Activities of Antanas GUOGA

I voted in favour of the report. The report approves the conclusion by Eurojust of the Agreement on Criminal Justice Cooperation between Eurojust and the Kingdom of Denmark.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The proposed revision aims to facilitate the free movement of workers and to protect their rights while reinforcing the tools for national authorities to fight risks of abuse or fraud. However, the compromise texts were not discussed enough and many unresolved problematic areas, for example regarding the mobility of workers, remain.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal sets, for the first time ever, CO2 emissions performance standards for lorries. Parliament adopted the 15% reduction for 2025 and 30% from 2030. The latter will be assessed during the review in 2022 in accordance with the European Union commitments under the Paris Agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which agreed on minimum procurement targets at Member State level. Proposed targets for light-duty vehicles will be increased by 10%. For heavy-duty vehicles, the targets for buses are set for clean vehicles at up to 45% for 2025 and up to 65% for 2030 and half of the targets are to be met by zero-emission vehicles.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the agreement is to give European entrepreneurs a modern, safe and transparent environment in which to operate and to facilitate establishing a business electronically and promote online operations throughout a company’s lifecycle.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the agreement is to make it easier for companies to move within the Single Market. The new rules will allow companies to retain their legal personality throughout the transformation procedure, while at the same time effective safeguards will be introduced to prevent cross-border operations designed for abusive, fraudulent or criminal purposes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The establishment of the EUR 13 billion European Defence Fund leads Europe one step closer to a fully-fledged EU defence research programme.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposed Directive defines covered bonds as debt obligations issued by credit institutions and secured against a ring-fenced pool of assets to which bondholders have direct recourse as preferred creditors. The Directive, in continuity with this tradition, only allows credit institutions to issue covered bonds.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission will establish a complete list of harmonised data elements to be reported (the ‘EMSWe data set’). Each Member State will have to establish a national single window (building on the existing structures) where all the required information would be provided once (the ‘once-only principle’), and be responsible for the development, availability, maintenance, security and operation of its national window.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The current disclosure requirements set out in EU legislation do not envisage disclosing all of the information that can be considered as necessary to properly inform end investors about the sustainability-related impact of their investments. The regulation requests disclosure of more information on the sustainability of investment portfolios, both in terms of composition and risks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The recast proposal ensures the alignment of the existing regulation with the latest amendments to the Stockholm Convention (the UN-agreed list of dangerous substances), which provides the global legal framework for the elimination of the production, use, import and export of persistent organic pollutants.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This is the first review of the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). The objective is to simplify the rules applicable to over—the—counter derivatives and make them more proportionate in order to reduce costs and the regulatory burden weighing on market participants, without putting at risk financial stability.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This proposal aims to introduce specific amendments to the EMIR and ESMA regulations with a view to establishing clear and coherent supervisory arrangements for CCPs established in the EU and in third countries. The objective is to ensure that the EU authorities and national authorities are able to cope with a failing CCP, maintain financial stability and avoid that costs associated with the restructuring and the resolution of failing CCPs fall on taxpayers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim is to provide cheaper and easier access to ‘SME growth markets’, a recently introduced category of trading venue dedicated to small issuers. The administrative burden and high compliance costs faced by SMEs trying to list and issue securities are currently too high.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The resolution calls on the political parties to ensure that their election programmes express their commitment to Parliament’s proposal for a new and updated regulation on its right of inquiry, and invites the different Spitzenkandidaten to offer their public and political support on this matter.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The MfR calls on the Commission to swiftly take all the necessary action to ensure a high level of protection for humans and the environment against exposure to endocrine disruptors and to promote research in this field. Moreover the MfR calls on the Commission to make, no later than June 2020, legislative proposals aimed at inserting specific provisions on endocrine disruptors in other pieces of legislation which have not been updated so far.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Joint statement of the European Parliament and of the Council, annexed to the legislative resolution, on the possible mechanisms to ensure the attractiveness of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency in terms of fulfilling exceptional needs for recruiting, training and retaining qualified staff from the broadest possible geographical basis, was approved with a large majority.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour regarding the text update of the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, Rule 32(5) regarding ‘Establishment and dissolution of political groups’.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The negotiations on an agreement between the European Union and Denmark on the modalities of the participation by Denmark in the procedure for comparison and data transmission for law enforcement purposes foreseen in Chapter VI of the ‘recast’ Eurodac Regulation have been finalised and an Agreement in the form of a Protocol to the abovementioned Agreement of 8 March 2006, extending the application of the Agreement of 8 March 2006 to law enforcement, was initialled.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It is the biggest research framework programme worldwide for the period 2021—2027, tackling major challenges such as digitisation, health, including paediatric cancer, climate change and industrial transformation processes.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The budget for the programme is increased to EUR 120 billion. Also, other major improvements are included such as simplifications are added with a fast-track procedure of maximum six months, as well as in the audit and accounting procedures, excellence is safeguarded as sole criterion for the European Research Council, etc.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This regulation’s proposal is part of the ‘The Goods Package’ presented by the Commission in December 2017 and it aims at strengthening compliance and enforcement of EU product rules by intensifying compliance checks. This Regulation applies to products that are subject to the Union harmonisation legislation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Regulation aims at improving the functioning of the Digital Single Market to safeguard a fair, predictable, transparent, sustainable and trusted business environment in the online economy for smaller businesses and traders when using online platforms. Businesses such as hotels, traders selling online, app developers, and other similar companies that rely on search engines for attracting internet traffic to their websites are amongst those who will benefit from the new rules.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against the report. The final agreement did not manage successfully to cover one of the biggest issues on the European single market – dual quality products. Central and eastern European Member States suffer significantly and I do not accept such a discrimination. I want to have a fair EU single market, fair for all Member States, therefore I do not want to settle for a worse deal.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the proposal is to strengthen transparency in the risk assessment process and provide additional guarantees in terms of reliability, objectivity and independence of the studies used by EFSA in risk assessments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the regulation is to introduce an exception that will allow EU-based companies to manufacture a generic or biosimilar version of an SPC-protected medicine during the term of the certificate, either for exporting these products to third countries or creating a stock in order to enter the EU market immediately after the protection has expired.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The EU Space Programme will consolidate all space-related activities of the EU into one single Regulation. The Programme will ensure investment continuity in EU space activities. Also, it will also exploit the growing possibilities that space offers for the security of Europeans, including by make the most of synergies between the civil and defence sectors.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It is the first European Programme to increase the EU capabilities and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness in five priorities of the digital agenda: high performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital skills and digital deployment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Fiscalis is an EU cooperation programme, which enables national tax administrations to create and exchange information and expertise. The proposal is part of the package for the next MFF for the period 2021-2027.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Projects under the new Clean Energy Transition sub-programme of the LIFE Programme should focus on the creation of capacity building and diffusion of knowledge, skills, innovative techniques, methods and solutions for reaching the objectives of the Union legislation and policy on the transition to renewable energy and increased energy efficiency. This aims at small and middle-size stakeholders, multiple actors including local and regional public authorities and non-profit organisations, as they are typically engaged in these fields.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the Justice programme is to support training of the judiciary and judicial staff as a tool to improve judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters based on the principle of mutual recognition of judgements and of judicial decisions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report creates a new programme which results from the grouping of existing the Europe for Citizens Programme and the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme. It is one of two programmes under the Justice, Rights and Values Fund.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, a number of pre-Lisbon acts containing a reference to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny (RPS) still requires adaptation to Articles 290 TFEU. The Proposal covers, as indicated before, the legal acts included in the three legislative alignment proposals adopted by the Commission in 2013 plus an act which was not covered by the 2013 proposal, but which requires alignment, and that has been added to this Proposal.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. This regulation provides a legal basis for the United Kingdom to pay its budgetary contribution to the 2019 EU budget, in the event of a no-deal exit this year. This will allow for the UK, persons or entities established in the UK, to continue receiving Union funding, for eligible expenditure incurred in 2019.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It gives its consent to extent the ‘Agreement on cooperation in science and technology between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation’ (S&T Agreement) which exists since 2001. Since then, the Agreement has been renewed three times in 2004, 2009 and 2014 for an additional period of five years each time. It is in the interest of the EU to renew this Agreement in order to continue to facilitate cooperation with the Russian Federation in common S&T priority areas leading to benefits for both parties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the targeted amendments proposed by the EIB is to adapt the statute of the Bank to the new situation created by the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection. The Delegated Act is not technology neutral, a fact that is unacceptable because the European Commission should not put preference of a technology over the other, no matter whether one is already present.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposed changes to the Visa Code will make it easier for legitimate travellers to obtain a visa to come to Europe, facilitating tourism, trade and business, whilst strengthening security.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal covers conservation and management measures, among which provisions on catch limitations, closure of fisheries, transfer of quotas, by-catches and provisions for research vessels. It also contains a regulation on bottom fishing activities, technical measures and a series of control measures including provisions to prevent illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report forms part of the Action plan on strengthening the fight against terrorist financing, complementing the Anti-Money Laundering Directive 5. The proposal provides for direct access to the national centralised bank account registries or data retrieval systems to competent authorities. It facilitates the cooperation between the FIUs and FIUs and competent authorities and use of the financial and other information for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of certain criminal offences.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. European Cybersecurity Competence Centre is linked to the implementation of the cybersecurity aspects of both, the Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe programme. The Centre will establish and support a network of national centres to facilitate cooperation on cybersecurity.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The CEF Programme beyond 2020 will continue to accelerate investment in the field of TEN with the aim to complete (60% of the budgetary resources) and modernise (40% of the budgetary resources) the networks taking into account climate objectives and climate tracking requirements, making explicit horizontal objectives and priorities.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The proposed agreement creates unnecessary burden for e-commerce companies, especially for SMEs and start-ups regarding the removal of the possible terrorists content within 1 h. Most of the small companies do not have a capacity for that. Also, the Commission did not conduct an impact assessment which would prove the advantage of the removal of the content within 1h.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The main goal is to revise and complete the legal basis for existing data collections of European statistics on migration and international protection already conducted by most national authorities, while providing the necessary flexibility to adapt to future data needs. Further data on several new types of migration and migrants are needed, and they have to be more precise, more frequent and timely.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The adoption gives consent to the accession of the Union to the Geneva Act in order for the Union to fully exercise its exclusive competence in relation the common commercial policy. This proposal will allow the effective participation of the Union to Lisbon Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The adoption gives consent to the accession of the Union to the Geneva Act in order for the Union to fully exercise its exclusive competence in relation to the common commercial policy. This proposal will allow the effective participation of the Union in the Lisbon Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Commission has negotiated an agreement with the Republic of the Philippines that replaces certain provisions in the existing bilateral air services agreements between Member States and the Republic of the Philippines.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. In November 2013, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations on behalf of the Union in order to conclude a new international agreement on olive oil and table olives. The Agreement establishes a decision making body, called the Council of Members, which exercises all powers and performs all the functions necessary to achieve the objectives of the Agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It sets out a set of common minimum standards providing for robust protection against retaliation for whistle-blowers reporting on breaches of EU law in specific policy areas where there is a need to strengthen enforcement and breaches may result in serious harm to the public interest.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to remove the current regulatory barriers to the cross-border distribution of investment funds in order to make their cross-border distribution simpler, faster and cheaper. It seeks to harmonise the procedure and requirements on marketing communications by the national competent authorities. The proposal improves transparency by harmonising national marketing requirements and regulatory fees.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to remove the current regulatory barriers to the cross-border distribution of investment funds in order to make their cross-border distribution simpler, faster and cheaper. The adopted regulation seeks to harmonise the procedure and requirements on marketing communications by the national competent authorities. The proposal improves transparency by harmonising national marketing requirements and regulatory fees.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for the report. The proposal includes more risk-sensitive capital requirements, in particular in the area of market risk, counterparty credit risk, and exposures to central counterparties (CCPs) and a binding Leverage Ratio (LR) to prevent institutions from building up excessive leverage. The texts adopted includes a binding Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) to address banks' excessive reliance on short-term wholesale funding and to reduce long-term funding risk and more proportionate and flexible reporting and remuneration requirements for smaller and less complex banks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal includes more risk-sensitive capital requirements, in particular in the area of market risk, counterparty credit risk, and exposures to central counterparties (CCPs) and a binding Leverage Ratio (LR) to prevent institutions from building up excessive leverage. The texts adopted includes a binding Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) to address banks’ excessive reliance on short-term wholesale funding and to reduce long-term funding risk and more proportionate and flexible reporting and remuneration requirements for smaller and less-complex banks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It is a part of the Banking Package. The proposal aims at aligning the EU framework with and implement the internationally agreed standards on total loss-absorbing capacity (TLAC). Overall, the package should help to reduce risks in the banking sector and create greater financial stability.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It is a part of the Banking Package. The proposal aims at aligning the EU framework with, and implementing, the internationally-agreed standards on total loss-absorbing capacity (TLAC). Overall, the package should help to reduce risks in the banking sector and create greater financial stability.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to enable a market-demand-led development of Sovereign Bond-Backed Securities (SBBSs), to support further integration and diversification within Europe’s financial sector, leading to a stronger and more resilient Economic and Monetary Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The revision of the supervisory authority will increase the responsibilities of the EU watchdogs for banking, for securities and financial markets, and for insurance and pensions, and improve their governance structure. This will allow them to keep up with the increasingly complex world of finance, thereby protecting consumers and taxpayers better, and settle disputes and breaches of EU law more effectively.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims to improve the functioning of the European Systemic Risk Board, so that it can better monitor risks in the EU financial system.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The objective of the review is to adjust the European supervisory authorities framework to ensure they can assume an enhanced responsibility for financial market supervision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It revises and simplifies existing EU rules governing the prudential treatment of investment firms in order to better accommodate and address risks in their business models and to improve the level playing field among firms and enhance supervisory convergence.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposed regulation lays down requirements in terms of own funds, levels of minimum capital, concentration risk, liquidity, reporting and public disclosure for all investment firms that are not systemic.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The new rules reinforce the type of information provided by the employer, shorten the deadline to provide information and provide new material rights such as the right to compensation when the employer cancels the work assignment after a specific deadline, and the right to cost-free mandatory training.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The newly-created authority will enforce the implementation of the legislation related to ensuring fair labour mobility within EU. ELA will support the Member states in their efforts towards fighting fraud and unfair practices and will facilitate their cooperation in this aspect. The seat of the new body is still to be decided according to a specially-launched procedure and the EP is looking forward to its completion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims at enhancing regionalisation for tailored made measures adapted to the specificities of each fishery and each sea basin, reducing ‘micro-management’ and rigid technical rules, adopting a more flexible, simplified, results-based management, ensuring greater involvement of the sector in decisions on the CFP.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. In the context of the work of reviewing the fitness of current regulations (REFIT), the Commission decided to repeal 10 legal acts in the field of business statistics and replace them with one. This simplification puts an end to legal fragmentation in the field of European business statistics.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It proposes further measures, such as a better protection of persons involved in OLAF investigations. Also, other measures are the laying down of a procedural code, improving the Supervisory Committee’s access to information, a faster closure of investigations and the admissibility of OLAF reports in national judicial proceedings.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The New instrument would ensure financial support for customs control equipment hardware: purchase, maintenance, and upgrades such as new scanners, automated number plate detection systems, mobile laboratories for sample analysis.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Programme covers financing for Member State cooperation such as information exchange and IT systems, exchange of best practices, training, in the field of customs. The report, however, asks for stricter obligations as regards reporting and underlines the importance of avoiding any misuse of EU money.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to amend the existing legal framework in order to address a series of challenges faced by Member States and the supply chain when implementing the current Regulation. It harmonises the restrictions regarding explosives precursors across the EU and thereby makes it more difficult for terrorists to obtain the necessary substances for ‘homemade explosives’ such as the ones used in recent terrorist attacks. Moreover, the proposal seeks to increase the capacity of everyone involved in implementing and enforcing the restrictions and controls.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to establish a common framework for European statistics relating to persons and households, based on data at individual level collected from samples. This is necessary to simplify and make more efficient the data collections in the context of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the strengthening of economic governance.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Recent terrorist attacks have brought this into even greater focus, highlighting the urgent need for information systems to be interoperable and to eliminate the current blind spots where terrorist suspects can be recorded in different, unconnected databases under different aliases. The proposal aims to establish a framework for interoperability between EU information systems (borders and visas) and amend the relevant legislation in force as a consequence.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to establish a framework for interoperability between EU information systems – police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to enhance coordination and to optimise the utilisation of immigration liaison officers (ILOs) deployed in third countries to enable them to respond more effectively to EU priorities in the field of migration and cross-border crime, mainly through a better exchange of information horizontally (between liaison officers deployed in the same location) and vertically (between the liaison officers of Member States’ national authorities, the EU institutions and EU agencies).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Regulation aims at bringing together two aspects of safety, those related to vehicle users (drivers and passengers) and those related to vulnerable road users (mainly pedestrians and cyclists) in a single and coherent legal text.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the request for waiver of the immunity of Georgios Epitideios in accordance with the recommendations by the JURI Committee.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the request for waiver of the immunity of Lampros Fountoulis in accordance with the recommendations by the JURI Committee.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on the request for waiver of the immunity of Eleftherios Synadinos in accordance with the recommendations by the JURI Committee.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to provide UK citizens with the possibility of visa-free travel to the EU after the United Kingdomʼs withdrawal from the European Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Employment guidelines are common priorities and targets for employment policies proposed by the Commission, agreed by national governments. This year, the Commission proposes to maintain the guidelines from 2018 with no changes. According to the Commission, there are no such developments in the economic and labour market situation that would require the change of priorities and targets.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The resolution calls on Member States and industries, as key partners in the waste management sector, to improve their engagement in promoting circular supply chains, in order to gain access to high-quality secondary raw materials, often at competitive prices, that should be recovered for further use and production.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The posting rules which were agreed prohibit fair competition for the Member States which are in the periphery, such as Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria etc. Instead of creating better working conditions for drivers, this report just makes the situation worse. I strongly oppose it.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The provisions which were agreed for this report do not correspond to the real situation which we have in Europe for driving sector. For example, the report prohibits a weekly rest inside the cabin. However, the current situation on European roads is terrible. We have more than 400 000 drivers and only 7000 proper resting places for them. First, the infrastructure should be in place.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The agreed provisions on the report violate competition and equal working conditions for drivers in the EU. It will greatly damage businesses in the peripheral Member States, but will also hit the national economies of the countries, which are heavily dependent on the transport sector.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The amended rules will cover both internal EU gas pipelines and all gas pipelines from non-EU countries into the EU, creating legal clarity for existing and new gas infrastructure. The rule stating that ownership of gas transmission infrastructure must be separate from that of the gas already applies to EU pipelines. With the new legislation, that rule would be applicable in principle to all gas pipelines in the EU, even if they originate outside the Union, with the possibility of derogations for existing gas pipelines and exemptions for new ones.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will cover the budgetary period 2021-2027. Focusing on the socio-economic sustainability of the European fishing fleet, the new fund will continue to support the European fisheries sector in order to move towards more sustainable, innovative and competitive fishing practices.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Western Mediterranean is one of the most developed fishery sub-regions in the Mediterranean, accounting for around 31% of total landings in that area. The agreement provides for postponing the achievement – expected in 2020 – of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) within five years from the entry into force of the plan, taking into account socioeconomic aspects.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It aims to strengthen the security standards applicable to identity cards and to residence documents issued by Member States to European Union citizens and their family members respectively.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. This directive will strengthen the road infrastructure management to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries as well contributing significantly to the improvement of road infrastructure safety across the European Union. Also, it will become mandatory to take systematic account of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users in road safety management procedure.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It is a voluntarily scheme which intends to raise more capital and channel it towards European long-term investments in the real economy. Also, it aims to offer enhanced product features so that citizens benefit from a simple, safe and cost-effective personal pension product while being able to choose from different types of PEPP providers and to encourage PEPP cross-border provision and portability.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The new rules for a better work-life balance aim to increase women’s employment rate, create incentives for fathers to take family-related leave and promote gender equality and equal opportunities. These more adaptable working conditions and family and care-related leave would help working parents and carers balance private and professional interests and avoid the need to choose between family and career.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission proposal, part of the MFF package, establishes rules to protect the Union’s budget in the case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The ESF+ will provide the main EU financial instrument for improving workers’ mobility and employment opportunities and strengthening social cohesion, improving social fairness and increasing competitiveness across Europe for the 2021-2027 period.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report lays down the arrangements for computerising the movement and surveillance of excise goods. It is part of a package of four proposals from May 2018, in which the Commission proposed a series of new rules on excise duties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. is a step forward in expanding the re-use of public sector information as part of the European data economy. The purpose of the proposed recasting amendment is to encourage and facilitate more re-use. Opening up high value datasets for access is essential to the aim of the recast. It is of particular importance to define a list of categories of datasets at EU level in order to ensure coherence and harmonisation at national level.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The EU plays a major role in Mediterranean swordfish fisheries, with more than 70% of the total catches. The Member States involved are Italy, Spain and Greece, which together account for over 90% of the EU quota, with the remainder going to Malta, France, Cyprus and Croatia. Thus, the report highlights the urgency of adopting the recovery plan, and supports the higher standards for data collection and control

