy to fight these serious epidemics. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

I voted for the Social Democrats’ resolution. This proposal for a strategic resolution called for a strong European Pillar of Social Rights, implementation of the Paris Agreement, a true European investment strategy, a real and common European asylum policy, a plan to respond to the causes of migration, and ensuring the necessary financial resources through fighting tax avoidance, new own resources for the EU budget and equipping the Eurozone with a fiscal capacity.

2016/11/22

Members welcome the proposed increase in the budget of Horizon 2020 (research), the Connecting Europe Facility (infrastructure) and Erasmus+ (education), regret however that the importance and urgency of the migration and refugee crisis ‘is not in line with the significant decreases’ for the dedicated funds and programmes, take positive note of the EU initiatives in the field of defence research, which will ‘contribute to achieving economies of scale in the sector’, but ‘should be financed by additional funds and should not be detrimental to existing programmes’. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this document is to propose an EU strategy in the field of international cultural relations. Promoting diversity through international cultural relations is an important part of the EU’s role as a global actor. This involves a commitment to both promoting ‘international cultural relations’, through the support and assistance the EU provides to third countries, and supporting the promotion of the Union and the diverse cultures of EU Member States through ‘cultural diplomacy’. I voted for this document.

2016/11/22

The Socialists and Democrats want to ensure that adherence to the Sustainable Development Goals becomes a key feature of all EU initiatives. For the first time in history development policy is not exclusively about developing countries, but about common, global, sustainable goals we need to reach in solidarity. With this report, we set out an infrastructure on how to achieve this, addressing each goal and underlining the crossovers with the Paris Agreement. I abstained because some the of the other points of this report are not acceptable for me.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to conclude a Framework Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo, establishing the general principles for the participation of Kosovo in European Union programmes. I voted for this legislative proposal.

2016/11/22

Members considered that the standardisation system should be made more transparent, open and inclusive with a view to fully integrating the concerns of citizens, consumers and SMEs. They regretted that Parliament did not consult them prior to the adoption of the package, and urged the EU institutions to align the different initiatives into a single strategic, holistic work programme. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Members considered it essential to redesign and adapt fishing vessels for tourist activities. They highlighted the as yet untapped potential of fishing-related tourism and stated that fishing tourism at sea, and shore-based tourist services offered by fishermen, can complement commercial fishing and provide an additional income for fishing communities. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Members called on the Commission to submit a proposal for an act on limitation periods in respect of personal injury and damage to property in cross-border road traffic accidents. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

This report contains a proposal for a directive which is to be considered as a first step in the process of further harmonisation and convergence of Member States’ civil justice systems and of the creation, in the longer-term, of a European Code of Civil Procedure. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The EU will provide a combination of grants and loans, worth EUR 100 million, to support the external financial needs of the country. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

This deal is a step forward in the fight against tax evasion by big multinationals. The agreement will increase corporate and tax transparency by enabling citizens and civil society organisations worldwide to follow the money. The proposal will also ensure that taxes are paid where profits are made, helping to provide adequate revenue for public services and benefiting the wider economy. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament wants to promote a longer product lifespan, in particular by tackling programmed obsolescence for tangible goods and for software. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Private security companies should not be given tasks which would imply the use of force or active participation in hostilities, MEPs say. They suggest limiting their tasks to logistical support and the protection of buildings and infrastructure and want only EU-based private security companies to be contracted for protection tasks abroad. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

We strongly believe that all workers deserve and should have decent working conditions and a living wage in order to provide for themselves and their families. By supporting this report we call for the prevention of zero-hours contracts, the introduction of a living wage and the use of open-ended contracts. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Members noted that the evolving development and use of internet platforms for a wide set of activities, including commercial activities and sharing goods and services, have changed the ways in which users and companies interact with content providers, traders and other individuals offering goods and services. However, online platforms present new policy and regulatory challenges.While welcoming the different initiatives already proposed under the Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe, Members stressed the importance of coordination and consistency between these initiatives. Although many EU policies also apply to online platforms, in some cases the legislation is not enforced properly or is interpreted in a different manner in the Member States. In this respect, Members called for an effective and attractive regulatory environment for the development of online and digital business in Europe. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The proposed legislation sets binding national targets for EU countries, in line with the Paris Agreement commitments. Parliament wants to give better support to lower-income EU countries and to farmers who work in an environment-friendly way. I voted for the report.

2016/11/22

The Socialists and Democrats supported a ban on the use of pesticides in Ecological Focus Areas across the EU. I voted against objection to Commission Delegated Regulation.

2016/11/22

The fact that today women in Europe still receive on average 40% less pension than men is unacceptable. This report calls for policies to allow for a better work-life balance so women can participate in the labour market. We also insisted on concrete measures to guarantee equal pay for equal work. I voted for the report.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament remains committed to the EU enlargement process for the Balkans and underlines that Europe’s enlargement policy strengthens stability and democracy in this region, which must be maintained and even strengthened. I welcome the adoption of the 2016 report on Serbia, which shows that some progress has been achieved. I voted for the report.

2016/11/22

The approval of this report helps to focus our attention on different crucial points that still prevent the complete integration of Kosovo. It identifies some improvements on an economic level and on tax revenues, but in order for Kosovo to continue with its sustainable development in the long term, social and economic structural reforms are needed. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

I welcome the adoption of a well-balanced country report. The new government has a chance to show a style of governance which is democratic, inclusive and reform-oriented. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo expressing concerns over the growing violence and political instability in this country and calling on the Congolese authorities to fully respect human rights and the Congolese constitution. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

Parliament called for the visibility of cohesion policy investments to be ensured. The managing authorities and the competent local and regional authorities should be the interface of communication with citizens by providing information and bringing Europe closer to them. Members called for improvements to be made to the quality of their communication, and in particular on the final results of projects. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Members are concerned that the Programme for research and innovation will not be fully executed and evaluated before 2020, which could cause delays in future follow-up programmes. The Commission is urged to publish an evaluation report as soon as possible, and at the latest before it presents the post-Horizon-2020 research programme. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The report recalled that the right to nationality has been enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for close to 70 years, yet for millions of people this is still seemingly unattainable. The UNHCR has estimated that 135 million children under the age of five across the region have not had their births registered and are at risk of becoming stateless. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The report considered it important that future legislative proposals on the mobility of undertakings should include provisions concerning maximum harmonisation – particularly regarding: procedural standards, assets and liabilities and accounting issues, the rights of minority shareholders, and the establishment of minimum standards for worker information, consultation and co-determination to improve the protection of workers, in particular against social dumping. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The process leading to the PRIMA Joint Programme started with the Euro-Mediterranean Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation in Barcelona in 2012. The aim is to strengthen Euro-Mediterranean cooperation in R&I as part of the broader objectives of the Union’s external policy with regard to the Southern Neighbourhood. I voted for this legislative proposal.