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission evaluated the EU regulatory framework on the minimum level of training and certification requirements for seafarers and on the mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates issued by Member States in the context of its regulatory fitness and performance programme (REFIT). The mutual recognition of seafarers’ certificates under Directive 2005/45/EC has fostered the mobility of seafarers among EU flagged vessels.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission intends to lower the annual pre-financing rate for the years 2021 to 2023 from 3% to 1%.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The purpose of the proposal is to update the Schengen Borders Code to adapt the rules for the reintroduction of temporary internal border controls to the current needs as a response to evolving and persistent serious threats to public policy and internal security. The report creates unnecessary paranoia towards border control and reinforces overprotective measures.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The motion for a resolution encourages to seek an opinion from the Court of Justice on the compatibility with the Treaties of the proposed accession of the EU to the Istanbul Convention and the procedure for that accession.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report stresses that in order to enhance the uptake of the pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP), the report called on the Council to elaborate proposals regarding incentives for PEPP savers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal amends the regulation 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. In its last report, the Commission set out recommendations corresponding to outstanding requirements of the visa roadmap, including four key priorities. It noted the border/boundary delineation agreement with Montenegro should be ratified by Kosovo before visa free status is granted to persons from Kosovo.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal concerns the quality of water intended for human consumption. Its objective is to protect human health from adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. An increasingly interconnected single market with stronger digital dimension means that very few companies operate at purely national level. Many investors mention uncertainty over insolvency rules or the risk of lengthy or complex insolvency procedures in another country as a main reason for not investing outside their own country. The proposal puts in place an insolvency framework and encourage effective preventive restructuring, second chance, including measures to increase the efficiency of restructuring.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal complements the existing Satellite and Cable Directive that aims at facilitating cross-border satellite broadcasting and retransmission by cable of TV and radio programmes from other Member State.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The main objectives of the new Creative Europe programme for the period 2021-2027are: the promotion of European cultural and linguistic diversity and Europe’s cultural heritage, the support of quality and diverse European works, reaching large audiences across borders and the strengthening of the international dimension of the European cultural and creative sectors.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal provides a sound implementation for this successful and popular programme in the new MFF. The EP’s position emphasised his report on the inclusiveness of the programme, on the simplification of the procedures and on a stronger scrutiny of the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The taxonomy establishes the conditions and the framework to gradually create a unified classification system on environmentally sustainable economic activities. This is an essential step in the efforts to fulfil the Paris Climate Agreement and to channel investments into sustainable activities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It adopts the estimates of the financial year of the Parliament for 2020. The amount of the Preliminary Draft Estimates 2020 was set at EUR 2 050 430 000, which means an increase of 2.68% over the budget 2019.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. Parliament’s resolution recognises Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Also, it calls for additional sanctions targeting illegitimate state authorities’ assets abroad and those individuals responsible for human rights breaches and repression.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The resolution focuses on and raises concerns regarding constitutional challenges, independence of the media and safety of journalists, and the fight against corruption in Malta and Slovakia.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. This instrument is a new off-budget fund with a budget of EUR 10.5 billion for seven years (next MFF 2021-2027) based on contributions by Member States. It will cover those expenditures that are excluded from financing by the EU budget because of their operational implications in the military or defence field in order to prevent conflict, preserve peace and strengthen international security.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) is part of the Youth Guarantee, which is a scheme whereby Member States implement measures to ensure that young people up to the age of 25 receive a good quality offer of employment, continued education, an apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of leaving school or becoming unemployed. The increase is considerable, namely by an amount of EUR 116.7 million, which brings the total YEI budget for 2019 to EUR 350 million.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Directive sets out general arrangements for goods subject to excise duty, with particular emphasis on the production, storage and movement of excise goods between Member States. The main objective of the Directive 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.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim is to allow a greater number of local products to benefit from tax exemptions or reductions in the outermost regions of the EU of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Réunion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal for a regulation establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument is made in the context of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027. The objective is to uphold and promote the Union’s values and interests worldwide in order to pursue the objectives and principles of its external action.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The objective of an instrument for pre-accession is to prepare the beneficiaries for future membership of the Union and support their accession process, in line with the general objectives of the Union’s external action, including respect for fundamental rights and principles as well as the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposed regulation lays down rules and procedures relating to the recovery and resolution of central counterparties CCPs authorised in accordance with Regulation on OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories. It also lays down rules relating to the arrangements with third countries in the field of recovery and resolution of CCPs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission’s proposal introduces an optional EU scheme that allows crowdfunding platforms to easily deliver their services across the EU single market. It establishes a one-stop-shop access to the EU market and therefore helps crowdfunding platforms in overcoming the barriers they face operating cross-border.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims to amend Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments in order to extend access to finance to innovative companies, start-ups and other non-listed companies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This is the fund-specific regulation for the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds within the cohesion policy. The regulation provides for a new, partially re-constructed architecture of both ERDF and the Cohesion Fund, in particular in terms of categories of regions and eligibility indicators, for the years 2021-2027. The operation of the funds will be simplified, with concurrent strengthening of auditing and controls.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims to reduce CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vans, recasting the current regulations. An update of these measures will be in line with the 2030 climate and energy framework, which foresees a 30% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in sectors not subject to the EU emissions trading system (including transport, among others) compared to 2005 levels.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal focuses on the top 10 single-use plastics items found on beaches as well as on fishing gear. The proposal would introduce a differentiated approach for the items concerned. Proposed measures reach from market restrictions for products where alternatives are available to reduce consumption, product design requirements, marking requirements, awareness raising measures, as well as a separate collection target for bottles and extended producer responsibility requirements.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The regulation will mean up-to date, harmonised EU rules for the fertiliser industry and farmers, both mineral and organic fertilisers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal is going to improve protection of workers against substances provoking cancer at work place. The Directive introduces stricter limit values for exposure of workers to the substances provoking cancers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal better defines the vehicles included in the scope of the Directive, making a distinction between vehicles/load units accompanied or not by their drivers. However, more clarity is needed to define combined transport operations with third countries, especially for the calculation of the distance limit for each road leg.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. In the last years, attention to corporate income tax avoidance has increased considerably and has become a major focus of concern within the EU as well as on a global level. The objective of the proposal is to expand existing transparency obligations of companies to publicly disclose certain information in order to improve tax-related information transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal updates the financial envelope of cohesion policy according to the Parliament’s agreed figures in the November 2018 plenary. Also, it reintroduces the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD, as a shared management fund in the scope of the Regulation for limited provisions, provides for the possibility of a gradual contribution to InvestEU and encourages the possibility of combining financial instruments with grants.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection, which states that ‘In response to events that take place after the adoption of the agenda for a part session, the President, after consulting the Chairs of the political groups, may propose an extraordinary debate. Any such proposal shall be voted on at the start of a sitting or at a scheduled voting time. Members shall be notified of any such proposal for an extraordinary debate at least one hour before the vote’.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection to Rule of Procedure 105(3) which states that ‘In response to events that take place after the adoption of the agenda for a part session, the President, after consulting the Chairs of the political groups, may propose an extraordinary debate. Any such proposal shall be voted on at the start of a sitting or at a scheduled voting time. Members shall be notified of any such proposal for an extraordinary debate at least one hour before the vote’.

2016/11/22

I voted against the objection. I believe that the Commission has reached a balanced approach towards GMO authorisation.

2016/11/22

I voted against the objection. I believe that the Commission has reached a balanced approach towards GMO authorisation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection regarding the implementing act by the Commission regarding certain uses of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) (DEZA a.s.). A further analysis on the matter has to be conducted.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the objection on the implementing act by the Commission regarding certain uses of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). A further analysis is needed on the matter.

2016/11/22

I voted against the objection on the implementing act by the Commission regarding certain uses of chromium trioxide. The authorisations were issued accordingly.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Parliament welcomes the EU and its Member States’ continued efforts to promote democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as economic development and the important nexus with democracy and sustainable security in post-Arab Spring countries. Parliament supports the aspirations of all those in the MENA region, including the majority of young people, who want to establish free, stable, prosperous, inclusive and democratic countries, and welcomes democratic processes in the region and the consequent partnership with the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the request for the waiver of the immunity of Jørn Dohrmann on the basis of the recommendation and analysis of the JURI Committee.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The directive introduces representative actions for national or cross-border infringements of EU law which harm the collective interests of consumers. These representative actions can be brought only by ʻqualified entitiesʼ. The crucial point here is that any collective redress instrument, if needed, should not provide incentives for competitors, third-party investors and law firms to litigate against companies at the expense of consumers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Israel, of the other part, was signed on 20 November 1995. The Agreement entered into force on 1 June 2000. According to its Act of Accession, Croatia undertakes to accede to the international agreements signed or concluded by the European Union and its Member States by means of a protocol to those agreements. On 14 September 2012, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the State of Israel. The negotiations with the State of Israel were successfully concluded on 28 September 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The agreement covers areas such as political dialogue and reforms, the rule of law, justice, freedom and security, human rights, migration, and trade, as well as economic and sustainable development. It will promote a favourable business and investment environment. It also provides for cooperation on foreign policy issues and global challenges such as climate change, corruption and the fight against terrorism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This directive should apply from 1 April 2021, so that the last summer-time period subject to the rules of Directive 2000/84/EC should start, in every Member State, at 1.00, Coordinated Universal Time, on the last Sunday in March 2021. Member States will notify the Commission by 1 April 2020 at the latest if they intend to change their standard time.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposed directive obliges Member States to ensure a more competitive, customer-centred, flexible and non-discriminatory EU electricity market with market-based supply prices. It strengthens existing customer rights, introduces new ones and provides a framework for energy communities. Also, the proposal clarifies the tasks of distribution system operators and emphasises the obligation of neighbouring national regulators to cooperate on issues of cross-border relevance.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to overhaul and modernise the general framework of electricity markets in Europe with the aim of improving competitiveness and flexibility in an increasingly decentralised electricity system. An overhaul of EU electricity market rules was informally agreed to tackle barriers to cross-border trade in electricity and create a real European electricity market in which 70% of all electricity can cross EU borders freely.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Until now the role of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has largely been confined to coordinating, advising and monitoring national regulators and entities for electricity and gas. With this revision of ACERʼs rules, the agencyʼs role will be enlarged and clarified, in particular regarding the rules for the internal market for electricity and gas.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It addresses shortcomings in the existing legislation, notably a lack of regional coordination, and differing national rules and procedures. The proposal would replace the existing legislation, and establish common rules on crisis prevention and crisis management in the electricity sector. Regional interdependencies are taken into account in the preparation of national risk-preparedness plans and in managing crisis situations.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Regulation seeks to increase consumer awareness of the tyre label and improve market surveillance across the EU Member States. It would oblige suppliers to display the tyre label in all forms of purchase, including on the internet.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against the report. I believe that the provisional agreement did not reach a balanced approach, especially towards Articles 11 and 13. It just creates fragmentation of the sector and burden for new businesses. Also, I believe that Article 13 violates fundamental rights and freedom of expression because online platforms would have to use upload filters in order to comply with the Article 13 and its requirements.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It aims at addressing a gap in European and national legislation by creating a standard set of contract law rules, thus preventing the rise of divergent national rules that would hamper cross-border trade, consumer confidence and the growth of the Digital Single Market. The proposed directive concerns business-to-consumer contracts for the supply of digital content and digital services and covers: data produced and supplied in digital form (e.g. music, online video, etc.), services allowing for the creation, processing or storage of data in digital form (e.g. cloud storage), services allowing for the sharing of data (e.g. Facebook, YouTube, etc.), and any durable medium used exclusively as a carrier of digital content (e.g. DVDs).

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The directive which is based on maximum harmonisation, lays down common rules on certain requirements concerning sales contracts concluded between the seller and the consumer. These include rules on conformity of goods with the contract (including a definition of conformity based on objective and subjective criteria), remedies in case of lack of conformity, how these remedies can be exercised, and commercial guarantees.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The GFCM adopts, on the basis of scientific advice, recommendations and resolutions designed to promote the development, conservation, rational management and best utilisation of stocks of living aquatic resources in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea at levels are considered sustainable and at low risk.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It ensures a more coherent and consistent approach to environmental reporting. By simplifying the existing reporting obligations, it helps to reduce administrative costs, improve the quality of available data for future evaluations and increase transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the amendment to the Benchmarks Regulation is to include ESG considerations in the decision-making process of investors and asset managers. Indexes and benchmarks have an indirect but important impact on investments. Many investors rely on benchmarks, in particular in portfolio allocation and to measure the performance of financial products.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal lays down the specific provisions for the European territorial cooperation goal (Interreg) supported by the European Regional Development Fund and external financing instruments for the period 2021-2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution calls on Member States and the EU institution to fight against racism, xenophobia and hate crimes against people of African descent. It includes a call to develop an EU framework for national strategies for the social inclusion and integration and to develop national anti-racism strategies that address the comparative situation of people of African descent in areas such as education, housing, health, employment, policing, social services, the justice system and political participation/representation, and encourage their presence in media and television programmes to adequately address the lack of representation, as well as the lack of role models for children of African Descent.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It calls for a European financial police within the framework of Europol with its own investigatory capacities, as well as for a European framework for cross-border tax investigations and other cross-border financial crimes. Also, it criticises Belgium, Cyprus, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta and the Netherlands on the basis of the 2018 European Semester for facilitating aggressive tax planning globally while acknowledging that some of these Member States have already taken measures to address these criticisms.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Switzerland is highly integrated with the EU and both sides share the same values and face the same regional and global challenges. Therefore, the report calls for the conclusion of the institutional framework agreement as soon as possible, in order to bring coherence to the complex system of 120 existing bilateral agreements, including the establishment of a dispute settlement mechanism.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Commission discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2017.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Special Reports of the Court of Auditors 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. According to these reports, the Commission was granted discharge for the financial year 2017.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report highlights the need to ensure that development aid is pursued in accordance with its original purpose in line with aid effectiveness principles as well as a sharper emphasis on performance and visible actions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Discharge was granted to the European Parliament for the implementation of the 2017 budget. The report welcomes Parliament’s work in the area of human resources and procurement to face the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the European Union. Although noting some improvements in Parliament’s communication strategy, it is critical about the progress of Parliament’s public website, the cost of the House of European History and the means available for the European messages to reach the European citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It postpones its 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. It reiterates that the budget of the European Council and the budget of the Council should be separated in order to contribute to transparency in the financial management of the institutions and to improve the accountability of both institutions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Registrar of the Court of Justice discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Court of Justice for the financial year 2017. However, the institution should consider the adoption of more active case management procedures based on an individual approach and realistic deadlines, while closely monitoring manpower deployment and adopting additional administrative streamlining methods in the future.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Secretary-General of the Court of Auditors discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Court of Auditors for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the fact that 92% of the Court’s recommendations issued in 2014 were implemented by the end of 2017, as were 53% of those issued in 2017.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report grants the Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Economic and Social Committee for the financial year 2017. It welcomes the interinstitutional administrative cooperation with Parliament and the mid-term evaluation results on the implementation of the cooperation agreement between the Committee and the Committee of the Regions, which highlights the successful implementation of several measures.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report grants the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Committee of the Regions for the financial year 2017. It welcomes the commitment to set clear political goals to enhance the Committee’s involvement throughout the political and legislative cycle of the Union’s policies by strengthening the effective partnerships with other Union institutions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report grants 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 asks the EEAS to keep Parliament informed about the results achieved through the aforementioned efforts to improve procurement procedures in delegations, in particular through the Public Procurement Management Tool system and eProcurement and eTendering procedures.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report grants the European Ombudsman discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2017. It emphasises the fact that on the basis of its audit work, the Court concluded that the payments as a whole for the year ended on 31 December 2017 for administrative expenditure of the Ombudsman were free from material error.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The report grants the European Data Protection Supervisor discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2017. It notes that in its annual report for 2017, the Court observed no serious weaknesses in respect of the audited topics related to the human resources and procurement activities of the European Data Protection Supervisor.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. All agencies were granted discharge for the financial year 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report grants the Director of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. It acknowledges that the Agency overall delivered on its work programme, despite significant challenges related to the available resources.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report grants the Management Committee of the Office of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications discharge in respect of the implementation of the Office’s budget for the financial year 2017. It welcomes the Commission’s proposal to incorporate into the Office’s founding regulation an obligatory periodical external performance evaluation every five years.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report grants the Director of the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2017. It insists on the adequate geographical distribution of its staff as well as of its middle and senior management.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training discharge in respect of the implementation of the centre’s budget for the financial year 2017.The report welcomes the centre’s focus on the development of competences and skills, in particular among the low-skilled, to support the objective of labour-market inclusion through vocational education and training (VET), work-based learning and apprenticeships. It also welcomes its contributions to the Erasmus+ Programme, the New Skills Agenda for Europe, Europass and Skills Panorama, which has succeeded in reaching its primary target groups, namely policymakers and experts.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2017.The report calls on the agency further to incorporate in its curriculum and its training activities a significant element of anti-radicalisation, anti-racism and anti-discrimination training, wherever possible; and requests it to develop specific training on the procedural safeguards for children who are suspects or accused in criminal proceedings.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the further steps taken to enhance the transparency of the agency’s activities by reporting the meetings that its staff have with external stakeholders and making the relevant information available on the agency’s website.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, postponing the decision on granting the Executive Director of the European Asylum Support Office discharge in respect of the implementation of the office’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report acknowledges the major risks inherent in the nature of the office’s activities, and extraordinary operational challenges caused by the migration influx in 2015, 2016 and 2017. However, it finds it regrettable that those risks were not mitigated by a solid governance structure and effective controls.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Banking Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report acknowledges the measures the authority already has in place and its ongoing efforts to secure transparency, to prevent and manage conflicts of interests, and to protect whistle-blowers.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control discharge in respect of the implementation of the centre’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the fact that the centre has prioritised activities addressing the threats posed by antimicrobial resistance and the rise of vaccine hesitancy in the Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report acknowledges the agency’s existing measures and ongoing efforts to secure transparency and whistle-blower protection. According to the Agency, all meetings of its senior management with interest groups are registered and published on its website to ensure full transparency.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, granting discharge to the Executive Director of the European Environment Agency in respect of the implementation of the agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report calls on the agency to take measures ensuring better gender balance within its senior management.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants 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. The report notes the agency’s efforts to ensure a cost-effective and environment-friendly workplace. However, the agency does not have any additional measures in place to reduce or offset CO2 emissions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report granting discharge to the Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority in respect of the implementation of the authority’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report notes that the authority should continue paying special attention to public opinion, and commit itself to openness and transparency.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It grants discharge to the Director of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) in respect of the implementation of the institute’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report calls for the EIGE, as the European Union expertise centre on gender equality, to be assigned to monitor the implementation of the Istanbul Convention.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report stresses the need to allocate sufficient resources, 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 the report. It grants the interim director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology discharge in respect of the implementation of the Institute’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report highlights the number of outstanding issues and ongoing corrective measures in response to the Court’s comments in 2014, 2015 and 2016 related in particular to funding condition, funding from public, grants and private sources.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report reiterates the important role of the Agency in protecting and promoting public and animal health by assessing and supervising medicines for human or veterinary use.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction discharge in respect of the implementation of the Centre’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report notes that the Centre put in place a procurement plan which was successfully executed in close collaboration with all units.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Maritime Safety Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report highlights that the Agency’s know-how and in-house capabilities provide the opportunity to expand its action and service provision to a more global scale, thereby contributing to increasing the reach of Union regulatory frameworks and safety and environmental standards.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report notes that the Agency finds it difficult to recruit, attract and hold suitably qualified staff, mainly due to the types of post that are being offered (contract agents posts) and the low correction coefficient factor which applies to the salaries of the Agency’s employees in Greece.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Railway Agency (now the European Union Agency for Railways) discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report supports the progress of the Agency towards an increased cooperation with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in order to develop a common safety culture.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Securities and Markets Authority discharge in respect of the implementation of the Authority’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report notes that, as the Authority’s workload is increasingly shifting from regulatory tasks to enforcing and applying the Union law, the Authority’s budgetary and personnel resources should be reallocated.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director of the European Training Foundation discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the fact that the Foundation launched an obligatory on-line anti-fraud awareness exercise among its existing staff, as well as among its new staff in form of an obligatory induction exercise.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It rants the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report requests the Commission, the Member States and other concerned parties to take into account the importance of ensuring gender balance when presenting their nominees for members of the Management Board.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the Agency’s strong commitment to ensure that all workers enjoy the same occupational health and safety rights regardless of the size of the company, the type of contract or the employment relationship.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director-General of the Euratom Supply Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the fact that the cancellation of carryovers from 2016 to 2017 amounted to EUR 148.09, representing 1.44% of the total amount carried over, and a decrease of 2.07% in comparison to 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director of the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions discharge in respect of the implementation of the Foundation’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report acknowledges the Foundation’s progress in completing its four-year programme that identified four specific priority policy areas for the Foundation’s future work programme.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Administrative Director of Eurojust discharge in respect of the implementation of Eurojust’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report encourages Eurojust to consider adopting a fundamental rights strategy, including a reference to fundamental rights in a code of conduct that could define the duties of its staff and training for staff.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) discharge in respect of the implementation of Europol’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report asks Europol to cooperate with the eight other agencies on justice and home affairs with a view to investigating possible mergers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report encourages the Agency to intensify its co-operation with international organisations, such as the Council of Europe and the United Nations, in order to find and use synergies, whenever possible.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the executive director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year2017. The report welcomes the fact that the Agency promotes interagency cooperation, especially in the field of coastguard function, but also in the field of customs and law enforcement cooperation, in order to fully exploit the advantages of multi-purpose operations as an important element of integrated border management.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the European Global Navigation Satellite Systems Agency (GSA) discharge in respect of the implementation of the Agency’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report notes that, according to the Court’s report, in 2017, a mid-term evaluation of the Galileo and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) programmes and of the Agency’s performance in the period 2014-2016 was carried out on behalf of the Commission.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017, The report notes that experts confirm that the Joint Undertaking has attracted a satisfactory level of participation of the best Union players in the areas of the selected value chains.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the successful closure of the Clean Sky programme with the delivery in 2017 of a total of 28 significant demonstrators (ground and flight tested) together with having selected all its core partners and having achieved the addition of the partners to the programme, bringing the total to 497 participants.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the Electronic Components and Systems for European Leadership (ECSEL) Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report acknowledges the fact that the Court’s report states that the transactions underlying the annual accounts of the Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2017 were, in all material respects, legal and regular.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU) discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the numerous communication activities organised in 2017 that further contributed to increased visibility of the (FCH 2 JU).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the IMI 2 Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the IMI 2 Joint Undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the strategy to involve SMEs as IMI Joint Undertaking´s beneficiaries and thus contributing to the creation of a value chain.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Director of the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report notes that the content, structure and therefore the reliability and effectiveness of the schedules has been improved during the last years.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the SESAR Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the joint undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report notes that the first audits of SESAR 2020 indicate that the number and level of errors is lower due to simplifications introduced in Horizon 2020 and the increased experience major beneficiaries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Executive Director of the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking discharge in respect of the implementation of the Joint Undertaking’s budget for the financial year 2017. The report welcomes the Joint Undertaking’s willingness to experiment in 2018 a simplification of the administrative procedures through the implementation of the pilot Lump Sum Grant in a confined Programme control framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The decommissioning of the Ignalina power plant is the only sort of a kind project in Europe both in size and technical characteristics of the reactors which are of a same type as in Chernobyl. When entering to the EU, Lithuania took a responsibility and agreed to an early closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in order to complete its accession in 2004. Nevertheless, the complete decommissioning of Ignalina power plant is a responsibility not only of Lithuania, but also of the EU and it is our efforts to ensure that the closure process is smooth and efficient. An efficient long-term financial certainty for the project is they key.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. One of the main fallouts from the economic crisis has been the decline in investment in the EU. Therefore, the EIB should further support the EU countries in order to contribute to economic recovery. The report welcomed the EIB Group’s willingness to enhance EU competitiveness, provide real support for growth and job creation, and contribute to solving socio-economic challenges by pursuing its overarching public policy goals relating to innovation, SMEs and midcap finance, infrastructure, the environment, economic and social cohesion, and the climate.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The problem of looted cultural goods, which were plundered in wartime through acts of violence, confiscation or by apparently legal transactions or auctions, remains part of human history. The report calls on the Commission to develop common principles regarding access to public or private archives containing information on property identification and to identify common principles on how ownership or title is established, prescription and standards of proof and to define the notion of looting and art.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Currently legislation varies across Member States, which contributes to legal uncertainty and discourages business from engaging in cross-border operations. To combat this, it is important to bring a level of consistency and clear, uniform and easily accessible and enforceable rules in legislation across Member States, especially when dealing with cross-border mergers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The high levels of overfishing and the ineffective regulatory framework have been identified as the main problems affecting the demersal fisheries in the western Mediterranean. The proposed multiannual plan at EU level is intended to address these problems, and to ensure that fishing activities are environmentally sustainable and able to secure economic, social and employment benefits.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal establishes rules to protect the Union’s budget in the case of generalised deficiencies as regards the rule of law in Member States. The report proposes to strengthen in particular the procedure to adopt/lift measures needed in case of deficiency. Also it makes the request to reinforce the protection of the final beneficiaries of programmes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Fiscalis is an EU cooperation programme which enables national tax administrations to create and exchange information and expertise. The proposal is a part of the package for the next MFF. The budget of the programme 2021-2027 is proposed to be EUR 339 million.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The goal of the programme is to promote common European values and rights. For that reason, the EU has combined several instruments in a policy mix of legislation, policies and funding.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The proposed new European instrument should complement activities to promote the establishment of effective nuclear safety standards in third countries, building on the experience of nuclear safety operations within the Euratom Community in order to ensure nuclear safety in Europe.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The situation on late payments within the EU is improving in some Member States but it is still quite bad in others. Therefore, both the Late Payment Directive and national legislation on late payments should be better enforced through measures aimed at improving rules on payment terms. Special attention should also be paid to late payments by public authorities who bear a special responsibility in fostering a business environment supportive of timely payments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report recognises the valuable contribution of the EIB to provide long-term finance and expertise for projects and to leverage additional investment to help achieve the EU’s objectives. Also, it calls on the EIB to step up its efforts in terms of communication and to further enhance transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasises that differentiated integration should reflect the idea that Europe does not work on a one-size-fits-all approach, but can adapt to the needs and wishes of its citizens. Therefore, differentiation should be a constitutional tool to ensure flexibility when needed, without compromising the entire political system and equality between citizens.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report endorses the Ombudsman’s recommendations for the Council’s work to: systematically record the identity of Member State governments when they express positions in Council preparatory bodies; to develop clear and publicly available criteria for how it designates documents as ‘LIMITE’ in line with EU law; and to systematically review the ‘LIMITE’ status of documents at an early stage, before the final adoption of a legislative act, including before informal negotiations in trilogies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. This Commission document concerns the EU’s consolidated accounts for the year 2016 and details how spending by the EU institutions and bodies was carried out. It is the responsibility of the Commission’s Accounting Officer to prepare the EU’s consolidated annual accounts and ensure that they present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position, the result of the operations and the cash flows of the EU institutions and bodies, including the European Asylum Support Office (EASO), with a view to granting discharge.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The adoption of the Protocol on agriculture products between the European Union and Morocco, with a very broad majority, puts an end to the legal instability created by the decision of the Court of Justice in Luxembourg of December 2016 that had an impact on the status of the political relationship with Morocco.In its decision to exclude from the application of the protocol the territory of the Western Sahara, the court indicated the way to adjust the process by obtaining the support of the population in Western Sahara affected by the protocol. Also, it permits a strong re-launch of the political relationship with Morocco, which remains a key partner for the European Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. On 12 March 2018, the Council authorised the Commission to open negotiations on a mutually agreed solution with China. Those negotiations were concluded and an agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Union and China was initialled on 18 June 2018. The agreement seeks to open tariff rate quotas on certain poultry meat products.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is and will remain one of the special instruments that allow the European Union to react to unforeseen circumstances. Also, the Commission proposal comes with new elements such as a wider scope of significant restructuring events that will be eligible for funding, lowering from 500 to 250 the threshold of displaced workers for a case to be eligible, etc.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal merges the current European Social Fund (ESF), the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) and the European Health Programme in order to simplify, inject flexibility into and optimise current procedures, facilitate visibility and accessibility for the EU beneficiaries and ensure synergies.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The regulation provides for a new, partially reconstructed architecture for the territorial dimension of cohesion policy for the years 2021-2027. Cross-border and other territorial cooperation inside and on the external borders of the EU will be simpler, focusing on its core tasks. The report also reaches out to the future, with the new interregional innovative investment initiative, while re-integrating maritime regions into the broader cross-border cooperation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. To prepare for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU on 30 March 2019, it is necessary to address the apportionment of the respective EU and UK tariff rate quotas (TRQ) for agricultural and non-agricultural products included in the EU’s WTO schedule of concessions and commitments annexed to the GATT 1994. The 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.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This funding programme for financial assistance addresses the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the management of the arising waste under a common instrument to optimise synergies and knowledge sharing in order to secure meeting of relevant obligations. The proposed budget is EUR 466 000 000 and is planned to be used for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities in Slovakia, Bulgaria, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Association Agreement between the EU and Central America was the first region-to-region association agreement concluded by the EU. The Agreement tries to meet one of its key initial aims as it intends to strengthen the process of regional integration among the Central American countries by supporting intra-regional institutions, cooperation and dialogues.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The InvestEU Fund is the Union’s new investment instrument for the period 2021-2027. It brings together the multitude of financial programmes currently available and expands the successful model of the Investment Plan for Europe, the Juncker Plan, to further boost job creation, investment and innovation. The Programme provides for an EU budget guarantee to support investment and access to finance in the EU with the aim of triggering EUR 650 billion in additional investment. The InvestEU Fund is meant to support four policy windows: sustainable infrastructure; research, innovation and digitisation; small and medium-sized businesses; and social investment and skills.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The purpose of the proposed directive is to simplify formalities for unrepresented EU citizens in third countries whose passport or travel document have been lost, stolen or destroyed, in order to ensure that they are provided with an emergency travel document by other Member States, allowing them to travel back home.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Commission proposes a new five-year programme Euratom research and training programme which will pursue the current key research activities and expand research into non-power applications of ionising radiation, and make improvements in the areas of education, training and access to research infrastructure. The proposal is part of the legislative package for the research and innovation framework programme Horizon Europe.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report recalled that the euro remains unchallenged as the second most important currency in the international monetary system. The ECB expects inflation to gradually pick up over the medium term, supported by the impact of the current monetary policy stance, continuing economic expansion, rising wages and the absorption of economic slack. Lastly, the report noted that the EU economy grew at its fastest rate in ten years in 2017 and that all Member States saw their economies expand. Unemployment in the EU is at its lowest level since 2008, although it continues to dramatically affect young people.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report provides us with a view of how the Banking Union has helped foster the single market, contributed to the level playing field as well as to financial stability. It recalled that the completion of the Banking Union, including a European Deposit Insurance Scheme and a fiscal backstop for the Single Resolution Fund, must continue, as must measures to achieve risk reduction, which contributes to further increasing financial stability and growth prospects.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The assessment of the implementation of the Trade Agreement between the European Union and Colombia/Peru 5 years after its entry into force shows some significant positive effects on the bilateral trade relationships. The stronger cooperation originated by the Trade Agreement has given both parties mechanisms and leverage to tackle commercial irritants by solving part of them as well as increase the number of SMEs starting exporting from Colombia and Peru into the European Union. The Agreement has also increased a the dialogue on social and environmental issues. In this context the two Latin American countries have done important progress and such a way should be encouraged by the European Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The text condemns all forms of violence against women and urges Member States that have not yet ratified the Istanbul Convention to do so ‘without delay’. It supports the 2017 demonstrations against the regression of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights as well as the extensive media coverage of sexual harassment cases. Also, it emphasizes that the rule of law must be regularly and impartially assessed based on objective criteria in all the Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report on the multiannual framework also presented a new financial instrument to provide financial support for customs control equipment, namely for purchasing, maintenance, and upgrading. The instrument could be implemented in synergy with other activities under the Border Management Fund; the equipment financed could also be used, if this were needed, for controlling human movement on the border.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The agreement will ensure a legally binding framework for the joint operations and rapid border interventions conducted by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency on the territory of Albania. The main provisions concern the operational plan which must be agreed between the Agency and Albania and the tasks and powers of the team members, who should respect fundamental rights in the exercise of their powers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The agreement provides the basis for strong and lasting relations and the stable, secure and sustainable development of both parties in the areas of market economy and international trade, fighting corruption, strengthening of international cooperation, countering terrorism and conflict prevention.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It is key for Europe to be at the forefront of this field, in order to reap the benefits of automated road transport and to successfully compete with the enormous thrust of efforts elsewhere in the US, China or Japan. Standardisation efforts at international level, namely in the framework of the UNECE and Vienna Convention, need to be further coordinated and help to ensure seamless interoperability of vehicles across borders.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Road transport is the dominant transport mode for goods and passengers in the EU and employs around 1.6 million people. Over the years, the EU has developed a range of rules to ensure a fair, well-functioning, safe and socially sustainable road transport sector. European legislation on the use of hired vehicles without drivers for the carriage of goods by road has been in operation for 25 years. The adopted directive is closely linked to the new rules on access to the profession and access to the haulage market, as well as to the access to the coach and bus market, with an overall aim to ensuring fair competition, simplifying existing rules, preserving the internal market and ensuring the rights of workers in this sector.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The new Regulation on the horizontal safeguard clause in trade agreements is the result of a close and fruitful cooperation among the three Institutions. A safeguard instrument is designed to provide a safety net by suspending further tariff liberalisation or increase the customs duty rate up to the Most Favoured Nation rate when, as a result of commitments in an free trade agreement and unforeseen developments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report introduces stricter obligations for reporting and underlines the importance of avoiding any misuses of EU funding and lack of financing due to Brexit.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union shall bring an end to the membership of the United Kingdom in the European Investment Bank (EIB), to its subscribed capital in the Bank, to its right to nominate members and alternate members of the board of directors, and to the term of office of the members and alternate members of the board of directors nominated by the United Kingdom. The report set out certain amendments to the statue of the EIB after Brexit.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report takes stock of the state of play inside the European Parliament on promoting and achieving gender mainstreaming both, in the administration and at policy level from the perspective of gender mainstreaming.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report outlines that fusion is expected to play an important role in the future European and global energy landscape as a potentially inexhaustible, safe, climate-friendly, environmentally responsible and economically competitive source of energy. Europe has, from the start, played a leading role in the ITER project, developed in close collaboration with the non-European signatories to the ITER Agreement (the US, Russia, Japan, China, South Korea and India). The proposal by the Commission seeks to secure funding for the EU participation in the project in the MFF 2021-2027.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Effective public sector reform is essential to help Member States to adapt to changing circumstances, increase resilience, expand eGovernment and improve delivery of services. The report notes that public administration and governance policies are spread across various Commission services and that complicates the coordination among concerned services. Therefore the recently created Structural Reform Support Programme service responsible for that coordination should have enough resources. The report also calls for the topic to be allocated to a Commissioner in the future.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report stresses that freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is a universal human right, a value of the EU and an important and undeniable pillar of dignity, greatly impacting all individuals. The report strongly welcomes the fact that the 2013 Guidelines mainstream the promotion and protection of FoRB in EU foreign policy and external actions. It considers the appointment of the Special Envoy as an important step forward and a clear recognition of FoRB within the human rights agenda of EU foreign policy and external actions, both bilateral and multilateral, and within development cooperation.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The report intends to highlight how the taxation system discriminates against women. It calls on a shift from joint taxation to individual taxation to ensure that tax and cash benefits as well as in-kind government services are equally shared. However the report seems highly ideological. Moreover, freedom of choice between individual and joint taxation systems was not properly enough established in the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. In March 2018, the European Commission presented a proposal to introduce statutory backstops for ‘non-performing exposures’. These concern loans, debt securities or certain overdue off-balance-sheet items. Since the financial crisis, the EU has aimed to address the high numbers of these non-performing exposures, including in particular non-performing loans, as they risk destabilising the financial sector and thereby the EU economy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report tackles the slow settlement of commercial disputes in the EU. In a number of Member States, it takes up to 3-4 years to enforce a commercial contract. Many companies are by law obliged to make reservations in their books for amounts under dispute. Civil procedures are currently not well harmonised in the EU. In addition, the choice of law in commercial contracts is not evenly distributed between the different Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report simplifies space governance, improves the allocation of responsibilities, increases the space budget, includes downstream markets, safeguards Govsatcom, bolsters the EU’s space diplomacy and promotes EU technology and industry. The EP budget proposal for space: overall budget of EUR 16.9 billion for the period 2021-2027 (EC originally proposed EUR 16), with the following indicative breakdown: Galileo/ EGNOS: EUR 9.7 billion; Copernicus: EUR 6 billion; SSA/Govsatcom: EUR 1.2 billion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Digital Europe Programme is a new instrument with its main objective to boost Europe’s digital transformation to the benefit of citizens and businesses. The Commission’s proposal foresees EUR 9.1 billion over the period 2021—2027 to be spent in the five areas (Supercomputers, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Skills and digital transformation of public service).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Following the Council Decision concerning its conclusion, the original Agreement between the US and the EU on cooperation in the regulation of civil aviation safety entered into force on 1 May 2011, in order to ensure the continuation of high-level cooperation and harmonisation between parties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Given the rapidly growing digital economy it is of utmost importance to adopt taxation laws to ensure that a level playing field is maintained concerning either digital or traditional companies. The most preferred solution would be the international solution developed by OECD, but pending a comprehensive solution which may take time to adopt and implement, the EU faces pressure to act on this issue, particularly when Member States start to adopt unilateral solutions to address the problem.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This report recognises the recent proliferation of research and investment in both the public and private sectors to implementing blockchain for a variety of uses. Therefore, a measured and rational approach is required to investigate exactly where blockchain can offer tangible benefits.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution notes that the Agrofert Group, founded by Mr Babiš received last year EUR 82 million of EU funding and tens of millions of euro annually since 2013. The text quotes the legal opinion of the Commission, which states that according to the declaration of income of Czech public officials during the first half of this year, Mr Babiš himself received an income of EUR 3.5 million from Agrofert via his trust funds. The resolution calls on the Commission to suspend all EU funding to Agrofert until the conflict of interest is fully investigated and resolved. It also requests the Commission to recover all funds that have been illegally or irregularly paid out.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The annual report on the activities of the European Ombudsman in 2017 was formally submitted to the President of the European Parliament on 22 May 2018 and the Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, presented the report to the Committee on Petitions in Brussels on 16 May 2018.The Ombudsman’s top three concerns in the inquiries closed in 2017 were: transparency, accountability and public access to information and documents (20.6%), culture of service (16.8%) and respect for procedural rights (16.5%). Other concerns include ethical issues, public participation in EU decision-making, respect for fundamental rights, proper use of discretion including in infringement procedures, sound financial management of EU tenders, grants and contracts, recruitment and good management of EU personnel issues.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The work of the Committee on Petitions arises from the right to petition Parliament exercised by the citizens, and is not directly attached to the legislative programme of the Commission. According to the statistics, 1 569 petitions were submitted to the European Parliament in 2016 which represents an increase of 9.6% compared to 2015 when 1 431 petitions were received. Users of the petitions web portal have the possibility to support petitions. In 2015, 902 users supported one or several petitions, while in 2016, seven times as many users (6 132) acted as supporters.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims at updating both the revenue and expenditure sides of the EU’s 2018 budget to cover more recent economic forecasts.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report states that the Parliament and the Council agreed, at the budgetary trilogue of 4 December 2018, to further mobilise the Flexibility Instrument by EUR 178 715 475 as a result of reinforcements of Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ programmes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) supports EU Member States struck by natural disasters, through providing financial assistance to contribute to a rapid return to normal conditions. EUR 50 million is the budgetary proposal to mobilise the EUSF in order to have advance payments available for affected countries in the 2019 budget.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The agreement includes the following elements: boosting funds for jobs, in particular youth unemployment; Erasmus+; research, SMEs; climate protection; tackling migration and root causes of migration; enforcing security -related agencies, additional support for Member States affected by African swine fever and cuts in funding for Turkey.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. This is the biggest-ever free trade agreement concluded by the EU in the world, with 40% of global trade, 30% of world GDP within 635 million people. It will remove EUR 1 billion of duties paid annually by the EU companies exporting to Japan.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union, its Member States and Jordan was negotiated on the basis of the Council Decision adopted in October 2007 authorising the opening of negotiations. The Agreement was signed on 15 December 2010. It opens the respective markets and integrates Jordan into a Common Aviation Area with the EU, enabling all EU airlines to operate direct flights to Jordan from anywhere in the EU and vice-versa for Jordanian carriers. Cross-investments are encouraged and it removes all restrictions on prices, routes and quotas of flights between Jordan and the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Decision lays down the operational objectives, activities and rules for the implementation of the specific programme. It establishes shorter time to grant and more bottom-up calls, safeguards the ‘excellence’ criterion, strengthens the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT) as well as adds a new ‘Excellence initiative’ to the widening part supporting excellence in EU 13, building networks and increase synergies with the European Regional Development Fund.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report’s main points include an increased budget of EUR 120 billion, administrative simplifications for quicker funding, safeguard of the excellence criterion and a stronger involvement of all Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution addresses the fact that the goal of the European Commission to create a fully functioning Single Market has not been reached during the mandate and asks for more ambitious goals and legislative proposals to be implemented in the next mandate so that Europe would reach its goal.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report suggests to the Council to expand the powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to include the fight against organised crime and terrorism. Also, the creation of an EU ‘Centre of Excellence for Preventing Radicalisation’ (CoE PR) is encouraged. The report encourages Member States to ban and remove all printed and online propaganda that explicitly incites violent extremism and terrorist acts. It asks the Commission to create an online European platform for citizens to flag online terrorist content as well as to propose legislation establishing one centralised ECRIS system, allowing for the exchange of criminal record information concerning both EU nationals and third-country nationals. Europol should become a hub for decrypting information lawfully obtained in criminal investigations and to better support Member States. The establishment of a European Union Terrorist Financing Tracking System (TFTS) targeted on transactions by individuals with links to terrorism and their financing within the Single Euro Payments Area is strongly desired.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This report rolls out the European Parliament’s (EP) position to the 2017 Annual Report from the Council to the EP on the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The report provides a holistic view of the ongoing trends in international relations and the place and role of the European Union therein. Particular attention is paid to: a general strategic outlook, the EU approach, strengthening the strategic approach of the EU, financing of EU external action, the nexus between hard and soft power, as well as possible new solutions strengthening the coherence of EU external action.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. In this resolution, the European Parliament reacts to the 2017 Annual Report from the Council to the EP on the Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular the implementation of the Common Security and Defence Policy. It focuses primarily on: the Union’s strategic environment, general future of CSDP, capabilities for the Union’s security and defence, PESCO, CSDP missions and operations, EU-NATO relationship, CSDP partnerships, and last but not least, the parliamentary dimension.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The main aim of this report is to look at the human rights and democracy challenges in third countries and the parliamentary scrutiny of human rights in external policies for the year 2016. It also seeks to clarify the cycle of human rights policy-making within the European Union. The rapporteur sees the role of Parliament as essential for the mainstreaming of human rights in the EU’s external policy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. European defence is one of the key priorities for the EU as underlined by the European Defence Action Plan adopted by the Commission in 2016. For that reason, the Commission has proposed the creation of a special fund to foster the EU’s defence capabilities as well as research and development in this sector. It was proposed to establish a dedicated fund under the 2021—2027 multiannual financial framework, ‘scaling up the funding for collaborative research in innovative defence products and technologies and for subsequent stages of the development cycle, including the development of prototypes’.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The CEF Programme beyond 2020 will continue to accelerate investment in the field of the trans-European networks (TEN) with the aim to complete and modernise the networks (core and comprehensive) taking into account climate objectives and making explicit horizontal objectives and priorities (cross-border and missing links), with a view to adapting to military requirements supporting dual-use civil and military transport infrastructure. With simplified rules on eligible actions and entities, synergies between the transport, energy and digital sectors, grants and award criteria, the view of the co-rapporteurs is to maintain the direct management by the Commission and introduce a more transparent approach on the work programmes. It will make the Programme more coherent and complementary with other EU programmes, respecting the current rules applied as provided for in the Financial Regulation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report is the first of annual reports assessing the pace of the implementation of the AA/DCFTA with Ukraine. It sheds light on the general political climate and reform effort. It outlines areas where there has been positive change and where progress lags. It identifies as well EP’s major concerns in relation to Ukraine: a proper functioning legal framework to fight corruptions, including institutions, financial transparency and audit; finalisation of the decentralisation reform; lack of efforts in de-oligarchisation and privatisation. The report also addresses the latest security developments in the Sea of Azov in relation to the construction of the bridge over the Strait of Kerch and the incident of 25 November 2018.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This report is based on the fact that given the rapid technological changes, education systems should seek to adapt, both in terms of using new technologies and of teaching skills and competences and training teachers and trainers. The acquisition of digital skills requires a coherent lifelong approach anchored in formal, non-formal and informal education settings.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The compromises that were reached in the EMPL Committee do not provide a balanced approach, especially with regard to the posting of workers. Also, the unfair mechanism for reimbursement of workersʼ unemployment benefits ʻdrainsʼ poorer social security systems in favour of richer ones.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The creation of a European Labour Authority is necessary because of the fast increase in the number of Europeans working in a Member State other than their country of origin, the large number of daily commuters and the important need for information on job opportunities and rights at home and abroad. The new concept of a European Labour Authority is closely related to three principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights, on active support for employment, on secure and adaptable employment and on social protection.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Commission has committed funds to Member States’ national programmes under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) to support the implementation of Council Decisions establishing provisional measures in the area of international protection for the benefit of Italy and Greece. Of the EUR 843 million committed in 2016 to Member States’ national programmes under the AMIF, some EUR 567 million are still available. However, payments should be made for these commitments before the end of 2018, after which the amounts will no longer be available to Member States for their national programmes under the AMIF.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE), established for the period 2014 to 2020, is the latest in a series of Union programmes over 25 years which support the implementation of environmental and climate legislation and policy priorities. Through its catalytic role, the programme supports small scale actions intended to initiate, expand or promote sustainable production, distribution and consumption practices, as well as to protect natural heritage.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The directive sets obligations for employers such as to eliminate or replace with a substance, which is not or less dangerous. This obligation is mandatory only if an alternative is available. Also, it reduces workers’ level of exposure as much as is technically possible, wherever a carcinogen or mutagen is used, the employer shall apply prescribed protection procedure.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. The report is supposed to strengthen the transparency rules applicable to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), increase the reliability, objectivity and independence of the studies on which EFSA relies for risk assessment and improve EFSA’s governance and strengthen risk communication. However, a more balanced approach should have been reached in regard to the disclosure of information.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report states that the European Parliament will nominate one independent expert to the Management Board without voting rights. The person selected for the post of executive director will make a statement before the European Parliament and respond to questions, without this delaying his/her appointment. Gender balance in the Management Board is strengthened. A management board at the most senior level of each agency is responsible for the adoption of the budget and the approval of strategic priorities. It also has appointing authority powers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This proposed regulation seeks to revise the founding regulation of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) for a fourth time. This revision will allow to define more precisely the role of EU-OSHA in supporting the Commission and other EU institutions and bodies, the Member States, the social partners and those involved in the field in shaping and implementing policies on health and safety at work at both national and European levels.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The revision of the agreement updated the objectives and tasks of Eurofound in order to reflect the developments within the agency. Involvement of the European Parliament will be ensured through an independent expert appointed by the parliamentary committee responsible. Eurofound’s governance structure has also been improved: the Management Board is responsible for the adoption of the budget and approval of strategic priorities. The board keeps its tripartite structure and is assisted in its tasks by an executive board, which supports the decision-making and monitoring processes. Emphasis on gender balance on the Management Board is strengthened.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The approach is based on two main principles: trying to keep the EU type-approval system as consistent as possible, and not undermining the general Brexit negotiations.The report aims to address the consequences of the UK’s withdrawal for the European system of type approval of motor vehicles, in order to ensure regulatory compliance and business continuity. Following Brexit, manufacturers who obtained approvals in the UK in the past will be able to obtain new approvals from EU27 type-approval authorities, in order to ensure continued compliance with EU legislation and retain access to the Union market. The principle of liability is maintained on both sides, for manufacturers and for the type-approval authorities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against. The proposed maximum level set by the Commission for acetamiprid in certain products complies with EU standards.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Commission is being asked for a legislative proposal to establish a European Humanitarian Visa giving access to European territory – exclusively to the Member State issuing the visa – for the sole purpose of submitting an application for international protection. Despite many announcements and requests for safe and legal pathways for asylum-seekers into Europe, the EU lacks a harmonised framework of protected entry procedures.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Although an increasing number of people have been travelling to the EU for tourism and business in recent years, visa application procedures are still costly and cumbersome. With the recast proposal on the visa code, the Commission aims to facilitate tourism, trade and business, whilst strengthening security and mitigating irregular migration.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Adoption of the report is Parliament’s response by means of consultation to the COM amending proposal to the VAT Directive as regards the temporary application of a generalised reverse charge mechanism in relation to supplies of goods and services above a certain threshold.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the report is to confirm the position of the European Parliament in the process of the full accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the Schengen area. As a part of the implementation of the Entry/Exit System, passive access to the Visa Information System (VIS) and Schengen Information System (SIS) was granted to both Member States.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Military mobility is considered to be a concrete step designed to meet the EU’s specific security and defence needs, related to collective defence and the ability to intervene in crises abroad is fundamentally dependent on the capability to move troops, material and equipment across Member States territory freely and rapidly. A substantial number of obstacles, physical, legal and regulatory, often make these movements difficult by imposing significant delays. The aim of military mobility is to overcome those limitations. Achieving military mobility in Europe is an undertaking derived first and foremost from the expressed commitment and political will of Member States, while the EU should contribute by guiding the process by setting a framework for requirements, providing funding and drafting protocols to facilitate the efficient movement of technical equipment and human resources.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Europe is facing multiple challenges, such as growing social inequalities, diverse populations, populism, radicalisation, and security threats that shake the foundations of European integration and call into question the solidarity between Member States. Therefore, the aim of the report is not only to feed into the shaping of cultural policies and the assessment of the results of the previous Agenda. It is also to ensure that the right balance is struck between social, economic and cultural policies and that there is consistency between the new Agenda and other programmes such as Creative Europe and Europe for Citizens.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report asks Member States for more timely and efficient implementation of the relevant Directives from 2014 and the Commission for better and more clearly organised guidelines to help the Member States. It underlines the importance of the quality criteria: other factors than the lowest price, disregarding quality, sustainability and social inclusion, should be applied. Also, it suggests concrete ways to encourage SMEs to take part in tenders and avoid the risk of single supplier dependency.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. In July 2013, the Commission presented its proposal for a single, updated legal framework for Eurojust. Whilst building on Council Decision 2002/187/JHA which established Eurojust, the proposal included a new governance model for the Agency and provisions to streamline its functioning and structure. The new legislation will provide Eurojust with an updated mandate, a streamlined administrative structure and high data protection standards.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It will facilitate cross-border recovery of criminal assets and lead to more efficient freezing and confiscation of funds from illicit origin in the EU without cumbersome formalities. Recovered assets will be used for the compensation of victims, where national legislation allows it. It also provides additional funds to invest back into law enforcement activities or other crime prevention initiatives or it can be used for other public interest or social purpose.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The regulation unifies the EU data market by prohibiting requirements for data to be located in a specific territory of the Union. It could be called as an establishment of the fifth EU fundamental right – free movement of data. In the case where personal and non-personal data are overlapping this Regulation shall not prejudice the application of General Data protection regulation. The grounds of public security as an exception for possible restriction should comply with the principle of proportionality.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution. It condemns the ongoing violence in Yemen and all attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Also it stresses that only a political, inclusive and negotiated solution to the conflict can restore peace and preserve the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen, and calls on all international and regional actors to engage constructively with the parties in Yemen to enable a de-escalation of the conflict and a negotiated settlement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution calls on the Commission to contribute to the completion and financial sustainability of the EU customs information systems as well as to develop a suitable methodology and produce periodic estimates of the customs gap as from 2019, and to report back to Parliament every six months.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The proposal introduces fundamental principles for the future definitive VAT-system and also quick fixes (such as a simplification for call-off stock arrangements in cross-border trade and a simplification for chain transactions). The aim is to reduce cross-border VAT fraud as well as to reduce compliance costs for business.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims to amend Council Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of VAT in order to combat fraud affecting certain supplies of goods and services and to assist Member States in dealing with cases of sudden and massive VAT fraud. These arrangements, which should enter into force on 1 July 2022, provide a fundamental response to missing trader intra-Community (MTIC) fraud.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal lays down the legal basis for administrative cooperation between Member States. It concerns the automation of the supervision of movements of excise goods which have been released for consumption in one Member State and that are being moved to another Member State in order to be delivered for commercial purposes in that other EU country.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Health technology assessment (HTA) is a research-based tool to support decision-making in healthcare. HTA assesses the added value of new or existing health technologies – medicines, medical devices, diagnostic tools, surgical procedures, and measures for disease prevention, diagnosis or treatment – compared with other health technologies. The aim, with the adoption of this report, is to boost cooperation amongst EU Member States in assessing health technology.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against the report. The Commission proposal sets new CO2 emission standards for passenger cars and vans in the EU for the period after 2020. I believe that the agreed compromise for CO2 emission standards is too high and most of the Member States – especially those in which the usage of electric vehicles is still low due to unaffordable prices – will have difficulties in implementing these new CO2 standards. It is important to be ambitious when fighting climate change: but measures must also be reasonable in order to be efficient.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report endorses further advancement towards the definitive VAT regime, while underlining that Member States should not ignore the objective of ensuring greater convergence in VAT rates. It highlights that current fragmentation of the VAT system within the internal market places obstacles in the way of the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With particular focus on the needs of SMEs engaged in intra-Community cross-border business, and in order to facilitate trade and to increase legal certainty in the single market, the report proposes that the Commission, in cooperation with Member States, should establish a comprehensive and publicly accessible Union VAT Web Information Portal for businesses.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution notes that IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts necessitate a fundamental change in the accounting for insurance contracts which would bring the benefits of more consistency and transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution calls for an open and innovation friendly regulation on blockchain technology. The resolution sends us a clear message: blockchain technology is a new technology which can benefit Europe in many areas by bringing more efficiency and transparency, for example, into the supply chain, energy, public services and financial services, to name a few. Nevertheless, the technology is still in a pre-mature stage; therefore, we should aim towards a progressive regulation that would not hinder its progress and which Europe can greatly benefit from.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution calls for the EU Agenda for Rural, Mountainous and Remote Areas to promote socioeconomic development, economic growth and diversification, social wellbeing, protection of nature, and cooperation and interconnection with urban areas in order to foster cohesion and prevent the risk of territorial fragmentation. It urges the establishment of a Smart Villages Pact in order to ensure a more effective, integrated and coordinated approach to EU policies on rural areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The purpose of this proposal is to codify Council Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 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. The text lists third countries whose nationals must have a visa to cross the external borders of a Member State. It also lists the countries whose nationals are exempt from the visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the agreement is to allow Morocco to participate in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). PRIMA aims to implement a joint programme to foster research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for improving the efficiency, safety, security and sustainability of agro-food systems and of integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It sets the objective of establishing an Open Aviation Area between the EU and Canada, to create a single market for air transport in which investment could flow freely and where European and Canadian airlines would be able to provide air services without any restriction, including in the domestic markets of both parties.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. At Italy’s request, the Italian municipality of Campione d’Italia and the Italian waters of Lake Lugano should be included in the EU customs territory and in the territory of the Union to which Directive 2008/118/EC concerning the general arrangements for excise duty 1 (the ‘excise directive’) applies. The geographic location of the two territories as Italian exclaves within the territory of Switzerland has historically justified their exclusion from the EU customs territory but Italy considers this exclusion to be no longer necessary, in particular because otherwise Switzerland now wishes to include them within its customs territory.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim is to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to assist the Netherlands, which are faced with redundancies in the financial services industry. On 23 February 2018, the Netherlands submitted an application for a financial contribution from the EGF following 1 324 redundancies in the economic sector. The application relates to 1 324 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.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This final agreement improves the current AVMS legislation. The new directive will extend the scope of the legislation to non-linear services (Video Sharing Platforms and other audio-visual media service providers on internet), to avoid unfair competition between these two media: this is the case in the promotion of European works and on hate speech and protection of minors.Among other things, it strengthens the country of origin principle, offers a better protection of minors against harmful content, provides stronger rules against hate speech and public provocation, helps to promote the European works and gives more flexibility in television advertising with a new rule including a prime time period from 18.00 to midnight, during which advertising will be allowed to take up a maximum of 20 % (72 minutes) of broadcasting time, with interruption only every 30 minutes.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report amends the budget regarding the reserved funds to support Turkey to its pre-accession. It was decided to cancel the reserved amounts of EUR 70 million in commitment appropriations and EUR 35 million in payment appropriations which were in support for political reforms and related progressive alignment with the Union acquis. However, the condition set to release these amounts – namely sufficient progress by Turkey in the areas of the rule of law, democracy, human rights and freedom of the press – has not been met.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Eurojust-Albania Cooperation agreement follows the model of similar agreements concluded by Eurojust in the past. The purpose of such agreements is to foster cooperation as regards combating serious crime, especially organised crime and terrorism. They provide, inter alia, for liaison officers, contact points and exchange of information.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal seeks to update the data protection legal framework for the EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (Regulation 45/2001) and align it with the rules and principles of the GDPR.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the proposal is to improve online availability, quality and findability of certain information and certain online procedures, certain problem-solving and assistance services on EU rights and national rules concerning the operation and movement in EU. National rules across Member States are not harmonised, so users need help finding out which rules they have to comply with in a Member State. As a result, the Commission has decided to create a single digital gateway, which will become the central, online and easily accessible entry point for people and businesses looking for complete, accurate and up-to-date information, administrative procedures and assistance services linked to their single market rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution recognizes significant damage that fires caused in Mati in the Attica Region in Greece and calls for the quick adoption of the revised regulation on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to enable more and more effective cooperation as well as to strengthen the response capacity, particularly with regard to fighting the devastating consequences of climate change across the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted against. The resolution calls for the Israeli government to shelve the relocation plan that would lead to the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar and the forcible transfer of its population to another location, and considers it of the utmost importance that the EU continue to speak with one voice on this matter. It calls on the Israeli Government to put an immediate end to its policy of threats of demolition and actual eviction against the Bedouin communities living in the Negev and in Area C in the occupied West Bank.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The strategy identifies key challenges, including the low reuse and recycling rates of plastic waste, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastics production and incineration, and the presence of plastic waste (including micro plastics) in oceans. The Commission depicts its ‘vision for Europe’s new plastics economy’, where among other things, all plastic packaging should be designed to be recyclable or reusable by 2030.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution calls upon the Commission, the Member States and the European Chemicals Agency to step up their efforts to substitute substances of very high concern and to restrict substances that pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment in the context of REACH, not least as a means to fulfil the requirement of the 7th Environment Action Programme to develop non-toxic material cycles so that recycled waste can be used as a major, reliable source of raw material within the European Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is responsible for an estimated 25 000 deaths and EUR 1.5 billion in extra healthcare costs every year in the EU alone. The rise in AMR is due to a number of factors such as excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans, veterinary overuse in livestock, and poor hygiene conditions in healthcare settings or in the food chain. The resolution calls for more stringent measures, increased surveillance and monitoring, as well as for more research to be performed on new antimicrobials.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Commission Communication on ‘Europe on the Move: an agenda for a socially fair transition towards clean, competitive and connected mobility for all’ addresses a wide range of issues facing the road mobility sector and focuses on the issues which are subject to legislative proposals in the framework of the Mobility package.The purpose of this strategic own-initiative report is to build on the ideas presented in the Commission’s communication and to highlight the key aspects of the transport policy which have not been covered by legislative proposals in the framework of the Mobility package.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The INI report analyses the application of the Plant Protection Products Regulation No 1107/2009 on the placing on the market of plant protection products (PPP) since it entry into force on 14 June 2011. The regulation also aims to clarify, harmonise and accelerate procedures linked to PPPs. It also aims to encourage mutual recognition of PPP authorisations by Member States and make relevant information available for applicants, importers, users, public authorities and consumers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The draft report draws attention to the issue that products marketed and sold under the exact same brands do not always have identical product compositions. It calls among others for legal adjustments of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and for better and more efficient awareness raising activities to avoid the intentional misleading of consumers.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Commission proposal is connected to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan. It aims at introducing a derogation from Union rules concerning bottle sizes, for single distilled shochu, a spirit drink produced by pot still and bottled in Japan.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. Sharing the common goal to develop safer and more efficient air transport, in 2011, the European Union and the United States of America signed the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in civil aviation research and development. Parliament is now giving its consent to conclusion of the agreement on Amendment 1 to the MoC, which includes a revised text of the MoC and a revised Annex 1 on ‘ATM modernisation and global interoperability’.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Council is requesting the consent of Parliament to conclude a Protocol amending the Air Transport Agreement with Canada, to take account of the accession to the EU of Croatia. It will allow Croatia to accede as a new Member of the EU to the Air Transport Agreement with Canada.