2016/11/22

The recent earthquakes in Italy have had a devastating effect on the people living in the region. Large-scale reconstruction works will be required, in particular to restore the cultural heritage of the affected areas. Europe needs to be able to quickly provide additional effective support from the European Regional Development Fund to Member States and regions hit by major or regional natural disasters, complementing the means available under the European Union Solidarity Fund. I voted for this legislative proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament voted on proposals to restore the original A-G scale and to establish a mechanism for rescaling to accommodate further improvements in energy efficiency without having to create new classes. The proposal also includes measures to improve the monitoring of national markets and the creation of a new product database. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The European Capitals of Culture initiative aims to safeguard and promote the richness and diversity of cultures and encourage citizens’ sense of belonging to a common cultural area. The cultural programme and cultural investments of the year of European Capital of Culture should contribute to the regeneration and long—term sustainable development of the cities. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

We need to continue the Cohesion policy. It is one of the main cornerstones of the European Union.For my country, Latvia, EU cohesion policy is vitally important. Approximately 70% of all investments Latvia receives are from the cohesion and other European funds. Let us imagine our country not receiving this support. It will be the huge blow to Latvia’s economy and society.Now there is a competition going on: which comes first, the positive results of cohesion policy for the Latvian economy or huge demographic changes in Latvia? Many people have left the country because they are tired of waiting for the Latvian economy to reach Western and Nordic EU economies’ levels. They prefer to emigrate with their families. The shrinking working age population will not give any perspectives for those who remain in the country. As a result, we will see a beautiful but empty country with a small, old and poor population.I understand we have a lot of challenges such as Brexit and the migration crisis. But we not only should continue, we should expand EU Cohesion programmes, make them more flexible and less bureaucratic. Time for my country is ticking. Latvia and its population can lose their chance. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The report called for a series of measures in respect of third countries, such as: promoting actions to improve the status of stocks shared with third countries; promoting compliance and a level playing field in fisheries control with third countries and regional fisheries management organisations; and assisting non-EU Mediterranean countries to achieve the objective of sustainable fishing. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The Commission proposal is to amend the VAT Directive in order to grant all Member States the possibility to apply the same VAT rates to electronically supplied publications as Member States currently apply to printed publications. I supported this proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament defined what is meant by ‘vulnerable person’. Members also called for the introduction of a single mandate in anticipation of incapacity forms in order to facilitate the use of mandates by the persons concerned whose well-informed consent would have to be verified by the relevant authorities, as well as the circulation, recognition and enforcement of these mandates. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Members considered that the Commission proposal should be adopted without any amendments in order to complete swift legislation for unforgeable visa stickers. I voted for.

2016/11/22

This proposal confirms the relevance for the next five-year period of the thematic areas laid down for the Agency for 2013-2017. I voted for.

2016/11/22

The report recommends putting in place a competitive business environment that facilitates private investment, a build-up of European digital infrastructure, and an EU coordination structure for the digitisation of industry. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The Members insist on the need for accountability mechanisms for the monitoring and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 0.7% Official Development Assistance/Gross National Income objectives, calls for the EU and its Member States to submit a timeline on how to gradually achieve these goals and objectives, and for progress to be reported annually to Parliament. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

I voted for this resolution. The Jewish people paid a huge price for the crimes and mistakes of European politicians in the 20th century. We should do everything so such tragedy will not be repeated in the future. We must fight anti-Semitism and other forms of intolerance systematically.

2016/11/22

I support the initiative taken in convening the High-Level UN Conference to focus attention on the need to act globally to reduce the adverse impact of human activities on the oceans. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to conclude the Agreement between the European Union, Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway on an EEA Financial Mechanism 2014-2021, the Agreement between the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union on a Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the period 2014-2021, the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Kingdom of Norway, and the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and Iceland. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The Parliament suggested the development of a broader technical assistance strategy to ensure more effective coordination of activities of the Structural Reform Support Service related to cohesion policy so as to streamline the support provided, avoid duplication and maximise synergies and complementarities. The Parliament also stressed the need for complementarity with technical assistance measures carried out downstream at national and regional level.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament backed new rules to ensure customers can access their online content and subscriptions when they travel to another EU country. I voted for.

2016/11/22

The Socialists and Democrats call on the Commission to launch government consultations under the trade deal’s dispute settlement to address Korea’s failure to fully honour all of its commitments. While the trade deal has brought economic benefits, especially to European citizens and companies, Korea is lagging behind in implementing the Sustainable Development Chapter and ratifying International Labour Organisation core conventions. I voted for.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament adopted a resolution supporting the two-state solution in the Middle East and called for EU action. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

The aim of this resolution is to improve competitiveness and innovation in the road sector, facilitate cross-border mobility on roads, and improve social conditions and safety rules. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

Parliament adopted a proposal for a decision on the mobilisation of the EGF in favour of Finland to support the reintegration in the labour market of workers following redundancies in Nokia Oy. I vote for this proposal.

2016/11/22

This report looks at how the EU institutions and bodies have implemented these two principles and how the practice has evolved in comparison with previous years. It also provides an analysis of several Commission proposals which were the subject of reasoned opinions from national parliaments in 2014. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Parliament welcomed the new developments in the area of FinTech, and called on the Commission to draw up a comprehensive FinTech Action Plan in the framework of its Capital Markets Union and Digital Single Market strategies. The parliament called on the Commission to deploy a proportionate, cross-sectorial and holistic approach to its work on FinTech and to act as first mover in order to create a favourable environment for European FinTech hubs and firms to scale up. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal to authorise Croatia to receive and supply vehicle registration data. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

For the first time a majority of the European Parliament has voted in favour of beginning procedures against the Hungarian Government under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union. Article 7 can be activated when there is a risk of a serious breach by a Member State of the fundamental values of the EU. I voted for.

2016/11/22

Parliament calls on the Commission to consider whether the three horizontal areas (knowledge, skills and competences) should be revised further in order to make them more comprehensible and clear; calls for the 2006 European Key Competence Framework to be used as a valuable resource and as the main reference document in order to achieve more coherence in terminology between the different EU frameworks and ultimately bring about a genuine learning outcome approach. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to conclude – in the Protocol to the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Mongolia, of the other part – taking account of the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to conclude the Protocol to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of the other part, taking account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to conclude an Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Norway on supplementary rules in relation to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa, as part of the Internal Security Fund for the period 2014 to 2020. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to allow the EU to accede to the International Cotton Advisory Committee. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

EU eGovernment action plan 2016-2020 entitled ‘Accelerating the digital transformation of government’. eGovernment supports administrative processes, improves the quality of the services and increases internal public sector efficiency. Digital public services reduce administrative burden on businesses and citizens by making their interactions with public administrations faster and efficient, more convenient and transparent, and less costly. In addition, using digital technologies as an integrated part of governments’ modernisation strategies can unlock further economic and social benefits for society as a whole. I voted for.