2016/11/22

I voted against the proposal. I believe that the compromise reached by the rapporteur was not balanced and it will cause legal uncertainty and unnecessary burden for start-ups and SMEs. Also, it does not enhance Europe’s potential for innovation, especially when it comes to text and data mining (TDM) and its direct impact on artificial intelligence (AI).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The purpose of the regulation is to update the EU legal framework on cash controls in view of the latest developments in the relevant preventive measures to fight money-laundering and terrorist financing. It replaces the ‘Cash Controls Regulation’ (1889/2005) which has applied since 2007.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Directive forms part of the Commission Action Plan to strengthen the fight against terrorist financing. It establishes minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences and sanctions in the area of money laundering and thereby supplements the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report identifies key issues in Hungary which undermine the rule of law and democracy principles such as functioning of constitution and electoral system, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, academic freedom and instructs the European Commission to start Article 7 procedure of the TEU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution calls to outlaw internationally so called lethal autonomous weapons systems known as killer robots. The UN has already started initiative to outlaw killer robots as well.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasizes that the EU-US partnership is unparalleled based on the historical and strategic partnership and shared common values, and thus this relationship remains crucial for both sides. It touches upon key issues such as the global rules based order, the role of international institutions, defence and security policy, strengthening relations with the US Senate and House of Representatives, support for Ukraine and the Western Balkans, relations with China and Russia, the JCPOA agreement for Iran, denuclearisation of North Korea, Middle East Peace Agreement, the issue of migration management, cooperation on the environment, and the need for the EU to advance its own defence capacities and work for a strategic autonomy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The EU-China Strategic Partnership is one of the most important partnerships for the EU and there is still much more potential for deepening this relationship and for further cooperation in the international arena. Parliament points out that the EU’s engagement with China should be principled, practical and pragmatic, staying true to its interests and values. It is underlined that the promotion of human rights and the rule of law must be at the core of the EU’s engagement with China. Parliament calls on China to act upon the issues raised at the Human Right Dialogue, to fulfil its international obligations and to respect its own constitutional safeguards to upholding the rule of law.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the proposal is to implement several articles of directives on recognition of the equivalence of fodder plant, cereal, vegetable and oil and fibre plantseed harvested in a non-EU country, in this case Brazil.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to ease the VAT compliance burden on SMEs, which I strongly support. Small businesses bear proportionally higher VAT compliance costs than larger businesses, which not only violates the principle of fair taxation, but also hampers entrepreneurship. Therefore, this proposal aims to foster entrepreneurship across the Union by introducing some administrative simplification measures for small enterprises.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The implementation of the Council decision on information exchange concerning, and risk assessment and control of, new psychoactive substances aims to establish measures which would ensure the continuity of control measures across Member States on the new substances.The Council requested an assessment of the risks caused by these new substances from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations and to show solidarity with the populations of regions struck by disasters. The report aims to earmark the Fund contribution for Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania and Poland, which suffered serious natural disasters during 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report approves the allocation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to Bulgaria, Greece, Lithuania and Poland because of the natural disasters that happened in those countries in 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report presents an overview of the cohesion policy investment’s influence in the province. One of the key points of the report is the importance of the cohesion funding, not only for the Northern Irish economy, but also for the peace process. Projects funded under the Peace programme, as well as under the Interreg programmes, are of particular importance, as they encourage cross-border and cross-community contacts.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report looks into the implementation of the specific measures proposed by the European Commission which aimed to ensure the necessary liquidity to both finalise the implementation of programmes under the 2007-2013 programming period and to start the implementation of the current programming period. The measures were adopted in 2015. The report acknowledges the positive impact of the measures taken on the Greek economy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The own-initiative report seeks to find EU added value in policies reintegrating workers back to employment after a serious injury or illness, for example by helping Member States to develop preventive measures, comprehensive policy responses and a cultural shift when it comes to general attitudes. The report highlights that, in addition to proven benefits for worker’s economic and social well-being, successful reintegration back to work also has a strong economic case for companies and for the society as a whole.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The own-initiative report pretends to streamline the relationships with 3rd countries in the field of financial services, which currently are organised mainly with the ‘equivalence procedure’ tool. This report has attract a lot of attention due to Brexit.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Differing legal frameworks and availability of public services in the Member States require greater focus and intensive measures at both national and EU levels. Problems faced by the border regions also vary and depend on their particular characteristics.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The European Solidarity Corps was launched by President Juncker in his State of the Union address in 2016, after the Brexit referendum, to allow young people to commit in solidarity activities and to reinforce their feeling of belonging with European Union values. The programme replaces the European Voluntary Service and started in 2017 and is supposed to involve 100 000 young people.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The aim of the Commission Proposal is to amend Regulation (EU) 2017/825 in order to increase the financial envelope of the Structural Reform Support Programme from EUR 142.8 million to EUR 222.8 million through the use of the Flexibility Instrument in the MFF and to adapt its general objective in order to allow funding for euro preparation actions and activities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The current proposal extends the Euratom research programme for two years, until 2020, to ensure the seamless continuation until the start of the next programme.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. In the EU, up to 55% of women have been sexually harassed. The draft report deplores the fact that laws and definitions in this area vary across Member States. It also reiterates the call on the Commission to propose a directive against all forms of violence against women, including updates in common definitions and legal standards that treat it as a crime.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. It proposes different policy options that would improve language equality in Europe through the use of new technologies, by improving the institutional frameworks for language technology policies, by creating new research policies to increase the use of language technology in Europe, by using education policies to secure the future of language equality in the digital age, and by increasing support for both private companies and public bodies in making better use of language technologies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims to carry out a cross-sectoral analysis of existing obstacles to cultural access and participation and therefore it concerns not only structural and financial barriers to access but also social and digital barriers and – by far the most important problem – educational barriers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Directive harmonises the way in which these proportionality tests are carried out and the criteria that will be applied. It will require Member States to carry out a proportionality test before establishing new provisions or changing current ones for regulated professions complementing the existing provisions of the Professional Qualifications Directive. Therefore, it will ensure that national measures are proportionate and that they do not unduly restrict access to professional activities or create unjustified burdens in the internal market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. I supported the compromise amendments reached in TRAN committee regarding international transport which supposed to be exclude the posting for drivers operating in international transport from posting rules. Otherwise it would create significant burden for international transport drivers in the EU, especially in the peripheral Member States like Lithuania and would hinder the EU internal market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report agreed in TRAN committee. It was reached the agreement on rest in cabin and secured parking areas. The regular weekly rest periods, reduced weekly rest periods and any weekly rest of more than 45 hours shall not be taken in a vehicle. This shall not apply if the rest is taken in locations certified as Dedicated Parking areas and the vehicle has suitable sleeping facilities for each driver.

2016/11/22

I voted against the report. In my opinion, the final report reached in TRAN committee in regard to cabotage was not sufficient and too burdensome. It was supposed to allow cabotage operations in one Member State for 48h, the overall possible term for performing cabotage operations is seven days; there is a cooling-off period (when no cabotage operations are allowed) of 72 h and the return home would be mandatory with the vehicle.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The vote was of a legislative technical matter to agree to replace Annex A to the regulation on the proposal agreed between the European Parliament and the Council on insolvency proceedings.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. This is regarding the draft agreement between the European Union and Iceland on supplementary rules in relation to providing financial support for external borders and visas. It is a part of the Internal Security Fund for the period between 2014 and 2020.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of giving consent to the draft Council decision on the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on supplementary rules in relation to providing financial support for external borders and visas. This is a part of the Internal Security Fund for the period 2014 to 2020.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. Full participation of all the Member States in the Schengen Information System will increase security in the Schengen area and improve the fight against serious crime and terrorism.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. As one of the core EU policies, cohesion policy is providing significant investment in this field, ensuring appropriate delivery tools for the circular economy. This report looks into ways cohesion policy is already contributing to the objective of circular economy, highlighting both the achievements at this stage and the problems which are still to be solved.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report because it is necessary to continue supporting Ukraine. The European Commission can begin to negotiate the Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine in order to help the country to cover part of its external financing needs and to provide incentives to set up reforms.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report, which calls for cooperation between Chile and the EU to be considerably strengthened. Multilateral collaboration plays an important role in promoting international security and effectively tackling global challenges. This agreement also benefits mobility between the EU and Chile via student exchange programmes, as well as scientific and technological exchanges and cultural cooperation.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. More effective and efficient cooperation between the EU and NATO is a means to achieve shared security priorities as well as strengthened mutual values such as liberal democracy, multilateralism, human rights protection and the rule of law. This report focuses on areas of cooperation such as cybersecurity/cyber-defence, capabilities, maritime issues, counter-terrorism, military mobility, women, peace and security.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report which is an appreciation of the increasing importance of the cyber—domain in security and defence matters. The effective competences in the cyber—domain are with the Member States. However, it also acknowledges an important coordination role for the European Union level in regard to national efforts.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The significant impacts of recreational fishing should be taken into account in the assessment of the stocks at stake, given that the impact varies between fish stocks and represents 2% to 72% of the total catch. Since evidence for managing these fisheries is often limited, it is necessary for the Commission and Member States to collect more data regularly and to adopt the necessary regulation in order to ensure a good level of reliable data throughout the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The main objective of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) is to reduce systematic risk by increasing the transparency of the derivatives market through different requirements. The proposal to amend the EMIR Regulation simplifies the rules applicable to over-the-counter derivatives and makes them more proportionate in order to reduce costs and the regulatory burden weighing on market participants.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The new regulation contains Europe-wide rules for the registration and certification of drones. The EASA will start developing risk-based safety procedures for national aviation authorities instead of the one-size-fits-all that is currently used. This regulation will improve the effectiveness of our safety controls and significantly cut red tape for airlines and airports.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this report. This report contains new rules to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions from heavy-duty vehicles (HDV), such as trucks and buses, in a standardised way. The European Commission will be able to fine companies that do not report their data or are caught falsifying results. Data will be made publicly available through the European Environment Agency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report, which sends a strong signal to Member States and regional authorities to increase investment in education and to support teachers and managers, both in the area of modern technologies and in the development of learner—centred teaching methods. Education is a key aspect of economic potential and a crucial factor for the development of the individual as a whole.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. In Europe, aquaculture accounts for about 20% of fish production. Therefore, it is very important to obtain a growing, sustainable and innovative EU aquaculture sector. This report is intended to overcome challenges facing the EU aquaculture sector by taking measures and financial means.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. Odometer fraud should be regarded as an offence because it distorts the proper functioning of the internal market and imposes unfair additional costs to consumers, insurers, and leasing companies. This results in economic damage for the whole of the EU that ranges between EUR 5.6 and 9.6 billion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was established in 2001 to improve the EU response to natural and man—made disasters inside and outside Europe. However, the role of Member States was of a voluntary nature. The European Commission has offered new incentives on how to improve the mechanism, such as reinforcing the collective ability to respond to disasters and to address identified capacity gaps. Also, red tape was simplified in order to ensure rapid access to assistance.

2016/11/22

I voted against. Further consideration must be taken into account in order to effectively decide on a budget that would be sustainable for transnational cooperation and consideration which would benefit the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted against the resolution. Further discussion must be completed when considering the political, economic and social situation in Nicaragua. Moreover, there must be an active dialogue between national and international actors in Nicaragua with regard to crime and corruption before an effective resolution can be put in place.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. A motion of the resolution touches upon the key areas on how to empower girls and women by ensuring girls’ and women’s physical and psychological integrity, promoting the economic and social rights as well as empowerment of girls and women, strengthening girls’ and women’s voice and participation. Also it emphasises the importance of modern technologies which is the sector that still has a small percentage of women who are getting involved.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The youth is a priority for the EU; therefore, initiatives to tackle youth unemployment, to increase youth participation, to foster inclusion and to promote volunteering are necessary. We should promote the development of new educational tools that increase the participation in and accessibility to education.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The EU has embarked on the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. Ecodesign has generated real benefits, as acknowledged by the industrial sectors concerned, NGOs and experts from the Member States. This directive is an effective tool to deliver cost-effective energy savings.

2016/11/22

I abstained from the vote. This question needs more consideration in regards to the social and economic benefits and harm that may result from the response to business contracts. Also, the response must be consistent and take into account the current EU laws effecting contracts in the public and private sectors.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal. The European Union Solidarity Fun (EUSF) aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency solutions to show solidarity with the population of the regions struck by disasters. This report proposes to mobilise the EUSF to grant financial assistance relating to forest fires in Portugal and Spain, hurricanes in France and earthquakes in Greece.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of this proposal. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) aims to enable the Union to respond in a rapid, efficient, and flexible manner to emergency situations and to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters. This report proposes to mobilise the EUSF to grant financial assistance relating to forest fires in Portugal and Spain, hurricanes in France and earthquakes in Greece.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. This proposal focuses on the reform of the two basic trade defence instruments, notably anti-dumping and anti-subsidy. The legislation is intended to improve the predictability for business.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was created in order to provide additional assistance to workers suffering from the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. The objective of this proposal is to provide technical assistance to better advise Member States on using, following up and evaluating the EGF.

2016/11/22

I voted against. In my opinion the European Commission submitted a balanced proposal regarding GA21 genetically modified maize. There have been a number of discussions following scientific explanations in order to make sure that this specific type of genetically modified maize does not have a damaging effect on mammals.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, which is a follow-up to the Commission communication on modernising the common agriculture policy (CAP). The main task which the EU has to face is to ensure that the CAP budget can address such challenges as migration and Brexit. The CAP has to be modernised in line with the future needs of the market, implementing innovative solutions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. This report aims at offering political guidance to the interpretation and implementation of the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA) on Better Law-making, which entered into force April 13th, 2016. The report concludes that the progress achieved and the experience gained in the two years of application of the new IIA is overall positive but further efforts are needed to fully implement the agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The motion for a resolution expressed the position of the European Parliament concerning the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 7 years. The MFF sets a direction where the EU will be heading in its near future. It addresses the challenge that Brexit has caused of the EU budget. I support the decision by the European Commission to give to boost its investment in IT sector as well as educational programmes such as Erasmus and Life+.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The EU is assisting Libya’s political transition towards a stable and functioning state. This recommendation explains how the EP intends to provide guidance to the EEAS, the EC and the Council on how to proceed with the very complicated situation in Libya.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The purpose of this report is to highlight the major shortcomings encountered in the implementation of the Schengen acquis. It brings forward the progress that has been made to remedy the situation, but first and foremost it will point out the actions that the European institutions, the agencies and the Member States should take.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report provides information on the measures Member States took in order to enable individuals to recognise their right and obligations under this Directive. One of the key elements of this Directive is putting the victims at the centre of the criminal justice system and strengthening their rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The key element of the Directive in this report is to put victims in the centre of the criminal justice system and strengthen their rights, regardless of their nationality or residence status.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. On 14 December 2016, the European Parliament granted its consent to a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Uzbekistan, amending the Agreement in order to extend the provisions to bilateral trade in textiles. The European Parliament is of the opinion that such consent constitutes a positive sign of encouragement to the Uzbek Government to further pursue its efforts to fully eradicate child labour and all other forms of forced labour, as well as to further strengthen cooperation with the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Framework Agreement was signed on 10 May 2010 and entered into force on 1 June 2014, and is the first agreement of its kind between the European Union and a country in Asia. It has made for closer cooperation between the EU and Korea, a key partner in the region, in many areas, such as peace and security, human rights and the rule of law, the environment, energy, combating terrorism, good governance and combating corruption and organised crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This implementing decision on subjecting the new psychoactive substance N-(1-amino-3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)-1-(cyclohexylmethyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamide (ADB-CHMINACA) to control measures aims at ensuring the continuity of control measures across Member States on the new substances.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Council Decision (2005/387/JHA) on information exchange, risk-assessment and control in respect of new psychoactive substances provides for a procedure that may lead to the introduction of control measures across the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) was created to provide additional assistance to workers suffering the consequences of major structural changes in world trade patterns. This is the 4th application to be examined under the 2018 budget and the 15th in the economic sector classified under NACE Rev. 2 division 28 (Manufacture of machinery and equipment) since the establishment of the EGF. It concerns 2 287 workers made redundant and the mobilisation of a total amount of EUR 4 621 616 from the EGF for Belgium.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the total number of fraudulent and non-fraudulent irregularities reported in 2016 (19 080 cases) was 15 % lower than in 2015 and their value had decreased by 8 % (to EUR 2.97 billion in 2016). Also it calls on the Commission to submit as a matter of urgency a horizontal legislative proposal on the protection of whistle-blowers in order to effectively prevent and combat fraud affecting the financial interests of the European Union.