2016/11/22

The number of all irregularities reported in 2015 increased significantly, by 36%, compared with 2014. Moreover, despite the welcome drop of 11% in the number of irregularities reported as fraudulent, the sums involved increased by 18% from EUR 538 million in 2014 to EUR 637.6 million in 2015. The Commission is called upon to: further enhance its supervisory role through audit, control and inspection activities, remedial action plans and early-warning letters with a view to reducing irregularities; and maintain its strict policy on interruption and suspension of payments as a preventive measure against irregularities affecting the EU budget. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Eiropas Parlamenta deputāti rosina līdz 2030. gadam uz pusi samazināt ES izniekotās pārtikas daudzumu, atceļot pastāvošos pārtikas ziedojumu ierobežojumus un kliedējot derīguma termiņa vai “izlietot līdz” marķējuma radītās neskaidrības. EP deputāti aicina dalībvalstis līdz 2025. gadam par 30 % samazināt ES ik gadu izniekotās pārtikas daudzumu, bet līdz 2030. gadam panākt 50 % samazinājumu (salīdzinot ar 2014. gadu) — mērķis, ko Parlaments noteica, martā balsojot par likumdošanas priekšlikumu atkritumu apsaimniekošanas jomā. ES dalībvalstu iestādēm un citām iesaistītajām pusēm būtu jāvairo patērētāju izpratne par “izlietot līdz” un “derīgs līdz” marķējumu, cita starpā pievēršot uzmanību faktam, ka pārtika ir lietojama uzturā arī pēc ieteiktā derīguma termiņa. Es balsoju par.

2016/11/22

According to the report, effective customs controls must guarantee security, safety, the respect of environmental requirements and health regulations and EU economic interests. Particular effort should be made as regards: intellectual property rights and the fight against illicit trade; terrorism; money laundering; wildlife trafficking; tax evasion; drug and tobacco trafficking and falsified medicines, as well as combating all forms of unfair competition that European firms which comply with EU standards may face. I vote for this report.

2016/11/22

The aim of the proposal is to proceed with the codification of the European Union trade mark. The draft regulation establishes, at Union level, the conditions for the granting of an EU trade mark. An EU trade mark shall have a unitary character. It shall have equal effect throughout the Union. The proposal also sets up a European Union Intellectual Property Office. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The Minamata Convention on Mercury, is a global treaty under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme. It is the main international legal framework for cooperation and measures to control and limit the use and anthropogenic emissions of mercury and mercury compounds to air, water and land. With its immensely debilitating health impacts, mercury is among the world’s worst pollutants. I voted for giving the consent to the conclusion of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

2016/11/22

The proposal lays down measures to tackle the issue of hybrid mismatch arrangements with third countries. These arrangements exploit differences in the tax treatment of an entity or instrument under the laws of two or more tax jurisdictions to achieve double non-taxation. These types of arrangements are frequently created with the sole purpose to reduce corporate taxation, resulting in a substantial erosion of the taxable bases of corporate taxpayers in the EU. Hence, it has been necessary to lay down rules against these types of arrangements. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to approve the conclusion by the European Police Office (Europol) of the Agreement on operational and strategic cooperation between Denmark and Europol. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament gives it recommendations for the European Investment Bank activities and welcoming the EIB’s annual reports for 2015. The report called on the EIB to further refine and provide information on the concrete and achieved economic, social and environmental impact, and added value, of its operations in the Member States and outside the EU.Members strongly encouraged the EIB to continue its efforts to overcome investment, market and sectorial gaps and to invest in projects and operations which have real added value for achieving greater EU economic, social and territorial cohesion, a stronger investment environment, higher employment and the return of sustainable growth across the EU. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to establish the Structural Reform Support Programme for the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 with the objective of strengthening the overall capacity of Member States to prepare and implement growth-enhancing institutional, structural and administrative reforms. The dedicated financial envelope for the implementation of the Programme shall be up to EUR 142 800 000 for a period of 4 years. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to designate 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage. The heritage sector in Europe is facing many challenges. These include: decreasing public budgets; declining participation in traditional cultural activities; increasing environmental and physical pressures on heritage sites; transforming value chains and expectations as a result of the digital shift; and the illegal trafficking of cultural artefacts. So we need to support this sector. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to propose the continuation of the financing of the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group for the period 2017-2020. This proposal seeks to amend in order to increase the budget of the Union Programme to support specific activities in the field of financial reporting and auditing for the period of 2014-2020 and to support the activities of EFRAG, which contribute to the achievement of the policy objectives of the Union in relation to financial reporting. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to establish a Union programme to support specific activities enhancing the involvement of consumers and other financial services end-users in Union policy making in the field of financial services for the period of 2017-2020. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

This Commission document concerns the EU’s consolidated accounts for the year 2015 and details how spending by the EU institutions and bodies was carried out. The consolidated annual accounts of the EU provide financial information on the activities of the institutions, agencies and other bodies of the EU from an accrual accounting and budgetary perspective. I voted for this document.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In this own-initiative report, Parliament considered that the Common Fisheries Policy and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, designed to tackle the problems and challenges of continental Europe, can only provide a limited response to the specific characteristics of fisheries in the ORs. Parliament called for the development of a strategy for each regional sea basin tailored to the specific situation of each of the outermost regions. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Most human rights violations in the garment sector concern various aspects of labour rights, such as the denial of workers’ fundamental right to join or form a union of their choosing and bargain collectively in good faith. In its own initiative report parliament Members called for consumers to be provided with clear, trustworthy information about sustainability in the garment sector, where products originate from and the extent to which workers’ rights have been respected. Members called for an effective and compulsory reporting system and due diligence for garment products entering the EU market to ensure increased access to information on the conduct of enterprise. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In this own-initiative report Members noted that there is a general shortage of comprehensive, transparent, high-value data, standardised at European level, on price and volume movements on the European land market. Member States are called upon to take better account of farmland conservation and management, and of transfers of land, in their public policies. They should regularly communicate to each other information about their national legislation regarding land, land-use changes and, in particular, cases involving speculative land purchases. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

In this report Parliament noted that the European Investment Bank should give priority to innovation-based projects and give support to indigenous energy sources. It should also use a wide range of financial instruments to support public and private investment in transport and give priority to innovation-based projects and give support to indigenous energy sources. It should also use a wide range of financial instruments to support public and private investment in transport. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The key finding of this report is that Member States have experienced transposition problems in terms of ‘timing’ or ’quality’, or both. Thus proper implementation of the directive cannot be expected in practice in all Member States, given that there are ongoing ‘non-conformity’ infringement procedures. It was hence recommended that the process of transposition of the Mining Waste Directive be completed as soon as possible.

2016/11/22

In this joint resolution Parliament condemns the continued unconstitutional violation of the democratic order in Venezuela and calls on the Venezuelan authorities to allow humanitarian aid into the country as a matter of urgency and to grant access to the international organisations that wish to assist the worst affected sectors of society. Parliament reiterates its request for a European Parliament delegation to be sent to Venezuela and for dialogue to be held with all sectors involved in the conflict as soon as possible. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

I don’t understand why we still use such atavism as visa regime for our European neighbours. We have a lot of security lists of terror suspects, criminals and other persons that for any reason denied entry to EU. Borders guards have access to these databases and any people from these lists will not be allowed to cross the border. Other countries citizens who wanted to travel to EU without visas are required to have very well protected biometric passports that many of European Union’s states citizens do not have. Persons might be asked to show documents proving purpose and conditions of stay, for example, tickets for further journeys and return tickets; reservation of accommodation, invitation letter as well as evidence of sufficient means of subsistence. In case of doubt person could be not allowed to enter EU. Now we have special suspension mechanism when the Commission can pause the visa free regime for concrete country if some migration, criminal or if some other concerns will appear. I think that we should gradually abolish obsolete mechanism of visa regime and today´s decision to establish visa free regime with Ukraine is the step to right direction. That’s why I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament asked the Commission to define the objectives of the European Solidarity Corps and to make its actions measurable and efficient, taking into account the important positive impact of solidarity action on both the individual participants and the community and underlined that definitions deemed necessary to facilitate this should be developed in close cooperation with the Member States and the relevant stakeholder organisations active in volunteering, civic service and youth action, in line with the core EU values. I supported this resolution.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament backed a report looking at the data protection agreement between the US and EU, known as the privacy shield. The report made clear the S&D Group’s concerns about recent changes in US legislation by the Trump administration that makes it possible for private companies to purchase individuals’ browsing histories without their explicit consent. The report calls for the Commission to look at the possible implications this has for EU citizens in its review of the whole agreement. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Parliament with an overwhelming majority approved the resolution outlining the Parliament’s guidelines for the negotiations on Brexit. This is the first time in European history that an EU member state has decided to leave. This is a serious challenge for Europe but we will emerge stronger and more united after Brexit. I voted for this resolution.

2016/11/22

The proposed Directive lays down measures concerning the following: the coordination of safeguards which are required by Member States in respect of the formation of public limited liability companies and the maintenance and alteration of their capital, the coordination of safeguards which are required by Member States concerning disclosure requirements in respect of public and private limited liability companies, the disclosure requirements in respect of branches opened in a Member State by certain types of company governed by the law of another state, mergers of public limited liability companies, cross-border mergers of limited liability companies, the division of public limited liability companies. I voted for these proposals.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament gave its consent to the ratification and accession by Member States, in the interest of the European Union, to the Protocol of 2010 to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, with the exception of the aspects related to judicial cooperation in civil matters. I voted ‘for’.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to provide for the application of the provisions of the Schengen acquis in the area of the Schengen Information System in Croatia. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament voted on a new law to tighten the requirements for medical devices. The new law will set rules for medical devices right through from design and manufacture to authorisation and post-market monitoring. All medical devices from plasters and hospital beds to breast implants, hip replacements and pacemakers will be covered. The Socialists and Democrats led the drive in the European Parliament to make medical devices safer while ensuring continued innovation. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The proposed Regulation aims to create a regulatory framework for multiannual financial framework in view of ensuring an increased protection of investors in MMFs, as well as enhancing financial stability by preventing contagion risk. It also aims to ensure that the liquidity of the fund is adequate to face investor redemption requests and to render the structure of MMFs safe enough to withstand adverse market conditions. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of the revision of the Prospectus Directive is to provide all types of issuers with disclosure rules, which are tailored to their specific needs while making the prospectus a more relevant tool of informing potential investors. The proposed measures aim to: reduce the administrative burden of drawing up of prospectus for all issuers, in particular for SMEs, frequent issuers of securities and secondary issuances, make the prospectus a more relevant disclosure tool for potential investors, especially in SMEs and achieve more convergence between the EU prospectus and other EU disclosure rules. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

I voted for this proposal. We have fought hard with the Council to obtain a review of the MFF and have secured an extra six billion euros for the period 2017-2020. This includes up to 3 billion for flexibility and an extra 1.2 billion to help fight against youth unemployment.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament has sent a clear message today that we need a better funded and more flexible EU budget to tackle the many challenges Europe faces. From youth unemployment to migration, investment, defence and agriculture, national governments are asking the EU to do more, while not providing the resources or the flexibility to act effectively. I voted for the resolution.

2016/11/22

The purpose of the proposal is to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Portugal. The mobilisation relates to: floods in the United Kingdom, drought and fires in Cyprus, fires in Portugal. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to finance technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission monitoring and data gathering, improving the web site on the EGF, creating a knowledge application interface, administrative and technical support, promote networking among the Member States. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose is to mobilise the European Union Solidarity Fund to provide assistance to the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Portugal hit by climatic disasters. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose is to authorise Latvia to continue to receive and supply of personal data for the purpose of automated searching of dactyloscopic data. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to authorise Slovakia, Portugal, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Cyprus, Poland, Sweden, Malta and Belgium to continue to be entitled to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison of DNA data. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to authorise Slovakia, Bulgaria, France, Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Hungary, Cyprus, Estonia, Malta, Romania and Finland to continue to receive and supply of personal data for the purpose of automated searching of dactyloscopic data. I support this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to entitle Finland, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary to continue to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of vehicle registration data. I supported this proposal.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this proposal is to entitle Malta, Cyprus and Estonia to continue to receive and supply personal data for the purpose of automated searching of vehicle registration data. I voted for this proposal.

2016/11/22

Some members of the parliament consider that the Commission implementing decision is not consistent with Union law, in that it is not compatible with the aim of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 which aim is to provide the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, environment and consumer interests in relation to genetically modified food and feed, whilst ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market. I voted this objection.

2016/11/22

The purpose this legislative proposal is to repeal a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council defining characteristics for fishing vessels. I voted in favour.