2016/11/22

I voted against the objection of the motion for a resolution in regard to genetically modified sugar beet H7-1.The objectors oppose the draft measures on the grounds that they exceed the implementing powers provided for in the basic act. However, I believe that the Commission provided a balanced approach on the issue.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that investment in SMEs, start-ups, research, innovation, the digital economy and energy efficiency is essential to economic recovery in the EU and to promoting the creation of quality jobs. That is why EIB should pay a particular attention to it.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Venezuelan presidential elections should be suspended until conditions for credible, transparent and inclusive elections are met. For this reason the EU will only recognise elections based on a viable electoral calendar, agreed in the context of a national dialogue with all relevant actors and political parties, and respecting equal, fair and transparent conditions of participation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report presents a comprehensive implementation overview of cohesion policy’s investment priority, focused on transport and its infrastructure, and aimed at delivering added value to citizens, creating synergies between the projects funded and avoiding excessive fragmentation of funding.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The motion for a resolution calls on Member States to implement the requirements in the Commission Communication on minors migrants which was presented over a year ago. We have to make sure that refugee children are given a real chance to integrate themselves as a part of European society. I believe that education which would also include learning about European values is the key element for integration as well as the prevention of crime and radicalisation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution calls for a worldwide ban on testing cosmetics on animals before 2023. Around 80% of countries worldwide still allow animal-testing and the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals. It is important to stress that that most ingredients in cosmetic products are also used in many other products, such as pharmaceuticals, detergents or foods, and may therefore have been tested on animals under different laws.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report makes a series of recommendations to boost the prospects for this sector which is vital for maintaining productive agriculture in regions where farming conditions are especially difficult and in terms of delivering public goods, especially environmental protection.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It calls on Member States to take adequate measures to safeguard and promote pluralist, independent and free media. It also calls for the creation and maintenance of a safe and secure environment for journalists, in particular in the light of the recent assassinations of anti-corruption journalists Daphne Caruana Galizia, in Malta, and Ján Kuciak, in Slovakia.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The proposal will finally permanently set an agreed limit that ensures the proper functioning of the internal market whilst leaving flexibility for Member States in setting the standard VAT rate, instead of numerous last-minute prolongations of a temporary minimum rate.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The agreement was confirmed by CRP on 20 December 2017. The draft directive has two main objectives: 1) preventing the use of the financial system for the funding of criminal activities; 2) strengthening transparency rules to prevent the large-scale concealment of funds.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Directive 2007/46 was subject to a comprehensive fitness check in 2013 – as foreseen by Cars2020 Action plan – that confirmed that the EU type-approval legal framework was appropriate for achieving harmonisation, internal market effective operation and fair competition.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The development of organic production is a political objective of the EU. The aim of the regulation is to overcome the regulatory and non-regulatory obstacles to the development of organic farming in the EU, to increase consumer confidence and address shortcomings in the control system and in the trade regime, and to avoid unfair competition among producers and risks for the functioning of the internal market.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The main aim is to develop and deliver an effective and coordinated strategy for employment and particularly for promoting inclusive labour markets responsive to economic, social, technological and environmental realities and changes, with a skilled, trained and adaptable workforce, and for safeguarding the well-being of all workers.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report explains the estimates of revenue and expenditure of the European Parliament for the financial year 2019.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The regulation establishes a common legal framework for the development, production and dissemination of European statistics related to the structure, the economic activities and the performance of businesses, as well as on the international transactions and research and development activities of the Union economy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It calls on the Commission to safeguard, promote and apply the values enshrined in the Treaty on European Union and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, as well as in the ICCPR, and, in this context, to monitor and address challenges to media freedom and pluralism across the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It calls for the EU to set up a dedicated funding instrument for the promotion and protection of the values enshrined in Article 2 TEU, especially democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, within the EU budget under the next, post-2020 multiannual financial framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It is stressed that, using the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016 as a pretext, the Turkish Government is still imposing a state of emergency two years later, thereby legitimising any move to abolish the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, which unquestionably constitute not only the essence of democracy but also the cornerstone of the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report assesses the use of current mechanisms for national parliaments’ participation in the European political process under the Lisbon Treaty . Based on that assessment, the report then looks into possible improvements to those mechanisms, in order to bring national parliaments closer to the overall integration process. The report also evaluates the political, structured debate established between the European Commission and national parliaments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the Report on Competition Policy 2016 and strongly emphasises the independence of the Commission and national competition authorities in their mission of shaping and effectively enforcing EU competition rules.

2016/11/22

I voted against. The vaccination rates in Europe should not be dropped. Vaccination continues to be one of most important tools for public health. It saves two to three million people every year and if coverage was increased then vaccination would prevent another 1.5 million deaths, according to the World Health Organisation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report underlines that the wide variety of protection orders across the Member States and the different judicial systems (for instance, stalking is not recognised as a criminal offence across all EU countries) have created many obstacles for EPOs and the situation has to be improved in order to secure the maximum efficiency of EPOs.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The motion for a resolution calls on participating countries to increase political engagement and foster mutual cooperation in the implementation of commonly agreed goals throughout the European Higher Education Area, as well as developing, where necessary, appropriate legislative frameworks in order to consolidate its development and strengthen its credibility.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It calls the reform of the electoral law of the EU, for the European Parliament to have the power, after consulting the Council, to determine the electoral period

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Parliament’s calendar of part sessions for the year 2019 was approved.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The agreement aims to foster cooperation between the European Union and Australia in order to tackle joint challenges in foreign and security policy, sustainable development, climate change and economic and trade matters. It aims at encouraging closer links between leaders across government, business and civil society.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The Framework Agreement aims to foster cooperation between the European Union and Australia in order to tackle joint challenges in foreign and security policy, sustainable development, climate change, and economic and trade matters. It aims at encouraging closer links between leaders across government, business and civil society.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The aim is to strengthen Member States’ efforts to prevent terrorism by establishing public provocation, recruitment and training as criminal offences, as they might lead to the commission of terrorist offences, and by reinforcing cooperation on prevention internally and internationally.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive is part of the Circular Economy Package tabled by the Commission in December 2015. It sets recycling targets for packaging waste to be met by 2025 and 2030, with specific targets for various packaging materials.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Its aim is to stimulate the transition towards a circular economy which will boost global competition, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs. The six revised directives on waste set clear targets for reduction of waste and establish an ambitious and credible long-term path for waste management and recycling.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Waste Framework Directive is part of the Circular Economy Package adopted by the Commission in December 2015. Its aim is to stimulate the transition towards a circular economy which will boost global competition, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs. To ensure effective implementation, the waste reduction targets in the new proposal are accompanied by concrete measures to address obstacles on the ground and the different situations across Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of this report. The Landfill Directive is part of the Circular Economy Package adopted by the Commission in December 2015. Its aim is to stimulate the transition towards a circular economy which will boost global competition, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs. The Commission proposal introduces a landfilling ban for separately collected waste and limits the share of municipal waste landfilled to 10% by 2030.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Standardised Reporting Directive introduced a three-year reporting cycle for all covered legislation, e.g. in the areas of water and waste.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It analyses the progress of the objectives of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants and the corresponding process for developing a global governance regime, for enhancing coordination on international migration, human mobility, large movements of refugees and protracted refugee situations, and for putting in place durable solutions and approaches to clearly outline the importance of protecting the rights of refugees and migrants.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report reflects on the existing external financing instruments up until this point and considers the future elements which come into play for the new architecture after 2020. It reiterates the usefulness of the financial performance reward for countries making progress and calls for better coordination with other instruments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report looks at how the these two principles have been implemented by the European institutions and their partners with a view to meeting the expectations of citizens and their national institutions and how the practice has evolved in comparison with previous years.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on granting discharge for the financial year 2016 to the Commission and its six executive agencies. The report encourages the Commission to keep providing comprehensive analysis on the areas where the estimated level of error is persistently high, its root causes and the corrective actions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report on granting a discharge for the financial year 2016. The report calls on the Commission to commit itself to fundamentally reviewing the young farmers and greening schemes in the light of the findings of the Court of Auditors before the next financing period and to speed up the delivery of cohesion policy programmes and related payments.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasises the following issues: the challenging issue of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the development policy and EDFs: the need for consistency between various EU policies such as climate change, migration; the efficiency of the control strategy and implementation of Union trust funds and budget support activities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report focused on security improvement points regarding the infrastructure of three EP buildings.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It postpones its 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 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Registrar of the Court of Justice of the European Union discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Court of Justice of the European Union for the financial year 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Secretary—General of the European Economic and Social Committee discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Economic and Social Committee for the financial year 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It grants the Secretary-General of the Committee of the Regions discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the Committee of the Regions for the financial year 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasises that some improvements are needed to be done to the effectiveness of the EEAS’ services: the continuous streamlining of the overall organisation, the need for budgetary simplification, the priority given to the management of gender and geographical balance at Headquarters and in EU delegations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It welcomes the improved communication to the public. However, it also notes that some of the targets set by the Ombudsman to assess its performance through key performance indicators were not reached.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report to grant a discharge for the budget year 2016. The report welcomes the ongoing work of the Internet Privacy Engineering Network which is a group composed of IT experts from all sectors providing a platform for cooperation and information exchange on engineering methods and tools which integrate data protection and privacy requirements into new technologies, an essential issue in the implementation of the GDPR.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report calls on the Commission to work in close cooperation with the agencies Network and the individual agencies when preparing its proposal for the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework and examining alternative sources of financing for the Union’s decentralised agencies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report especially welcomes that the Agency issued its annual Market Monitoring Report on the remaining barriers to the Internal Energy Market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Office expanded its transparency policy, including by the adoption of an updated communication strategy and communication plan. Also, it performed an internal audit, which was highly welcomed in the report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes that the Centre developed its Strategy 2016-2020 which was adopted by its management board. On the other hand, the Centre does not yet have a business continuity plan in place, according to the Court’s comment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes that the Agency complied with all the Court’s comments on the building, repair work, structural strengthening and various safety issues which there were before.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that in 2016 the Agency performed an annual assessment of the ‘EASA management standards’, which integrate both the internal control standards and the international standards organisation standards.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the Office was faced with big issues concerning late payments, internal control standards (ICS) and high staff turnover which still need to be fixed and brought under control.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the Authority successfully developed the Single Rulebook for banking in the Union, by producing 12 Guidelines, 7 Final Draft Implementing Technical Standards and 15 Final Draft Regulatory Technical Standards.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the Centre has changed the format and process to create the financing decision for its procurement procedures, which brought more transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes the significant efforts made to support in particular small and medium—sized enterprises through adequate IT- ools and multilingual guidance in light of the 3rd REACH.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the publication in 2016 of its first assessment report on ‘Circular economy in Europe—Developing the knowledge base’, addressing the perspective of reducing the environmental pressures and impacts from material resource use.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the Agency successfully established cooperation with other Union Agencies towards the establishment of a European Coast Guard capacity.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the management board of the Authority adopted a new policy on independence to ensure the independence of all professionals involved in its scientific operations. It is a very welcome change.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the development and launch of an online tool to facilitate gender equality within research–performing organisations. The Institute also positively contributed to show the economic benefits of gender equality for economic growth and increased employment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It is very positive that the Authority contributed to strengthen the conduct of business supervision and the capacity of the supervisory community to maintain pace with key developments such as FinTech, in particular InsurTech.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the Institute has to fix a number of issues, in particular to funding conditions, ex-ante verification of cost statements, funding from public and private sources, unused appropriations, financial autonomy and respect for the principle of sound financial management.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the Agency fulfilled its legal obligations of supporting innovation, authorisation and supervision of medicinal products thus promoting and protecting public health.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes that the Centre put in place a new procurement plan which was successfully executed in close collaboration with all units.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes that the Agency implemented a new methodology for visits to Member States, and piloted the integration of cost efficiency assessment in the horizontal analyses related to cycles of visits to Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that the mandate of ENISA will be renewed in order to get more power in maintaining the efficient control and help towards cybersecurity strategies and the implementation process in Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes that the Agency efficiently introduced the new name and mandate under the new legal regime (4th Railways Package, in force as of 15 June 2016) and made significant progress in preparing for its new role.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes that the ETF met the targets for achieving all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes the number of outstanding issues and ongoing corrective measures related to a framework contract for the procurement of services and to the relations between the Agency and Schengen associated countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Agency completed the three—year pilot project ‘Safer and healthier work at any age – occupational safety and health in the context of an ageing workforce’, initiated by Parliament, and the launch of the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2016—2017 on ‘Healthy Workplaces for All Ages’.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Agency made significant progress in ensuring consistency of supervisory reviews, evaluations and supervisory measures across Member States, which are very welcoming efforts.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the successful implementation of the Foundation’s four—year work programme with a high level of organisational effectiveness, as evidenced by an overall improvement of the Foundation’s key performance indicators.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasises that corrective actions have been taken and one comment related to the definition of the respective roles and responsibilities of the Director and the College of Eurojust.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the efforts by Europol in establishing the European Counter Terrorism Centre and the European Migrant Smuggling Centre, including the on—the—spot deployment of staff.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Agency organised the Fundamental Rights Forum, its largest event, gathering over 700 participants for four days of discussions on the three themes of inclusion, refugee protection and the digital age.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report acknowledges that the Regulation on the European Border and Coast Guard Agency opened up new possibilities for cooperation with other Agencies in relation to the coastguard function.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes that the Agency successfully completed negotiations for, and signed, a working arrangement with the European Space Agency on Galileo.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It welcomes that the Joint Undertaking achieved all the priority objectives set in the Annual Work Programme 2016 for the internal control system.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the fact that the FCH2 has set up ex-ante control procedures based on financial and operational desk reviews, and performs ex-post audits of grant cost claims under the Seventh Framework Programme.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasizes that the IMI 2 Joint Undertaking has to improve its communication measures with Union citizens through the institutions of the Union about the important research and collaboration that it is undertaking, and stresses the importance of highlighting real improvements as a consequence of this work.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that further to the adoption of the Joint Undertaking’s whistle—blowing rules in 2015, an implementation process was drafted, establishing a concise and detailed process map on how serious irregularities and wrongdoings can be reported and are being followed up within the Joint Undertaking.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the signing of the renewed Eurocontrol/SESAR Joint Undertaking agreement in 2016, which outlines the new role of Eurocontrol as a co-founder of SESAR and includes a series of commitments and engagements regarding the implementation of SESAR 2020.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report notes that it is significantly important to identify among the research and innovation projects those that are capable to bring innovative solutions to the market. Also, it highlights that changes in the Regulation establishing the Joint Undertaking and in its Statutes will be very important for the future development of the Joint Undertaking in order to improve its efficiency.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The decision gives a green light for a cooperation between the EU and Lebanon in regard to scientific and technological purposes. Both sides will be able to share best practices as well as share their knowledge of expertise in specific scientific sectors.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The fisheries partnership agreement between the EU and Mauritius provides the EU with fishing rights in exchange for technical and financial support to Mauritius in that area.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. As part of the deal, EU and Norway mutually liberalise 36 tariff lines and open new quotas. Norway would grant the EU additional quotas for poultry, beef, duck meat, pork, hams and sausages in the meat sector, in addition to cheese, flower, lettuce and maize tariff rate quotas. EU would grant Norway additional quotas for poultry, preserved meat, whey products, flowers, potato chips, ethyl alcohol and animal feed.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The adopted report calls for the implementation of a major strategic European vegetable protein production and supply plan based on the sustainable development of all the protein crops grown throughout the EU. There is the need to increase the profitability and competitiveness of domestic production. Also, the report identifies means by which the CAP can contribute to this, including the use of Voluntary Coupled Support.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. This legislative proposal is part of the climate package presented by the Commission on 20 July 2016. It proposes to integrate greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use-change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy framework.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. On 20 July 2016, the Commission adopted a package of measures aimed at accelerating Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy. One of the legislative proposals in this package is the proposal for a regulation on binding annual greenhouse gas emission reductions by Member States from 2021 to 2030. This proposal is the follow-up to the Effort Sharing Decision which established national emission targets for Member States in the non-ETS sectors between 2013 and 2020.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which addresses concerns regarding the level of co-financing requested and the possibility of multi-party membership for the European Parliament’s Members. It also includes additional changes to enhance the transparency between parties at Member State level and the European parties with which they are affiliated.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. On 30 November 2016 the European Commission presented a proposal for a review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU) within the broader clean energy package that will help to deliver the EU 2030 energy and climate goals. Improving the energy performance of buildings would enable the EU to make a cost-efficient transition towards the achievement of the overall energy efficiency ambitions, and CO2 emissions would decrease by about 5%.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The seventh environment action programme (EAP) provides important strategic guidance for both the EU and Member States. It drives an agenda which has a positive effect on citizens and the environment, and it increases accountability. However, there are several key areas in which poor implementation of the EAP is contributing to environmental degradation and posing direct health threats to citizens. These areas include: unsustainable land use and fishing; biodiversity loss; air quality; environmental noise; waste management; and exposure to chemicals.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report analyses the state of affairs in the media sector and pursues strategic aims: women’s participation in, and access to, expression and decision-making in and through media and new communication technologies, as well as a balanced and non-stereotyped portrayal of women by the media.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The motion for a resolution addressed the issue that the participation of women in the ICT sector is still very low in comparison with men. Only a small percentage of girls and women are interested in digital skills and that is why we have few women working in the ICT sector. The motion for a resolution explores new ways to empower women through the digital sector, such as promoting mentoring programmes for women within ICT companies, increasing the level of ICT education in schools etc.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which makes a series of recommendations aimed at improving the functioning of the EDF and the DCI until the end of its term in 2020. It also makes a number of proposals and recommendations regarding the new Multiannual Financial Framework, which will be presented in the coming months by the European Commission, and with regard to which the Committee on Development will in due course have to exercise its role as co-legislator and political assessor.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The main goal of the report is to draw attention to developing—country debt, and propose the EU with basic ground rules that might help prevent further transgressions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report stresses that cohesion policy should remain ambitious and keep covering all EU regions after 2020. It also makes concrete proposals to simplify the policy and to reinforce the territorial approach, and insists on the need to invest in innovation and support for SMEs, among other things.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the resolution. The guidelines on behalf of the European Parliament on future EU-UK relations support the position of the European Commission in Brexit negotiations. It states that if the UK wants to leave the EU Single Market, the free trade agreement is seen as an alternative. The EU has to protect its core values of economic stability as well as its citizens to make sure that the free movement of citizens would be protected. Also, future cooperation between the EU and UK on such matters as international security, cooperation fighting terrorism, foreign policy, cooperation on research and development and education is very welcome.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The Commission proposal is a purely technical adaptation in the context of a recast procedure. The main element is a deletion of Article 4(5) on delegated powers, which has become obsolete as the co-legislators did not delegate any powers to the Commission in the last revision in 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission adopted a proposal to amend Council Directive 92/66/EEC which lays down measures to be applied in the event of an outbreak of Newcastle disease in poultry and in certain birds. The current European Reference Laboratory for Newcastle disease is located in the United Kingdom.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission proposes for the third time macro-financial assistance at the request of the Government of the Republic of Georgia. Although Georgia has made significant progress with economic reforms, its macroeconomic outlook remains vulnerable. This time, the Commission proposes EUR 45 million EUR - of that EUR 35 million in loans and EUR 10 million in grants to help the country to cover part of its external financing needs for the period 2017-2020.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted against the objection to the proposal by the Commission on the list of projects of common interest in the European Union. The proposal sets out the conditions for greater transparency and effectiveness regarding projects of common interest within the Union.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. On 9 February 2017, the Commission adopted a proposal for a decision on the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in favour of Germany to support the reintegration in the labour market of workers made redundant by one enterprise operating in the economic sector classified under the NACE Revision 2 Division 22 (Manufacture of rubber and plastic products). The redundancies made by Goodyear are located in the NUTS level 2 region of Regierungsbezirk Karlsruhe (DE12) in Germany.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Parliament is calling for a decision on the post-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to be taken before the end of the current parliamentary term, which will allow for the swift adoption of all sectoral regulations and the launch of the new EU programmes on 1 January 2021. The report sets out Parliament’s position in such areas as flexibility, structure, the duration of the MFF, its mechanism and a decision-making procedure.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report sets out Parliament’s position on the main elements of a reform of the EU own resources system. It states that the MFF and own resources will be treated as a single package in the upcoming negotiations and that no agreement on the MFF will be reached without corresponding headway on own resources. Also, the report underlines the need to address the shortcomings of the current system, which is predominantly based on national (GNI or VAT based) contributions to the EU budget, reinforcing the logic of ‘juste retour’ between Member States.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report, which reflects a clear commitment to the EU fiscal framework, structural reforms, competitiveness and productivity, as well as a compromise formulation on the euro area aggregate fiscal stance.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Annual Growth Survey (AGS) sets out the general economic priorities for the EU and offers EU governments’ policy guidance for the following year. It is intended to encourage sustainable economic and social convergence by boosting investments, pursuing structural reforms and ensuring responsible public finances.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposed Commission Decision aims to allow the use of all appropriations corresponding to de-commitments under the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) since 2003. The Commission assesses the potential gains that could be recycled at EUR 40.3 million. The adoption of the proposal would thus enable the Commission to supplement the RFCS from 2018 by an additional EUR 40 million and to use the remaining appropriations for 2019.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The customs cooperation agreement aims to boost direct cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters in order to ensure the supply chain security and facilitate legitimate trade. Also, the Agreement can become a basis to further develop customs cooperation, for example through the establishment of mutual recognition of respective trade partnership programmes.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Advances in digital technologies in the transport sector enable real-time data exchange among the various means of transport, thereby reducing, for example, the number of accidents, rationalising transport systems and lowering emissions of noxious substances, which the report is touching on.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims to make markets work more effectively by making the regulatory oversight of the parcels markets more effective and consistent as well as to increase the transparency of tariffs in order to reduce unjustifiable tariff differences and lower the tariffs paid by individuals and small businesses, especially in remote areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report proposes measures, among other things, allowing for more flexibility in choosing and conducting training and tailoring the requirements depending on drivers’ specific needs. The possibility to use innovative training methods, such as online training, is permitted, but only as a part of a programme that is mainly conventional.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It aims at fostering the competitiveness and innovative capacity of the EU defence industry, by supporting the cooperation between undertakings in the development phase of defence products and technologies. Specifically, the programme would fund projects such as defining common technical specifications, prototyping, testing, qualification and certification of new and updated defence products, as well as feasibility studies and other support activities.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasises that trade policy can serve as a tool to promote global and European values, including gender equality, recognising that there is a crucial need for recognising and better understanding gender—specific impacts of trade policy to deliver adequate policy responses. The report covers a wide range of trade-related topics and its relation to gender, including the exclusion of public services from the scope of trade agreements, IPR, SMEs, agriculture, procurement, GSP/GSP+ or the continued work with the ILO to improve labour conditions in global value chains.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report is looking to examine the factors that hold back growth and investment, identifying critical development aspects and also suggesting solutions to increase competitiveness and income in these regions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report is linked much more to climate change than regional development or urban policy, foreseeing ‘ambitious mandatory targets’ of climate change spending on all levels, enshrined in Member State legislation, or a uniform, EU-wide approach to ‘climate refugees’.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. Directive (EU) 2016/97 on insurance distribution harmonises the provisions concerning the distribution of insurance and reinsurance products and insurance-based investment products by insurance intermediaries, insurance companies, their employees, and ancillary insurance intermediaries in the Union. In order to ensure legal certainty and avoid potential market disruption, it is necessary that this Directive enters into force as a matter of urgency and that it applies, with retroactive effect, from 23 February 2018.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The EU-US agreement on insurance and reinsurance was signed in September 2017. It aims at eliminating some key trade barriers in the sector, in particular collateral and local presence requirements. The agreement also tackles the issue of supervisory authority and exchange of information.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The EC proposal aligns EU legislation on spirit drinks with the Lisbon Treaty. In addition, it contains minor technical adjustments and replaces the existing procedures for the management of geographical indications in the spirit drinks sector, with new procedures modelled on the more exhaustive and well tested procedures for agricultural products and foodstuffs.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal includes a compilation of the features and elements of transactions that present a strong indication of tax avoidance or abuse. It obliges intermediaries such as tax advisors, accountants, banks, lawyers and etc. who design or promote tax planning arrangements with a cross-border element and which meet certain hallmarks defined in the proposal to provide information to tax authorities.