2016/11/22

Parliament stated that consumer protection is a priority of the Union and that everything should be done to prevent cheating by car manufacturers designed to manipulate pollution emission and fuel consumption tests in order to produce false results or circumvent any other rules. I voted for this legislative proposal.

2016/11/22

Parliament voted for: the enhancement of traceability of palm oil imported into the EU, the endorsement of the need, as part of the dialogue with those countries, to impose a freeze on the area under oil palm cultivation, the implementation of effective corporate social and environmental responsibility measures for all producing companies, the introduction of obligatory requirements favouring sustainable palm oil in all national public procurement procedures. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

Parliament voted for promotion of access to the labour market for women in rural areas as a priority in its future rural development policies, to include in rural development programmes strategies focusing specifically on women’s contribution to achieving the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, to promote information and technical assistance measures and an exchange of good practices between Member States concerning the establishment of a professional status for spouses in farming, enabling them to enjoy individual rights, including, in particular, maternity leave, social insurance against accidents at work, access to training and retirement pension rights. I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

After 12 months and 47 hearings in the Dieselgate inquiry committee, the European Parliament has today drawn lessons from the scandal. The plenary voted both on reports summarising the inquiry committee’s findings and recommendations, and on the first new EU law to prevent emissions cheating in the future. The Socialists and Democrats have taken the lead in tightening up the approval and surveillance of new cars in response to the Dieselgate scandal and in ensuring fair consumer compensation for EU citizens. I voted for these recommendations.

2016/11/22

The Socialists and Democrats voted today in favour of a strong and integrated EU policy for the Arctic that takes into consideration the geopolitical and environmental importance of the region and respects the fundamental rights of the indigenous peoples. It highlights the growing importance of the Arctic region, especially in light of the effects of climate change and increasing competition for natural resources, which pose new environmental and security risks for the region and the world.

2016/11/22

The accession of Croatia has enlarged the EU customs union. In compliance with WTO rules, Croatia should enter into negotiations with Brazil on its tariff schedule so as to enable a compensatory adjustment to be agreed concerning the EU-28. The EU’s external tariff regime entails increased tariffs for Brazil.

2016/11/22

The proposed implementing Council Decision seeks to authorise Denmark to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching of vehicle registration data. I support this decision.

2016/11/22

The proposed implementing Council Decision seeks to authorise Greece to receive and supply personal data for the purposes of automated searching and comparison of DNA data.

2016/11/22

This legislative proposal proposes to modernise and sharpen enforcement tools, and in particular official controls, as laid down in the existing regulation, to simplify the legislative framework. It lays down harmonised rules at EU level aimed at providing a comprehensive and coherent approach to official controls along the entire agri-food chain.

2016/11/22

In accordance with the UHF band strategy, this proposal lays down two binding common deadlines for Member States for repurposing the 700 MHz frequency band for wireless broadband: cross-border coordination agreements must be completed by the end of 2017, and the 700 MHz frequency band must be made available for effective use for wireless broadband electronic communications services by mid-2020. We need policies that will shape the digital world and promote connected innovation which is accessible, safe and trustworthy. We want as many Europeans as possible to participate in this.

2016/11/22

Parliament called on the Member States, in compliance with the subsidiarity principle, to remove any discriminatory practices and unnecessary barriers from their rules for EU citizens and their family members, including non-EU family members, so that they benefit from the entry and residence rights in their territories, as well as from their social rights, while making their administration more efficient with a view to facilitating labour mobility in the EU.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament today adopted a resolution criticising Germany’s plans to introduce a road toll system. The German Government had introduced a de-facto exemption from a road toll, which results in German-registered vehicles receiving a rebate. The Commission believed this to be discrimination in road charging within the EU, and launched infringement proceedings.

2016/11/22

The EU needs a well-funded and progressive budget to be able to meet its commitments and new challenges. Unemployment and youth unemployment is still far too high in many Member States. The EU’s budget for 2018 must prioritise growth and help boost Europe’s growth and competiveness. We are calling for more funding to tackle youth employment to ensure that no young European is left behind.

2016/11/22

This Regulation aims to ensure a high level of protection of human and animal health and the environment from mercury. It should not prevent the export, import and manufacturing of homeopathic medical products, provided that such products confer significant health benefits and there are no mercury-free active substances available as alternatives. Members also proposed prohibiting the import of mercury as well as its compounds. Mercury is a dangerous chemical and exposure to it can cause severe health problems. This is why Parliament have pushed for a complete phase-out of all dental amalgam in all Member States.

2016/11/22

The amendments establish specific requirements in order to facilitate shareholders’ engagement in the long term, including the identification of shareholders, the transmission of information and the facilitation of the exercise of shareholder rights, create transparency on the engagement policies of institutional investors and asset managers and on the activities of proxy advisors and lay down certain requirements with regard to directors’ remuneration and related party transactions. I think that it is necessary elements of healthy business environment.

2016/11/22

Lielākā daļa no ieročiem, ko izmanto teroristi un noziedznieki ES teritorijā, ir nelegāli. Piemēram, ir ļoti daudz ieroču, kas palika no kara bijušajā Dienvidslāvijā. Direktīvas grozījumi šo problēmu nerisina, jo tā attiecas tikai uz oficiāli iegādātiem ieročiem. Bet, lai maksimāli izslēgtu arī legāli iegādāto ieroču izmantošanu noziedzīgiem mērķiem, nepieciešama direktīvas normu papildināšana. Pakāpeniski jāievieš kopīga ES kārtība, jo likumdošanas “karnevāls”, kad visām 28 ES valstīm var būtiski atšķirties likuma prasības, ievērojami samazina ieroču kontroles pasākumu efektivitāti. Negatīvs moments ir, ka šie grozījumi atstāj neskaidrību kolekcionāriem un sportistiem un varētu nepamatoti apgrūtināt viņiem dzīvi.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to improve waste management in the Union in order to facilitate Europe’s transition to a circular economy. The proposed amendments aim to: simplify the permit and registration requirements for small establishments or undertakings, simplify reporting obligations, improve the reporting of statistics in order for the Commission to assess compliance with waste legislation across the Member States by introducing a single entry point for all waste data, deleting obsolete reporting requirements, benchmarking national reporting methodologies and introducing a data quality check report. Europa does not have many natural resources, and creating effective and ecological of waste management will help us to create a richer and sustainable future for our children.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament proposed measures to ensure that by 2030 the annual amount of municipal waste landfilled is reduced to 5% (instead of 10%) of the total amount of municipal waste generated. By 31 December 2030, Member States shall accept only residual municipal waste in landfills for non-hazardous waste. I support such ambitious aim. Estonia, Greece, Croatia, Latvia, Malta, Romania and Slovakia may obtain five additional years for the attainment of the target.