2016/11/22

I voted against the resolution to object Commission’s proposal regarding the authorisation of genetically modified maize 59122 (DAS-59122-7). In my view, the Commission presented a balanced and in line with the Union laws proposal.

2016/11/22

I voted against the objection to Commission’s proposal on the authorisation of genetically modified maize MON 87427 × MON 89034 × NK603 and genetically modified maize combining two of the events MON 87427, MON 89034 and NK603.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. On 28 November 2017, the Commission adopted a proposal for a decision on the mobilisation of the EGF in favour of Spain to support the reintegration in the labour market of workers made redundant by five enterprises operating in the economic sector classified under the NACE Revision 2 Division 14 (Manufacture of wearing apparel) in the NUTS level 2 region of Galicia (ES11) in Spain. The decision was approve by the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. On 18 December 2017, the Commission adopted a proposal for a decision on the mobilisation of the EGF in favour of Sweden with a view to supporting the reintegration into the labour market of workers made redundant by one enterprise operating in the economic sector classified under NACE Revision 2 Division 26 (manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products) in the NUTS level 2 regions of Stockholm (SE11), Västsverige (SE23), Östra Mellansverige (SE12) and in the area of Sydsverige (SE22) in Sweden.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the Commission’s decision to activate Article 7 (1) TEU regarding the situation in Poland. MEPs expressed their concerns regarding the rule of law in Poland, the separation of powers, the independence of the judiciary and fundamental rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The regular annual reports analyses situation of fundamental rights in the EU in 2016 in regards to rule of law, corruption, migration, integration, hate speech, discrimination, minorities, vulnerable groups, digital rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The beekeeping sector is an integral part of European agriculture. The biggest problem is the spread of fake honey in the internal market, which is responsible for the purchase price of honey falling to half its 2014 value by the end of 2016,primarily in the major honey-producing countries. In addition, a number of animal diseases cause serious problems for beekeepers. The report asks for a revision of EU support for beekeepers.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report analyses the 2017 Banking Union year. It is divided into three big areas: supervision, resolution and deposit insurance. It also stresses the importance of preparedness to mitigate the disruptive effect of Brexit. There is a concern that some banks, in particular smaller ones, might be lagging behind in their preparations for Brexit, therefore the report calls on them to intensify their work.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report takes the view that preventive strategies based on the sharing of best practice and exchange of suspicious and relevant information among intelligence agencies is vital in combating the financing of terrorism and more generally terrorist attacks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report sets general conditions for empowering women and girls and provides recommendations to empower rural women, which is linked to the main theme of the 62nd session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

2016/11/22

I voted against the committee’s decision to enter into the negotiation process. I believe that this topic needs further debate in the European Parliament.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report to enter into the negotiations process on this issue with the Council and the Commission.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The guarantee is used to finance projects in less—developed markets, with higher risks and more complex challenges, and enables the EIB to conduct operations without negatively impacting the EIB ‘A’ credit ranting and its operations inside the EU. In September 2016, the Commission presented a legislative proposal on the mid—term review of the ELM. In quest of a continuation, the European Commission also introduced certain changes for further improving the EIB work outside of the EU by increasing the overall ELM ceiling to EUR 32.3 billion, adding a new horizontal high—level objective covering the response to the migration crisis and reinforcing the climate change dimension of the mandate.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It emphasises the positive efforts of the EIB to fight global challenges. For example, it welcomes the fact that the EIB has responded to the crisis by expanding its activities significantly, including in the countries worst affected; calls on the EIB to further support EU countries in order to contribute to their economic recovery, and well as for accountability and compliance efforts. It stresses the need for more efforts to achieve greater transparency and better communication with a view to ensuring that information reaches final recipients at regional and local level and to increasing the visibility of projects.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the joint motion for a resolution. It calls on Turkey to lift an ongoing state of emergency declared after a failed coup in July 2016 that they say is now being used to silence dissent and opposition. It condemns the recent arrests of journalists, activists, doctors and ordinary citizens for expressing their opposition to Turkey’s military intervention in the Kurdish—controlled enclave of Afrin in Syria .

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution. It strongly rejects the decision by the internationally non—recognised National Constituent Assembly to call early presidential elections by the end of April 2018, and states that under the current circumstances, the European Parliament will recognise neither the elections nor the authorities put in place by this illegitimate process.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution. It stresses the importance of ensuring the unimpeded operation of UNRWA and its provision of services for the well—being, protection and human development of the Palestinian refugees, but also for the stability of the region as a whole. Also, it calls on Israel, as the occupying power, to lift the multiple restrictions which impede UNRWA’s daily operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza, and to respect the neutrality of UNRWA installations in line with international humanitarian law and UNRWA’s UN diplomatic status.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution. It calls on the EU Commission to propose ending the twice-yearly switch between summer and winter time. Citizens’ initiatives have shown that the public is concerned about the biannual clock change marking the beginning and end of summer time, which currently takes place on the last weekends in March and October. Numerous studies have failed to reach a conclusive outcome, but indicate negative effects on human health.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The EP has the right of initiative on a proposal for the European Council decision on the allocation of seats in the EP for the legislative period 2019-2024. The current distribution of seats in the Parliament does not respect degressive proportionality in all instances. The timely adoption of this file before summer 2018 is important, because some Member States have legal requirements to start preparations for the elections by the end of summer 2018. The European Council decides by unanimity on the composition of the EP.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The most important political message of the report is that Parliament will be ready to reject any candidate for the post of Commission President who was not appointed as Spitzenkandidat in the run-up of the European elections. The report calls on European political parties to put forward Spitzenkandidaten for the upcoming European elections as they did in 2014, nominating candidates through an open, democratic and transparent competition. The report stresses that the Spitzenkandidaten process is a contribution to transparency, as candidates for Commission President are made known prior to the European elections and not after them, as before.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Portugal to receive and supply vehicle registration data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. While respecting Member States competences, the resolution outlines various forms of discrimination claimed by petitions, related to the right of free movement, preservation of cultural heritage as a pillar of social cohesion, protection of minority languages etc. It calls on the EU institutions to raise awareness and to monitor more closely the situation of autochthonous and linguistic minorities and to enlarge the scope of studies, carried out by the Fundamental Rights Agency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The resolution states that the European Union is committed to working collectively to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) as part of broader efforts to combat all forms of violence against women and girls, and to support the efforts of its Member States in this field.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for the report on the request for waiver of the immunity of Steeve Briois.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and Brazil entered into force on 7 August 2007. It was valid for a period of five years and may be renewed by agreement between the Parties. ITRE committee prepared its recommendation on the draft Council decision concerning the renewal of the Agreement for further collaboration.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The regulation seeks to provide more legal certainty and enforceability by defining specific situations when there can be no justified reason for discrimination on the grounds of nationality or residence. In addition, it bans the blocking of access to websites and the use of automatic re-routing without the customer’s prior consent. The proposed regulation also includes provisions of non-discrimination within accepted payment means. This is a big step forward to boost e-commerce in Europe as well as the Digital Single Market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposal aims to meet the EU’s 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target of ‘at least’ 40% while protecting European industry from the risk of carbon leakage and promoting innovation and modernisation in Europe’s industrial and power sectors over the decade from 2020. The proposed directive introduces further reductions of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU Emissions Trading System sector to achieve the EU climate targets for 2030, new rules for addressing carbon leakage, and provisions for funding innovation and modernisation in the energy sector and industry.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report acknowledged the federal nature of the ECB, which enables it to act decisively in various matters such as addressing the crisis. It also noted the contribution of the ECB’s accommodative monetary policy in the period 2012-2016 to cyclical economic recovery and employment creation, also by preventing deflation. However, it emphasised that at the consequences of the unconventional monetary policy measures for individual savers and the financial equilibrium of pension and insurance schemes as well as the build-up of asset bubbles, which the ECB should carefully monitor.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report replaces the Parliament’s annual evaluation of the state of the Energy Union. The report looks at various aspects of the clean energy transition in the Union, in particular the coherence of EU actions, the importance of long-term financing certainty, the leading role of the EU on the international stage and the importance of a bottom-up approach where citizens drive energy innovation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It aims at facilitating the availability and cross-border exchange of books and other print material in formats that are accessible to persons with print disabilities around the world. The agreed legislation will introduce into EU law a new mandatory exception to copyright rules, which will allow beneficiary persons and organisations to make copies of works in accessible formats and to disseminate them across the EU and in third countries which are party to the Treaty without asking the prior permission of the rightholders. The text ensures that no commercial availability checks prior to the exchange of accessible format books will be required. Members States will have the option of establishing limited compensation schemes for publishers when their books are turned into accessible format copies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The main aspects of the proposal includes such key aspects as clarification of the time limit for issuing an enforceable return order of a child, new obligation for Member States to concentrate jurisdiction for child abduction cases in a limited number of courts. Also, the changes to the existing legislative framework relate in particular to the efficiency of procedures in the event of cross-border abductions of children by one of the parents.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report is an implementation report focusing on the implementation of the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) which is the main financial instrument to fund the activities of Youth Guarantee in the Member States. The initiative has benefited more than 1.4 million young people so far. The report states that the funding instrument is necessary but due to its rapid implementation, still has some deficiencies. For example, Member States should better identify and outreach NEETs (Young people not in employment, education or training), minimum standards on what constitutes a ‘quality offer’ should be established, Member States’ reporting activities should provide with more consistent and transparent data.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for the report. The report highlights the fundamental role played by the professions in the EU economy stressing that the quality of professional services is of paramount importance to preserve the European economic, social and cultural model.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It aims at upgrading the current EU export control system and reflecting new challenges, such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism as well as rapid scientific and technological developments. Key export control notions are being revised, in particular to include cyber surveillance technologies in the dual-use definition. New licensing authorisations are introduced for ‘large-projects’ such as nuclear power plants, and for encryption, low-value shipments and intra-company transfers in non-sensitive countries.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. It sets a new EU renewables target of 35%, removes the binding element to national targets and introduces flexibility for Member States of 10% of their overall renewables target in case of exceptional and duly justified circumstances, as well as removing the binding year-on-year target for heating and cooling. Also the report widens the definition of advanced biofuels to include other wastes and residues.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Energy efficiency is one of the key dimensions of the EU’s energy union strategy. An ambitious policy in this area will contribute to achieving both our climate and energy goals as well as to increasing our competitiveness. It is also one of the best ways how to fight energy poverty in Europe.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The proposed Regulation contributes to the implementation of the Paris Agreement including its 5-year review cycle and ensures that monitoring, reporting and verification requirements.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The regulation aims to transpose existing SPRFMO conservation and management measures. It refers to management, conservation and control measures concerning certain species and certain fishing methods.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Macro—regional strategies (MRS) are platforms for transnational cooperation between Member States, but also with third countries. They provide an integrated framework for addressing mutual challenges and exploiting common potential. The report looks into the implementation of the four existing MRS, identifying both the common and the specific problems they are confronted with and making suggestions for their future development.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This is the most important file of this mandate in PECH committee. Despite that which ‘technical measures’ implies, these are highly political. In response to the Commission’s proposal, the rapporteur aims at regionalisation for tailored made measures adapted to the specificities of each fishery and each sea basin, reducing ‘micro-management’ and rigid technical rules and adopt a more flexible, simplification, results based management and greater involvement of the sector in decisions on the common fisheries policy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report follows up on the Joint Communication ‘International ocean governance: an agenda for the future of our oceans’, in which the Commission and the High Representative set out a set of actions as part of the EU response to the global commitment indicated in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Joint Communication sets out 14 actions in three priority areas: improving the international ocean governance framework, reducing pressure on oceans and seas, and creating the conditions for strengthening international ocean research and data.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. In February 2017, the European Commission proposed a regulation to prolong the derogation for extra-European Economic area flights, gradually reduce the number of aviation allowances from 2021 onwards, and prepare for the implementation of the global market based measure.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report highlights the solid foundation of mutual values as the pillar of the relationship citing the democratic tradition, respect of human rights and pluralism as well as powerful political, economic, social and cultural links.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) aims to enable the Union to respond in rapid, efficient and flexible manner to emergency situations and to show solidarity with the population of regions struck by disasters. The Commission proposed to mobilise the EUSF to grant financial assistance relating earthquakes that took place in Italy between end of August 2016 and mid-January 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. This legislative proposal is part of the climate package presented by the Commission on 20 July 2016. It proposes to integrate greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land use, land use-change and forestry into the 2030 climate and energy framework.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the reports. The new proposal presented by the Commission favours a uniform format for residence permits, as is the case of visa sticker. It aims at harmonisation of documents in the Member States (introduction of the same card model, design and some security features) in order to avoid serious incidents of counterfeiting and fraud.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The regulation lays down specific requirements with regard to total diet replacement for weight control products in their composition, labelling and advertising, as well as placing products on the market.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The motion for a resolution calls to ensure that all food and feed imported from Japan into the Union, including the categories listed in Annex I, are subject to controls and checks.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The main purpose is to enter additional EUR 500 million commitment appropriations to the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI). This allocation for YEI was part of the political agreement on the budget 2017, which was reached during last year’s budgetary conciliation between Parliament and Council.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. In the report the European Parliament calls for stricter application of the eight criteria of the Common Position and more coordination at EU level. It supports the creation of a new supervisory body at EU level for arms control and calls to sanction those Member States which fail to comply with the Common Position when granting export licenses.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The new geo—political scenario reinforces the LAC region as a strategic priority and opportunity for the EU’s foreign policy to tackle the common challenges such as lack of good governance, the eradication of poverty, mass migration, drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. Special attention is given to the trading system, namely European companies playing a very important role for national economies of LAC. Political stability, economic rules and institutional strength guaranteeing respect for the rule of law and transparency are the cornerstone of a long-term investments, through legal certainty.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report calls on states to be actively engaged on policies suited to the specific situation in each region, with a view to tackling corruption as an interlinked, complex and cross-cutting phenomenon that obstructs political, economic and social development and fuels international crime, including terrorism-related activities. It highlights the crucial importance of the anti—corruption agenda during the process of EU accession negotiations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the request of the immunity waiver of Marie-Christine Boutonnet under the recommendation of Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the nominal composition of the special committee on terrorism. The committee that consists of 30 members will assess the extent of the terrorist threat on European soil and highlight any potential faults, deficiencies and malfunctions in counter-terrorism measures.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The negotiated Geographical Indications (GI) Agreement will provide protection in Iceland for the full list of EU foodstuff GIs. The Agreement includes only foodstuff GIs as wine and spirit drinks’ GIs are already protected directly under the EEA Agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. With this agreement, Iceland will fully liberalise an additional 163 tariff lines for products such as baking potatoes, leeks, cereals for feed, sugars and live animals. As a result almost 90% of EU agricultural products will enter Iceland duty free. In addition, Iceland will reduce duties on 26 tariff lines. Iceland will increase the existing quotas for EU beef, pig meat, poultry, salted, dried or smoked meat, cheese, and sausages as processed meat products.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The main goal of this Directive was to facilitate access to alternative dispute resolution and to promote the amicable settlement of disputes, by encouraging the use of mediation and by ensuring a balanced relationship between mediation and judicial proceedings. Also, the Commission considers that the application of the Directive can be further improved by Member States increasing their efforts to promote and encourage the use of mediation and by the Commission continuing to co-finance mediation-related projects.

2016/11/22

. – I voted in favour of the report. Franchising has the potential of being a business model that can help in completing the single market in the retail sector, but is currently under-performing in the EU. The fact that existing legislation covering franchising as a business model varies widely between Member States and may prevent developing cross-border franchise networks, because both franchisees and franchisors are not familiar with other legal systems and may not be protected against unfair trading practices. Parliament welcomed franchising as a business model which supports new business and small business ownership but noted that several improvements are needed.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Commission is proposing a new space strategy for Europe focused on four strategic goals: maximising the benefits of space for society and the EU economy; fostering a globally competitive and innovative European space sector; reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy; and strengthening Europe’s role as a global actor.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Distance education is so important in ensuring easier access for all, as well as in lowering the cost of study. E-learning can be a more suitable, more accessible form of education because it avoids the normal operating costs of education institutions. Distance education can improve accessibility for all, without discrimination in terms of nationality, region, social status, age or sex.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of repealing the three regulations mentioned, relating to the inland waterway and road haulage sectors. In order to clean up and reduce the volume of the legislative acquis, it needs to be regularly reviewed and obsolete legislation identified. Repealing obsolete legislation keeps the legislative framework transparent, clear and easy for Member States and relevant stakeholders, in this case the road haulage sector, to use.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. With these proposals, the Commission delivered on its digital single market strategy commitments to accelerate investment in very high capacity networks and encourage public access to Wi-Fi for Europeans. Public administrations and other bodies with a public mission will be able to promote local digital services: e-government, e-health, and e-tourism. Local public authorities will be able to apply. The budget for this initiative would be EUR 120 million for some 6 000 municipalities, and the call for projects should be launched after summer 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The purpose of the proposed regulation is to ensure that all Member States put in place appropriate tools to prepare for, and manage, the effects of a gas shortage due to a possible disruption in supply or exceptionally high demand.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. On 4 March 2016, the Commission proposed the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. All EU Member States have signed it, but only 14 of them have thus far ratified it. The interim report calls for EU accession to the Istanbul Convention and its ratification and implementation by EU Member States, and addresses a set of recommendations to the Council, the Commission and Member States on combating violence against women in an efficient and holistic way.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Montreal Protocol adds hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the list of substances regulated by the Protocol and amends the applicable articles. HFCs are commonly used in air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, foams and other products. It has been discovered, however, that HFCs are active greenhouse gases whose global warming potential can be one thousand times greater than that of carbon dioxide. The EU’s prompt adoption of the Kigali Amendment will signal its commitment to making a substantial contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and thereby meeting the targets set in the Paris Agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) is intended to protect the human environment against air pollution, and was supposed to be signed by 2010; 26 have ratified it including the EU. These amendments now need to be ratified by the Parties in order to make them binding. In the EU, the Gothenburg Protocol is implemented through the National Emission Ceilings Directive. The ratification of the amendments will be an important step towards a higher level of protection of human health and the environment from transboundary air pollution.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report highlights the commitments that the Republic of Cuba is undertaking with the European Union and the responsibility of both parties when fulfilling the provisions of [the agreement]. The EU urges the Cuban Government to align its human rights policy with international standards defined in the Charters, declarations and international instruments to which Cuba is a signatory. Cuba should ratify all pending UN human rights conventions, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report highlights the commitments that the Republic of Cuba is undertaking with the European Union and the responsibility of both parties when fulfilling the provisions of [the agreement]. The EU urges the Cuban Government to align its human rights policy with international standards defined in the Charters, declarations and international instruments to which Cuba is a signatory. Cuba should ratify all pending UN human rights conventions, in particular The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The draft Council implementing decision on the Memorandum of Understanding between eu-LISA and Eurojust aims to establish a cooperation framework between the two EU bodies. In addition to the exchange of information, expertise and best practices, it covers cooperation regarding ICT-related matters, the access rights of Eurojust to SIS II, as well as other strategic and administrative matters.

2016/11/22

I voted against the proposal to reject the Council proposal. The objective of the Directive is to establish minimum rules concerning the definition of criminal offences, sanctions and limitation periods in the field of the fight against fraud and other illegal activities affecting the Union’s financial interests, with a view to contributing effectively to a stronger protection against crime affecting those financial interests, in line with the acquis of the Union in this field. It will improve the level of protection currently existing on the basis of the 1995 Convention on the protection of the European Communities’ financial interests, which the Directive will replace for the Member States bound by it.

2016/11/22

It was an approval without vote. The report had been referred back to committee at the sitting of 25 October 2016 for interinstitutional negotiations.