2016/11/22

This proposal suggests that Member States shall take measures to minimise the environmental impact of packaging. Such measures shall include extended producer responsibility and incentives for the take-up of re-usable packaging in order to reduce the excessive use of packaging. The main proposals are: a target for re-use of packaging of a minimum of 5% by weight of all packaging waste no later than 31 December 2030; no later than 31 December 2030, a minimum of 10% by weight of all packaging waste is re-used.

2016/11/22

The report suggested phasing out battery and barren wire cages in rabbit farming and make the conversion to alternative methods of rabbit farming such as park farming or hutch systems, with grass as the main feed, which improve the comfort and welfare of farmed rabbits. Member States and the Commission are called upon to undertake further research for the purpose of finding the best possible housing systems to improve animal welfare in different types of farming and to preserve the quality and safety of rabbit meat imports by undertaking thorough controls and inspections when these imports enter the Union.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this act is to conclude, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States, a Protocol to the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the EU and Lebanon to take account of the accession of Croatia to the European Union. I supported it.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The proposal aims to conclude arrangements between the Union and Liechtenstein on that country’s contribution to the instrument for financial support for external borders and visa for the period 2014-2020 and on the supplementary rules necessary for this participation. I voted for this agreement.

2016/11/22

Despite the dissatisfaction of many European citizens with excessive EU centralisation, the European Commission continues to capture the sovereign powers of the countries – participants. The purpose of this proposal is to establish an information exchange mechanism between Member States and third countries in the field of energy. Member States should inform the Commission of their intent to enter into negotiations with third countries regarding the conclusion of new intergovernmental agreements or amending existing ones and notify to the Commission a draft intergovernmental agreement or amendment with all accompanying documents as soon as agreement has been reached in the negotiations by the parties. The Commission should perform assessment of draft intergovernmental agreements or amendments and inform Member States of possible doubts it may have as to the compatibility with Union law. Member States shall not conclude proposed intergovernmental agreements or amendments until the Commission has informed Member State of any doubts and its opinion.

2016/11/22

The European Commission has to do its job. The European legislation clearly defines that if some of the EU partners in two year period don’t cancel all restriction for EU citizens, then the European Commission will have to start the process of cancelling the visa-free regime with this country. This principle should be applied regardless of whether it is a large or a small country. The European Parliament has to start this process and after that the European Parliament will consider all the aspects and consequences of this possible decision. This will put pressure on our American partners and will show that our common decision should be respected.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The right to health is recognised as a human right in international treaties, and such rights have to be guaranteed in EU countries. The EU pharmaceutical industry is one of the most competitive industries in the Union and needs money for future development, but let us not forget that its main function should be to produce not merely profit but also a healthy society.The high prices of medicines and medical treatment have become an obstacle for many people. The paradox is that medicines have become better and more effective, but fewer people can afford to buy these good medicines. We need to tackle this dangerous problem. For this purpose, we have a number of instruments: transparency, competition and cooperation. Competition is an important factor in the overall balance of the pharmaceutical market and can lower costs, reduce expenditure on medicines and improve timely access for patients to affordable medicines. We need more transparency about the cost of research and development, including the proportion of publicly funded research and the marketing of medicines. That is why I voted for this report.

2016/11/22

The Creative Europe programme has the objectives of safeguarding and promoting European cultural and linguistic diversity, while promoting Europe's cultural heritage on the one hand and strengthening the competitiveness of the European cultural and creative sectors on the other. Members of the European Parliament urged the Member States to increase the Creative Europe budget to bring it into line both with the expectations of European citizens. I supported this report.

2016/11/22

The Europe for Citizens programme aims to strengthen a sense of European citizenship and belonging, enhance solidarity, mutual tolerance and respect and to promote a better understanding of the EU. The resolution stresses the need to enrich the programme with proposals which empower citizens to make use of their rights, for instance through the implementation of e-democracy, and to enhance cooperation to join forces with EU Member States in applying for projects, and calls for more cooperation between NGOs from the EU, Eastern and Southern Partnership countries and potential candidates in order to bring the EU closer to citizens.

2016/11/22

The world is facing an unprecedented surge in wildlife trafficking. According to estimates, the illegal trade in wild flora and fauna is the fourth most profitable area of criminal activity, with an estimated turnover of as much as EUR 20 billion. We welcome the EU action plan against wildlife trafficking. The EU must lead efforts in tackling not only supply-side issues, including development issues on the ground in third countries, but also demand for illegal products in domestic markets, including online platforms.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to reform the legal framework in force in the EU on the criminalisation of behaviours linked to terrorist activities, establishing minimum rules on the definition of terrorist offences, offences related to a terrorist group or terrorist activities and penalties in this area. It also provides specific measures on protection, support and assistance to the victims of terrorism.

2016/11/22

. ‒ On this issue, as so often in our work, we should try to find the proper balance between freedom and security. The Paris and Brussels terror attacks, committed by foreign fighters many of whom are Union citizens, demonstrate the necessity of strengthening checks at external borders. But these checks should be carried out in a professional and respectful manner and should be proportionate to the objectives.We do not need process, we need results. That is why I support the idea of allowing border guards to decide not to check relevant databases for EU citizens if it can be clearly assessed that specific persons do not jeopardise the internal security of any of the Member States. For example, in the cases of children under the age of 12, and school pupils travelling on organised excursions. I support the proposal that the Commission will have to publish a study on the impact on entry and exit flows at Schengen external borders in order to avoid unnecessary problems and to assess the proportionality of these security measures.

2016/11/22

The task of this report is to give some proposals in the framework of the existing Treaties. It is rather hard especially in today’s political circumstances to think about changing EU treaties, but in the Lisbon Treaties there are a lot of empty spaces that could be filled. The European Parliament has to show the initiative. Members of Parliament proposed to democratise decision-making procedures in the European Parliament, the Council, the Commission and EU agencies. Members also pointed to the possibility of switching from unanimity to qualified majority voting for the adoption of the Multiannual Financial Framework Regulation. In the light of the recent attacks and the increasing terrorist threat, Members proposed a systematic, mandatory and structured exchange of information and data between national law enforcement authorities and intelligence services, and with Europol, Frontex and Eurojust.

2016/11/22

The fiscal capacity should fulfil three different functions: first, economic and social convergence within the euro area should be incentivised to foster structural reforms, modernise economies and improve the competitiveness of each Member State and the resilience of the euro area, thereby also contributing to Member States’ capacity to absorb asymmetric and symmetric shocks; second, differences in the business cycles of euro-area Member States stemming from structural differences or a general economic vulnerability create a need to address asymmetric shocks (situations whereby an economic event affects one economy more than another, for instance when demand collapses in one specific Member State and not in the others following an external shock beyond the influence of a Member State); third, symmetric shocks (situations whereby an economic event affects all the economies in the same way, for example variation in oil prices for euro-area countries) should be addressed to increase the resilience of the euro area as a whole. In view of these objectives, it will be necessary to consider which functions can be achieved within the existing legal framework of the Union and which will require Treaty adjustment or change.

2016/11/22

The full potential of cloud computing for Europe can only be realised when data can flow freely across the Union with clear rules, and when international data flows play an increasingly important role in the European and global economy. The EU is lagging behind on the development of high-performance computing as a result of its under-investment in establishing a complete high-performance computing system. The work on standardisation in cloud computing should be accelerated and that creating more awareness of the benefits of cloud computing is crucial.

2016/11/22

European Structural and Investment Funds play a significant role for the Latvian economy and society. With a budget of EUR 454 billion for the period 2014-2020, the European Structural and Investment Funds are the EU’s main investment policy tool and are a vital source of public investment in many Member States. The report highlighted the need to improve communication on and the visibility of Funds, with greater focus on participation by stakeholders and recipients, and on involving citizens in the design and implementation of cohesion policy.

2016/11/22

The lack of proper implementation of EU legislation and political unwillingness in the Council prevent the aviation sector from unleashing its full potential, thus damaging its competitiveness and leading to greater costs at the expense of businesses, passengers and the economy. The European Parliament stressed that a further holistic and more ambitious approach should be embraced in order to provide the necessary boost for a sustainable and competitive European aviation industry and that safety is a guiding principle for the European aviation strategy and that it must be continuously improved.

2016/11/22

The contribution made by EU Funds investments to reducing economic, social and territorial disparities within and between the European regions. Parliament expressed concerns that further delays in the implementation of cohesion policy operational programmes will impact negatively on the achievement of these goals and urged the Commission to submit the legislative package concerning the next programming period by the beginning of 2018 at the latest and to facilitate a smooth and timely negotiation of the post-2020 period.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union (CETA) for the following reason:A number of legal scholars and practitioners have called for the Investment Court System to be checked against the EU Treaties, including an advocate general of the European Court of Justice itself. Parliament rejected a call from a Member of the European Parliament to refer CETA to the European Court of Justice.The Investment Court System allows foreign investors to sue nations if they feel their businesses have been impacted by new laws or regulations. Canada was the world’s most heavily-sued developed country in 2014. The Investment Court System grants exclusive rights to foreign investors to sue countries, undermining court systems in the EU and Canada. As a result tens of thousands of US and Canadian firms would be given new rights that ordinary businesses and individuals do not have.It puts pressure on Europe to change its bio-technology and GMO rules. Canada is the third largest producer of GMOs in the world. CETA further contributes to the pro-GMO pressure on the EU regulatory processes.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The aim of the Strategic Partnership Agreement is to strengthen EU-Canada political ties and cooperation on foreign and security issues, and to advance cooperation on a large number of policy areas besides trade and economics. The Strategic Partnership Agreement will strengthen political dialogue in fields such as: climate change, energy, environment, development, research and innovation, education and culture, migration, counter-terrorism and the fight against organised crime and cybercrime. I support this agreement.

2016/11/22

The aim is to conclude the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union and its Member States and Mongolia. I support this agreement.

2016/11/22

. ‒ This agreement eliminates import duties on all aircraft other than military aircraft, as well as on all other products covered by the agreement, in particular civil aircraft engines and their parts and components, all components and sub-assemblies of civil aircraft, and flight simulators and their parts and components. It contains disciplines on government-directed procurement of civil aircraft and prohibition of inducements to purchase, as well as on government financial support for the civil aircraft sector.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to amend the EU Emissions Trading System in order to enhance cost-effective emission reductions and promote low-carbon investments. The EU policy target is to reduce overall EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels domestically by 2030. To achieve this target cost-effectively, the sectors are covered by the EU Emissions Trading System.But some amendments create problems for the EU cement industry. Introducing such a mechanism with a consequential loss of free allowances creates legal uncertainty and hampers further investments by the cement sector in Europe. There is lack of clarity as to how such a scheme would operate. Serious concerns about WTO compatibility and its application to a few sectors only leads to discrimination in the downstream market where cement competes with other building materials (steel, glass, wood, asphalt) that are not subject to such a scheme. The suggested scheme leads to a competitive disadvantage for European cement producers on export markets where local cement players are not subject to similar CO2 constraints.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The report acknowledges Albania’s steady progress towards fulfilling the remaining key priorities and sets out the reform steps which are still outstanding. It urges Albania to continue its reform efforts in the interests of the country’s citizens and it calls on the Commission and the Council to continue their active support for Albania’s EU accession process. It also calls for EU accession negotiations to be opened with Albania as soon as there is credible progress with implementation of the justice reform.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Parliament welcomed the progress made on the implementation of the 2015-2018 Reform Agenda, as well as the country’s determination to pursue further institutional and socio-economic reforms. It recalled that the renewed EU approach towards Bosnia and Herzegovina has been triggered by the difficult socioeconomic situation and the increasing dissatisfaction among citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The very low implementation rate of country-specific recommendations, which declined from 11% in 2012 to only 4% in 2015, is deplorable. Member States need to step up their efforts to reform if they want to return to growth and create jobs.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Inadequate levels of investment and obstacles in goods and services markets hamper the productivity and competitiveness of the European economy.I agree with the proposal to include a social dimension in the European Semester. Parliament urged to create a strong single market pillar with a social dimension within the European Semester. The single market pillar within the European Semester would allow a regular evaluation of governance of the single market through systematic checks of national legislation.

2016/11/22

The establishment of the Banking Union is an indispensable component of a monetary union and a fundamental building block of a genuine Economic and Monetary Union. However, further efforts are needed as the Banking Union remains incomplete as long as it lacks a fiscal backstop and a third pillar on deposit insurance. The protection of deposits is a common concern for all EU citizens. The role of the Commission is to guarantee a level playing field in this area across the EU and that it should avoid any fragmentation within the internal market.

2016/11/22

Parliament stressed the need to increase the availability of low-risk pesticides, including low-risk plant protection products of biological origin in the European Union, without further delay and underlined the importance of a public debate about the availability of alternatives to conventional plant protection products.

2016/11/22

The main aim of this agreement is to conclude a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Cook Islands, and the Implementation Protocol. The main objective of the new Protocol is to provide fishing opportunities for European Union vessels in the Cook Islands fishing zone. I support this agreement.