2016/11/22

I voted against. Parliament urged the Commission to provide more information on its work programme for 2018 especially in regards to the digital sector and their approach towards SMEs in different sectors in order to boost Europe’s economic climate.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report highlights the main areas of interest for the 2018 budget such as delivering growth, jobs and security, and support on R&D, and gives a mandate for the trilogue.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report welcomes the approach of the joint communication, which identifies three work streams: supporting culture as an engine for sustainable social and economic development; promoting culture and intercultural dialogue for peaceful inter-community relations; and reinforcing cooperation on cultural heritage. It suggests that each Member State could launch joint actions together with the EU in order to increase the visibility of their actions and initiatives abroad. Also, it stresses the role of independent media in promoting cultural diversity and intercultural competences, and the need to strengthen such media as a source of credible information, especially in the EU neighbourhood, and further support cultural relations with neighbourhood countries through technical assistance.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report addresses recommendations to the Council concerning peace and security, the fight against terrorism, non-proliferation and disarmament, migration, human rights, democracy and the rule of law, development, climate change, the EU and reform of the UN system. Parliament recommends the Council to push for stronger multilateral commitments to find lasting sustainable political and peaceful solutions to current conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya, and: to reinvigorate diplomatic efforts to resolve frozen conflicts around the world; to continue to support UN special envoys’ work, actions and initiatives aimed at solving these conflicts; to support the full implementation of the UN Security Council’s resolutions on women, peace and security.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Framework Agreement will permit the gradual opening of or reinforced participation in certain European Union programmes for Kosovo, offering an opportunity to promote further cultural, educational, environmental, technical and scientific links, enhancing people-to-people contacts and sectoral cooperation, in addition to the strengthening of political and economic relations through the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. On 2 June 2017 the Commission adopted a proposal for a decision on the mobilisation of the EGF in favour of Spain to support the reintegration into the labour market of workers made redundant in five mining enterprises. Moreover, the region suffers from a lack of job offerings in the mining district and from high emigration of persons of employable age, which leads to a distortion of the unemployment figures, particularly as regards the younger age groups. Given the latest redundancies, the danger is that the employment situation and depopulation of the area will become even worse. The application has been approved.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Communication on European standards for the 21st century brings together the standardisation initiatives contained in the ICT standardisation priority plan, the annual Union work programme for standardisation 2017, the staff document on standardisation and services and the result from the REFIT evaluation of the Regulation on standardisation. It wishes to establish new forms of cooperation to set a new best practice for a more collaborative and agile approach in line with the better regulation principles.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report proposed a common definition of covered bonds with three categories: some covered bonds would become Premium Covered Bonds and others stay Ordinary Covered Bonds. In addition, they also propose creating a new category of European Secured Notes consisting of non-government-backed infrastructure investments or credits to small and medium-sized enterprises.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Over the last decades many of the traditional fishing communities in the European Union have come under increasing pressure from many different negative factors, such as overfishing and dwindling fishing stocks, climate change, pollution, decreasing populations and lowering appeal of fisherman’s profession. It is necessary to help fishing communities and tourists find each other and to make sure that sufficient interest on both sides is generated in order to create a lasting beneficial partnership.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. Limitation periods for claims are essential to ensure legal certainty and the finality of disputes. Back in February 2007, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on ‘Limitation periods in cross-border disputes involving personal injuries and fatal accidents’, where it called on the Commission ‘to carry out an inquiry into the effects of the existence of differing limitation periods on the internal market, and particularly on citizens exercising their freedoms under the Treaty’. The report concludes that a certain level of harmonisation is required in order to address the main problems currently encountered by visiting victims and safeguard effective access to justice.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. European citizens, especially those who move across borders, are now far more likely to come into contact with the civil procedure of another Member State. Civil procedure provides the means for the enforcement of substantive rights and duties of legal subjects in legal proceedings. The report asks for a harmonised regulatory framework – common minimum standards in regards to civil disputes cross—border.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which supported the Commission proposal to a large extent. The report introduced stronger conditionality for granting macro-financial assistance to contribute to greater political and macroeconomic stability of the country. These conditions include the strengthening of economic and financial governance, including a thorough, result-oriented investigation into bank fraud, good energy governance, an accountable, transparent and merit-based civil service, the freedom, independence and pluralism of the media, sustainable development and poverty reduction and the political independence of the judiciary.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. In the last years, the attention paid to corporate income tax avoidance has increased considerably and has become a major focus of concern within the EU as well as at global level. The objective of the proposal is to expand existing transparency obligations of companies to publicly disclose certain information in order to improve tax-related information transparency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The autonomous trade measures for Ukraine are proposed in view of the difficult economic situation in the country, with the aim to support its economic reform efforts and the development of closer economic relations with the EU, in line with the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, applied provisionally since 1 January 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report overviews the budget of the European Union for the financial year 2017 as well as calling on the institutions to process swiftly the pending and upcoming draft amending budgets for the Youth Employment Initiative and for the European Fund for Sustainable Development, in line with the commitments taken as part of the outcome of the conciliation on the 2017 budget.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report calls on the Commission to set criteria of minimum resistance per product category, to support the right to have products repaired, to promote a usage-oriented economic model, to better inform consumers on products’ durability including via an assessment of the impact of aligning lifespan labelling with the duration of the legal guarantee, to stop planned obsolescence, to reinforce consumer rights to have access to the legal guarantee of conformity, and to combat software planned obsolescence.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report focuses on EU action in the field of preventing and ensuring accountability for the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, also known as ‘atrocity crimes’. It underlines that the international community has equally engaged to prevent such crimes taking place and suggests the setting-up of an instrument that can minimise the warning response gap. It recommends the development of an efficient approach to crisis and conflict situations, which should include exchange information and coordination of preventive measures.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. This own initiative report aims to address the increasing role of Private Military Companies in the security and defence domain. The report suggests drawing up an open list of contractors complying with EU standards on transparency, criminal records, financial and economic capacity, licences, strict vetting of personnel and adhering to an international code of conduct.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. Over the last decade, non-standard, atypical forms of employment have been emerging, fixed termed and part-time contracts have increased. The report analyses the effect of these new forms of arrangements on employment conditions and brings forward ideas to prevent possible insecurity they might cause. Furthermore it addresses questions around precarious employment which does not respect existing labour law standards and calls for measures to be taken to prevent it.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report to wave immunity of Rolandas Paksas. The request was brought to the Parliament’s attention by the General Prosecutor of Lithuania. Rolanas Paksas is accused of having agreed to take a bribe in exchange for influencing public authorities and state officials to exercise their powers in 2015.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to wave immunity of Mylène Troszczynski requested by Minister of Justice of France on grounds of public hatred speech.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to wave the immunity of Jean-Marie Le Pen. The request was brought by the Prosecutor-General of France on the grounds of suspecting of having committed the offence of public defamation against a publicly-elected official.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report reaffirms the importance of investment in education to enable especially women to stay longer in the labour market which would have positive effects on their pensions. The European Parliament calls on the European Commission and the EU Member States to tackle inequalities and discrimination in the labour market, in particular through education and empowerment of girls and women to enter sections of the labour market that are currently dominated by men.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Serbia made the progress in developing a functioning market economy and the improvement of the overall economic situation in the country. The Parliament welcomes that the restructuring of publicly owned enterprises has advanced, particularly in the field of energy and railway transportation, and underlines the importance of their professional management in order to make them more effective, competitive and economic. However, the report expresses concern that no progress has been made to improve the situation regarding freedom of expression and self-censorship of the media. It calls on the authorities to provide adequate resources to investigate more proactively all cases of attacks against journalists and media outlets and to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report welcomes the progress made in implementing the various agreements signed since August 2016 in the normalisation process with Serbia, and calls on both Kosovo and Serbia to show more engagement and sustained political will as regards the normalisation of relations and to refrain from any actions that would jeopardise the progress achieved so far in this process. It is important to guarantee, respect, support and intensify efforts to improve the rule of law. However, the Parliament expresses serious concerns at the lack of progress made with regard to the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom, and at the increased political interference and pressure and intimidation on the media as well as lack of effectiveness fighting corruption and organised crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. It highlights that there is a need for serious commitment by all political forces for the country to continue to maintain its EU integration path. The country needs to fully implement robust reforms marked by tangible results particularly to the areas of the rule of law, justice, corruption, fundamental rights, home affairs and good neighbourly relations. At the same time, the Parliament urges all parties to demonstrate the political will and responsibility to overcome the divisive political environment, polarisation, lack of culture of compromise and re-engage in dialogue.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution expressed deep concern at the deterioration of the political, security and humanitarian situation in the DRC. It strongly condemns all human rights violations, including acts of violence by all perpetrators, abductions, killings, torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions. It is necessary to open an independent and comprehensive committee of inquiry, including UN experts, in order to shed light on the violence in the Kasai region and to ensure that the perpetrators of these massacres are held to account for their actions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution underlines that responsible business conduct and decent working conditions are a shared responsibility of the Bangladeshi Government, the local private sector, the international community and business partners. Therefore, the government must improve its level of engagement in all areas of labour rights and working conditions and to effectively address the freedom of association and collective bargaining.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The own-initiative report seeks to scrutinise actual experiences and work on an increased visibility of the EFSI and proposes an approach to link Cohesion Policy instruments with local policies, in order to increase the effectiveness of decisions at the local level through developing participatory governance as an effective tool to increase the visibility of EFSI Funds.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report calls on the Commission to ensure that modernisations introduced under Horizon 2020, such as flat rates for indirect costs, a single audit strategy, and single participant portal are applied in a similar way in other policy areas, such as structural funds.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report reiterates its concerns about the insufficient availability of data on statelessness as well as lack of access to education, health services, work, freedom of movement and security. It urges governments in developing countries to prevent denial, loss or deprivation of nationality on discriminatory grounds, to adopt equitable nationality laws and to implement accessible, affordable and non-discriminatory nationality documentation procedures.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report, which focuses on company law aspects, while stressing the importance of cross-border mobility for businesses and welcoming justified entrepreneurial decisions. The report stresses the effectiveness of Directive 2005/56/EC on cross-border mergers of limited liability companies, which has served to facilitate cross-border mergers between limited liability companies in the European Union and to reduce the associated costs and administrative procedures.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. PRIMA is a research partnership gathering together EU and non-EU countries from the Mediterranean region which aims to develop novel solutions for sustainable water management and food production. The participation of the EU would bring a EUR 200 million contribution through Horizon 2020. The partnership is scheduled to run for 10 years, starting in 2018.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. After the devastating earthquakes that affected Italy in the second half of 2016, the Commission put forward a proposal amending Article 120 of the Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) by introducing a separate priority axis for reconstruction projects supported by the ERDF within an operational programme. The co-financing rate for the new priority axis is to be up to 100%, without affecting the overall allocation for the period 2014-2020 for the Member State concerned.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The European Commission proposed on 15 July 2015 a new regulation on energy efficiency labelling as part of its summer energy package repealing the existing directive. The new regulation was supposed to come into force on 1 January 2017 to contribute towards meeting the EU energy efficiency target. The proposed regulation would restore the legislation on energy labelling of household appliances.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. 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 ‘European Capitals of Culture’ decision included in its annex an indicative chronological list where two Member States per year are entitled to host the action.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report stresses that the evaluation of FP7 and monitoring of Horizon 2020 show that the EU Framework Programme (FP) for research and innovation is a success and brings clear added value to the EU. The FP intends to incentivise industry participation in order to increase R&D spending by industry, also it calls on the Commission to assess the European added value and relevance to the public of funding for industry-driven instruments such as Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs), as well as the coherence, openness and transparency of all joint initiatives.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The draft report underlines the added value of cohesion policy for the citizens of the EU and points to the need for continuity of the main elements of the last reform, namely making the policy more effective and simpler to implement. It indicates also areas where improvement is necessary, such as better communication of the positive results of the policy, more flexibility, real partnership and validation of the territorial approach in all phases of the implementation cycle.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report also suggests developing a common EU-funded database with comprehensive and reliable data on fishing resources. Also it aims to achieve the following goals: long-term management of resources giving greater sustainability with use of more selective fishing gear, cooperation with third countries, closure of some areas as nursery areas or for restocking of the overfished stock, preferential access to resources for small-scale (artisanal) fleets, stepping up of the monitoring of illegal and unreported and unregulated fishing together with special measures for those breaking the rules and fishing without a licence.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013) 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. It provides for a ban on mercury mines, the phase-out and reduction of mercury use in a number of products and processes, control measures on emissions and releases, and the regulation of artisanal and small-scale gold mining. The Convention also addresses the storage of mercury, its disposal as waste, and mercury contaminated sites.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The hybrid mismatch arrangements exploit differences in the tax treatment of an entity or instrument under the laws of two or more tax jurisdictions to reduce tax paid on profits or even achieve double non-taxation. The report introduces additional definitions, like ‘hybrid entity’, ‘disregarded permanent establishment’, ‘payer jurisdiction’, it also stresses the need to ensure that profits are taxed where economic activities deriving the profits are performed and where value is created.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The draft operational and strategic cooperation agreement seeks to ensure a sufficient level of cooperation between Europol and Denmark to maintain the Union’s capacity to effectively fight terrorism and organised crime. However, the agreement does in no way equal full membership of Europol and will be conditional upon Denmark’s continued membership of the EU and the Schengen area, the full transposition of the Police Directive into Danish law by 1 May 2017, and Denmark’s recognition of the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice and the competences of the European Data Protection Supervisor.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report focuses on the EIB’s investment programme and EU policy objectives: accelerating economic recovery, promoting youth employment, innovation and SMEs, enhancing environmental sustainability and climate action alongside promoting economic and social cohesion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Commission Proposal aims establishing a new instrument, the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) in order to provide technical support to all Member States on a voluntary basis to address challenges of the design and implementation of growth-enhancing institutional, structural and administrative reforms. A budget of EUR 142.8 million for 2017-2020 is foreseen for the support.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose is to designate 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage in order to promote the role of European cultural heritage as a crucial component of cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and EU’s international dimension. The main objectives of this European Year are: to promote cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and social cohesion, to highlight the economic contribution of cultural heritage in the cultural and creative sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to emphasise the role of cultural heritage in EU external relations, including conflict prevention, post-conflict reconciliation and rebuilding destroyed cultural heritage.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The objectives of the programme established by the Regulation are to ensure stable, diversified, sound and adequate funding and to enable European Financial Reporting Advisory Group to accomplish its mission which is to serve the European public interest by developing and promoting European views in the field of financial reporting, in an independent and efficient manner. It has been concluded that Union co-financing is the most efficient option.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report presented the collection of special reports of the Court of Auditors on performance of audits on the efficiency, economy and effectiveness of spending on various programmes which have been published during last year.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge. The report called for a higher level of consistency in the management of development policy, so as to further develop the existing assurance frameworks. In my opinion, this will give greater guarantees when funding development interventions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting discharge. The report in general focuses on the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2015. I strongly support the chapter on transparency when it comes to more transparency with regard to the spending of MEPs’ allowances, provision of more information and maximum transparency on Parliament’s website with regard to MEPs’ activities as well as publication on Parliament’s website of decisions regarding the financing of political parties and foundations.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of postponing discharge of the EU general budget of 2015 for the European Council and the Council. The main reason is the lack of cooperation with regard to submitting necessary documents. However, it was agreed that a more efficient procedure will occur.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the EU general budget for the European Court of Justice. All the necessary documentation and procedural steps were completed by the European Court of Justice.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge for the EU general budget 2015 for the European Court of Auditors. All the necessary documentation and procedural steps were completed by the European Court of Auditors.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge EU general budget for the financial year 2015 for European Economic and Social Committee. I encourage to reach for a more effective information and communication policy.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge for EU general budget for the financial year 2015 for the Committee of the Regions. Particularly, I welcome the Committee’s interest in having a more systematic approach to the cooperation with Parliament, especially in political areas and with Parliament’s research service. I am certain that further development of synergies will bring positive results to both institutions.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour to grant a discharge for the European External Action Service (EEAS) for the EU general budget for the year 2015. The report states that the EEAS should provide better administrative assistance to the EU delegations as regards financial management, procurement and human resources and the costs of buildings, support in relation to the purchasing policy of residences and security issues, the priority given to the management of gender and geographical balance in staff and the different domains where cost reductions must still be achieved.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge for European Ombudsman of EU general budget for the financial year 2015. The report positively emphasises the provision of exhaustive information on all the human resources at the Ombudsman’s disposal, broken down according to grade, sex and nationality and requests that information be automatically included in the Ombudsman’s annual activity report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge for European Data Protection Supervisor for EU general budget for the financial year 2015. In my opinion, European Data Protection Supervisor played an effective advisory role during the development of legislation in the data protection package (the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Directive), the Europol reform and the Passenger Name Record Directive, the EU-US Privacy Shield as well as its opinion on the First reform package on the Common European Asylum System (Eurodac, EASO and Dublin regulations) as well as its involvement in the setting-up of the European Data Protection Board.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge for EU agencies on performance, financial management and control for the financial year 2015. The report identifies that one of the most frequent issues is related with the budgetary principle of annuality.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for the financial year 2015. The report showed that the annual accounts of the Agency for the financial year 2015 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge for the office of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications for the financial year 2015. However, the report made a series of observations regarding commitments, carry-overs, transfers, procurement, recruitment procedures, the prevention and management of conflicts of interests and internal audits.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge for the Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union for the financial year 2015. According to the report the Centre cancelled EUR 5.9 million of appropriations available at the end of 2015. These cancellations were related to the overestimation of the cost of external translators as well as to the fact that the fulfilment of the establishment plan did not reach the level foreseen in the budget. While this fact raises some concerns, the Centre notes that it monitored the evolution of external translation costs more closely and based its budget forecasts for 2016 onwards on up-to-date figures.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge for European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training for the financial year 2015. The annual accounts of the Centre for the financial year 2015 were reliable and that the underlying transactions were legal and regular, Members called on Parliament to approve the closure of the Centre’s accounts. The report, however suggests that the current building calls into question not only its economic viability, but more importantly the safety and security of its personnel and whether relocation to a new building would be a more preferable solution.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge for European Police College for the financial year 2015. It was noted that there is a significant need for reinforcement in both human and financial resources where the Commission should take initiative by proposing some solutions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge for European Aviation Safety Agency for the financial year 2015.The report highlighted the Agency’s vital role in ensuring the highest possible level of aviation safety throughout Europe. The report noted that a common European assessment and alerting system is needed in Europe, in particular in the context of flights over conflict zones. Also, it stressed that, in the context of a fast-developing civil aviation sector, exemplified by the ever more widespread use of pilotless aircraft (‘drones’), the Agency should be given the necessary financial, material and human resources to successfully perform its regulatory and executive tasks in the fields of safety and environmental protection.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour to grant a discharge for European Asylum Support Office for the financial year 2015. The report recognised that the growth of the Office’s budget in 2016 was significant in order to cope with additional tasks relating to the European Agenda on Migration. A range of steps were taken by the Office to deal with such an unprecedented increase in tasks and recalled that in 2015 a record number of almost 1.4 million applications for international protection were made.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Banking Authority (EBA) for the financial year 2015. Following the outcome of the UK referendum, the EBA, whose headquarters is in London, drafted impact assessments for all support areas, namely IT, human resources, procurement, corporate services and communications, which will be updated according to developments. However, there is some concern regarding the potential operational and business continuity risks and related costs of a relocation decision.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control for the financial year 2015. The centre noted that in 2015, 37 different events were addressed, for example, the Ebola epidemic, the influx of refugees, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), poliomyelitis, the shortage of medical countermeasures, the Zika virus, and the explosion of a chemical factory in China.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Chemicals Agency for the financial year 2015. I welcome that the Agency has implemented a robust conflict of interest policy and a detailed anti-fraud strategy in order to contribute to a culture of high ethical behaviour among the staff and experts working for the Agency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Environment Agency for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the Agency put more efforts into social media and media relations in order to enhance into more effective communication with citizens. Also, they Agency invested in better design, data visualisation and infographics and updated its corporate identity to this effect, as well as that more efforts were put into social media and media relations. I welcome such steps and hope that the Agency will continue promoting dialogue with stakeholders and citizens and incorporate it as part of the priorities and activities to be implemented.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Fisheries Control Agency for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the implementation of the e-Prior modules for electronic tendering, ordering and invoicing were progressively used leading to an increase in electronic work flows, and subsequently greater efficiency, reliability of the data and audit trail. Also important is the Agency’s role in implementing the reformed Common Fisheries Policy and in achieving the objectives.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Food Safety Authority for the financial year 2015. The Authority launched in 2015 the ‘Transparency and Engagement in Risk Assessment’ project to provide clarity regarding, and further develop approaches towards transparency and engagement in its scientific processes. In my opinion, the Authority should give special attention to public opinion and engage more in dialogue with them.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Institute for Gender Equality for the financial year 2015. The report positively emphasised that the Institute is looking for synergies by pooling certain tasks and introducing shared services with other agencies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority for the financial year 2015. The report underlined the Authority should ensure that resources are maximised in order to fully fulfil its legal mandate given to it by the European Parliament and the Council which could lead to a more effective achievement of its objectives.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Institute for Innovation and Technology for the financial year 2015. The report noted the Institute requested the Commission to re-launch the process leading to full financial autonomy, therefore the Commission set out the roadmap and timetable of the process in May 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Medicines Agency for the financial year 2015. The report noted that due to Brexit, the Agency established a task force to focus on relocation preparedness, operational and financial preparedness, HR-related matters and communication (internal and external) aspects. They observed that the work currently ongoing is focussed on the impact of a loss of EMA staff in the event of relocation and loss of external expertise due to the potential unavailability of UK expertise in the scientific committees and other EMA fora.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction for the financial year 2015. The report noted the Centre’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with other Union agencies, particularly those working in Justice and Home Affairs and in the health field. Also, its implementation of anti-fraud strategy is a very positive step towards more efficiency.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Maritime Safety Agency for the financial year 2015. The report noted the Agency’s contribution to maritime safety, the prevention of pollution from ships as well as from offshore installations for gas and oil exploitation in Europe, and the assistance provided to Member States and the Commission under international and Union law.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for the European Network and Information Security Agency for the financial year 2015. The report highlighted that it is important for the Greek authorities, the Commission and the Agency to find a solution for the issue of the Agency’s two locations in Greece as soon as possible in order to ensure a much more efficient use of Union funds.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Railway Agency for the financial year 2015. The report positively noted that in 2016 the Agency undertook several actions in order to better communicate its activities, achievements and added value to the public through several public events, including the InnoTrans fair in September 2016, a forum on digitalisation of railways in Florence, a celebration on the occasion of the positive vote on the 4th Railway Package.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Securities and Markets Authority for the financial year 2015. The report noted that it should ensure that resources are maximised in order to fully fulfil its legal mandate. Also, the Authority needs to inform the European Parliament and the Council about its activities in a timely, regular and comprehensive manner.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Training Foundation for the financial year 2015. The report noted positive efforts of the Foundation to modernise the education and training systems and to strengthen the human capital of partner countries.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Agency for the operational management of large-scale IT systems in the area of freedom, security and justice (eu-LISA) for the financial year 2015. The report noted that at the end of 2014, the Agency concluded the negotiations and signed the headquarters agreement with Estonia for its seat in Tallinn and with France for its operational site in Strasbourg.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge for European Agency for Safety and Health at Work for the financial year 2015. The report emphasised the efficiency of the Agency’s contribution to promote healthy and safe workplaces across the Union. The progress in the implementation of its Multiannual Strategic Programme, in particular the pilot project on ‘Safer and healthier work at any age’ and the online interactive risk assessment is much appreciated.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for Euratom Supply Agency for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the final budget of the Agency for the financial year 2015 represented an increase of 20.19% compared to 2014.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the Foundation’s target of 80% regarding the number of planned outputs in its work programme was not achieved, even though the Foundation improved its performance in comparison to 2014. The reasons why the Foundation missed the target are principally related to delays by contractors and the scarcity of staff resources.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for grating a discharge for European Union’s Judicial Cooperation Unit for the financial year 2015. The report noted that Eurojust is currently, together with its host Member State, in the process of preparing for the transition to its new premises. The construction of the premises started in spring 2015 and the expected move was planned for spring 2017.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Police Office for the financial year 2015. The report noted that in 2016 the Office updated its ICT network architecture in order to strengthen the protection of its core business data and related systems, including information exchange capabilities with the Member States and third parties. I welcome its efficient involvement in fighting cyber crime such as the creation of the European Cybercrime Centre and, since 2016, the European Counter Terrorism Centre, have increased its cyber threat profile.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the Agency developed an anti-fraud strategy, evaluating the introduction of new controls, where necessary after a dedicated risk assessment, which is very good step. Also, the Agency is planning to include a standard chapter on transparency, accountability and integrity in its annual report.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union for the financial year 2015. The report positively noted the contribution of the Agency to saving more than 250 000 people at sea in 2015 and the support provided to national authorities in hotspot areas in relation to the identification and registration of migrants, return-related activities and Union internal security.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for European GNSS Agency for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the Agency is a main partner and the initiator of the European Space Expo project that visited Luxembourg, Milan, Oslo, Zagreb, Stockholm, Riga, Ljubljana and Athens in 2015, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of local citizens. Each Expo visit was the result of collaboration with many local actors including local industry, municipalities and academia.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2015. The report contains a number of observations on procurement and recruitment procedures, the legal framework and the prevention and management of conflicts of interests.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge for Clean Sky 2 Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2015. The report noted that in terms of widening participation during the first year of Clean Sky 2 programme 76 new core partners joined the programme and took note of the progress made by the Joint Undertaking in involving SMEs in the programme by achieving a 36% participation rate by the end 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for ECSEL Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2015. The report expressed concern that the Court’s report found it was impossible for the Joint Undertaking to calculate a reliable weighted error rate or a residual error rate because of the significant variation in the methodologies and procedures used by the national funding authorities and thus the Court could not conclude whether ex-post audits were functioning effectively.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2015. The report positively noted that the Joint Undertaking manifested a clear intention to invest, develop and commercialise its innovative technologies, both on the side of industry and research.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the Joint Undertaking is encouraged to continue in its effort towards higher participation of SMEs in its projects and to present transparency guidelines on its reports.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of granting a discharge for ITER Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2015. The report noted the development of contract tracker tool which is an important tool for monitoring milestones and overall project progress, the adoption of the single intellectual property document in 2016, and the signature of a renewed long-term lease agreement with Spain for its offices.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour for granting a discharge for SESAR Joint Undertaking for the financial year 2015. The report noted that the Commission issued guidelines to the Joint Undertaking-related rules on conflicts of interest, including a common template for the declaration of absence of a conflict of interest which helps to optimise better human resources.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The prime reason for this report is the call from the outermost regions, which are part of France (Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte and Saint-Martin), Portugal (Madeira and Azores) and Spain (Canary Islands), for a way to renew and modernise their fleets. Currently, the lack of safety on board is a major problem in the outermost regions.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The aim of the report is to call on the Commission to advance on the EU initiative on the garment sector. It seeks to make this industry more responsible to improve labour, human rights and environmental conditions in garment-producing countries and to prevent tragedies like the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh in 2013.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The report underlines the different aspects of land concentration in the EU and suggests possible solutions on how to improve access to arable land for European farmers, such as better coordination between the Commission and the Member States, together with regular exchanges of data on rent levels, land prices and market behaviour.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report notes the stability of the EIB lending signed in 2015 emphasizes that a fresh increase in EIB capital in order to safeguard the bank’s financing capacity for the future, deserves serious consideration. it is also important to ensure the efficient and responsible management of resources. The report also calls on the EIB to present a comprehensive assessment of the potential impact that the UK’s decision to leave the EU might have on its financial status and activities.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The report underlines the incomplete implementation of the Mining Waste Directive and the difficulty of obtaining a clear picture of the effectiveness of Member States’ actions. Therefore it calls for reform of the current reporting mechanism as a matter of priority, taking into account the upcoming deadlines for the third reporting period (2014-2017).