2016/11/22

The effective reform of the Commission’s expert groups system, based on clear principles of transparency and balanced composition, will improve the availability and reliability of data, which will in turn help increase people’s trust in the EU. It is very important to revive forms of involvement of representatives of civil society and the social partners in crucial areas such as the transparency and functioning of the European Union institutions.

2016/11/22

Whistle-blowers contribute greatly to increasing the democratic quality of, and the trust in, public institutions by making them directly accountable to citizens and more transparent. Parliament urged the Commission to immediately submit a legislative proposal establishing an effective and comprehensive European whistle-blower protection programme which includes mechanisms for companies, public bodies and non-profit organisations. As a former journalist I fully support this suggestion, because whistle-blowers are important elements in freedom of speech and transparency.

2016/11/22

Denmark is currently fully participating in Europol. Under the terms of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Denmark could not take part in the adoption of this new Europol Regulation and is not subject to its application. The new Europol Regulation will start to apply on 1 May 2017, on which date the existing Europol Council Decision will automatically be repealed. This means that by 1 May 2017, Denmark will no longer be part of it. The legal route for this would entail two consecutive legislative procedures, whereby Denmark will be placed on the list with which Europol shall conclude international cooperation agreements, and secondly the operational cooperation agreement between Europol and Denmark will be concluded.

2016/11/22

The aim of this initiative is to subject the new psychoactive substance to control measures. Eight Member States have reported a total of 28 deaths and 25 acute intoxications associated with this substance.

2016/11/22

The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund aims to provide support for workers made redundant and self—employed persons whose activity has ceased as a result of major structural changes in world trade patterns due to globalisation. The Netherlands submitted an application to mobilise the EGF, in respect of redundancies in six enterprises operating in the retail trade sector in two regions (Drenthe and Overijssel) in the Netherlands. I support this suggestion.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament called for the fight against and, in the long term, eradication of poverty to remain the overarching and primary goal of EU development policy. Further objectives include combatting inequalities in and between countries, discrimination, injustice and strife, promoting peace, participatory democracy, good governance and sustainable growth. I think that development policy should be a high priority for the EU.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Without an effective EU competition policy the internal market cannot attain its full potential. An effective competition policy has to allow for the specific market conditions applying to small and medium-sized enterprises, micro-enterprises and start-ups, and must protect workers’ rights and make for fair taxation. I think that proper EU competition policy can help to restore a sufficient level of investment and innovation by creating a fair competition environment.

2016/11/22

. ‒ In the EU, 27% of the adult population, including both men and women, have experienced at least one episode of mental illness. Parliament has called on Member States to take measures and allocate sufficient resources to ensure access to healthcare and specifically to mental health services.

2016/11/22

. ‒ Equality between women and men is a fundamental principle of the EU. Parliament addresses this recommendation to the Council on general conditions for empowering women and girls, enhancing women’s economic empowerment and overcoming barriers on the labour market, ensuring women’s equal share at all levels of decision-making and addressing the needs of the most marginalised women.

2016/11/22

The main purpose of these amendments is to enable the implementation of the safeguard clause and the banana stabilisation mechanism of the Agreement already concluded with Ecuador. The Commission should consider whether the stabilisation mechanism might remain in force beyond 2020 in order to protect European producers from rises in imports from non-EU countries. One way to bring this about would be a joint declaration co-signed with Parliament. If the parties did not all give their consent to continuation of the mechanism, the Commission would have to think about corrective measure.

2016/11/22

This proposal is made in the context of the implementation of the new Common Fisheries Policy, which promotes in particular a sustainable, ecosystem-based and precautionary approach to fisheries management. European Union fishing activities outside EU waters should be based on the same principles and standards as those applicable under Union law. I fully support this approach.

2016/11/22

As shadow reporter of this report, I hope that today’s decision will give impulse for the new achievements in cooperation between Georgia and European Union. Fulfilling all the criteria for adopting a visa free regime was not an easy task, but Georgians have done a great job. It is very important step on the path of the European integration of Georgia, it is a great achievement of the Georgian people, politicians and civil society.

2016/11/22

We strongly condemn all the violence perpetrated in Gabon and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the breaches of human rights, arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions, political intimidation of civil society and members of the opposition, the violations of freedom of the press and freedom of expression in the context of the presidential elections. I voted for the resolution supported calls for all restrictions on the media to be lifted and for all political detainees to be released.

2016/11/22

The purpose of this legislative proposal is to lay down certain procedures for applying the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and Kosovo, of the other part. The report stipulated that in accordance with the proposed regulation, the examination procedure shall apply, in particular, for the adoption of implementing acts relating to the common commercial policy.

2016/11/22

The main decision was taken that the quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in Belarus are no longer necessary. I think that these obsolete restrictions should have been cancelled a long time ago.

2016/11/22

The proposed decision aims to conclude the Agreement continuing the International Science and Technology Centre after the withdrawal of Russian participation, signed on 9 December 2015.

2016/11/22

The list of countries in the amending delegated regulation adopted by the Commission on 24 November 2016 was identified by the Financial Action Task Force at their 28th plenary meeting from 19 to 21 October 2016.Parliament expects the Commission to conduct its own assessment and to avoid relying solely on external information sources.

2016/11/22

This report aims to formulate the European Parliament’s position and stimulate initiatives to promote the field of freight transport logistics. The third goal of the Commission’s White Paper on Transport aims to shift 30% of road freight over 300 km to more sustainable modes such as rail and waterborne transport by 2030, and more than 50% by 2050. The implementation of the TEN-T network, with particular emphasis on cross-border connections and within the time-frames laid down and completed by 2030, will reduce bottlenecks, improve interoperability between the various modes of transport and contribute to delivering integrated multimodal freight transport in the EU.

2016/11/22

The European Union is now like a big building under construction. The construction works are going very slowly. The inhabitants are not satisfied because the living conditions in an uncompleted building are not good. Some of them try to find a simple solution: to stop the construction of the common building.From my point of view we have to complete our building and only then we will receive the full positive effect of it. One of the main elements of this European building is common social policy. Unfortunately, the European Commission is very reluctant towards this issue. The Commission’s initiatives are very weak and modest. The European Parliament has to take the initiative in this field and that is why this report is very important. We need not only a common market, free movement of capital and workforce but also a robust basis of common social standards in the European Union.

2016/11/22

The European Parliament calls on the Commission and the Member States to come up with a clear, coherent and ambitious strategy and timeline to ensure that any elements that are necessary for the enforcement of the EU customs systems are covered by appropriate proposals that are aligned with and fit for purpose for the current evolution of global trade and the implementation of the EU trade policy agenda.

2016/11/22

666 Written explanations of Andrejs MAMIKINS

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