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution condemns the continued unconstitutional violation of the democratic order in Venezuela, including the recent ruling issued by the Venezuelan Supreme Court to take over the legislative powers of the National Assembly and the lack of separation of powers and independence of the branches of government. It expresses its grave concerns at the seriously deteriorating democracy, human rights and the socio-economic situation in Venezuela, characterised by an increasing climate of political violence and social instability.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The resolution acknowledges the United Kingdom's (UK) notification to withdraw from the European Union and states general principles that both sides should seek to follow such as principles of negotiation, transparent withdrawal procedure, future relationship between the EU and the UK, futures institutional structure of the EU as the Union of 27 Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The International Conventions on Liability and Compensation for Damage in connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by Sea 1996 is the last one of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions dealing with liability and compensation for damages arising from the carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by sea, including liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas that have not yet been ratified. The 2010 HNS Convention and its ratification establishes strict liability of the owner of the ship carrying HNS for any damage resulting from an incident in connection with the carriage of HNS by sea and on board that ship. The conclusion of the 2010 Protocol to the HNS Convention will ensure uniform application of rules on liability and compensation in connection with accidents caused by ships carrying HNS at sea across the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. With the proposed Decision, the Council shall set a date for the application of certain provisions of the Schengen acquis in the area of the Schengen Information System (SIS) to be applied in Croatia, in line with Croatia’s Act of Accession to the EU. Following the technical and legal arrangements, concerning data protection, processing SIS data and exchange of supplementary information, the Schengen Committee on 6 October 2016 confirms that a satisfactory level of data protection is met in Croatia. The next step now will be the lifting of checks at the EU internal borders to Croatia.

2016/11/22

I voted against the proposal to reject Council’s opinion. With this proposal there will be tighter controls of the safety of products, such as breast implants, not only prior to authorisation, but also as unannounced inspections later at the production sites. Furthermore, mandatory counselling ahead of sensitive medical tests will be introduced.

2016/11/22

I voted against the proposal to reject Council’s position. With the new proposal, the new standards of medical devices will also apply to in-vitro diagnostic medical devices. HIV or DNA tests will be subject to tight controls prior to and after authorisation. In addition, sensitive tests such as on the DNA of embryos will come with a mandatory consultation by a specialist.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. Money market funds (MMF) offer a short-term cash management tool that provides a high degree of liquidity, diversification, and stability of value combined with a market-based yield.The proposed Regulation aims to create a regulatory framework for MMFs 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.This proposal is in line with the Commission Green Paper (March 2012) on shadow banking.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The reform of the prospectus rules was announced in the Investment Plan for Europe and is an important step to build the Capital Markets Union. It aims particularly to reduce fragmentation in financial markets and to increase investor protection in capital markets. The prospectus shall contain all relevant and necessary information which an investor would reasonably require in relation to an investment in securities. Also, the conditions of prospectus regarding the setup of thresholds were reached in order to make it easier and cheaper for SMEs to raise funding in the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) sets the maximum level of resources for each major category of EU spending for the years 2014-2020. Based on the compulsory mid-term review of the MFF, the European Commission proposes to modify the flexibility provisions and special instruments of the MFF Regulation. The aim is to increase the capacity of the EU budget to address unforeseen events and new priorities, against a backdrop of persistent challenges inside and outside the EU.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report advises to mobilise the contingency margin to the proposed amount in order to be able to face challenges of 2017 because additional financial needs are likely to arise in 2017, in relation to the internal security crises and the current humanitarian, migratory and refugee challenges.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report stresses the key point of transparency that has to be met counting estimates of revenue and expenditure. The report touches upon different areas such as EU staff, Member State related issues etc. In regard to administrative procedures, I welcome the efforts to further digitise and computerise procedures. Therefore, it is important to introduce more possibilities for the use of secure digital signatures in administrative procedures in order to reduce the use of paper and save time.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report addresses the urgent need to release financial assistance through the European Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to the regions of the countries affected by the natural disaster such as the floods that occurred in the United Kingdom during December 2015 to January 2016, drought and fires in Cyprus between October 2015 and June 2016 and fires on the Portuguese island of Madeira in August 2016.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report addresses technical assistance that needs to be used in order to improve the mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: the efficient navigation of the website with the appropriate amount of different languages, also the creation of a knowledge base, also administrative support of experts, promotion within Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Latvia to receive and supply dactyloscopic data for the purpose of automated searching, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise in Slovakia, Portugal, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Cyprus, Poland, Sweden, Malta and Belgium. to receive and supply DNA data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Slovakia, Bulgaria, France, Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Hungary, Cyprus, Estonia, Malta, Romania and Finland to receive and supply dactyloscopic data for the purpose of automated searching, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Finland, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Hungary to receive and supply vehicle registration data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Malta, Cyprus and Estonia to receive and supply vehicle registration data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combatting terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted against. The report seeks to take stock of the EU priorities concerning mobility challenges. It welcomes the Commission’s proposal for the External Investment Plan, the new Partnership Framework with third countries and the use of common security and defence policy (CSDP). It stresses that the international migration is a global responsibility and calls on the EU to create a value-based common European policy on migration including cooperation with third countries. However, the role of EU External Action is not properly addressed. There is a need for a further discussion.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Commission gives great importance to simplifying and clarifying the law of the Union so as to make it clearer and more accessible to citizens, thus giving them new opportunities and the chance to make use of the specific rights it gives them. For this reason a codification of rules that have frequently been amended is essential for the law to be clear and transparent. The new regulation grants the Commission the power to adopt acts to bring the standards for engine power in the line with the technical developments in regards to fishing vessels.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. In September 2015, the Volkswagen case highlighted weaknesses in the implementation of type-approval rules for motor vehicles in the European Union, in particular as regards standards on emissions of air pollutants and carbon dioxide. The new proposal presents the new system that provides the obligation for Member States and the Commission to perform market surveillance checks. The two levels in parallel can ensure more effective results compared with the current system in which there is a clear lack for market surveillance at Member State level. Also, there will be established a forum in order to share information and best practices between Member States.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The aim of the report was to address the environmental impact of the palm oil industry. This industry is linked to major environmental issues, such as deforestation and habitat degradation, as the land and forests must be cleared for the development of the oil palm plantations. The report makes reference to these environmental impacts of the palm oil industry and calls for measures to be taken to encourage the sustainable production of palm oil, through the use of, more robust certification schemes, voluntary partnership agreements, and more restrictive import conditions. It also calls for the phasing out of the use of palm oil as a biodiesel by 2020, for information campaigns to be launched, and for further research on the impact of the consumption of palm oil on deforestation to be carried out.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It seeks to improve working and living conditions in rural areas through provision of services, increase the participation of women as beneficiaries of common agricultural policy and regional development programmes and also in the management of farms and in representative bodies.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The EMIS committee presented its final report and recommendations in regards to the Volkswagen scandal in 2015. The committee calls for the urgent finalisation of the RDE package, the reduction of the ‘conformity factor’ that allows cars higher NOx emissions in the new RDE tests than in the lab, and the swift adoption of the new regulation on type-approval and market surveillance. Also, the committee recommends that, for a better functioning of the system in the future, competences over air quality and vehicles emissions legislation be placed under a single Commissioner’s portfolio, and that a strengthened role be played by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It encourages all states to grant access to the Human Rights Council for independent experts and to take concrete steps to act on Universal Periodic Review recommendations by establishing national plans of action and coordination mechanisms. It expresses its serious concerns at the numerous increasing attempts made to shrink the space of civil society, namely human rights defenders. A safe and enabling environment for NGOs, civil society, journalists and human rights defenders must be ensured.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The EU is a major importer of tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, accounting for approximately 35% of global trade. The report supported the overall objective of the Commission proposal and foresaw voluntary due diligence obligations for EU smelters and refiners. For companies operating downstream, it laid down provisions for voluntary labelling and the setting up of so-called conformity assessment bodies in the Member States to oversee that process.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The proposal aims at aligning the EU’s current data collection framework with the new common fisheries policy, as well as simplifying the current system by collecting only what is needed and avoiding duplication of data collection efforts. The agreement includes an improved framework for gathering extensive and reliable information and for making it available at regional and European level. The improvement in data collection will enable the maximum sustainable yield to be evaluated more reliably and will ensure long-term sustainability.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour. The report calls on Member States to commit to the provisions of the Treaty on the common security and defence policy (CSDP) and to increase their efforts in achieving its objectives. It encourages the setting-up of a permanent ‘European Integrated Force’, the creation of a permanent civilian and military headquarter and the promotion of a closer relationship between the CSDP and NATO, as a political opportunity for collaboration and complementarity at every level. It supports an increase in defence expenditure to 2% of GDP.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report welcomes the continued progress in Montenegro’s EU integration, and recalls that it is essential to deliver concrete results with a strong and sustainable implementation record, especially in the field of the rule of law, justice and fight against corruption and organised crime. The Parliament welcomes the fact that Montenegro’s NATO Accession Protocol was signed in May 2016, and it is currently being ratified by NATO members, as NATO is an important factor for stability and peace in the Western Balkans.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. It states the importance of enhancing the democratic linkage between citizens and political institutions, the role of e-democracy tools to help foster more active citizenship and help promote awareness of EU. However, there is a risk of distortion and manipulation of the outcome of deliberations of on-line discussion tools. Therefore it is crucial to protect privacy and personal data when using e-democracy tools as well as to foster a more secure internet environment.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. With the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the EU, the EU enlarged its customs union and was therefore required under WTO rules to enter into negotiations with Brazil regarding the tariff schedule of Croatia in order to eventually agree on a compensatory adjustment as the EU’s external tariff regime results in an increase of tariffs. The compensations granted to Brazil, as a consequence of Croatia’s accession to the EU, can be concentrated on two main products: raw sugar, and poultry and turkey meat.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Denmark to receive and supply vehicle registration data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The purpose of the draft Council implementing decision is to authorise Greece to receive and supply DNA data for the purpose of automated searching and comparison, with the aim to facilitate and strengthen cross-border cooperation of responsible authorities in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The main objective of the Commission proposal is to free up additional spectrum for wireless broadband in light of the exponential growth in mobile traffic and in preparation for the arrival of 5G in the next few years. The 700 MHz band is currently used in most Member States for digital terrestrial television, so under the proposal these broadcasting services would have to be migrated to the sub-700 MHz band.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution. The resolution stresses that the introduction of national road charging systems should not hinder the market access, growth, competitiveness and flexibility of transport and cross-border transport operators in the EU, in order to ensure further development and integrity of the European single market. It emphasises the need for common rules to establish a coherent, fair, non-discriminatory and harmonised framework for road charging systems for all types of vehicles in the European Union.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The estimated 7 million equidae in the EU perform hugely varied roles and make a considerable economic, environmental and social contribution. Good equid health and welfare boosts the economic output of farms and related businesses as well as meeting the expectations of citizens in terms of health and welfare standards. The Report calls for greater EU-level acknowledgement of the contribution made by the equid sector to the rural economy and for it to be incorporated to a greater extent into the various components of the CAP.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Minamata Convention, agreed in 2013, is a global treaty under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury and its compounds. In parallel, the Commission proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on mercury is meant to address those provisions of the Convention that are not yet covered by EU legislation. It also repeals Regulation (EC) No 1102/2008, which sets an export prohibition on mercury and several compounds, qualifies mercury from certain sources as waste, and establishes rules on the storage of mercury.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The proposal for a directive was made with the background of the financial crisis. Therefore, the main aim was to remedy insufficient long-term ownership, combat short-termism in the institutional investment chain and improve shareholder engagement.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The Commission’s proposal had as objective to introduce further harmonisation and stricter rules for addressing potential security loopholes in regards to firearms directive. The revised text includes an initial political agreement on the medical review provisions, the categorisation of high-capacity semi-automatic weapons, the provisions on high capacity magazines. There were granted exceptions to restrictions for – among others – sport shooters, collectors/museums, and reservists. It also did choose to guarantee the rights of certain categories of current legal owners in order to meet some specific national concerns.

2016/11/22

I voted against. Member States shall make greater use of economic instruments to provide incentives for the application of the waste hierarchy. New recycling targets for commercial and industrial must be preceded by impact assessments and only if appropriate followed by a legislative proposal as well as general waste reduction targets.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. This is part of the waste review package. The main modifications proposed relate to the phase-out of landfilling of any untreated, recyclable waste and to more ambitious landfill reduction targets.

2016/11/22

I voted against. The majority of proposed points focus on the calculation method and the general targets for packaging waste and for specific packaging materials. Some of them also expressed the wish to strengthen the life-cycle approach and the application of the waste hierarchy as regards packaging waste. Promotion of bio-based packaging, multiple-use packaging, recycled packaging materials was also proposed as well as mandatory minimum recycled content. However, regarding the packaging materials I do think the Parliament needs to engage in the further discussion. Also, I do not support the compromise which attempted to restrict the market for certain packaging.

2016/11/22

I abstained from the vote. The draft report assesses the situation of gender Equality 2015-2014 in the EU and provides data that clearly shows that the EU is only half way towards achieving gender equality. Many worthy recommendations are formulated to overcome the existing challenges. However, I believe that the Parliament has to engage in further discussion in order to find the common ground on the topics like abortion, gender perspective in European Semester.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report emphasises the principle of equal treatment of men and women in the field of access to and supply of goods and services, with particular significance for the insurance sector. It outlines remaining gaps in the implementation in relevant sectors, such as transport and insurance as well as with regards to insufficient protection of women on the grounds of pregnancy and maternity. It equally recommends to enhance gender-mainstreaming in the sectors which fall within the remit of the directive, to strengthen the application of the directive.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The report highlights the sporadic nature of the implementation of gender mainstreaming in the EU budget allocations and spending decisions and underlines the need of mainstreaming of gender equality as a cross-cutting policy objective. It equally deplores that gender mainstreaming principle is not yet internalised in the budget allocations and spending decisions of all EU policy areas.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. In view of the increasing use of big data techniques in various sectors, the report examines the implications of the related collection, analysis and the recurring accumulation of large amounts of data for fundamental rights. The report puts particular emphasis on the rights to privacy, data protection, security and non-discrimination while drawing a distinction between the use of big data for commercial purposes and for law enforcement purposes.

2016/11/22

I voted against. The initiative report seeks to start a broad discussion about rabbit farming in the EU and the methods for the keeping of farm rabbits, as well as to encourage the European Commission to present specific EU legislation on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. However, rabbit farming is a significant way of diversifying the income of many small farms in rural areas while providing at the same time a source of employment. Given the fact that the sector accounts for only a very small share of the EU livestock production and complies with European rules on food safety, hygiene and animal welfare, the call for specific EU legislation is disproportionate.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report emphasises the new sport policy, accessibility, because access to sport is now perceived as a fundamental right and everyone, including socially more vulnerable groups such as older people, migrants and people with disabilities, must have equal rights to engage in physical activity and sport. Therefore, the Commission should allocate more funds to sport under Erasmus+, with a focus on grassroots sports and education, as well as to enhance its visibility and accessibility.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report states that for an easier cross-border recognition of domestic adoption orders, legislative action at European level is necessary. International adoptions are regulated by the 1993 Hague Convention, but there are no instruments allowing for automatic recognition of a purely domestic adoption in another Member State, for example where a family moves to another Member State after an adoption. Failure to recognise such adoptions can lead both to legal problems, requiring lengthy recognition or re-adoption procedures, and more importantly to practical problems in the child’s life.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The report includes such proposals as a better and more stringent system of information, based on reliable statistics, on the trends of imports of bananas from the three countries to the EU. It also proposes that this analysis should be extended to the trend of imports of bananas from Central America in order to assess the global impact on EU production.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The proposal, which dates from 11 December 2015, replaces the current Fishing Authorisations Regulation 1006/2008 and would bring an overhaul of the system for delivering licences to European Union vessels to fish outside EU waters and to third-country vessels to fish in EU waters. Also it creates a register of fishing licences in order to monitor the EU external fleet more effectively and make its activities more transparent.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The agreement provides for visa-free travel for the citizens of the European Union and for the citizens of Georgia when travelling to the territory of the other Contracting Party for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visa waiver covers all categories of persons – ordinary, diplomatic, service/official and special passport holders, travelling for all kinds of purposes, except for the purpose of carrying out a paid activity.

2016/11/22

Democracy and the rule of law have recently been challenged in some countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, notably in the DRC and in Gabon, plunging those countries into a lasting period of political instability and violence. Therefore, the motion for a resolution calls on the Government of Gabon to conduct a thorough and expeditious reform of the electoral procedure to improve it and make it fully transparent especially in the next parliamentary elections as well as urging the EU to support the implementation of the agreement and the conduct of the electoral process.

2016/11/22

. ‒ The creation of Erasmus+ brought about a a major change, with the integration of all programmes for education and training and for youth under one umbrella. The motion for a resolution emphasises the importance of the Erasmus+ programme to the EU and calls on the Commission to optimise the performance and user-friendliness of IT tools, as well as promoting cross-border collaboration and the sharing of best practices.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union and Kosovo was signed on 27 October 2015. The Agreement entered into force on 1 April 2016. Therefore, it was necessary to lay down rules for the implementation of certain provisions of the Agreement, as well as the procedures for the adoption of detailed rules of implementation.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. The release of the political prisoners in Belarus on 22 August 2015 was an important step, which together with several positive initiatives undertaken by Belarus over the last two years contributed to the improvement of EU-Belarus relations. Recognising the positive political developments in relations between the EU and Belarus, the Commission proposes to abolish the autonomous quotas on imports of textiles and clothing originating in Belarus, also considering their limited use.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour. The aim of the current Council Draft Decision is to conclude the Agreement continuing the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) after the withdrawal of Russian participation, signed on 9 December 2015. The ISTC Continuation Agreement will ensure that the on-going and new projects will continue with a changed membership and a possibly broader geographical scope including the Middle East region.

2016/11/22

I abstained from the vote. The list of countries, including after the amendment introduced in the amending Delegated regulation adopted by the Commission on 24 November 2016, matches those identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). This point raised criticism, as the Commission should perform an independent analysis as well as present more ambitious delegated act. The most efficient option which I strongly support would be to invite the Commission to explain in details its position.

2016/11/22

I voted in favour of the report. Efficient and sustainable freight transport logistics play a vital role for the smooth functioning of many other services and activities in our economy. In fact, the European logistic sector is contributing about 14% to the EU GDP and employing over 11 million people in EU Member States when considering all activity as a whole. This report aims to formulate European Parliaments position and stimulate initiatives with introducing digital and innovative technologies to logistics sector which I highly support as well as other initiatives.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the report. The report is intended to deliver such key issues as: fair working conditions for all forms of employment, issues on social and educational investments, which include a potential Child Guarantee, skills guarantee, youth guarantees and integration of long-term unemployed, new legislative EU proposals for family leave schemes, and the creation of a European framework on minimum income schemes.

2016/11/22

. ‒ I voted in favour of the motion for a resolution. The resolution calls for increased effectiveness of the regulatory framework and asks the Commission to carry out a thorough review of the whole policy area, together with a ‘fitness check’ and a new impact assessment.

2016/11/22

Written questions (44)

P-001704/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(39 KB) DOC(19 KB)

E-001591/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(39 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-001465/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(40 KB) DOC(18 KB)

P-001137/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(38 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-001034/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(51 KB) DOC(20 KB)

E-000863/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(39 KB) DOC(20 KB)

E-000717/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(39 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-000427/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(39 KB) DOC(16 KB)

P-000370/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(39 KB) DOC(19 KB)

E-000106/2019 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(38 KB) DOC(18 KB)

P-005692/2018 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(102 KB) DOC(18 KB)

P-005141/2018 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(103 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-003882/2018 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(103 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-003715/2018 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(100 KB) DOC(18 KB)

P-003449/2018 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-002037/2018 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-000030/2018 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(194 KB) DOC(17 KB)

P-007738/2017 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(100 KB) DOC(18 KB)

E-006291/2017 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(101 KB) DOC(18 KB)

P-006072/2017 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(102 KB) DOC(19 KB)

P-004573/2017 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(4 KB) DOC(15 KB)

E-003366/2017 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(101 KB) DOC(15 KB)

P-009407/2016 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(16 KB)

P-008542/2016 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(16 KB)

E-005596/2016 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(103 KB) DOC(16 KB)

E-004093/2016 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(6 KB) DOC(16 KB)

E-002923/2016 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(97 KB) DOC(24 KB)

E-002298/2016 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(193 KB) DOC(26 KB)

P-000001/2016 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(95 KB) DOC(25 KB)

P-013919/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(103 KB) DOC(25 KB)

E-013401/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(23 KB)

P-013111/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(102 KB) DOC(24 KB)

E-010537/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(98 KB) DOC(23 KB)

E-010215/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(23 KB)

P-007323/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(101 KB) DOC(24 KB)

E-003205/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(190 KB) DOC(26 KB)

E-002042/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(194 KB) DOC(26 KB)

P-000272/2015 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(103 KB) DOC(25 KB)

E-010406/2014 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(24 KB)

E-010372/2014 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(99 KB) DOC(24 KB)

E-010097/2014 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(102 KB) DOC(25 KB)

E-007946/2014 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(193 KB) DOC(28 KB)

E-007828/2014 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(105 KB) DOC(27 KB)

P-007616/2014 - Commission

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(5 KB) DOC(23 KB)

Individual motions (2)

B8-0138/2017

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(254 KB) DOC(48 KB)

B8-0131/2017

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(155 KB) DOC(47 KB)

Written declarations (8)

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(239 KB) DOC(59 KB)
Authors: Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Santiago FISAS AYXELÀ, Marc TARABELLA, Bogdan Brunon WENTA, Virginie ROZIÈRE, Hannu TAKKULA, Silvia COSTA, Antanas GUOGA, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU, Pablo ZALBA BIDEGAIN, Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ, Patricija ŠULIN

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(240 KB) DOC(58 KB)
Authors: Andrea COZZOLINO, Catherine STIHLER, Nicola DANTI, Antanas GUOGA, Lambert van NISTELROOIJ, Sergio Gaetano COFFERATI, Massimiliano SALINI, Marisa MATIAS, Michela GIUFFRIDA, Alfred SANT

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(241 KB) DOC(58 KB)
Authors: Daniel DALTON, Lucy ANDERSON, Mairead McGUINNESS, Marian HARKIN, Julia REDA, Anthea McINTYRE, Helga STEVENS, Anneleen VAN BOSSUYT, Olga SEHNALOVÁ, Antanas GUOGA, Brando BENIFEI

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(243 KB) DOC(60 KB)
Authors: Antanas GUOGA, Pavel TELIČKA, Santiago FISAS AYXELÀ, Brando BENIFEI, Marc TARABELLA, Sofia SAKORAFA, Lefteris CHRISTOFOROU, Theodoros ZAGORAKIS, Ulla TØRNÆS, Bogdan Brunon WENTA, Angel DZHAMBAZKI, Demetris PAPADAKIS, Seán KELLY

2016/11/22
Documents: PDF(125 KB) DOC(61 KB)
Authors: Piernicola PEDICINI, Marco AFFRONTE, Laura AGEA, Daniela AIUTO, Tiziana BEGHIN, David BORRELLI, Fabio Massimo CASTALDO, Ignazio CORRAO, Rosa D'AMATO, Eleonora EVI, Laura FERRARA, Dario TAMBURRANO, Marco VALLI, Marco ZULLO, Rolandas PAKSAS, Nedzhmi ALI, Zigmantas BALČYTIS, Hugues BAYET, Brando BENIFEI, Mara BIZZOTTO, José BLANCO LÓPEZ, Biljana BORZAN, Lynn BOYLAN, Nicola CAPUTO, Nessa CHILDERS, Alberto CIRIO, Therese COMODINI CACHIA, Ian DUNCAN, Ismail ERTUG, Lampros FOUNTOULIS, Enrico GASBARRA, Juan Carlos GIRAUTA VIDAL, Antanas GUOGA, Hans-Olaf HENKEL, Stelios KOULOGLOU, Valentinas MAZURONIS, Victor NEGRESCU, Momchil NEKOV, Demetris PAPADAKIS, Pavel POC, Laurenţiu REBEGA, Matteo SALVINI, Christel SCHALDEMOSE, Ivan ŠTEFANEC, Tibor SZANYI, Ivo VAJGL, Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ

Antanas GUOGA, Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Inese VAIDERE, Eva MAYDELL, Birgit COLLIN-LANGEN

Draft opinion
Paragraph 9 a (new)

9 a. In regard to the pilot project on "Assessing alleged differences in the quality of products sold on the Single Market", calls on the Commission to ascertain that Members of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee are closely involved in the planning and oversight of all activities related to this pilot project and reiterates that the role of MEPs should be prominent in informing the general public about results of the final report;

2018/06/27
Committee: IMCO